Epic adventures with Anantara

Witness the spectacle of more than 11,000 animals from 30 different species living in harmony during a two-hour safari tour on Sir Bani Yas Island, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi. Get up close to the untamed beauty and diversity of the island, where giraffes, deer and the Arabian Oryx, the national animal of the country, roam wild and free.

Learn more about the island’s past and the fascinating heritage of the Bani Yas tribe. Walk through the island’s 20-million-year-old salt domes and 42 scattered archaeological sites including the Nestorian Christian monastery dating from 600 AD. This is an extraordinary adventure that the whole family can enjoy.

Where to stay: Anantara offers three distinct – yet equally luxurious – resorts on Sir Bani Yas Island. Choose from Desert Islands Resort, Al Sahel Resort and Al Yamm Resort for an enchanting base from which to explore everything this fascinating island has to offer.

The Emerald Isle has much to offer adventurous souls, and while many travel west to explore the wild Atlantic coast, Ireland’s eastern shoreline should not be overlooked. Even those staying in Dublin will be surprised at how quickly they can opportunities for adventure in nature, and still be back in the city for a relaxed evening of dining and entertainment.

For those hardy enough to brave Ireland’s chilly waters, Forty Foot – a rocky promontory in southern County Dublin – is the perfect spot for some exhilarating wild swimming. About one hour further south hikers will find an array of trails suitable for all levels in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. If you only have a day, we recommend the Spinc Loop in Glendalough or, weather conditions-allowing, the more challenging hike up Lugnaquilla – Ireland’s fourth-highest peak.

Where to stay: Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel puts you in the heart of Dublin, yet is surprisingly close to natural attractions and opportunities for adventure in the surrounding countryside. Located on Grand Canal Quay within the vibrant Docklands precinct, all the city’s main attractions are nearby while dining and entertainment options are never far away. And after a hard day of adventuring or exploring the city, you can recuperate with a pampering treatments at the award-winning Anantara Spa.

Discover treasured surf breaks beyond the idyllic beaches of the Maldives. Each year from April to October the swell direction changes and wave size and consistency improves, drawing surfers of all levels from around the world. Begin your surfing journey with starter lessons in your resort’s lagoon before you transition to ocean waves and on to some of the Maldives’ best breaks.

And in the Maldives it’s never about just one water sport. Take some downtime with some reef snorkelling, manta ray diving or even a sunset dhoni cruise. In this tropical paradise, your days can be as exhilarating or relaxing as you please.

Where to stay: At Anantara Veli Maldives Resort the journey of a lifetime awaits. Embark on an exhilarating surfing adventure and indulge in boundless luxury. Retreat to the haven of your overwater villa, indulge in delectable dining moments, and rejuvenate and restore in the Anantara Spa.

See some of the world’s most breath-taking landscapes with a rock-climbing experience in Oman. Nestled in the Hajar Mountains of Oman, Jebel Akhdar – Green Mountain – rises nearly 3,000 metres above sea level. This cool, high-altitude escape is just a two-hour drive from the capital of Muscat, and offers respite from the heat of the surrounding desert. The otherworldly landscapes here set the scene for inspirational retreats and adrenaline-fuelled action. Abseil down sheer cliffs or zip-line across spectacular canyons or take off on a hike through the western Hajar Mountains for a look at high-altitude village life.

Where to stay: Among the many famous figures to holiday at Jebel Akhdar is Princess Diana, after whom a viewing platform at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is named. The platform, like the resort, is perched on the edge of Saiq Plateau, with peaks and canyons as far as the eye can see, and unparalleled views of the night sky. From most vantage points around here, you can enjoy dazzling mountain, cliff, and canyon panoramas.

It’s little surprise that the Amalfi Coast – one of the world’s most iconic destinations – is home to some extraordinarily hiking trails. One of our favourites is the Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills) trail which, thanks to its relatively short 6 km length, is suitable for families and all levels of fitness while still offering some spectacular views. The trail, which starts in Amalfi town, is rich in history and natural beauty, taking you past paper mills, waterfalls and lemon groves before ending at Valle Delle Ferriere National Park. This is not a difficult hike but good shoes, snacks and plenty of water are recommended.

Where to stay: An iconic landmark in one of the most captivating destinations in the world, Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel brings authentic luxury to a 13th-century Capuchin convent. With a dramatic cliffside location, delectable dining from renowned Chef Claudio Lanuto, and an Anantara Spa, a stay at this iconic hotel will elevate your Amalfi escape even further.