A 12-minute boat ride from Saadiyat Island, this idyllic piece of paradise was awarded a 'Most Luxurious Project in the World' nod by Newsweek and is touted by the island's only tenant, Zaya Nurai Island Resort, as the Maldives of the Middle East. It is indeed a postcard-perfect getaway – a lush, nearly 1-km-sq island with calm beaches, sun-toasted sands and top-end food and amenities to pamper yourself with.

Day passes (book beforehand through the website) include boat transfers and beach and pool access. To use up the food and beverage minimum spend portion of the day pass chill out with a cocktails at the Ginger Mermaid Bar, looking out to sea, and have wood-fired pizza on the beach at Smokin' Pineapple.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Abu Dhabi attractions

1. Saadiyat Beach Club

4.24 MILES

This luxurious, exclusive beach club, spa and fitness centre is open to day visitors and offers an expanse of pristine beach with plenty of sun-loungers…

2. Saadiyat Public Beach

5.33 MILES

By far Abu Dhabi's nicest public beach. A boardwalk leads through a protected zone of coastal vegetation, home to nesting turtles, to this prime slice of…

3. Manarat Al Saadiyat

6.69 MILES

Housed in a postmodern building with an eye-catching honeycomb mantle, Manarat Al Saadiyat ('place of enlightenment') hosts regular art courses and…

4. UAE Pavilion

6.71 MILES

Shaped like two parallel sand dunes – smooth and curvaceous on the windward side, steep and rippled on the eroded side – this award-winning building by…

5. NYUAD Art Gallery

6.85 MILES

If you're a fan of cutting-edge art, the temporary art exhibitions held here, in the art gallery of New York University's Abu Dhabi campus, focus on…

6. Louvre Abu Dhabi

7.46 MILES

Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Jean Nouvel, the highly anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi finally arrived in late 2017. Through 12 galleries, the…

7. Al Mina Fish Market

9.44 MILES

This large fish market bustles with traders selling row upon colourful row of the sea's bounty from the ice bars. It's busiest early in the day when…

8. Warehouse 421

9.48 MILES

In a former port warehouse, this contemporary arts centre and gallery hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing the UAE's art, design and creative scenes…

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