JOURNEY WITH US

Zaya Nurai, abu dhabi - mARCH 2021

When you visit Zaya Nurai, be prepared to leave the real world and enter paradise on earth.

Zaya Nurai is the most perfect vacation hotspot in Abu Dhabi, there isn't anywhere else in the world quite like it. It is the definition of pure luxury and here, you are treated like royalty from the moment you step foot on the speed boat to the island.

arrival

You can smell the freshly poured glasses of Verve Clicquot champagne as you arrive at the Zaya Nurai welcome centre, which is based on land in Abu Dhabi. The professional and friendly check-in staff assist you with your booking whilst you await your carriage to the island – a private speed boat. From here onwards your bags are taken care of and not a finger need be lifted until your departure.

The speedboat is such a lovely first experience to your trip, we thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a great chance to relax, put your feet up and take in the scenes of the Abu Dhabi shoreline as they pass you by. When you pull up to the island you are greeted by a huge "LOVE" sign on a private section of beach, as well as a golf-buggy ride to your room – you feel like you are golf-buggying through a tropical jungle paradise it's quite surreal and amazing.

rooms

Picture waking up and opening the drapes to views of your own private pool and a beach backdrop, it takes you a second or two to realise you're not still dreaming.

Our beach-front villa was extremely spacious and every last detail had been thought of, it was the exact definition of a romantic vacation which was exactly what we needed.

Features:

• Living area

• Stand-alone bath tub with sea view

• Rainfall shower

• King size bed

• Swimming pool & spacious terrace

• Private section of beach with sun loungers

• Outdoor lounge (with private dining option)

• Outdoor shower

  High ceilings

• Mini bar

• Bose speaker sound system

restaurants

smokin’ pineapple

The island plays host to a number of different fine dining restaurants. Our personal favourite was the Smokin' Pineapple as it was perfect for our age group (30's) with its cool music, tasty menu, chilled beach vibe and Instagram-able opportunities. The Smokin' Pineapple is located on the beach and features its own pool and has a very chilled vibe. You can visit during the day to relax on the beach or in the evening for some beach-side sundowners and tasty bites.

FRANGIPANI

Frangipani is the main restaurant on the island where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch & dinner (dependent on your package). Breakfast was served from 6:30am – 10:30am and there were plenty of options to choose from including omelettes, croissants, cereals, fruit and plenty more all of which cooked fresh upon arrival. My particular favourite was their wide selection of meats and cheeses which all tasted absolutely divine.

During our visit we decided to try the pool-side brunch at Fragipani and had the best day, we would highly recommend this as it is great value for money. All food and drinks are included for 3 hours at a cost of AED 350 per person. You can split your time between the restaurant and the pool (if you want to get those extra tanning hours in) and can come and go as you wish.

hooked

Hooked is located to the left hand side of the beach-front when you first pull up to the island. It is perfectly decorated for a Mediterranean fish restaurant and has cute wooden décor and alfresco seating that makes the restaurant look fresh, relevant and unique.

One bite of their delicious food and you’re ‘Hooked’! Be sure to try the catch of the day which differs daily and can be viewed inside the restaurant by the chefs quarters.

dusk

As the sun meets the sea draw together loved ones and fond friends to sip fresh margaritas and split delicious guacamole tacos. Savour this kaleido- scopic, authentic, and playful setting with offset impassioned Mexican specialties and a truly mesmerising sunset view.

The food here is delicious and was one of my favourite we experienced during our stay, not just because Mexican food is one of my favourite cuisines, but because it was cooked perfectly and was mouth-wateringly tasty. A must-visit during your stay to Zaya Nurai.

ginger mermaid

Unfortunately we didn't get a chance the visit the Ginger Mermaid during our stay but we heard it serves exceptional Asian-influenced cuisine (including ocean-fresh sashimi platters, scallops, and carpaccio).

facilities

pool

Zaya Nurai has two public pools (as well as your own private pool in your villa). One for adults only and one for everybody, including children.

The public pools both have a great atmosphere, we particularly enjoyed the pool closest to the Frangipani as it was more lively and where our brunch was taking place. Drinks were served all day at your sun-loungers and the music was easy to listen to and perfect for the vibe of the pool.

Both pools have beautiful serene views of the beach and have plenty of sun-loungers to keep everybody satisfied.

spa

If  your room at Zaya Nurai wasn't relaxing enough, you can finish unwinding in their spa or stunning outdoor relaxation lounge. Each treatment room offers an exquisite ocean vista, overlooking the serene waters of the Arabian Gulf.

If you're a gym bunny, their glass-walled gym, surrounded by lush greenery should hit the spot, followed by a jacuzzi or steam or snow experience to revive tired muscles.

water sports

At Zaya Nurai you can explore the Arabian Gulf on amazing scuba diving and snorkelling adventures, or glide through the sea in a jet ski or water ski. From classic pastimes like kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and fly-fishing, to thrilling pursuits like windsurfing and

wakeboarding, banana ride, there’s something for everyone to try and enjoy.

You can also take a fishing trip and catch your own fish and bring your catch to Hooked for the chef to cook to your liking, or take a boat cruising trip to enjoy exploring all the surprises Abu Dhabi has to offer.

activities

If water sports are not your thing but you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will love the activities that Zaya Nurai Island has to offer. A wealth of trees and flowers, restful walks surrounded by lush greenery are definitely a thing here. The island’s staggering beauty is waiting for you to explore by taking your own personal bike outside your villa and exploring the island at your natural pace.

The Zaya Nurai Island experience is all about freedom and choice, and the bicycles that come equipped in your villa are your ticket to both. You will love playing sports on Nurai’s white sand beaches and lush greenery which include beach volleyball, badminton, basketball or football. You can even take a private tennis lesson on the outdoor tennis court.

If yoga is your thing, you can bask in the pure bliss of Savasana inside the on-site Yoga Pavilion.

water park

The brand new kid’s waterpark has finally opened it’s doors and features 4 slides, a water bucket and a splash pool. But, don't panic, there is also a relaxation area which adults can enjoy while eating some home-made ice cream and different delights from Nurai's snack corner located on the park.

special occasions

During our visit we were lucky enough to be celebrating Ben's 32nd birthday and the resort made us feel extremely special and no request was too much. I had arranged for a selection of balloons and a cake to be in the room upon arrival and it was such a lovely surprise for Ben walking in to this. There are lots of other 'special occasion' packages that you can choose from that range from  and everything is catered and assisted for.

vlog

Check out the vlog of our visit to Zaya Nurai here: