from a private island villa to a rustic farm stay

Airbnb is officially licensed in Abu Dhabi, which means there are plenty of new options for getaways in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism signed an agreement with the accommodation provider platform in February on collaboration to help develop and grow the holiday home sector for visitors looking for alternatives to traditional hotels.

Since then, several properties have been listed on the short term accommodation booking service, with hosted stays, unique properties and luxury accommodations open for booking.

Here are six announcements in Abu Dhabi that caught our attention.

1. A stay in a luxury villa on the island of Zaya Nurai

If you crave sea air and luxury living, then this luxury villa on Zaya Nurai Island might be the one to consider. With six bedrooms, a private pool and its own stretch of pristine shoreline, Paradise Nurai Villa has everything you need for a getaway with family or friends.

There are 18,000 square feet of living space which includes a living room, dining room, outdoor showers and sun terraces. A shuttle service runs to and from the island every hour, so getting there is easy. A butler is also at your disposal throughout your stay.

35,500 Dhs per night; www.airbnb.com

2. A getaway to a desert farm in Al Khatim

Farm 118 offers a modern farm stay in the Abu Dhabi desert.  Photo: Airbnb

Farm 118 is located at Al Khatim Desert, about 50 minutes from Abu Dhabi and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The traditional low level villa has a huge enclosed garden where you will find your own private swimming pool, outdoor seating area and BBQ.

Inside, the decor is bright and warm, with comfy sofas, wooden floors, and lots of neutral tones. There are four spacious bedrooms, each furnished with two queen beds, and a small kitchen with refrigerator, stove, and microwave for preparing meals. Surrounded by rolling sand dunes and a star-filled night sky, it’s the perfect place for a secluded desert getaway.

7,000 Dhs per night; www.airbnb.com

3. A loft-style apartment with access to Soul Beach

This elegant one-bedroom duplex apartment has direct access to Soul Beach.  Photo: Airbnb

Located on Saadiyat Island, this stylish waterfront loft apartment is located directly on Soul Beach, making it perfect for those who want to be near the water. Inside, the first-floor apartment is thoroughly modern, with floor-to-ceiling double-height windows letting in lots of natural light, plus retro-style armchairs and lots of polished marble.

The duplex layout has stairs leading up to the bedroom, where there is a king-size bed and two rollaway beds which can be used if you have children or additional guests staying with you. A large infinity pool is located just a few steps from the apartment and there is direct access to the Mamsha Al Saadiyat promenade with all its cafes, bars and restaurants.

1,500 dirhams; www.airbnb.com

4. A traditional Emirati farm stay

Embrace desert adventure on this Emirati farm stay in the Al Khatim Desert.  Photo: Airbnb / Al Khateem Art Hub

Escape to a traditional Emirati farmhouse for a rustic desert stay. The Al Khateem Art Hub is a stone and timber house with a huge traditional style majlis living room, three main bedrooms, several bathrooms and five single bedrooms located in wooden huts outside the main house. Perfect for groups or large family reunions, don’t expect marble and luxury on this stay surrounded by dunes, but rather be prepared to embrace desert adventure.

Take a walk in the desert and taste Arabic coffee, dates and fresh camel milk. You can also opt for breakfast and dinner prepared and served by local hosts for an even more authentic experience. You can enjoy it sitting on the ground in the majlis, as the locals do.

2,600 dirhams; www.airbnb.com

5. A family stay in a city villa

The decoration is refined and contemporary at the Villa Blue in the heart of the city.  Photo: Airbnb / Villa Bleue

Villa Blue is a luxury stay in Rawdhat, ideal for a family getaway. A spacious living room, dining room and large kitchen make up the ground floor, and upstairs there are three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Decor is sleek and contemporary — think industrial-style shelving, geometric artwork, and lots of texture with free toiletries from The White Company.

Outside there is a patio and walled garden plus your own private swimming pool to cool off in. It’s run by Nasma Luxury Stays, which means you’ll get a phone number and 24-hour concierge service in case you need anything during your stay.

1,328 Dhs per night; www.airbnb.com

6. A chic coastal villa on Saadiyat Island

Mediterranean-inspired interiors await you at Villa Lazuli on Saadiyat Island.  Photo: Airbnb / www.villalazuli.com

Saadiyat Island is known for its beautiful beaches and unparalleled nature and a stay at Villa Lazuli gives you access to all of this, alongside very stylish accommodations. Make the most of the beautiful exterior featuring a private swimming pool with a swim-up bar, hot tub, fire pit and barbecue dining area with an outdoor pizza oven and teppanyaki grill plate, perfect for entertaining.

Inside there are four spacious en-suite bedrooms, each with a private balcony or patio. An open plan living room, fully equipped kitchen and dining table for 10 are featured alongside beautiful coastal chic interiors. There’s even a private office if you need to get some work done during your visit.

An in-home housekeeper is on hand to help with cleaning and cooking and there is also a driver who will be happy to drive you around in your private golf cart, or you can choose to drive yourself. even and explore the island. Guests also have access to an electric scooter and two bicycles during their stay.

5,000 Dhs per night; www.airbnb.com

Updated: April 15, 2022, 11:22 a.m.

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