As festive cheer descends on the United Arab Emirates, there is no better time to start planning a truly unique Christmas and New Year with Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas in some of the most treasured locations.

Whether it’s the bright lights and big city allure of Abu Dhabi staying at Anantara Eastern Mangroves, the seclusion of three resorts on Sir Bani Yas Island with its unique island adventures or the wonder of fairytale romance beneath a sky of diamonds at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi is a favourite this year for festive celebrations and welcoming the new year in style.

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Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa

The festive season officially kicks off with the Christmas Tree lighting in the lobby of Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa on Thursday 11thDecember at 6pm. With festive carols from the Anantara choir, winter warmers with fragrant spices of nutmeg and cinnamon filling the air, seasonal beverages and canapés, and an appearance from the jolly guy dressed in red, it’s an evening ideal for all the family, young and old, and will set the mood for the entire season.

Anantara’s Christmas in the City at Eastern Mangroves offers guests a number of delectable dining offers and optional all inclusive beverage packages.   With Christmas stockings in their place, the Christmas Eve buffet starts from AED 290 per person at Ingredients, while lovers of Thai cuisine will enjoy a set menu banquet for AED 350 at Pachaylen, the hotel’s signature restaurant.   On Christmas Day enjoy a festive feast at Ingredients from AED 290 per person or an outdoor BBQ at The Pool Deck from AED 189 per person.

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New Year’s celebrations will be like no other in the capital, as guests can choose from three venues within Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, at which to celebrate the New Year.   Ingredients will be serving international celebratory cuisine from AED 499 per person, while an Asian inspired feast will see in the new year at Pachaylen from AED 600 per person.

Bid farewell to 2014 and welcome 2015 with a celebration under the stars, at a beautiful poolside setting. Dance the night away to Disco and Rock n Roll classics from Emily and the ‘LOL Party Trio’ followed by the feel good vibes of UK DJ and enjoy an assortment of beverages at the open bar from just AED 200 per person for soft drinks or AED 750 for premium beverages and French bubbly from 9pm – 3am.

Situated on the unique Eastern Mangroves lagoon and forest, Anantara Eastern Mangroves is offering staycations for two from AED 825 per room per night.  Ladies, be sure to pack those Jimmy Choos and a party frock.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa by Anantara

The majestic Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara blends its award-winning traditional Arabian hospitality with seasonal festivities this winter, appealing to those romantic travellers looking to spend the festive period in palatial luxury from just AED 2,040++ per room per night including breakfast for two.

As well as its unrivalled location nestled amongst towering sand dunes in the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert, and first class customer service, guests can enjoy the festive fare at the three restaurants in the resort: Suhail from AED 650, Ghadeer and Al Waha from AED 450 on Christmas Eve. On Christmas day Suhail will be offering an exquisite a la carte menu Ghadeer and Al Waha from AED 450.

Those looking to spend New Year’s Eve at the enchanting resort can celebrate at the Ballroom Gala Dinner from AED 1,399 per person, the Al Waha Gala dinner from AED 1,399 per person, or Suhail from AED 1,750 per person before seeing the night sky filled with fireworks as the clock strikes midnight.

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Sir Bani Yas Island resorts

For the ultimate island getaway in the region, lose yourself at Sir Bani Yas Island, one of the UAE’s most treasured destinations. With ancient traditions, stunning wildlife, five star luxury and delicious culinary offerings, a unique island  celebration awaits.

With three diverse resorts to suit the tastes of the UAE’s most discerning travellers, guests can discover a signature Anantara journey blended with seasonal festivities and joy for a truly unforgettable experience.

Family friendly celebrations at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara start from AED 1,700, blissful beachfront seclusion at Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort from AED 2,125 and the romance of the Arabian Savannah at Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort from just AED 1,955.

The festive sparkle will span 4th– 24thDecember with daily gifts and bespoke Anantara experiences for the ultimate Christmas countdown, culminating with a Christmas Carol service under the glittering lights of the Desert Islands Resort Christmas tree as guests deck the halls with festive cheer and savour a variety of complimentary seasonal treats, including Christmas cookies, winter warmers and canapés.

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On Christmas Day itself, the little ones can start the day in true festive style with a cupcake decorating party hosted at the Kids club, after enjoying a surprise visit from Santa Claus at the signature Christmas Day breakfast at The Palm restaurant.

With three restaurant outlets on the island serving festive fare, guests can savour the tastes and flavours of the world, Italy or South Africa with delicacies at The Palm, Olio and Savannah Grill to satisfy their festive cravings. Olio at Al Yamm Villa Resort and Savannah Grill at Al Sahel Villa Resort will both be serving feasts on Christmas Eve from AED 350 per person, whilst guests can enjoy international cuisine at The Palm from AED 300 per person for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Party goers wanting to countdown to 2015 in dazzling style can do so, at their respective resorts, as the entire island goes into celebration mode.  New Year’s Eve celebrations start from AED 1,150 including Champagne and an open bar or AED 850 including soft drinks, where you can enjoy the blissful music of ‘Rome Antiques’ at Desert Islands Resort & Spa, the enchanting sounds of the violin played by ‘Olga McMillan’ at Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort or the soulful tunes of the saxophone played by ‘Vera Barnett Schuster’ at Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort.

Al rates are subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee

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With such diverse surroundings, world-class cuisine and 5 star luxury hospitality, each and every guest staying at Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas’ Abu Dhabi properties is guaranteed a unique and memorable celebration.

For more information please visit www.anantara.com/festive-celebrations-UAE