EXCLUSIVE: UAE's Nurai Island retreat to open Q4

Home-grown UAE based hospitality group, Zaya Retreats, has revealed that it will open its Nurai Island retreat in the UAE in quarter four of this year.

Nurai Island, a private island off the coast of Abu Dhabi will house 32 stand-alone holiday villas, 23 residential villas and three food and beverage outlets. According to a statement from Zaya Retreats, it will be “a unique, boutique private island resort”.

The Nurai Island project was originally announced in 2008 as a residential development and the first location for Zaya Retreats.

Since then, plans for island have evolved and the company has revealed that Nurai Island will officially open in quarter four of this year.

Nadia Zaal, CEO and co-founder, Zaya Retreats said: "Nurai "The Island of light" was born from my dream to create a truly nurturing living space that would nourish the mind, body and spirit of each person who made their home on the island.

“Zaya Retreats seemed a natural extension of this concept. We wish to enable people to reassess, relax and to fully immerse themselves in enjoying their life when they stay, live, dine or relax with us.”

Each villa is to feature a private sun deck and plunge pool with direct access to the resort’s private beach. The island will have three destination dining experiences as well as a large infinity pool, spa and kids club.

Guests will have access to the island via a 10-minute boat ride from the Nurai jetty on Saadiyat Island.