Your Arabian Adventure Starts Here: 10 Stunning Desert Resorts in the UAE
Welcome to the mesmerizing world of luxury desert resorts in the UAE, where dinner in the dunes, alfresco spa experiences, and swimming under the stars await. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life as we guide you through 10 of the most beautiful desert retreats in this Arabian wonderland.
10 Stunning Desert Resorts in the UAE
1. Al Maha Desert Resort, Dubai
Just an hour from Dubai, Al Maha Desert Resort offers a stunning desert oasis experience. Indulge in private villas with pools, dine at the all-day restaurant Al Diwaan, and relax in the spa. Breakfast on your alfresco terrace might include a visit from Arabian Oryx and gazelles. Immerse yourself in luxury at Al Maha Desert Resort, where the desert becomes your playground.
Contact: Tel: (04) 832 9900, marriott.com
2. Bab Al Shams, Dubai
Recently reopened under the management of Kerzner Group, Bab Al Shams is a luxury desert destination less than an hour from Dubai. Surrounded by dunes, nature reserves, and wildlife, it offers adventure seekers experiences like fat biking, desert safaris, archery, and horse riding. Embrace the allure of the desert at Bab Al Shams.
Contact: Tel: (0)4 809 6100, babalshams.com
3. Terra Solis, Dubai
Set in a hidden oasis just 30 minutes from Dubai, Terra Solis Dubai offers an authentic Arabian experience with Bedouin-style decor. Choose from Polaris bell tents, Perseid lodges, or Orion pool lodges, inspired by star constellations. This desert destination promises a magical escape without a long journey.
Contact: Tel: (0)4 456 1956, terrasolisdubai.com
4. Anantara Qasr Al Sarab, Abu Dhabi
Hidden in the Empty Quarter’s flame-orange dunes, Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is an Arabian escape offering 140 rooms, 14 suites, and 52 pool villas. With traditional Arabesque touches, private pools, and endless desert vistas, it’s a secluded desert sanctuary for those seeking tranquility.
Contact: Tel: (02) 886 2088, anantara.com
5. Telal Resort Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Overlooking a natural conservation area, Telal Resort Al Ain provides uninterrupted views of the desert planes. Emirati-inspired decor, deluxe rooms, and adventurous activities like ATV drives and desert safaris make it an ideal retreat for both relaxation and excitement.
Contact: Tel: (03) 702 0000, telalresort.ae
6. Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi
Inspired by a historic village, Al Wathba sprawls over 22,000 square meters of tranquil desert. With villas, traditional guest bedrooms, and wellness facilities like a 1000-square-meter pool and luxury spa, it offers an idyllic escape for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Contact: Tel: (02) 204 4444, marriott.com
7. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Set in a protected reserve, this desert resort offers Bedouin-styled villas with private pools, decks, and breathtaking desert views. Adventure awaits with camel treks, archery, bird-watching, and nature walks, complemented by five dining venues.
Contact: Tel: (07) 206 7777, ritzcarlton.com
8. Mysk Kingfisher Retreat, Sharjah
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, Mysk Kingfisher Retreat in Kalba features 20 luxury tents with private plunge pools. With a coastal look, modern amenities, and activities like archery, kayaking, and paddleboarding, it’s a perfect blend of serenity and adventure.
Contact: Tel: +968 24 274400 myskhotels.com
9. Mysk Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah
Sharjah’s luxury glamping resort, Mysk Al Badayer Retreat, offers adventure, serenity, and Emirati culture. Located inside a traditional Arabian fort, it provides eco-minded desert experiences like falconry, dune bashing, and desert safaris.
Contact: Tel: (06) 556 0777, myskhotels.com
10. Mysk Al Faya Retreat, Sharjah
Explore the Mleiha desert at Mysk Al Faya Retreat, a luxuriously converted area with a hands-free spa, swimming pool, and five guest rooms for privacy and serenity. Embark on a journey of well-being or stargaze at night, surrounded by the beauty of the desert.
Contact: Tel: (0)6 538 7857, myskhotels.com
Embark on an unforgettable Arabian adventure at these 10 beautiful desert resorts in the UAE, where luxury meets the vast expanse of the UAE’s breathtaking landscapes. Your desert oasis awaits!
FAQs
1. What makes Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai stand out among other desert resorts in the UAE?
Al Maha Desert Resort stands out for its stunning individual villas with private pools, a picturesque outdoor pool overlooking desert dunes, and the unique experience of encountering Arabian Oryx and gazelles during alfresco terrace breakfasts.
2. What adventurous experiences can I enjoy at Bab Al Shams in Dubai?
Bab Al Shams offers a range of exciting experiences, including fat biking, desert safaris, archery, horse riding, and more, making it a perfect destination for those seeking adventure in the desert.
3. What is the inspiration behind the design of Terra Solis in Dubai, and what accommodation options are available?
Terra Solis is inspired by star constellations and features three overnight experiences: Polaris bell tents, Perseid lodges, and Orion pool lodges. The building’s Bedouin-style decor and the convenient 30-minute drive from most locations in Dubai add to its charm.
4. What makes Anantara Qasr Al Sarab in Abu Dhabi a beloved Arabian escape?
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is hidden among the flame-orange dunes of the Empty Quarter, offering 140 rooms, 14 suites, and 52 pool villas with traditional Arabesque touches. The secluded desert sanctuaries provide endless vistas across the dunes, creating a tranquil and picturesque retreat.
5. What distinguishes Telal Resort Al Ain in Abu Dhabi, and what activities can guests enjoy?
Telal Resort Al Ain overlooks a natural conservation area, providing uninterrupted views of the desert planes. The Emirati-inspired decor and a range of activities, including ATV drives, ziplines, and desert safaris, make it a unique and adventurous destination.
6. How does Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection of Desert Resort & Spa in Abu Dhabi focus on wellness?
Al Wathba emphasizes wellness with a 1000-square-meter pool and a luxury spa offering treatments and facilities such as hammams, crystal salt saunas, and a dedicated cryo treatment room. The resort sprawls over 22,000 square meters of tranquil desert, drawing inspiration from a historic village.
7. What sets The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert apart in terms of accommodation and activities?
Set in a 1,235-acre protected reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, offers Bedouin-styled villas with private pools and decks. Activities include camel treks, private archery lessons, bird-watching, nature walks, and dining at five unique venues.
8. What makes Mysk Kingfisher Retreat in Sharjah unique, and what activities are available?
Mysk Kingfisher Retreat in Kalba overlooks the Indian Ocean and features 20 luxury tents with private plunge pools. The retreat offers a coastal look, modern amenities, and activities such as archery, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and visits to the nearby Mangrove Center.
9. How is Mysk Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah an eco-minded desert resort, and what customized experiences are offered?
Mysk Al Badayer Retreat is located inside a traditional Arabian fort and is one of the most eco-minded desert resorts in the UAE. It offers customized desert experiences, including falconry, dune bashing, quad biking, horse riding, and desert safaris.
10. What makes Mysk Al Faya Retreat in Sharjah unique, and what facilities are available for guests?
Mysk Al Faya Retreat in the Mleiha desert is a luxuriously converted area with just five guest rooms. It offers a hands-free spa with a herbal room, salt pool, and tropical shower walk. Guests can explore the archaeological site, stargaze, or relax at the swimming pool.
Embark on an Arabian adventure and discover the unique features of these 10 beautiful desert resorts in the UAE. Whether you seek adventure, tranquility, or a blend of both, these resorts promise an unforgettable experience in the heart of the desert.
