Best Desert Resorts in UAE

Monday, 8 July 2024

Nestled amidst the bustling business and entertainment hub of the Middle East, Dubai offers more than just skyscrapers and shopping extravaganzas. Its rich cultural heritage finds a serene expression in the secluded desert resorts that dot its landscape. Reminiscent of the Silk Road and the mystique of Lawrence of Arabia, these oases blend luxury with tranquility, offering visitors a retreat into a world of indulgence and relaxation. Discover the allure the best desert resorts in UAE, where ancient charm meets modern comfort in an unforgettable setting.

Al Maha Desert Resort: A Luxurious Oasis Near Dubai

Escape just an hour from Dubai to Al Maha Desert Resort, a stunning oasis boasting 42 villas with private pools. Indulge in all-day dining at Al Diwaan, unwind at the serene spa with single and couple treatment rooms, and relax by the outdoor pool overlooking desert dunes. Perfect for a luxury staycation, where encounters with Arabian Oryx and gazelles during alfresco breakfasts are common.

Location: Al Maha Desert Resort, Al Ain Road, Dubai

Website: marriott.com

Contact: (0)4 832 9900

Rates: Starting from Dhs4,013

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

Discover Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, a renowned luxury desert retreat now managed by Kerzner Group as a Rare Finds Resort. Following a comprehensive renovation in 2022, it reopened with upgraded guest rooms and a new culinary experience. Located less than an hour from Dubai along Al Qudra Road, Bab Al Shams immerses guests in serene desert landscapes with panoramic views of dunes, wildlife like oryx and gazelles, and tranquil man-made lakes. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in activities such as fat biking, desert safaris, archery, and horse riding. Experience dining amidst the desert at Ninive, a Middle Eastern restaurant, and capture stunning sunsets at Anwā Sunset Lounge.

Location: Bab Al Shams, Al Qudra Road, Dubai

Website: babalshams.com

Contact: (0)4 809 6100

Rates: Starting from Dhs1,500

Terra Solis Dubai

Discover Terra Solis Dubai, sprawled across a vast 371,000 square meters in a secluded oasis surrounded by expansive dunes. Located just a 30-minute drive from central Dubai, it offers an ideal escape with its authentic Arabian ambiance and Bedouin-style architecture. Inspired by star constellations, the resort offers three distinct overnight experiences: 24 spacious Polaris bell tents, 20 Perseid lodges, and six exclusive Orion pool lodges.

Location: Tomorrowland ,Terra Solis Desert .

Website: terrasolisdubai.com

Contact: (0)4 456 1956.

Rates: start from Dhs550.

Anantara Qasr Al Sarab

Discover Anantara Qasr Al Sarab, nestled amidst the rolling, flame-orange dunes of the Empty Quarter, known as one of UAE’s premier Arabian escapes. This secluded desert oasis offers 140 rooms, 14 suites, and 52 pool villas, adorned with traditional arabesque decor and expansive views of the dunes. Each villa boasts a private pool, providing guests with secluded desert sanctuaries for ultimate relaxation.

Location: Anantara Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi

Website: anantara.com

Contact: (0)2 886 2088

Rates: starting from Dhs1,440.

Telal Resort Al Ain

Discover Telal Resort Al Ain, a rustic-luxe retreat overlooking a natural conservation area with stunning desert views. Embrace Emirati-inspired decor featuring traditional artwork and arabesque details in rooms, villas, and suites. Accommodations range from deluxe rooms to spacious three-bedroom villas with private pools and jacuzzis. Relax with spa treatments or unwind in the cozy library. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy ATV drives, ziplining, and desert safaris for an unforgettable staycation.

Location: Telal Resort Al Ain, Al Ain,

Website: telalresort.ae

Contact: (0)3 702 0000.

Rates: starting from Dhs980.

Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

Experience Arabian-inspired luxury at Al Wathba, sprawled over 22,000 square meters of tranquil desert. Featuring 13 villas with private pools and 90 traditional guest bedrooms, this resort offers six restaurants and bars for a diverse culinary experience. Emphasizing wellness, enjoy a 1000-square-meter pool, luxury spa with hammams, crystal salt saunas, and a dedicated cryo treatment room.

Location: Al Wathba District, UAE

Website: marriott.com

Contact: (02) 204 4444

Rates: Starting from Dhs1,140

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Immerse yourself in the serenity of a 1,235-acre protected reserve at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. Experience tranquility and breathtaking desert views from Bedouin-styled villas featuring private pools, decks, and lounge areas. Adventurous travelers can enjoy activities like desert camel treks, private archery lessons, and bird-watching. Indulge in dining at five venues including Ras Al Khaimah’s Sonara Camp, farm-to-table options at Farmhouse, all-day dining at Kaheela, the open-sky Moon Bar, and the relaxed Moorish lounge.

Location: Wadi Khadija, Ras Al Khaimah

Website: ritzcarlton.com

Contact: (0)7 206 7777

Rates: Starting from Dhs1,670

Al Badayer Retreat

Discover Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah’s premier luxury glamping resort, perfect for a refreshing staycation filled with adventure, tranquility, and authentic Emirati culture. Nestled within a traditional Arabian fort, this eco-conscious desert getaway seamlessly blends heritage charm with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy tailored desert experiences including falconry, dune bashing, quad biking, horse riding, and guided desert safaris.

Location: Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah

Website: sharjahcollection.ae

Contact: (0)6 556 0777

Rates: Starting from Dhs500

Al Faya Retreat

Immerse yourself in the footsteps of the Bedouins at Al Faya Retreat, a haven of privacy and serenity nestled in the dunes of Mleiha desert. Originally built in the 1960s and recently luxuriously renovated, this retreat offers guests a chance to explore its rich archaeological site and captivating history. For relaxation, indulge in the unique, hands-free spa experience featuring a herbal room, salt pool, and tropical shower walk. Alternatively, unwind by the swimming pool or stargaze through skylights in one of the five guest rooms. Each room is strategically located near the on-site fire pit, perfect for recounting the day’s desert adventures.

Location: Al Faya Retreat in Mleiha desert, Sharjah

Website: sharjahcollection.ae

Contact: (0)6 538 7857.

Rates: starting from Dhs2,999.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kinds of activities are available in UAE desert resorts?

The top desert resorts in the United Arab Emirates, such as Al Maha, Bab Al Shams, and Al Wathba, provide a range of activities, including falconry, horseback riding, camel treks, dune bashing, stargazing, and desert safaris. Every resort provides distinctive experiences designed to fully immerse visitors in the desert landscape.

What kinds of restaurants are there at these resorts in the desert?

In the middle of a desert, these resorts offer a variety of culinary experiences. For example, Al Maha offers Al Diwaan with all-day eating and spa dining experiences, while Bab Al Shams offers Middle Eastern cuisine at Ninive and stunning sunsets at Anwā Sunset Lounge.

What kinds of lodging are offered in the United Arab Emirates’ desert resorts?

The accommodations range from contemporary guest rooms to classic Bedouin-style tents and opulent villas with private pools. For instance, Al Faya Retreat in Sharjah offers comfortable guest rooms with skylights for stargazing, while Al Wathba offers villas with private pools.

How far are these resorts in the desert from big cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai?

Major cities are conveniently close to most desert resorts, just a short drive away. For example, Al Maha and Bab Al Shams are perfect for short escapes from the bustle of the city because they are less than an hour’s drive from Dubai.

What spa and wellness amenities are available at these desert resorts?

These resorts prioritize wellness and provide a variety of spa services, from contemporary therapies to traditional hammas. Al Wathba, for example, has a luxurious spa with cryotherapy rooms and hammams, as well as a 1000-square-meter pool.