While the emirates may be brimming with opulent beachfront resorts and towering city skyscraper hotels, few accommodations can match the appeal of the UAE’s top desert resorts for a tranquil getaway. Many offer Bedouin-inspired luxury, elegant villas (some with private pools), and a wealth of exhilarating desert experiences. They are often situated among sweeping flame-coloured dunes. Here are some of the top 8 most beautiful desert resorts in the UAE.
Dubai
1. Al Maha
Al Maha Desert Resort can be found an hour outside of Dubai. Individual villas with private pools can be found in this breathtaking desert oasis, along with an all-day dining restaurant called Al Diwan and a tranquil spa with single and couple treatment rooms. Visitors can pass the time at their personal pool or at the lovely outdoor pool with a view of the vast desert dunes. When you arrive for a luxurious staycation, don’t be surprised to meet Arabian oryx and gazelles, who will be your neighbours as you eat breakfast on your outdoor terrace.
Location: Al Maha Desert Resort, Al Ain Road, Dubai.UAE
Abu Dhabi
2.Anantara Qasr Al Sarab
One of the most popular Arabian getaways in the UAE is Anantara Qasr Al Sarab, which is tucked away among the Empty Quarter’s sea of rolling, flame-orange dunes. A secluded desert oasis, all of which are decorated with classic arabesque elements and have unending views of the dunes. The rooms, which are separate from the main resort and each have a private pool, are referred to as “secluded desert sanctuaries”.
Location: Qasr Al Sabra Desert Resort – Al Mirayr – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
3. Telal Resort Al Ain
A natural conservation area is visible from this rustic-luxe resort in Al Ain, which also has uninterrupted views of the surrounding desert landscape. The rooms, villas, and suites all feature Emirati-inspired decor, which includes traditional artwork, arabesque accents, and timelessly elegant local accents. Deluxe rooms and a three-bedroom villa with a private pool and jacuzzi are both available as accommodations. Book a spa treatment or unwind in the cosy library for a tranquil stay. ATV rides, zip lines, and desert safaris are all available for those with an adventurous spirit.
Location: Rimah – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
4. Al Wathba is called “A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa.”
This Arabian-style desert resort covers 22,000 square metres of serene desert and takes design cues from an old village. Al Wathba offers a dreamy getaway with its 90 conventional guest rooms, 13 villas with private pools, and six restaurants and bars. With a 1000-square-metre pool and a luxurious spa that provides services and amenities like hammams, crystal salt saunas, and a specific cryo treatment room, there is a strong emphasis on wellness here.
Location: Al Wathba South – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
5. Al Wadi Desert’s Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah
A 1,235-acre protected reserve with breathtaking scenery is the setting for The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. The Bedouin-styled villas, which feature private pools and decks, lounge areas, and breathtaking desert views, offer peace, beautiful scenery, and rich culture. For the more daring traveller, arrange a camel trek through the desert, a private archery lesson, a bird-watching excursion, or simply go for a nature walk and take it all in. Five dining options are available at the desert resort, including the recently opened Sonara Camp, the farm-to-table Farmhouse, all-day dining at Kaheela, the open-sky Moon Bar, and the laid-back Moorish lounge
Location: Al Mazraa Wadi Khadija – Ras al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates
Sharjah
6. Mysk Kingfisher Retreat
Twenty luxurious tents with private plunge pools are available at the Musk Kingfisher Retreat, which is situated in Kalba on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates. The rooms are furnished in soothing, natural colours for maximum relaxation and feature contemporary conveniences while maintaining a simple coastal aesthetic. Go to the spa area, where a variety of treatments are offered, or relax by the fire pit at the main tent. A turtle breeding area and numerous endangered bird species are found in the nearby mangroves. Try archery, kayaking, or paddleboarding for something a little faster-paced. You can also go on a hike in the mountains or stop by the nearby Mangrove Center.
Location: Corniche Road – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
7. Mysk Al Badayer Retreat
If you’re looking for adventure, peace, and a taste of Emirati culture, Musk Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah’s luxury glamping resort, is the ideal place for your staycation. Al Bayer, one of the UAE’s most environmentally conscious desert resorts, is housed inside a classic Arabian fort but offers all the essential modern conveniences. Also available at the resort are specialised desert activities like falconry, dune-bashing, quad biking, horseback riding, and desert safaris.
Location: Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
8. Mysk at Al Faya Retreat
Follow in the footsteps of the Bedouins at Musk Al Faya Retreat, where seclusion and tranquilly are the norm. The retreat, a luxuriously renovated area that was and is tucked away in the dunes of the Mleiha desert, gives visitors the chance to explore the renowned archaeological site and learn about its fascinating history. For those seeking a little less adventure, there is a unique hands-free spa with a herbal room, salt pool, and tropical shower walk, as well as a swimming pool where guests can unwind. There are only five guest rooms, all of which have skylights for stargazing at night and are located near the property’s fire pit, perfect for recounting the day’s numerous desert camping adventures.
Location: Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
