
The UAE is known for its dazzling skyscrapers, lavish hotels, and beautiful beaches. But beyond the city lights, the vast Arabian desert offers an equally luxurious escape. If you’re looking for a staycation away from the usual beachfront hotels, a desert resort might be just what you need. These resorts are a perfect place to relax, and enjoy amazing services and refreshing activities. Here are the best desert resorts in the UAE that promise an unforgettable experience.
Bab Al Shams is one of Dubai’s most famous desert resorts. It originally opened in 2004, catering to the equestrian community. Recently, it has been transformed into a luxurious oasis by the Kerzner Group.
The resort features 115 rooms and suites spread across low-rise buildings. The architecture combines Moorish influences with tropical gardens. The infinity pool offers a stunning desert backdrop, and guests can enjoy poolside drinks at the swim-up bar.
Dining options include Al Hadheerah, a Middle Eastern restaurant offering live entertainment, and the new Greek restaurant, Zala. Activities include camel riding, horse riding, desert safaris, and cultural performances. Bab Al Shams is a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Located in Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba desert, this resort combines traditional Bedouin charm with modern luxury. Covering 22,000 square meters, it features 90 guest rooms and 13 private villas with pools.
Al Wathba is known for its focus on wellness. The luxury spa features a 1,000-square-meter pool, hammams, salt rooms, and even snow caves. The resort also offers camel rides, archery, and falconry, giving guests a taste of Emirati heritage. With its stunning desert setting and focus on relaxation, Al Wathba is perfect for a quiet retreat.
Qasr Al Sarab is a fortress-like resort in the middle of the Rub’ al Khali, the world’s largest sand desert. Commissioned by the royal family, it was built in just 650 days.
The resort features 207 rooms, suites, and villas with private pools. It offers breathtaking views of the desert dunes and impeccable service. The infinity pool is adults-only, ensuring a peaceful experience. Dining options include fine-dining restaurants and private dining under the stars.
Guests can enjoy camel trekking, dune bashing, and even sandboarding. For those seeking relaxation, the spa offers traditional Arabian treatments. Qasr Al Sarab is a secluded haven of luxury.
Al Maha is located within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, just an hour from Dubai. It offers an intimate escape where guests can spot Arabian oryx and gazelles roaming freely.
Each tented villa has a private pool and deck, offering stunning views of the dunes. The resort is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Activities include camel trekking, archery, and desert walks.
The resort’s fine-dining restaurant, Al Diwaan, serves gourmet meals with outdoor seating options. The spa offers single and couples treatment rooms to get yourself readyx. Al Maha offers a blend of nature, luxury, and privacy.
Launched in 2022 by the team behind Tomorrowland, Terra Solis brings music and entertainment to the desert. Located just 30 minutes from Dubai, this resort combines a party atmosphere with a serene setting.
The resort features three accommodation types: Polaris bell tents, Perseid lodges, and Orion pool lodges. Guests can enjoy live DJ performances, poolside parties, and unique desert experiences.
The restaurant serves global cuisine, while the large pool offers a relaxing escape. If you’re looking for a mix of luxury and entertainment, Terra Solis is the place to be.
For a more rustic-luxe experience, Telal Resort in Al Ain offers a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. This boutique resort has fewer than 25 suites and villas, ensuring exclusivity.
The design features traditional Emirati artwork and décor. Accommodation options range from deluxe rooms to a three-bedroom villa with a private pool and jacuzzi.
Activities include ATV rides, ziplining, and desert safaris. The resort also has a tranquil library and a spa for relaxation. With its rich cultural setting, Telal Resort is perfect for those looking to connect with Emirati heritage.
Set within the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, this resort spans 200 hectares and offers a luxurious desert retreat. The villas feature private pools, cabanas, and sun decks overlooking the Wadi Khadeja valley.
Guests can enjoy activities like camel treks, horse riding, and private archery lessons. The resort also has a rainforest experience in its spa, making it a wellness hotspot.
Dining options include Sonara Camp and the Moon Bar, offering open-air dining under the stars. With its heritage-inspired interiors and world-class service, The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert is one of the most luxurious desert resorts in the UAE.
Tucked away at the base of Mount Alvaah, Mysk Al Faya Retreat offers an ultra-exclusive desert experience. Originally built in the 1960s, the retreat has been transformed into a five-room luxury escape.
Each room features a skylight for stargazing, and the resort’s spa includes an herbal room and saltwater pool. Guests can explore the nearby archaeological site or unwind by the fire pit.
The retreat’s minimalist design and secluded location make it ideal for those looking for peace and tranquility. Mysk Al Faya is perfect for a unique desert stay away from the usual tourist spots.
The Nest by Sonara is a one-of-a-kind desert escape offering a unique blend of luxury and nature. Designed by architect Gianni Ranaulo, the resort features 14 “nests” that blend seamlessly with the dunes.
Each nest includes a double bed, en-suite bathroom, and private terrace. Guests can enjoy dune bashing, hot air balloon rides, and sky safaris guided by experts.
With its classy design and stunning desert backdrop, The Nest by Sonara offers an experience that you will never forget. It’s perfect for those who want to disconnect from city life and reconnect with nature.
So, are you ready to enjoy your vacations at some of the best desert resorts in the UAE? Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, these resorts have something for everyone.
If you want to invest in premium real estate near these stunning locations, ALDAR Al Jadeed Real Estate provides exclusive property options that cater to luxurious lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking a private villa or a vacation home close to the desert, ALDAR Al Jadeed can help you find the perfect property.
If you’re craving an escape from city life, book a stay at one of these stunning desert resorts and experience the magic of the Arabian desert.
APARTMENT FOR RENT IN THE FAIRWAYS WEST, THE FAIRWAYS Al…
AED16,500,000 /year
APARTMENT FOR RENT IN THE FAIRWAYS WEST, THE FAIRWAYS Al…
AED250,000 /year
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AED1,150,000 /year
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