UAE’s beach-front resorts have been attracting visitors like a magnet for a long time. There is a certain magic in staying in luxurious resorts facing the turquoise blue waters of the Persian Gulf. Every traveler dreams of living life King-size in the heart of the city and waking up to the breathtaking view of the gleaming waters. But if you look beyond the glamour and the skyscrapers, you can find unique retreats dotting the exotic dunes of the rich Arabian desert. Read on to know more about ten extraordinary desert resorts that the United Arab Emirates has in store for you, which are among the best desert safari destinations in the world.
Dubai
1. Al Maha, A Luxury Collection of Desert Resort & Spa
Let’s start with one of the most luxurious resorts in Dubai. Al Maha’s suites come with a private pool and exotic spas, giving you a complete royalty experience. You can observe camels in the desert by just lazing in the outdoor pools. Owned by the Emirate group, the rooms here are decked with comfortable beds, handcrafted furnishings, and incredible antiques and artifacts. You will experience top-notch Emirati hospitality and Bedouin lifestyle here. You can also go for a desert safari tour through the resort, where you can enjoy numerous exciting activities and the opportunity to enjoy dinner amidst the sand dunes.
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2. Desert Palm by Per Aquum
Located just 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Desert Palm by Per Aquum is nestled among the mesmerizing desert dunes. It has 38 rooms, and each room features a meticulously crafted portfolio of amenities and personalized services. The LIME spa offers signature treatments ranging from massages, manicures, pedicures, and aromatherapy. Guests can enjoy premium facilities such as wine tasting, culinary workshops, and the likes. The resort has some fantastic restaurants that take you on an extraordinary gastronomic journey. This place also serves as a venue for several polo tournaments.
3. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa
Bab Al Shams is located approximately about a 45-minute drive from Dubai city. Guests are welcomed with picturesque vistas of the rolling dunes brimming with wildlife such as camels, Arabian oryx, and gazelles. The interiors are made in traditional Arabian architecture, and each of the rooms has an ochre-or sand-colored theme walls. The place consists of twin, landscaped infinity pools with a splendid view of the desert. You can lounge around in the shaded cabanas or even get a spa treatment done here. A few other activities to indulge in here includes horse riding, desert drives, nature walks, and falconry.
Abu Dhabi
1. Anantara Qasr Al Sarab
Anantara’s striking five-star resort stands proudly on top of the alluring dunes at the Liwa Oasis. The resort resembles a majestic sandcastle, and each of the rooms overlooks a breathtaking natural valley. Enjoy a massage at the luxurious spa or a dip in the pristine pool here. You can also participate in other activities like falconry and archery. You can savor a desert-inspired meal at Al Falaj, where dinner is flame-grilled or cooked in ovens buried under the sand.
2. Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Spanning over 22,000 square meters of rugged desert terrain, Al Wathba resembles a charming historic village. It comprises 13 villas with private pools, 90 traditional guest bedrooms, and many bars and restaurants. It also has a 1000-sq ft infinity pool, a children’s pool, and a Talise spa that offers hammams, crystal salt saunas, and other wellness indulgences. There is also a yoga pavilion where you can take part in Yoga and Meditation sessions.
3. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Islands Resort
Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the largest natural islands and wildlife reserves in Abu Dhabi. It was established in 1991 by the first President of UAE. You can swim, snorkel, or paddleboard on the coastline and even spot dolphins if you are lucky. Daily guided tours are a big hit with the guests. You can spot plenty of animals here, such as Arabian oryx, antelope, giraffe, blue-necked ostrich, striped hyenas, deer, and Sudan cheetah. There are three Anantara properties on this magnificent island, and each one of them provides exceptional services.
Ras Al Khaimah
1. The Ritz Carlton, Al Wadi Desert
If you looking for things to do in Ras Al Khaimah, visiting this stunning property tugged away amidst the fascinating dunes set on an extensive nature reserve, should be on your list. The villas are very spacious, and each of them comes with its private pool. Guests can participate in myriad desert activities, including falconry, camel rides, nature walks, desert safaris, birdwatching, cycling, and archery. The opulent Amara Spa is famous for its hydrotherapy pool and rainforest experience. Dining options include everything from a private barbecue in the desert to relishing a meal on the roof of a watchtower under the stars. This resort is ideal is for a romantic holiday with your partner.
Sharjah
1. Mysk Al Badayer Retreat
Mysk Al Badayer Retreat transports you back in time to the authentic Emirati lifestyle and is one of the best places to visit in Sharjah. You can stay in one or two-bedroom tents and get a taste of the traditional glamping experience. It also features 21 guest rooms for those who want the desert stay, including modern amenities and hotel luxuries. Set against the enigmatic dunes of Sharjah, the rooms are designed in authentic Arabian tones and boast of high-end hospitality. All thrill-seekers can take part in 4 x 4 trips, quad biking, desert safaris, camel tours, and horse riding.
2. Mysk Al Faya Retreat
Musk Al Faya is located in Sharjah’s Mleiha region and offers complete privacy and solitude to its guests. This eco-friendly boutique hotel is situated on the foothills of sandy mountains and has just five suites accommodating around ten guests. The rooms are modern but minimalistic, with all the amenities one may expect in luxury resorts. They also come with the facility of skylight from where you can gaze at the stars with a fire pit to keep yourself warm during the chilly nights. This resort’s significant highlight is a colossal one-of-a-kind spa with a shower walk, herbal sauna, a salt inhalation room, and an outdoor saltwater pool.
Al-Ain
1. Telal Resort
Telal Resort is a rustic luxury resort that provides a traditional Emirate experience to its visitors. It is set on a nature reserve and is replete with all the latest amenities. It has great entertainment options, including a zip line, horse riding, sandboarding, cycling, camel riding, and falconry. If you are interested in learning about this area’s history, visiting the Zaman Lawal Heritage Village is highly recommended. The resort has a gym, swimming pool, spa, and spacious rooms perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating.
Conclusion
The above desert resorts offer a perfect escape from the city’s crowds and chaos and provide a quintessential desert experience for couples, families, and groups of friends.
