There’s nothing that says relaxation like a desert hotel in the middle of nowhere in the UAE
The UAE has an abundance of hotels, however there’s something special about the desert hotels. A staycation that’s full of peace and quiet, surrounded by dunes of sand and a gorgeous dry heat to lie out in. These are the desert resorts and hotels in the UAE that are definitely worth a trip through the dunes for, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing Eid Al Adha option.
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Unrolling against the backdrop of the rolling Al Wathba dunes is this dreamy desert hotel. Adding a dash of luxury to a resort that’s been designed to look like a timeless Bedouin village, Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa is the kind of spot to retreat to when you need to switch off and bliss out. This Eid Al Adha, mornings begin with daily complimentary breakfast at Bait Al Hanine, while lunch or dinner is included as part of the stay, with complimentary dining for children under 12. Days unfold at an easy pace, whether by the infinity pool, trying activities such as archery or the FlowRider, or unwinding with a 20% saving at Saray Spa. There’s access to the fitness centre and kids’ club too.
Where: Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Al Wathba South
Cost: from Dhs608 per night
Contact: Tel: (0)2 204 4444. marriott.com
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab
Hidden among the sea of rolling, flame-orange dunes of the Empty Quarter, Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is one of the UAE’s best-loved Arabian escapes. A secluded desert oasis, the offer for Eid is a hard one to pass up on. Whether you’re in a room, a suite or a villa, you’ll get 20% off dining and spa experiences, flexible 24-hour check-in and if you book the Dune Oasis package, you’ll get an automatic upgrade to the next room category, if it’s available.
Where: Anantara Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi
Cost: Dhs1,095
Contact: Tel: (0)2 895 8700. anantara.com
Bab Al Nojoum, Bateen Liwa Resort
Another option with a private pool scene in Abu Dhabi is Bateen Liwa Resort, a project from those grand dames of glamping, Bab Al Nojoum. Though the brand’s previous resorts have been built around tent, chalet and AirStream accommodation — this new development is comprised entirely of villas, with one, two and three bedroom options available, as well as the rather regal looking Royal Villas. Guests can expect the secluded luxury of private plunge pools right outside their villas, barbecues (and the option of chefs to come in and cook for you), an alfresco deck with comfortable lounge furniture, and fire pits for cosy evenings. In addition to the private villa plunge pools, you’re invited to relax in the central infinity pool with dreamy desert views; there’s fully functioning modern spa with a range of exotic treatments; a farm; date plantation; and there are facilities for community bonfires and stargazing.
Where: Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa Resort, Tal Mur’ib Road, Mzeer’ah,
Cost: from Dhs1,429
Contact: Tel: (0)2 894 8888. babalnojoum.com
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort welcomes guests to slow down, reconnect, and find comfort in the quiet majesty of the dunes. There are some amazing Eid offers for GCC residents with daily breakfast and dinner at Zala for half-board guests, two for one spa treatments, 20% off food and beverages and so much more. If you fancy a private villa instead, you’ll get 15% savings, resort credit, in-villa floating breakfast, welcome platter and some activities.
Where: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort
Cost: from Dhs1,200
Contact: Tel: (0)4 809 6100. babalshams.com
Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
One of the most luxurious staycations in the UAE, Al Maha is the resort to book for a special occasion and this Eid Al Adha you’re getting a great deal with 20% off the villas. Roughly a 45-minute drive out of Dubai, Al Maha’s 42 Bedouin-inspired villas are dotted throughout the dunes, each offering an aesthetic inspired by its surroundings. The Eid offer includes delicious full-board dining and embark on two complimentary daily desert activities from wildlife drives to camel treks. A Dhs 200 spa credit adds a moment of calm between adventure and stillness
Where: Al Maha, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Cost: from Dhs1632
Contact: Tel: (0)4 832 9900. Offer here.
Melia Desert Palm
Melia Desert Palm Dubai
Set a 20-minute drive out of the city, Melia Desert Palm is set overlooking a 160-acre polo estate, and feels worlds away from the skyscraping skylines of Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai. At the moment, you can get 25% off suites and private one, two or three bedroom villas, alongside a stables tour, afternoon tea, a 30-minute relaxation massage and Dhs100 F&B credit per guest.
Where: Melia Desert Palm, Al Awir Road
Cost: from Dhs900
Contact: Tel: (0)4 323 8888. melia.com
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is set among the beauty of a 1,235-acre protected desert reserve. Experience tranquility, picturesque scenery and rich culture in the Bedouin-styled villas, which come with private pools and decks, lounge areas and breathtaking desert views. For the adventurous traveller, book a desert camel trek, a private archery lesson or bird-watching session, or just head out on a nature walk and soak in the surroundings. For Eid, try the family adventure package for Dhs3,300 and get a luxurious private villa stay, daily breakfast, and dinner for two adults and two children under 12. There are lots of fun complimentary experiences happening such as sound healing sessions, a pop-up cinema, and family stargazing experiences.
Where: The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Wadi Khadija, Ras Al Khaimah,
Cost: from Dhs2,626
Contact: Tel: (0)7 206 7777. ritzcarlton.com
