17 desert resorts in the UAE and beyond to book this winter

Ask anybody the top activity they want to try when visiting the UAE, and we bet driving out into the desert is right up there.

There’s just something about looking out and seeing undulating sand dunes for miles around, and, of course, we love the thrill of dune bashing.

When winter finally rolls around, and we want to make the most of it, we can practically feel the desert calling our name. But spending just a few hours there isn’t enough – an overnight trip is a must.

Which is why we thought it was time we shared with you our favourite desert resorts in the UAE and beyond, whether you’re all about getting back to basics or refuse to leave that luxe life behind.

Get booking ASAP.

Abu Dhabi

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

There are plenty of reasons to visit Al Wathba, from the Instagram-friendly salt lakes to the cycling track. November in particular is a great time to visit as the Sheikh Zayed Festival has just kicked off. One day in the area isn’t enough, so why not book in for a stay at Al Wathba Desert Resort?

Choose between rooms with desert, resort or pool views, or go all out with a private villa complete with plunge pool. During the day, you can explore the sites or embark on desert experiences like archery and horse riding, and come sunset, you can head up to the recently reopened Al Mesayan rooftop bar for views with that wow factor.

From Dhs1,421. Al Wathba South, marriott.com (02 204 4444).

Arabian Nights Village

You thought you’d be able to make it through this article without getting Aladdin’s Arabian Nights stuck in your head? Think again. To experience Emirati hospitality and learn more about the culture, a stay at Arabian Nights Village is ideal.

Set among the sand dunes in Mshayrif, you can choose between Bedouin tents, palm houses, desert houses, and The Fort Tower, all of which have beautiful design elements and fantastic views. Lounge by the oasis pool or book in for experiences such as camel farm visits, henna painting and quad biking.

From Dhs1,330. Mshayrif, arabiannightsvillage.ae (02 207 8989).

Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa

Desert resorts: Bab Al Najoum Bateen Liwa Resort — Credit: Bab Al Najoum Bateen Liwa Resort

You may already have visited Bab Al Nojoum on Hudayriat Island, but if you’re looking to escape the city at a desert resort, look no further than Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa. The desert resort is made up of one, two and three-bedroom villas, each with their own private pool.

While you could quite happily spend your entire visit chilling in the pool admiring the dunes, the hotel also offers sandboarding, camel farm visits and archery, as well as nighttime activities like stargazing, karaoke and outdoor movie nights. On the food front, there are a number of restaurants as well as communal barbecue dinners, or you can book in for a private picnic in the desert.

From Dhs1,359. Liwa Desert, babalnojoum.com/bateen-liwa-resort (02 894 8888).

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara

If you’re creating a bucket list of desert resorts to stay at in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Sarab should be at the very top. Found in the Empty Quarter, there’s nothing around but undulating sand dunes, and it certainly makes the fortress-like resort feel like an oasis. There are rooms and suites available, but really, the private pool villas are what make this experience super special.

Activity-wise, you can go on a desert drive or walk, try fatbiking or sandboarding, or relax by one of the pools (with a new adults-only infinity pool now open). Each of the hotel’s restaurants and bars offers up desert views, and you can also opt for a private dining experience.

From Dhs2,430. Empty Quarter, anantara.com/qasr-al-sarab-abu-dhabi (02 886 2088).

Telal Resort Al Ain

This boutique desert resort consists of less than 25 suites and villas, all of which boast sensational views of the Remah desert on the outskirts of Al Ain. With Bedouin-inspired décor, stepping inside is like going back in time (with the welcome addition of luxury amenities, of course).

You can go ziplining, embark on a wildlife safari, or explore the heritage village and traditional souk.

From Dhs860. Remah Desert, Al Ain, telalresort.ae (03 702 0000).

Dubai

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

Named for the Arabian Oryx, you can expect to see plenty on any stay here as the desert resort is found within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Alongside the chance to see roaming Arabian Oryx, gazelle and camels, the resort boasts spectacular dune views for miles around. The tented suites all feature private pools, and don’t be surprised if you spot a gazelle or two stopping by for a drink during your stay.

You can dine on the deck of your suite, and if you’re planning on sharing some snaps for the ‘gram, make sure to try the floating breakfast. And if you do feel like leaving your suite (but no judgment here if you don’t), make sure you head to the Hajar Terrace Bar for sundowners.

From Dhs5,586. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, marriott.com (04 832 9900).

Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert Resort

Bab Al Shams is definitely worthy of a (re)visit. The new look merges modern luxury with a traditional feel, and we imagine you’ll struggle to put the camera down. Take a dip in the outdoor pools before taking a seat at the swim-up bar, or go on a tour through the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve to see some Arabian Oryx.

When hunger strikes, there are a number of options, from outdoor Middle Eastern restaurant Al Hadheerah to Greek plates at Zala, but our pick would have to be rooftop lounge Anwā for pan-Asian bites and views for days.

From Dhs1,445. Opposite Endurance City, babalshams.com (04 809 6100).

Sherpa Camp

Another pick within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Sherpa Camp offers a back-to-basics camping experience. You’ll be assigned a camper trailer with a rooftop tent and everything you need to whip up a tasty meal, with shared shower and toilet facilities nearby. After sunset, go on a guided nature tour, or wait until morning to identify tracks left overnight and see what visitors the camp had while you slept.

From Dhs895. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, sandsherpa.com.

Terra Solis

Created by the organisers of EDM music festival Tomorrowland, Terra Solis offers three accommodation options. Polaris tents, offering the full glamping experience; Perseid lodges, for those who refuse to camp or glamp under any circumstances; and Orion pool lodges, which, as the name suggests, feature a large terrace and private pool.

Speaking of, the resort’s pool is the place to be, with resident DJs keeping the atmosphere lively throughout the day (expect plenty of EDM). And when you get peckish, you’ll be able to grab Mediterranean bites from Mesa.

From Dhs650. Dubai Heritage Vision Exit. terrasolisdubai.com (04 456 1956).

The Nest by Sonara

The Nest comes from the team behind Nara Desert Escape, who organise private overnight trips in Dubai. The 14 ‘nests’ blend in with the surrounding dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and you’re in for quite the luxe experience, as each is kitted out with a double bed, en suite bathroom and private terrace.

You can book in for experiences including dune bashing and hot air ballooning, or head out on a sky safari, where you’ll observe the night’s sky and learn about some of the Middle East’s most prominent astronomers from your knowledgeable tour guide.

From Dhs1,960. Margham Desert, nara.ae/nest (050 336 7909).

Northern Emirates

Al Badayer Retreat

Drawing inspiration from caravanserai, the roadside inns found along the Silk Road, Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah takes you back in time. Choose between rooms and villas with private pools, all offering rolling dune views. For those staying in the hotel, you can enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools or spa, while those feeling adventurous can explore the abandoned ghost village, which is just a 15-minute drive away.

From Dhs4,049. Al Badayer, Sharjah, sharjahcollection.ae (06 801 2000).

Al Faya Retreat

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Also part of the Sharjah Collection hotels, there are just five rooms at this boutique hotel at the base of Mount Alvaah. Perfect for stargazing, each of the rooms features a skylight, and during the day you’ll be able to relax at the saltwater spa and open-air swimming pool. It’s definitely an experience
to remember.

Al Batayeh, Sharjah, sharjahcollection.ae (06 801 2020).

Moon Retreat

Bubble hotels are all the rage at the moment, and you can book into one right here in the UAE at the Moon Retreat in Sharjah. Found in the Mleiha Desert, during the day you can explore the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, while at night, you can have a private barbecue on your terrace before a spot of light pollution-free stargazing.

From Dhs1,550. Mleiha Desert, Sharjah, sharjahcollection.ae (06 804 0404).

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Located within the 1,235-acre Al Wadi Nature Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton in Ras Al Khaimah is a perfect escape for those looking to get back to nature (without having to give up any of your luxuries). While many of the desert resorts on this list are perfect for lazing next to your own private pool all day, here, we’d encourage exploring.

Climb up to Al Wadi Tower for spectacular views over the dunes, or head to the spa for the rainforest experience. At sunset, head up to Moon Bar for a tipple before getting a buggy (or run the risk of bumping into an oryx in the dark, which is not something we are looking to repeat any time soon) to steakhouse Farmhouse for some prime cuts of meat.

From Dhs4,600. Al Wadi Nature Reserve, Ras Al Khaimah, marriott.com (07 206 7777).

Qatar

The Outpost Al Barari

The Outpost Al Barari is a truly spectacular hotel. Found near the Inland Sea, one of Qatar’s natural wonders (and one of the only places in the world where the desert dunes meet the sea), there are 21 tented lodges, the majority of which have private pools. The focus here is on getting back to nature, so opt for a guided walk or Inland Sea safari where you’ll learn about the unique geology of the area.

You can also book in for yoga on the dunes, or enjoy an outdoor cinema experience on your terrace. And, if you fall in love with your stay, you can take a piece of the resort home with you quite literally, as the entire property operates as a shop-in-shop, meaning you can buy absolutely anything and everything on display at the resort.

From Dhs1,200. The Outpost Al Barari, Mesaieed, Qatar theoutpostalbarari.com (05100 2720).

Saudi Arabia

Banyan Tree AlUla

The only way to describe AlUla is jaw-dropping. The area, which is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hegra, feels like something out of a movie. And you deserve to stay somewhere just as impressive, and Banyan Tree AlUla certainly is that. There are one- and two-bedroom tented villas, with or without private pools, and we imagine you’ll want to spend your evenings around your own private fire pit, while your days will be spent at the rock pool.

From Dhs3,456.07. Banyan Tree AlUla, Wadi Ashar Tabuk. banyantree.com/saudi-arabia/alula, (014 821 3900).

Habitas AlUla

If AlUla has made it onto your Instagram feed previously (and by now, there’s no way it hasn’t), there’s a good chance you’ve already seen Habitas AlUla’s outdoor pool. While it’s enough reason to book a stay on its own, other reasons to book this hotel include the yoga studio, spa and villas which offer canyon views.

From Dhs3,306. AlUla, Ashar Valley. ourhabitas.com/alula, (014 821 3900).