The UAE is home to so many iconic attractions, stunning landmarks with modern designs and entertainment choices, however, at its essence, it is also home to vast deserts, which can be explored and enjoyed. With stunning sand dunes and captivating sunsets, deserts in the UAE are amazing to truly reminisce on the country's natural terrain.
If on the lookout for a magnificent desert retreat, there are many choices with endless amounts of luxury to marvel in.
Extravagance and leisure is the name of the game in the UAE and Connector is here with a brilliant roundup of some of the marvellous luxury desert resorts to enjoy staycations at.
Abu Dhabi:
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is situated in the largest sand desert in the Empty Quarter. Located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi around 200km away from Abu Dhabi City and 310km from Dubai, the resort offers visitors a slice of nomad life with endless luxury. Enjoy dining in the desert, expansive views of the Empty Quarter, camel rides, archery and biking through the sand dunes. Prices for two people for one night start at Dhs 1,196.
www.anantara.com
Al Wathba Desert Resort and Spa
Situated around 60km away from Abu Dhabi and 160km in Dubai, Al Wathba Desert Resort and Spa at Al Wathba South is home to amazing desert views and serene spaces. Visitors can enjoy staying in rooms or in a luxurious villa with Arabesque decor and temperature-controlled pools. The Saray Spa is one of the highlights of the resort and has a relaxation area, saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, a Turkish hammam, salt rooms and a snow cave in the desert. Prices start at Dhs 1,050 for one night for two.
www.marriott.com
Telal Resort Al Ain
Telal Resort Al Ain, located on the outskirts of Al Ain city in the Remah Desert, over 110km from Abu Dhabi and 180km from Dubai, was once home to nomadic Bedouin tribes. With rooms, suites and tented private villas available, visitors can enjoy glimpses of desert gazelles and Arabian Oryx, Houbara and more in their natural habitat. The resort is home to the Zaman Lawal Heritage Village, which preserves the traditions of Emirati ancestors through the local souk, pearl diving trips and a restaurant serving traditional Arabic food. Prices for one night for two start at Dhs 890.
www.telalresort.ae
Tilal Liwa Hotel
Around 170km away from Abu Dhabi and 270km from Dubai, Tilal Liwa Hotel at Madinat Zayed, Zayed City is a great desert escape to get an immersive experience of Arabic culture and traditions. Located in the Empty Quarter desert, guests can enjoy the desert solitude. While staying at the hotel, visitors can delight in a variety of amazing activities including riding camels, sand boarding, dune bashing, bonfire under the desert sky and driving quad bikes. Prices for two people for one night start at Dhs 282.
www.danathotels.com
Bab Al Nujoom
Bab Al Nujoom at Al Mugheirah, Al Marfa over 145km from Dubai, is a great way to get in touch with nature. The resort is home to hawksbill sea turtles and migratory birds as well as many indigenous plants. Guests can enjoy staying in either a caravan or a cabin as well as going pearl diving. Take a swim, visit the deer park or delight in a barbeque with a bonfire. Prices for two people for one night start at Dhs 489.
www.babalnojoum.com
Dubai:
Bab Al Shams
Bab Al Shams on Al Qudra Road over 60km away from Downtown Dubai, is a brilliant place to check out to make the most of a stay with Arabic culture at its heart. The desert resort has endless experiences for guests to make the most of, including horse and camel rides, delight in a desert tour at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, falconry, hot air balloon rides and archery. Prices for two people for one night start at Dhs 895.
www.babalshams.com
Terra Solis
Brought by Tomorrowland, one of the biggest musical festivals in the world, Terra Solis is situated on Exit 29 on Jebel Ali to Lehab Road, Dubailand and has a distance of around 70km from Downtown Dubai. The glamping experience in the desert serves guests amazing dining options from around the world and an expansive pool to take a swim and vibe to the music. Guests can enjoy a night under the stars at the tents, lodge or private cabanas. Prices for two people for one night start at Dhs 810.
www.terrasolisdubai.com
Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa
Situated over 60km from Downtown Dubai, Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa on Al Ain to Dubai Road, is a brilliant desert resort to check out, where relaxation is the focus. Take in the magnificent views of the Hajar mountains and delight in activities from horse riding, camel treks, archery, and desert safari. Unwind at the Timeless Spa, home to treatment rooms, a sauna, a jacuzzi and a gymnasium. Prices for one night for two people start at Dhs 3,600.
www.marriott.com
Sharjah:
Mysk Al Badayer Retreat
Mysk Al Badayer Retreat at Al Badayer, around 70km from Sharjah City and Dubai, is the perfect desert staycation to explore Emirati culture and traditions at its finest. Surrounded by sand dunes, visitors can delight in marvellous sunrises and sunsets. The resort is home to a large pool to enjoy the summer weather, and private spa rooms for people looking to unwind over the stay, or looking to watch a movie under the stars at the amphitheatre. Prices for two people for one night start at Dhs 970.
www.myskhotels.com
Mysk Al Faya Retreat
Enjoy being surrounded by vast sand dunes at Mysk Al Faya Retreat at Al Batayeh on Al Faya Road to Al Modan Road. The retreat is situated over 70km from Dubai and is an amazing getaway, with five rooms, great for a family or a relaxing stay with friends. Make the most time there by going dune bashing, riding bicycles or watching the stars while sitting around the bonfire. Delight in the hands-free spa, with amenities including a salt inhalation room, shower walk, herbal treatment and sea saltwater pool. Prices for one night start at Dhs 2,500.
www.myskhotels.com
Mysk Kingfisher Retreat
Mysk Kingfisher Retreat, located at Al Kalba, around 120km from Sharjah City and 135km from Dubai, is a great retreat to feel one with nature. The retreat is home to a conservation centre, where guests can see birds, gazelles, turtles and crabs. Enjoy going on a cycling tour, kayaking, relaxing at the spa and meeting turtles. Prices for two people for one night start at Dhs 1,280.
www.myskhotels.com
Ras Al Khaimah:
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah at Al Wadi Desert is located over 90km from Dubai and is a brilliant way to escape the city hustle and enjoy a desert getaway. The natural reserve is home to around 100 private villas with terraces and pools. While making the most of the luxurious stay, delight in a variety of activities at the Equestrian centre, adventure centre, falconry school, or relax at the hydrothermal spa experience. Prices start at Dhs 1,959 for two people for one night.
www.ritzcarlton.com