Finding opulence, relaxation and family fun in the UAE Desert – our 7 Favourite UAE Desert Resorts
Looking for a break from the beaches of Dubai and Abu Dhabi? No trip to the UAE is complete without getting beyond the big cities and hitting the desert, but it is a great surprise to many that you can complement your desert trip with a luxury retreat.
From glamping to full-scale luxury resorts, we’ve picked our favourite spots to enjoy the UAE desert style. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed family weekend or seeking out a luxury romantic retreat, you can find them all here in the UAE desert. Start your journey with a car hire from Abu Dhabi airport, and let’s head into the Empty Quarter.
Top 7 Desert Resorts in the UAE
Click below to see instant booking information, or read on to see what makes each so special.
- Al Maha – A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa (Dubai)
- Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa (Abu Dhabi)
- Al Wadi Desert – Ritz Carlton (Ras al Khaimah)
- Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa (Abu Dhabi)
- Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa (Dubai)
- Telal Resort (Al Ain)
- Arabian Nights Village (Abu Dhabi)
Al Maha – A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Where is it? Located in the Dubai Emirate about 50 minutes from Downtown in an area called Murqquab off the Dubai – Al Ain Road (E66) it is part of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
We love it because: This pick is pure indulgence, a spoil yourself luxury retreat for grown-ups. Leave the kids at home ‘coz they’re not allowed at this one (no under 10’s at least)!
With 42 stand-alone private villas overlooking the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, there are a huge range of desert activities on offer and included in your stay – or simply relax in your own private pool, enjoy the extensive spa facilities and dine under the stars.
You can read a full review here by The Champagne Mile.
What does it cost? This sort of exclusive luxury doesn’t come cheap; Suites with a private pool start at $1,265USD / 4,635 AED per night plus taxes. Look out for special offers though such as valentines, as well as day spa package offers.
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Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa
Where is it? Nestled deep in the Liwa Desert, approximately 2 hours from Abu Dhabi or 3 hours drive from Dubai via the E11/E65, well signposted and freeway driving until last 14kms or so.
We love it because: From the moment you turn off the freeway the shimmering desert sands transport you to another time. Grand archways welcome you into this desert oasis, in among the almighty dunes of the Empty Quarter. You are truly isolated here and everything about the setting exudes Arabian opulence.
It is an equally great location for both romantic retreats and family getaways with a huge array of activities on offer from the usual dune bashing and camel rides, through to sandboarding, fat biking and hikes into the desert. There’s kids club available for parents wanting to grab some time alone along with a kids pool area and babysitting services on offer (extra charge).
You can read a full family review of Qasr al Sarab here.
What does it cost? Overnight couple packages start from $400USD / 1500AED plus taxes. Family villa options are also available for your larger groups.
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The Ritz-Carlton Ras al Khaimah al Wadi Desert
(Previously known as Banyan Tree Al Wadi)
Where is it? In the Desert of Ras al Khaimah, about 1 hour from Dubai International Airport along the E311.
We love it because: Every spacious villa comes with its own private pool, yet there are loads of entertainment options on offer too. There are daily shows such as falconry, desert safaris, nature walks and archery on offer. The Amara Spa with its hydrotherapy pool and rainforest experience comes highly commended.
Set on a nature reserve, it is equally known as a great romantic retreat as it is for a well-rounded family adventure into the desert.
What does it cost? One night in a private pool villa will set you back around $4650USD / 1700AED plus taxes, expect to pay a more over popular holidays but bargains can be picked up in the summer off-season.
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Read about more Ras al Khaimah Resorts here!
Al Wathba Desert Resort and Spa, Abu Dhabi
Where is it? Located just 50kms outside of Abu Dhabi city down the E30 towards Al Ain.
We love it because: It has great proximity to the city and AUH airport, making it perfect for those looking to squeeze a luxury desert resort trip into a short stopover. As well as 103 rooms and villas, it comes with 10 treatment rooms at the Talise Spa and yoga retreat area, plus numerous dining options including a traditional Bedouin desert camp dinner.
What does it cost? One night in a two-bed villa with private pool will cost you around $1000USD / 3700AED plus taxes. Arabian Deluxe rooms for couples start from $250USD / 900AED plus taxes.
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Bab al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai
Where is it? Dubai Emirate, near Endurance Village taking the D63 from Dubai or E75 along the border from Abu Dhabi.
We love it because: Not too far from the hustle and bustle of inner-city Dubai but you feel you could be a million miles away in their infinity pool overlooking the desert. With several restaurant choices and a range of swimming pools, there’s something on offer here to suit a wide range of traveller interests from funny party weekends to family retreats.
Also a great array of outdoor activities with falconry, camel rides and options to hire gear including fat bikes and dune buggies. For younger kids, there’s the Sinbad Kids Club and a dedicated children’s area among the three guest pools.
You can see a full review on the Bab al Shams family experience here with Wandermust Family.
What does it cost? Rooms start from $315USD / 1160 AED plus taxes during peak season – cheaper than many of the other UAE desert resort options but no compromised on 5-star quality. Due to it’s proximity to Dubai and great weekend brunch packages it does attract quite the party crowds at the weekend, so do factor this into your timing if you were seeking a quiet romantic retreat!
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Telal Resort, Al Ain
Where is it? On the northern outskirts of Al Ain, off the E22 from Abu Dhabi approximately 90 minutes from the capital
We love it because: A bit of a hidden gem, set on a nature reserve with a traditional Emirati look and feel but all the modern amenities and luxuries you expect of a resort. Local activities on offer include horse/camel riding, falconry and cycling, and the Zaman Lawal Heritage Village. On site, there is a traditional Emirati restaurant as well as an international dining restaurant, gym, and spa. There is a small infinity pool – not huge but beautiful and perfect for the setting.
Family-friendly with great big rooms (2 bedroom villas and suites can sleep up to 6), but also a perfect setting for a romantic couple retreat with spectacular dune views and a great ambiance – hammocks, 4 poster beds, the perfect place to come and switch off.
What does it cost? Deluxe heritage rooms start at $255USD / 935AED plus taxes.
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Arabian Nights Village, Abu Dhabi
Where is it? In Abu Dhabi Emirate, an area called Al Khatim. Heading from Abu Dhabi down the E22 you pull off about halfway to Al Ain then its 30 minutes inland, off road but manageable in a 2WD.
We love it because: This is definitely an understated luxury alternative to the bigger resorts. Accommodation on site is limited to just a handful of traditional “bayts” – based on traditional Bedouin building design but with all the modern fittings. Most visitors come on desert safari day trips from Abu Dhabi, but it’s absolutely worth turning this into an overnight experience.
As the sun goes down and heat drops, the evening’s entertainment schedule fires up. Camel rides are on offer (I’m sure you probably greeted some on your drive in too), dune buggies, dune bashing (over 6’s), sandboarding or you can relax in their resort pool before a full evening program of entertainment.
You can read a full family review of Arabian Nights Village here.
What does it cost? A double bed bayt with evening entertainment package starts from $300USD per couple / 1100AED plus taxes, family villas $600USD / 2200AED plus taxes.
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Desert Day Trips in the UAE
Not got time for an overnight stay in the desert? There are plenty of companies that operate half-day experiences into the desert for those strapped on time or only wanting a taster (trust me, the sand and the heat can get to us all after a while!).
We recommend using a reputable agency such as Get Your Guide for booking for desert tours in the UAE. Read the fine print carefully though, and check what’s included by each operator (such as hotel pickups, meals).
Also be conscious of age limits, as many desert day trips will involve an element of dune bashing, children under a certain age may be restricted or alternate itineraries recommended.
Abu Dhabi desert tour recommendations
Dubai desert tour recommendations
Whilst you’re in the UAE, don’t forget to check these other posts out too:
- Best Family Beach Resorts in the UAE
- 21 Incredible UAE glamping spots for families
- 15 Exclusive UAE hotels with private pools
- UAE Resorts with their own water park
- When is it best to visit the UAE?
- Best of the outdoors & the UAE in winter
- Top Eco-tourism destinations in the UAE
- How to prepare for desert driving
- Where to ride a camel in Dubai
Have you had a UAE desert experience? Any favourites we might have missed?
Let us know in the comments below!
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Disclosures: Some of the resorts mentioned in this post have previously provided our Editor with complimentary services in exchange for reviews. The article contains affiliate links; if you book one of the recommended resorts on this page we may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This guide was originally published on OurGlobetrotters.Com in 2017 and republished here with permission. Pricing and information correct to best of our knowledge as at August 2019.
Thanks for presenting the information about the beautiful stays in UAE. I am planning my next trip to Dubai next month, and your article helped me a lot in deciding my hotel bookings. I have planned to stay at Anantara Resorts as Anantara seemed to be really pretty to stay with kids.
Author
Great, you certainly won’t be disappointed with Anantara, it’s a wonderful little oasis from the heat then plenty of sunset activities. Just be warned Sept is still quite humid.