Showcasing the Best Desert Resorts in the UAE for a Relaxing Staycation

One of the oldest desert resorts in the UAE, Bab Al Shams originally opened in 2004 to cater to Dubai’s equestrian community and has recently been transformed into a luxurious retreat by the Kerzner Group. Featuring 115 guest rooms and suites across two 16-storey buildings, the resort features traditional Moorish influences and tropical gardens with contemporary amenities. Guests can enjoy an oasis-like infinity pool with a swim-up bar or dine at Al Hadheerah, their original Middle Eastern restaurant which has been revamped with a new menu alongside Greek restaurant Zala, and their rooftop lounge Anwã. Those looking for an adventure can ride camels or horses in the desert, enjoy desert safaris, watch cultural performances, or take a tour of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. Surrounded by expansive dunes, nature reserves, man-made lakes, and wildlife it is one of the best desert resorts in Dubai and a perfect escape from the city.

Inspired by the Bedouin villages of the past, Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa in Abu Dhabi offers a traditional charm with modern luxury amidst the beautiful Al Wathba desert. Sprawling over 22,000 square metres, the resort features 13 villas with private pools and 90 guest bedrooms while boasting six restaurants and bars, including a rooftop bar with stunning views of the sunset offering a picturesque escape. The experience here involves camel riding, horse riding, archery and learning about UAE's heritage through falconry. Standing proud as a wellness hub the resort hosts a 1000-square-metre pool along with a luxury spa with 11 treatment rooms, hammams, salt rooms, snow caves and cryo treatment rooms. With its Arabian-style architecture, focus on wellness and proximity to the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, this is one of the best desert resorts in the UAE and must be experienced once.

Commissioned by the royal family and completed in just 650 days, the fortress-like resort Qasr Al Sarab stands as a testament to Emirati opulence and Bedouin heritage. Nestled in the orange dunes of the Rub Al Khali desert, it hosts 207 rooms, suites, and villas with private pools built in an arabesque fashion, offering mesmerising views of the endless dunes along with impeccable service. The resort is completely secluded with nothing around, giving you a true oasis feel with its private villas separated from the main resort offering even more seclusion to their guests. This desert oasis also features an adults-only infinity pool perfect for relaxation and is complemented by a multitude of dining choices with the option to book a private dining experience.

Located just an hour from Dubai, Al Maha Desert Resort offers a serene escape within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The resort offers the chance to see Arabian oryx, gazelles and camels roaming freely around the dunes. Known as one of the most romantic resorts in Dubai, Al Maha lets you indulge in a floating breakfast in the private pools of your tented villas or savour al-fresco dining on the deck of your suite. The main resort area includes an all-day dining restaurant Al Diwaan and a relaxing spa with single and couple treatment rooms. Guests can lounge by the outdoor pool overlooking the desert dunes, often visited by the Arabian oryx and gazelles for a quick sip. Al Maha offers a modern interpretation of Bedouin living, complemented by activities like archery and camel trekking and is perfect for booking a staycation away from the city.

Spearheaded by the team behind the world-famous music festival Tomorrowland, Terra Solis Dubai debuted in 2022, bringing poolside beats and day-to-night parties by high-profile DJs to the sands of Dubai. Spread across 37 hectares of secluded dunes, this upscale resort is around 30 minutes away from most locations in Dubai and offers a true Arabian experience with its Bedouin-style decor. With its lively events calendar and its restaurant Mesa serving up "Tastes of the World" cuisine, Terra Solis promises an immersive experience. Inspired by star constellations, guests can choose from three overnight options, including spacious Polaris bell tents, Perseid lodges, or exclusive Orion pool lodges that feature large terraces and a private pool, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Arabian dunes.

Located in Al Ain, this rustic-luxe desert resort boasts Emirati-inspired decor and uninterrupted views of the natural conservation area. With traditional artwork and arabesque touches, guests can choose from deluxe rooms or a three-bedroom villa with a private pool and jacuzzi. Adventure seekers can enjoy ATV drives, ziplines, and desert safaris, while those seeking relaxation can loosen up with spa treatments or unwind in their library. Offering less than 25 suites and villas, Telal Resort is set on the former stomping grounds of nomadic Bedouin tribes and is one of the best desert resorts in the UAE, providing a boutique experience amidst the Remah desert.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, is one of the most luxurious desert resorts in the UAE spanning 200 hectares within the protected Al Wadi Nature Reserve offering a calm and relaxing retreat through their sophisticated Bedouin-styled villas with private pools and cabanas. Here you can lounge on your sunside deck and spot the rich wildlife roaming across the Wadi Khadeja valley. Guests can participate in desert camel treks, horse riding, private archery lessons, and nature walks between picturesque scenery. Five dining venues at the resort cater to various tastes, including the Sonara Camp and the open-sky Moon Bar.

Overlooking the dunes, Al Wadi Tower provides spectacular views, while the spa offers a rainforest experience with its hydrothermal suite. Each villa has heritage-inspired interiors, which are very luxurious and are in line with the Ritz Carlton name making this one of the most luxurious desert resorts in the UAE. To take it a step further, guests can also delight in desert dining experiences under the starlit sky, curated by personal chefs and private butlers.

At the base of Mount Alvaah, Mysk Al Faya Retreat invites guests to immerse themselves in the peaceful ambience of the Mleiha desert, once travelled by the Bedouins. Originally built in the 1960s, this luxuriously converted retreat offers a unique blend of privacy and elegance. Guests can explore the famed archaeological site or unwind at the hands-free spa with an herbal room and salt pool. The desert resort is super exclusive and features just five guest rooms, each with a skylight for stargazing, and proximity to the on-site fire pit for recounting desert adventures. With an open-air swimming pool and saltwater spa, Mysk Al Faya Retreat promises an unforgettable experience for those looking for the utmost seclusion from the rest of the world. 

The Nest by Sonara, crafted by the team behind Nara Desert Escape, offers a one-of-a-kind desert staycation experience with its 14 luxurious 'nests' blending seamlessly with the dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Each Nest features a double bed, en-suite bathroom, and a private terrace, providing a unique and lavish experience in the middle of the dunes. Guests can enjoy activities like dune bashing, and hot air ballooning, or go on a sky safari to observe the night sky guided by experts. Designed by renowned architect Gianni Ranaulo, these dune-shaped Nests offer a peaceful and innovative sleeping concept, ensuring unforgettable nights in the desert.