Beyond Dubai's towering skyline monuments and hotels, rustic sanctuaries nestled amongst the dunes exist, eagerly awaiting adventurous travelers who wish to pursue the broad desert panoramas that reach away into the Arabian Peninsula's heart.
Many provide Bedouin-inspired luxury, exquisite villas (some with private pools), and a choice of exciting desert excursions, all set among rolling flame-hued dunes. Check out some of the most fantastic desert hotels and resorts in the UAE below.
Translated from Arabic as "Gateway to the sun.", this paradise, nestled among the dunes, is a 45-minute journey from Dubai. With an infinity pool and contemporary conveniences, Bab Al Shams offers rustic appeal in the heart of the desert. The resort's split-level, the super-sized swimming pool is ringed with red loungers, a swim-up bar, and a massive rain shower. The charm of Arabia is personified in every corner of the property. Perfectly capturing the essence of Middle Eastern traditions, Bab Al Shams's rooms showcase a charming balance between authenticity and modern comforts.
You can explore the surrounding desert by jeep, horse, or camel. The other on-site activities are archery, falconry, and croquet. Feel the calm surroundings and connection of the beautiful desert scenery promote a re-energizing vacation from city life. The assortment of outdoor leisure activities offers an unparalleled desert playground for those seeking a more active holiday.
An hour out of Dubai, you'll find Al Maha Desert Resort. This stunning desert oasis is home to individual villas complete with private pools, the main resort area where you'll find an all-day dining restaurant Al Diwaan, and a relaxing spa featuring single and couple treatment rooms. The hotel provides seclusion and stunning views of the vast plains and the Hajar Mountains range. Al Maha resort is one of the most romantic in the UAE, which each of the private Bedouin-inspired tents featuring a spacious decking that gazes out towards the rolling desert dunes.
Experience once-in-a-lifetime outdoors that reflect the Bedouin way of life and highlight the destination's distinctiveness. These activities range from archery, nature walks, and desert drives to animal safaris, falconry, horseback riding, camel trekking, and dunes sundowners.
Telal is pitched in an epic desert playground an hour from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Telal Resort is encircled as far as the eye can see by mountains of sand created each day by Mother Nature, scattered across the soft peaks and valleys of Al Ain's rich caramel dunes. The resort features various rooms, villas, and suites influenced by traditional Emirati style, providing guests with a unique chance to learn about the UAE's heritage and customs while communicating and interacting with the natural environment.
Discover more of Remah and its golden dunes at Telal Resort Al Ain. Experience Telal Resort's wildlife safari in a private natural conservation, drive through spectacular dunes and magical desert terrain, choose the scenic route and uncover the magnificent Camelback dunes.
Mysk Moon Retreat, located far from the madding crowd, provides simplicity, adventure, exploration, seclusion, and hands-on glamping. At day, explore Mleiha Fossil Rock and the desert, and by night, relax under a blanket of stars. A deluxe glamping experience is available at the new eco-friendly resort. Ten domes with private pools, four family tents with private pools, and two single-bed tents are among the accommodations. Each dome and tent is equipped with its telescope for a starry night view. This is a never to miss out during your stay.
The retreat is located 68km from Sharjah, 61km from Dubai, 176 km from Abu Dhabi, and 15 minutes from Mleiha Archeological Centre. The uninterrupted view of the clear sky and the magical landscape is genuinely eye candy.
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is one of the UAE's most popular Arabian retreats, nestled among the Empty Quarter's sea of rising, flame-orange dunes. You may relax by the plunge pool outside your private villa or ride a camel through endless dunes that spread as far as the eye can see, providing unsurpassed luxury and comfort.
Enter a world of adventure as the magnificent desert of the Empty Quarter comes alive with an experience during the night. Discover the mysteries of the sand and animals that dwell on a night walk with the experts. Indulge in our Bedouin-style restaurant. Relax in our traditional environment while enjoying traditional grills, Arabic mezze, and delectable desserts.
Images: Mysk Hotels
