Wadi Khadeja, Al Mazraa, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates | (785) 214-4651
One-of-a-kind desert retreat with amazing views of sand, sunsets, and stars
Posh, air-conditioned villas with sumptuous bathrooms and private pools
Five restaurants and bars serve local and international cuisine
Horseback riding, archery, falcon shows, and nature walks
Asian-inspired spa with traditional hydrotherapy treatments
Free daily breakfast and half-board packages
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Nearby golf course
Remote locale far from local dining or nightlife (a pro for some)
Seasonal fly infestations can limit outdoor enjoyment
Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah is a luxury desert retreat about an hour's drive north of Dubai. This property's remote setting amidst acres of sand dunes aims to recreate an authentic Bedouin experience with benefits. There are 101 guest rooms divided between tented and traditional villas, each with its own private pool and modern conveniences, including excellent Wi-Fi, stocked minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can decompress in an indulgent spa with traditional Turkish bath, and there are several posh (and pricey) restaurants from which to choose. Nature-centered activities including horseback riding, falconry shows, and unspoiled views of the night sky. Those looking for a livelier scene might consider Rixos Bab Al Bahr, a beachfront, all-inclusive property with a nightclub and kids' camp.
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Scene
A tranquil desert oasis with contemporary Arabic design
Surrounded by sand dunes and watering holes, a cluster of squat, fortress-like stone buildings holds the hotel's public areas. Inside, a cool and sophisticated color palette of black and cream is repeated throughout the lobby, bars, and restaurants. Creamy marble floors contrast with contemporary black leather chairs and plush, built-in sofas. Stately black latticework screens frame floor-to-ceiling windows, and contemporary chandeliers sprinkle patterns of light through handcrafted metal fretwork. The lobby gift shop sparkles with glass and metal trinkets for sale. In the wood-paneled lounge nearby, L-shaped platform sofas strewn with tangerine silk pillows lounge beneath formal portraits of men in traditional Arabic headscarves. A wood-paneled library containing a large billiards table leads to an adjacent meeting room with an oblong conference table and upholstered linen chairs. Most of the guests here are couples and groups of adults who want to experience the isolation and beauty of the desert.
Location
In the unspoiled northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, one hour from Dubai
The resort is located in the UAE's northernmost emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which translates to Top of the Tent. Bordered by the Al Hajar Mountains and the The Gulf, the area is known for its natural beauty and numerous archaeological sites dating back to 5,000 B.C. The bustling Ras al-Khaimah city center is within a 50-minute drive and Dubai International Airport is about an hour away by car.
Rooms
Luxurious tented villas with huge bathrooms and private pools
Guests stay in either Al Rimah standard villas or Al Sahari villas, both of which are Bedouin-style luxury tents with all the trimmings. Both accommodations are air-conditioned and exceptionally spacious, with one wing dedicated to the bathroom and dressing area, and another to the bedroom and sitting room. Decor is contemporary with Arabic touches, including king-size beds framed by tall latticework headboards, built-in platform seating, and generous writing desks. Modern extras include free Wi-Fi, stocked minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Large bathrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, deep freestanding tubs, and sexy walk-in glass showers. Outside, a private deck holds shaded loungers and a rectangular mosaic tile pool.
Features
Private pools, a luxurious rain forest spa, and desert activities
Al Wadi Desert, Ras al Khaimah is the first desert resort in the UAE with an all-pool villa concept. Therefore, there isn't a communal pool. Luxuries include an Asian-inspired spa with a rain forest feature that includes cold showers, saunas, foot baths, and other watery delights. Activities within the dedicated nature reserve include horseback riding, falconry shows, and visits to a watering hole where Arabian oryx and gazelles gather. The resort provides good free Wi-Fi as well as free parking. There are five restaurants and bars at the hotel, which is convenient. Options include the Moon Bar, a Thai restaurant, a pub, an international restaurant, and the Western & Arabic BBQ restaurant. Breakfast is included in room rates and half-board packages are available.
