Hotels & Villas

There’s a collection of 121 Deluxe Rooms and Villas here, all of which have a private terrace or balcony. If you like to make a splash, choose one with a private pool. Large families should opt for the Royal Suite, which has six bedrooms, four bathrooms and ample space in which to unwind.

Al Maha Resort is nestled deep within Dubai’s golden dunes and magical desert landscape in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, playing a vital role in its conservation. This unique resort showcases heritage and architecture of the Bedouins, with beautiful tented villas each with their own private pool gazing out over the rolling dunes and indigenous Arabian wildlife. Enjoy unique desert activities, as the property offers two daily complimentary desert-themed outings as part of your stay. Activities are split between the morning and afternoon, and include falconry, horse-riding and archery.

Al Seef Heritage Hotel is based around Dubai tradition, reflecting regional Arabian style, design and hospitality. With 190 rooms split between several buildings interlaced in the Al Seef streets, this unique hotel is a go-to for a full authentic staycation in Old Dubai. Throughout, retro décor and knick-knacks add to the vintage feel – think typewriters, oil drums and gramophones – and al fresco spaces scattered around the buildings are filled with majlis cushions and lit with strings of festive bulbs. Make careful note of the location of your bayt; wandering around the narrow lanes can get a little confusing and, particularly if your sense of direction isn’t great, finding your way back to your room could present a small challenge. After sunset is when this area really comes alive, so make sure to plan for at least one evening taking in the night-time atmosphere and life around the creek.

Situated in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert in the Rhub Al Khali – also known as the Empty Quarter – Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is surrounded by the largest expanse of uninterrupted sand desert in the world. The otherworldly Anantara retreat’s design is inspired by desert fortresses from the area. Built on a crescent-shaped dune, the resort boasts 154 guestrooms and 52 incredible villas that come with unobstructed desert sunrise and sunset views. The private villas are all built with their own individual plunge pools and guests can also arrange barbecues in the desert or within their villas for the ultimate private dining experience.

A diminutive island retreat off the coast of the UAE capital, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve taken a wrong turn and landed in the Maldives or Seychelles as you arrive at Zaya Nurai Island. Home to a mix of beachfront villas and private estates, the luxury private island escape is a complete departure from most beach resorts in the region, modelling itself more on the style associated with island resorts in the Indian Ocean. Stand-alone villas make ample use of floor-to-ceiling glass walls; sleek, contemporary furnishings and light fixtures; and private outdoor areas. Plunge pools front the one-bedroom Beach Villas for those wishing to embrace the luxury amenities inside the villas, or a bicycle ride across the island will take guests to the communal infinity pool or barefoot luxury-inspired beach club, Smokin’ Pineapple.

The 30-key Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort is one of three accomodation options on Sir Bani Yas island. A haven in grasslands, it offers a lush, green, verdant vista, alive with strutting peacocks and skipping gazelles among your friendly neighbours. What makes this island resort unique is the abundant offering across the island: while Al Sahel is located on the lush savannah, a prime spot for embracing the local wildlife, desert dunes and golden beaches are also offered in abundance across the island. There’s plenty to keep guests busy too, from wildlife walks, nature drives and equestrian pursuits to spa treatments and romantic dining experiences. Afternoon tea among the trees with a sideshow by Mother Nature is an unadulterated joy.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, is located within a 500-hectare wildlife nature reserve, making outdoor activities an integral part of your stay. To find out more, ask the Experience Concierge, who can organise a personalised itinerary based on individual interests – making the most of the desert surrounds and Bedouin culture. Afterwards, relax in the spa or head to one of the restaurants, or retreat to your villa with its own private pool. The resort has 100 renovated Bedouin-inspired luxury villas with private pools, designed by renowned architect and interior designer Kristina Zanic. There is a strong focus on local tradition, with the theme of Arabian hospitality matched by modern elegance. 

Few desert resorts in the UAE offer the seclusion and privacy available at Mysk Al Faya Retreat, a boutique retreat that rises out of the golden dunes of Mleiha. With space for just ten guests, this boutique resort naturally lends itself to time travel: encouraging guests to trod the path trodden by desert dwellers and experience authentic Bedouin living, with a few luxuries thrown in. Perfectly positioned for enjoying Mleiha’s famed archaeological sites and the exhilarating experiences of the desert dunes, the retreat is also home to a one-of-a-kind spa, where guests can enjoy the relaxing benefis of the Himalayan sea salt room and herbal room.

In Oman’s northern Musandam Peninsula is where you’ll find the Middle East’s only Six Senses resort, nestled in Zighy Bay. Located in a secluded inlet, flanking a private beach, the resort is a haven of seclusion with an award- winning spa, varied culinary offerings, and luxury private villas complete with dedicated guest experience managers and private infinity pools. While barefoot luxury experiences include couples’ treatments at the luxury spa or a starlight dining experience at Sense on the Edge, almost 300m above seawater on the mountain edge, high-octane adventure is also on the menu at the resort. Guests can start their day by paragliding 960ft into the resort, take to the Hajar mountains on a romantic hike, then explore the azure waters in the bay with an afternoon of snorkelling or scuba diving.