Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah

Luxury Desert Escape Near Dubai: Staying at the Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
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Luxury Desert Escape Near Dubai: Staying at the Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Travel Blog: written by Mollie Mandell, Travel Agent @ Herricks Travel, a full-service travel agency

When planning a visit to Dubai, include an overnight stay outside the city’s glittering skyline to experience the magic of the Arabian desert.

After our three memorable days in Muscat, Oman, we traveled by car and driver to the Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, located about an hour from Dubai International Airport, and an hour from downtown Dubai. This ideal luxury desert resort is perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert: A Protected Nature Reserve Retreat
Set within a 1235-acre protected nature reserve in Wadi Khadeja, this desert sanctuary blends nature, privacy, and five-star comfort. The resort’s tented villas are inspired by traditional Bedouin architecture enhanced with refined Arabian design details. Villas range in size and feature private plunge pools, expansive terraces, and sweeping desert views offering seclusion and serenity.

Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert Tented Villa bedroom view
The tented villas all include a view from their expansive deck
Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert Tented villa with soaking tub and desert view
Soaking tubs are a nice inclusion in all Tented Villas
Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert Tented Villa with outdoor living space and desert view
The perfect spot for a peaceful sunset view

Dining Under the Stars & Wellness in the Desert
On property dining includes a farm-to-table restaurant, Middle Eastern restaurant, and private dining under the stars. Wellness seekers can fill their days at the extensive spa with a rainforest hydrothermal circuit and European and Middle Eastern bathing rituals.

Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert Villas with expansive desert view
Desert views come standard with all villas

Desert Safari Adventures & Curated Experiences:
Indulge in a desert safari experience, horseback or sunset camel ride, falconry, star gazing and night photography. Bike through the reserve paths or indulge in a curated experience of sunrise yoga and meditation.

Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert Resort Camel ride at sunset
Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert Camel Ride excursion at sunset
Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert Camel Ride at sunset ends with champagne toast

Travel tip:
One of the highlights of our stay was a four-by-four desert safari led by a private guide who brought the landscape to life with his insight and storytelling. Rolling dunes opened to endless panoramic views of the Al Hajar Mountains. Along the way we encountered free roaming oryx, gazelles, camels, and desert foxes. It was a rare opportunity to experience the quiet beauty of the UAE desert before our adventure that awaited us in downtown Dubai.

Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert Four by Four Desert Safari
Ritz Carton Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert four by four desert safari to explore wildlife
Ritz Carton Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert desert safari guide and guests.

Click here to read all my destination articles: Mollie Mandell, Travel Agent, Herricks Travel.

Your next adventure begins here: email me, mollie@herrickstravel.com to inquire about custom itineraries, upgrades, complimentary breakfast, special amenities, and VIP service for all Herricks Travel customers. To receive my travel articles to your inbox, please enter your email address in the subscriber box, and respond to the confirmation email.

Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert Sunset view with guests
Your next adventure begins here…