#Travel Tips

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…

Follow me on Instagram @molliemandell

Now that we are back in chilly NY, I am dreaming of our second stop in the Maldives, Landaa Giraavaru. This stunning hideaway on a 44-acre private island is just as one would imagine: crystal clear turquoise waters, lush tropical foliage, and pristine white sand beaches. Choose between overwater villas and beachfront bungalows and immerse yourself in the natural environment. Sea life at the Four Seasons Kuda Hura. (My sons, Harris and Jack!) After a weekend layover in Doha, we arrived to our first island in the Maldives, Kuda Hura. Known for its lush tropical gardens and effortless barefoot luxury, amazing scuba diving, serene spa set on a separate island, and warm, personalized service. Located just a short speedboat ride from Malé. Next stop, a seaplane ride to our next island. Desert Adventure in Doha.... sand boarding, falconry, camel ride, riding the dunes, and a perfect sunset over the Inland Sea. Perched above the crystal-clear waters of Portici Beach, Grenada's Silversands Beach House is a sanctuary of modern luxury and Caribbean charm. This intimate retreat offers dramatic cliffside accommodations and beachfront toes-in-the-sand bungalows, each featuring a private canopied terrace that puts you up close with the island's beauty. Perched on Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach, this perfectly positioned resort offers ocean view rooms and gorgeous beach front villas. Loved the four bedroom villas’ open and airy layout and ample space to lounge with friends and family. This cliff top Caribbean resort on the south east coast of Grenada offers a serene and tranquil retreat with a spacious spa and fitness center. Loved the lush tropical landscape, spacious suites with private pool, and excellent dining with delicious local cuisine. Nonstop flights from JFK, ATL, MIA… Dubai does not disappoint! A global hub for business, tourism, and trade. A great stopover on your way to Africa, Asia, and beyond. Definitely worth spending a long layover of a few days to take in all of the sites, smells, and sounds! This resort outside Dubai, the @ritzcarltonalwadidesert offers amazing desert adventures.
Why You Should use a Travel Agent, Now More Than Ever
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Why You Should use a Travel Agent, Now More Than Ever

Articles in the New York Times and Travel Market Report highlight the recent surge in bookings arranged by Travel Agents. As the Times mentions, consumers are realizing the benefits gained by working with a professional. To save money and enhance the quality of a trip at no cost to you, travelers should look for an adviser from a large consortium like American Express. Because of longstanding partnerships with travel companies and the sheer volume of bookings companies like American Express generate for hotel, airline and cruise partners, they are able to negotiate special rates and perks on behalf of their clients, from free cocktails and room upgrades upon arrival to spa treatments and late checkouts. “The VIP treatment does not come at extra cost,” states Times columnist Michelle Higgens; “travel advisers provide an element of personalization that can’t be offered via an online travel service.”

“The struggle is real,” notes Travel Market Report; “the sheer volume of information consumers must sift through if they’re booking online has turned trip planning into an ordeal!” But, not for an experienced travel agent!

Recently, I was featured as a guest blogger on the LICenter.org website. Click here to read my article on the “Top Twelve Reasons to use a Travel Agent” and see some of the benefits and perks that YOU may be missing out on by NOT using a Travel Agent.

Need help putting together your bucket-list trip or dream vacation? Would you like to maximize the redemption of your American Express Points?
Email me: mollie@herrickstravel.com, and find out about upgrades, special amenities, and VIP service for Herricks Travel American Express/Altour customers.

To view this complete article online and read my previous articles, use this link: uniquefamilytraveler.com.

Become a SUBSCRIBER and receive all of my latest articles right to your inbox: look for the “subscribe to this blog by email” box and then respond to the follow-up email.

For more information on my trip planning services, please click HERE.

Herricks Travel American Express/Altour

Headphoto courtesy of Rana Swalha

Top Twelve Reasons to use a Travel Agent
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Top Twelve Reasons to use a Travel Agent

Travel is an investment of your time, your money, and your dreams.  Don’t leave any of it to chance…

1.  Travel agents are there to help you before, during, and after your journey, and look forward to forging a LIFELONG relationship with you and your family.

2.  Travel agents are REAL people who are accessible in real life.

3.  Travel agents provide you with PEACE OF MIND while you are away, especially during times of emergency or unforeseen travel disruptions. They are able to provide quick turnaround for adjustments to your travel schedules and can efficiently process cancellations if necessary.

4.  Travel agents cut through the clutter and misinformation spread on the internet.

5.  Travel agents read, understand, and alert you to the fine print especially with cancellation and travel disruption policies.

6.  Travel agents are GLOBALLY CONNECTED to people, guides, tours, drivers, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and airlines around the world. They are on the front lines for access to accurate and complete information from airlines, cruises, and hotels.

7.  Travel agents have access to EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS like upgrades, VIP status, and special amenities.

8.  Travel agents use the HUMAN TOUCH to design personalized experiences for each unique traveler and create itineraries that match your specific needs.

9.  Travel agents study hard to become SPECIALISTS and can connect you to local culture and new experiences creating transformative travel.

10.  Travel agents make your dollars travel further.

11.  Travel agents are travel EXPERTS and are especially qualified in assembling multi-destination and multi-generational travel.

12.  Travel agents are passionate travelers first and foremost, and will apply that passion to your TRAVEL DREAMS!

Need help putting together your bucket-list trip, dream vacation, or winter escape? Email me: mollie@herrickstravel.com, and find out about upgrades, special amenities, and VIP service for Herricks Travel American Express/Altour customers.

 

 

SMART PHONE SUBSCRIBERS: to view this complete article online and read my previous articles, use this link: uniquefamilytraveler.com.

To become a SUBSCRIBER and receive all of my latest articles right to your inbox, look for the “subscribe to this blog by email” box and then respond to the follow-up email.

For more information on my trip planning services, please click here.

Herricks Travel American Express/Altour