This newfound vacation has left us all with very little time to plan any kind of staycation! And now, with the scare of Corona, hotels are probably not the best places to go. But what about deserts? Many people believe the fresh, unpolluted, and clean air of the desert is the perfect environment to stay in. So why not stay safe, and make a vacation out of it? Check out some of the best desert staycations in the UAE, where you can enjoy and stay safe!
We’ve rounded up a list below are the top 10 desert staycations in the UAE!
1. Barracuda Beach Resort, Umm Al Quwain
Located just 60km from Dubai on the edge of the Umm Al Quwain lagoon, the resort is the perfect spot for a weekend away to relax and recharge whilst still having fun. The resort has everything you need for an unforgettable stay, including contemporary villas and suites, multicuisine restaurants and facilities every family member will enjoy, regardless of age.
Stay in a Superior Waterfront Villa, which boasts a private balcony or opt for a King, Two, One or Studio suites facing the majestic infinity pool. As for the food, guests can tuck in Continental, Mediterranean or Indian cuisine or pull up a chair and join the table at Thunder Road Pizza and Grill Italian Restaurant. Whatever be your choice, there’s something on the menu for every family member.
Location – Umm Al Quwain
Prices – Starting at AED 275
Contact – 06 768 1555
Also read: Swim With The Horses At JA The Resort In Jebel Ali, Dubai
2. Al Maha Desert Resort, Dubai
Another one of a desert resort, Al Maha, offers some of the best facilities out there. Styled in some good old Beduin luxury, the hotel provides 42 standalone suits with private pools as well as access to a heated infinity pool and retreating spas. If you are looking for a romantic staycation in Dubai, away from the city, Al Maha’s luxury hotel is perfect. It’s guest only exclusivity adds to the privacy and serves for an ideal outing amidst the palm groves and desert canopies. The resort also has a host of in-house activities including falconry displays and night-time wildlife drives.
The resort is running a Welcome Back promotion, which includes all meals, two activities and AED 400 back in resort credit.
Location –Murqquab, Dubai
Cost: Starting AED 3600
Contact: 04 832 9900
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3. Longreach Campground, Ras Al Khaimah
Fancy camping in luxury under the stars and by the shoreline? Long Beach Campground at Ras Al Khaimah makes all those glamping (glamorous camping) fantasies come true. Bin Majid Hotels and Resorts offers four different camping options: deluxe tents, family tents, prism balcony tents, safari suite tents and panoramic dome suite tents. Each of the tents are made of material that will cater to Gulf’s extreme climate. The tents boast comfortable bedding, outdoor seating, private bath, along with stunning views of the beach.
As for the activities, there’s a lot you can pick from. Play beach games, hone your creative skills at the various art workshops, go kayaking, fly kites or challenge your friends at the floating aqua park. As the sun sets, head over to the swim-up bar or chill beside a bonfire, amidst the stunning backdrop. The bar serves quirky cocktails and also has an outdoor dining area where the chef cooks up a lip-smacking BBQ dinner with live cooking stations. The camp also has a Floating theatre, docked right in the middle of the sea.
Location – Ras Al Khaimah
Prices – Starting at AED 599
Contact – 800 5700
Also read: Enjoy An Instagrammable Floating Breakfast At The Al Maha Desert Resort Dubai
4. Telal Resort, Al Ain
Intrigued by the Bedouin way of living? You can try it out at the Telal Resort in Al Ain. The resort is nestled in Al Ain’s Remah desert, and is surrounded by a natural oasis. As for the stay options, you can pick from rooms, suites or tented villas, each with a private pool, garden or a terrace. The room interiors feature beautiful arabesque decor, and the food offered is traditional Emirati cuisine. You can also enjoy a range of fun activities including zip line, table tennis, archery, and sand boarding. The resort is also home to gazelles, oryx, houbara, swans and more.
Location – Al Ain
Prices – Starting at AED 363
Contact – 03 703 0000
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Also read: Pictures: Rains Transform UAE Desert Into Lush Green Patches
5. Mysk Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah
Located about an. hour from Sharjah, the Mysk Al Badayer Retreat draws inspiration from an Arabian castle. Head here if you want to experience true Emirati hospitality, and stay in rooms the boast traditional artefacts and Arabian design touches. As for the food options, guests can choose from two restaurants. You can also opt to dine in-suite, by the private indoor pool. In addition, the resort also has other activities including a dune-filled playground, including sand boarding, desert safaris and dune bashing. At night, the stargazing opportunities here are something truly special.
Location – Sharjah
Prices – Starting at AED 390
Contact – 06 556 0777
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6. Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara, Abu Dhabi
Ranked the most instagrammable hotel in the world by Luxury Travel Advisor, this is a place all the youngsters have to visit! The luxurious hotel is nestled in a secluded desert oasis. Rejuvenate in a lavish villa, overlooking gorgeous, endless sand dunes, take a dip in the private pool, stroll in the secluded courtyard, and soak in the beautiful views of the Liwa desert. When here, don’t forget to indulge in some fun desert activities, and check out the library, saturated with books on wildlife and desert explorers.
Location – Abu Dhabi
Prices – Starting at AED 900 onwards
Contact – 02 886 2088
7. Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
Voted the leading resort in Ras Al Khaimah at the World Travel Awards 2019, the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah doesn’t disappoint. The luxurious hotel offers stunning rooms with modern amenities as well as easy access to beaches, desert and mountains. Guests can unwind as they enjoy attentive service, ten stylish restaurants and lounges, and elegant rooms with breathtaking views of the Arabian shoreline.
Location: Vienna St – Al Hamra Village – Ras al Khaimah
Price: From AED 1,409 per room per night
Contact: 07 203 5555
8. The Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
The Ritz Carlton has 101 villas spread across the Al Wadi Nature reserve. The resort makes a great place for those seeking an Arabian inspired getaway. The property is filled with sand dunes, free-roaming wildlife, and polished interiors, letting you enjoy the bedouin style of living, with the comfort of modern hotel rooms. All the rooms have windows reaching from the ceiling to the floor, which means you can really take in the tranquil views. You can also engage in fun activities in the desert, and dine at any one of the four tasty restaurants.
Each of the tented villas are spacious and come with private swimming pools and sundeck cabana. As for the in-house activities, there’s horse riding, wildlife walks, as well as a fully-equipped children’s club.
Location – Ras Al Khaimah
Prices – Starting at AED 2883
Contact – 07 206 7777
9. Desert Island Resort & Spa by Anantara
Are you in the mood for some sandy desert experience? Or do you want to run away to a secluded beach overlooking the majestic ocean? At this property by Anantara, you can do both. Enjoy the splendid oasis, as well as enjoy meetups with the wildlife here. Located in Bani Yas Island, this resort and spa are a complete experience that recharges you and serves you the perfect family getaway with something for all.
Location: Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Price: Starts at AED 1445
Contact: 02 801 5400
10. Bab Al Shams
Just a 30 minute drive from the city, this desert haven is the perfect hideout vacation spot. There are two storey villas available for big groups and families. The rooms are the epitome of luxury, and has amazing views of the magnificent sand dunes. This is a great place to spend this vacation.
Location – Al Qudra Road, Dubai
Prices – Starting at AED 1,100
Contact – 04 381 3231
Also read: Did You Know There’s A Giant Hand In The Middle Of The Desert In Chile?