Inspired by the traditional mud-brick houses of the desert and designed to feel like a Bedouin village, Al Wathba Resort & Spa offers a tranquil, sophisticated retreat surrounded by the Arabian Desert. The estate blends seamlessly into the surrounding sands with views over the expansive hinterland and far-reaching horizon around every corner.
Externally, its sand-toned buildings are linked by stone pathways adorned with terracotta urns and atmospheric lanterns, while a multitude of palms, desert grasses, and shrubs offer dappled shade. The hotel’s outdoor pool, carved in stone, provides an aquamarine focal point, set centrally among the neutral palette of the buildings.
Inside, the guest rooms are serene sanctuaries of muted tones, wooden furniture, and perfectly framed desert views. The hotel’s five restaurants all overlook the wilderness, while the swim-up pool bar and rooftop terrace offer plenty of opportunities to unwind with a cocktail.
A stay here gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the heritage of the Bedouin people, with falconry displays, camel or horse treks into the desert, and archery lessons. Alongside this, a focus on relaxation makes the hotel a top choice for those seeking extensive spa options.
Al Wathba immerses you in the magic of the desert. Riding an Arabian horse across sands ablaze with the sunset then unwinding with rooftop cocktails under a star-filled sky was a sublime blend of adventure and indulgence.
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Photos of Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Rooms
The rooms at Al Wathba all feature a neutral decor accented by wooden furniture, echoing the surrounding desert. Woven rugs, Arab artwork, and intricately carved wooden screens add a traditional note to the design. Every room has an en suite bathroom and private sitting area, with views stretching out across either the desert or the hotel’s central pool.
Options range from superior or deluxe rooms to one- or two-bedroom suites, some of which have a private pool or Jacuzzi. Standalone villas offer up to three bedrooms and all have private pools, with the three-bedroom Royal Villa claiming to be the ultimate desert hideaway.
Location
Only an hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi, Al Wathba Resort & Spa is a tranquil Arabian Desert retreat that feels a world away from the bustling city. The time-worn, wind-sculpted Al Wathba Fossil Dunes and the thousands of migratory flamingoes of the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve are both within an hour’s drive.
Food and drink
- Six dining venues offer menus from a variety of global cuisines.
- Breakfast served daily at Bait Al Hanine, which also offers all-day dining.
- Cocktails and Middle Eastern cuisine are served on the rooftop’s Al Mabeet.
- Swim-up bar serving all-day drinks at Panache.
- Terra Secca serves Mediterranean food beside the horse paddock.
- Dinner options include Levantine, Italian, and Asian-fusion influences.
- Extensive room service menu available 24 hours a day.
Families
- Children welcome and well-catered for.
- Family room options.
- Nojoomi Kids’ Club provides interactive activities, including desert pony rides and stargazing.
- Separate children’s pool offers a safe, shallower swimming environment.
- Bait al Hanine and Hayaakom restaurants offer children’s menus.
- On-site horse stables with children’s riding lessons available.
- Archery, camel riding (age 6+), and desert walks available.
- Desert Waves surf simulator available.
Honeymooners
- A “desert romance” package is curated specifically for honeymooners.
- Private villas with pools provide ultimate romantic seclusion.
- Floating breakfasts offered in private pools.
- In-villa BBQ dinners cooked by a private chef.
- Saray Spa offers couple’s treatments.
- Al Mesayan provides a romantic setting for rooftop cocktails overlooking desert sunsets.
Facilities and activities
- Saray Spa with treatment rooms, a snow cave, steam rooms, and a salt room.
- Fully equipped gym.
- Two outdoor swimming pools and a surf simulator wave pool.
- Yoga and fitness classes.
- Desert adventures, including horse riding, camel rides, archery, and evening desert walks.
- Cultural experiences with falcon shows, Arabian horse stable visits, and Bedouin-style dining.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible rooms available.
- On-site parking is accessible.
- Elevators throughout the property.
- Accessible entrance to on-site pool and restaurants.