You can find all your favorites in the menu
Ritz-Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert

Ritz-Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert

Ras Al Khaimah, The UAE

Ritz-Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert

Jump to:

Surrounded by a vast protected nature reserve, the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), Al Wadi Desert offers a resort of exceptional private villas within an unspoilt desert oasis. Taking design inspiration from the Bedouin, the resort’s muted hues blend seamlessly into the sands while the decor sings with ornate Arab craftsmanship. Artfully strewn drapes, intricate latticed wooden screens, and curated collections of traditional lanterns set the tone inside. Outside, winding stone pathways meander past the individual villas and lead out into the dunes. You have a choice between six different styles of villa, each with its own private plunge pool and sweeping desert views.

The resort is rooted in its relationship with the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, offering plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the desert landscape and wildlife. By day, you can explore its biodiversity on a guided nature walk, take archery lessons, watch falconry displays, or head into the dunes on desert bikes, Arabian horses, or camels. By night, guided stargazing sessions harness age-old navigation skills to explore the cosmos. The hotel’s eight different restaurants, including the renowned Farmhouse by Syrco, allow for an in-depth culinary journey, while exhaustive kids’ club activities and extensive spa facilities aid deep relaxation.

OUR OPINION:

There’s something special about being deep in the desert but still having all the comforts of a luxury resort — it’s the perfect mix for anyone who wants a wild, nature-filled escape without missing out on indulgence.

OUR RATING: Deluxe

Speak to someone
who's been there
Audley Travel Specialist Niall

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our UAE specialists

Photos of Ritz-Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert

Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah

Rooms

The hotel boasts an array of exclusive villas dotted across its estate, each featuring a private pool and expansive desert views. The villas vary in design from the Al Rimal Pool Villas, which are traditional brick structures adorned with rich Arab fabrics and earthy tones, to the tented-roof options of the Al Khaimah, Al Sahari, and Al Sarab Pool Villas, which evoke the nomadic atmosphere of traditional Bedouin settlements. The hotel’s collection of two-bedroom Signature Villas is its most elevated offering, with generous living spaces, an extended pool terrace, and a private butler service.

Location

Cradled in the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, the Ritz-Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert lies surrounded by golden sand dunes that stretch in every direction, peppered with ghaf trees, acacias, and desert grasses. The reserve is home to Arabian gazelles, oryx, desert foxes, and a variety of bird species. The hotel is one hour’s drive from Dubai, and 20 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

Food and drink

  • Eight different dining options scattered across the resort.
  • Each restaurant boasts a specific cuisine focus, with Middle Eastern, Indian, Moroccan, and international dishes all on offer.
  • Farmhouse by Syrco is a farm-to-table conscious dining experience using locally sourced ingredients.
  • In-villa dining available 24 hours a day.
  • Tailored private dining available in various locations across the resort on request.

Families

  • Ritz Kids Club open daily from 9am to 6pm, catering to children aged 4-12.
  • Ritz Kids Rangers Program tailored for older children up to 15 years, focusing on environmental awareness and cultural appreciation.
  • Outdoor play areas.
  • Babysitting services.
  • Family wildlife experiences including pony rides, mini falconry, animal tracking, bird watching, and nature walks.
  • Kids’ menus and buffets available accommodating dietary preferences.

Facilities and activities

  • Extensive Ritz-Carlton Spa offering luxuriant therapies and a Rainforest Hydrotherapy experience.
  • Temperature-controlled outdoor pool, including a separate children’s pool.
  • Equestrian Center and riding school.
  • Falconry and owl interaction hub.
  • Nature reserve with observation areas.
  • Fully equipped gym.
  • Yoga sessions.
  • Camel and horse riding treks.
  • Guided nature walks and birdwatching.
  • Animal tracking.
  • Stargazing experiences.
  • Archery sessions.
  • Dune fat biking.

Accessibility

  • Accessible guest rooms with adapted baths and roll-in showers.
  • Wheelchair-friendly pathways linking all hotel facilities.
  • Disability-friendly pool access.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Traditional dhow cruise around Oman’s Musandam Peninsula
      Jebel al Harim, Musandam Peninsula

      Traditional dhow cruise around Oman’s Musandam Peninsula

      Traditional dhow cruise around Oman’s Musandam Peninsula

      After a scenic drive north to Oman, you’ll board a traditional wooden dhow and cruise the fjords and islands of the Musandam Peninsula, where the mountainous coastline meets the crystalline waters of the Arabian Sea.

      View details

    Ras Al Khaimah and nearby places