The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert sits in a protected desert reserve just north of Dubai, a world away from the city glass and steel. This is a resort built around stillness and open space, where Bedouin-inspired tented villas are scattered across the landscape with their own private pools and decks overlooking the dunes. The design is understated and respectful of its surroundings, and the effect is genuinely tranquil.

Dining here leans into the setting with a farm-to-table restaurant called The Farmhouse, alongside all-day dining at Kaheela, a relaxed Moorish lounge, and the open-sky Moon Bar for evening drinks under the stars. The resort is unusually active for a desert property, offering archery, biking, guided nature drives, bird watching and stargazing. There is also an equestrian centre, a full spa, a 24-hour fitness centre, and a Ritz Kids programme that gets younger guests involved with the natural environment.

Each villa category from Al Khaimah to Al Rimal offers something slightly different, but all share the tented aesthetic, the private pool, and those floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the desert beautifully. This is a place that suits couples looking for a romantic retreat, and families who want something more adventurous than a standard beach holiday.

For anyone wanting to experience the Arabian desert in genuine comfort, without the formality of a city hotel, this is a compelling choice. The Ritz-Carlton service is polished, the setting is remarkable, and the activities programme gives the whole experience a sense of purpose.