Located 90 minutes from Dubai and nestled amongst desert dunes Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa offers a picturesque and relaxing location far from the hustle and bustle of the capital.
We were welcomed by the friendly staff, who quickly checked us in and explained the multitude of activities and facilities available at the resort. These include desert-inspired experiences such as horse riding, dune bashing, nature walks and bonfires, all in keeping with the unique desert location. If relaxation is more your thing, there is a stunning Spa complete with its own snow room!
Sleep
We navigated through the village-like resort via walkways and meandering water features to arrive at our room. It was a welcome surprise to find a cosy but comfortable room inspired by traditional Emirate heritage. The room featured big wooden doors and a large private terrace overlooking the resort. Inside the delightful bathroom were small alcoves, with one housing a bountiful rainfall shower, which has to be one of our favourite showers we’ve seen in a hotel.
Complete with traditional decor and finishings, Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, has a lovely homely finish and was not over the top like many other resorts in the region. The resort perfectly blends into its desert location, providing the perfect balance between luxury and nature.
Dine
One thing to remember when you’re visiting resorts in the middle of the desert is that dining options can be limited. Thankfully those at Al Wathba didn’t disappoint.
Dinner was in Terra Secca on the private terrace, which overlooked a patch of green among the desert sand and a place where Arabian Horses roam free. Options on the menu included pasta, grills and the famous pizza’s straight from a traditional wood-fired pizza oven, resulting in a truly memorable dinner.
We enjoyed relaxing at the beautiful palm-flanked pool with its swim-up bar. But we were most surprised about the food options at the poolside hotspot, Panache. Expect a casual meal with an array of bites and drinks and a menu that is full of surprises, including one of the most extensive vegan options we’ve seen in the UAE. We surrendered, gave them a try, and found the food to arrive promptly. Our favourites were the generously portioned vegan burger that tasted better than many regular burgers we’ve had and the cauliflower buffalo bites, which would be an excellent replacement for chicken wings if you were going vegan. Honestly – they were that good!
It was nice to see a menu that genuinely caters for vegetarians and vegans that isn’t just one or two dishes thrown in as an afterthought. For those looking to try something cleaner, this menu helped and we felt far less guilt when heading back to the pool.
Relax
We ticked off two of the experiences available at the resort during our one night stay. First up was the early morning horse riding, catering to both beginners and advanced riders. The guide was amiable and gave great insights into the local area, including the desert flora and fauna, surrounding palaces, and the resort’s history.
The second experience was the dune bashing. After a short ten minute drive from the hotel lobby, we were amongst the dunes. We began on the smaller dunes to get familiar with the control of the buggy and then ventured to the steeper dunes. The heat was still intense, so water is essential for this experience, as the dune bashing can make you feel a little lightheaded. For thrill-seekers, the experience is a must!
With 103 guest rooms and villas that feature timeless local details, traditional artwork, and Arabesque accessories, alongside a range of dining destinations showcasing the dunes, Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, offers an ideal city escape in the heart of the desert.
DSCVR: Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Al Wathba South, Abu Dhabi (02 204 4444). @alwathbahotel
