Imagine waking up to golden dunes stretching endlessly before you, the silence of the desert interrupted only by whispers of the wind. Now imagine doing it all without wrestling tricky tent poles or sacrificing a good night’s sleep. Across the Arabian peninsula, a wave of luxury resorts are bridging the gap between camping under the stars and indulging in comfort一offering all the magic of nature with none of the hassle.
From eco-lodges tucked into dramatic landscapes, to lavish hideaways where Bedouin tradition meets five-star luxury, these stays are worthy of a spot on your bucket list.
DISCOVER: Live your "The White Lotus" fantasy at these MICHELIN hotels
Image credit: Caravan by Habitas AlUla
Caravan by Habitas AlUla
Tucked within the cinematic canyons of Saudi Arabia’s AlUla, Caravan by Habitas AlUla redefines the notion of roughing it. Here, gleaming Airstream trailers—22 in total—merge nostalgic Americana with the mystique of Arabia, offering a luxury glamping experience that’s both chic and sustainable. Whether nestled amid date palms in an Oasis Caravan, or gazing out at sandstone cliffs from a Valley Caravan, guests wake up to landscapes that have remained unchanged for millennia. Inside, locally-inspired interiors, air-conditioning and private bathrooms await. Communal gathering spaces encourage serendipitous human connection, while food trucks, fireside talks, and a packed wellness schedule ensure there’s always something to tempt guests beyond their private deck.Plan your trip
Image credit: Mysk Al Faya Retreat - Sharjah Collection
Mysk Al Faya Retreat
Set against the rugged beauty of the Mleiha desert in Sharjah sits a little slice of luxury. A far cry from the opulence of the UAE’s glittering cityscapes (Dubai is less than an hour’s drive away), Mysk Al Faya Retreat is an intimate five-room stay trading excess for exclusivity and inviting guests to slow down and soak in the silence of the sands. Why not book the entire property with a close circle of friends and drift between the earth-inspired luxuries of a saltwater pool, hands-free spa with herbal saunas and tropical showers (better than the real thing, no?). A skylight above each bed also provides the perfect stargazing spot, from under cosy covers.Plan your trip
Image credit: Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s untouched desert, Six Senses Southern Dunes delivers the outstanding service and world-class experience that the Six Senses brand is renowned for. Whilst all rooms are breathtaking (set amongst undulating dunes with the distant Hijaz Mountains on the horizon) book The Sunset Retreat or Reserve rooms to be totally blown away by infinite desert. Much like other Six Senses resorts, solar power fuels your stay, single-use plastics are nowhere to be found, and the vast, unspoiled surroundings remain the star of the show. Guests will not be short of things to do either. The spa spans nearly 4,000 square feet over two floors, and the activity experiences range from fishing tours and cooking classes, to cinema under the stars.Plan your trip
Image credit: Six Senses Southern Dunes, Red Sea
Al Maha Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Dubai is well-known for its extravagance and glamour, but Al Maha offers a different side to indulgence—one rooted in serenity, seclusion, and a beautiful connection to the desert. Set within Dubai’s Desert Conservation Reserve, this eco-luxe retreat swaps skyscrapers for sweeping dunes, infinity pools for private plunge pools, and city noise for the rhythm of nature. Each of its 42 tented villas may nod heavily to Bedouin heritage with regional antiques to boot, but don’t be fooled, this is luxury and impeccable service at its best. The depths of the desert provide all the entertainment guests may seek with camel treks at sunrise, falconry at dusk, or simply watching Arabian oryx wandering past the deck.Plan your trip
Image credit: Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort
Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort
If staying within the biggest stretch of bare sand in the world, the Empty Quarter, doesn’t make it onto your bucket list, we don’t know what will. Situated deep in the vast Liwa Desert of Abu Dhabi, the majestic Qasr al Sarab beckons. Opulence awaits against a backdrop of endless desert as oversized soaking tubs, plush suites, and an infinity pool that seems to spill into the sands is the ultimate temptation for those seeking tranquility from city life. Adventure enthusiasts can traverse the dunes by camel, dine under a starlit sky, or even immerse themselves in a Bedouin-inspired camp night complete with sunset cocktails, storytelling by the bonfire and Middle Eastern breakfast post sunrise ritual.Plan your trip
Image credit: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Dubai residents and regulars have more than likely already experienced the desert magic of Bab Al Shams—one of the city’s original retreats opening in 2004—but its new Desert Pool Villas take the well-loved resort to the next level. Each villa features a private pool, panoramic dune view, and a dedicated villa host who curates a personalized itinerary of desert adventures, from archery and falconry to camel rides and desert stable tours. While Dubai’s skyline soars, Bab Al Shams embraces a quieter kind of luxury, its sandstone buildings blend seamlessly into the dunes. Lavish yet understated rooms open onto tranquil courtyards or endless desert vistas, offering a serene escape where the only soundtrack is the gentle wind.ALSO FEATURED IN: Discover Dubai hotels that put wellness at the forefront
Plan your trip
Illustration image: Six Senses Southern Dunes, Red Sea
