Whether your holiday preference is for quietness and solitude, getting close to nature or adventurous outdoor experiences, these five-star desert resorts in the Middle East have it all, as well as luxurious modern design that represents the last word in comfort. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect from each – your only dilemma will be which one to choose.
Saudi Arabia’s AlUla region has been billed as the world’s largest living museum, with its ancient heritage sites and wealth of contemporary art displays. Banyan Tree is the ideal base from which to explore, with its 79 tented villas (inspired by nomadic Nabataean dwellings), infinity rock pool and views of the Ashar Valley’s stunning rock formations. The Banyan Tree Spa offers outdoor treatments, and there are also adventure excursions to discover the landscape and local cuisine.
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Its sandy-hued, Modernist façade almost disappearing into the landscape amid a forest of palm trees, Bab Al Shams is a rural haven just 45 minutes from downtown Dubai. Rooms are elegantly decorated in warm neutral hues, but the best experiences are to be had outdoors, whether that means wandering the secluded courtyard gardens, open-air dining experiences under the stars, camel treks, hot-air balloon rides, or nature tours where you’ll encounter gazelles and wild birds.
From historic buildings reimagined as luxury hotels to off-grid adventures and desert resorts in the Middle East, Morocco offers one-of-a-kind experiences. And if retreating to the dunes bordering the Atlas Mountains sounds like heaven, head to the relaxed Caravan by Agafay in the Agafay desert. It’s distinguished by its Berber-style tents and lodges, furnished in authentic style with vibrant local textiles, hand-crafted wooden details and eco bathrooms. Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine at the Olivar restaurant, plus an array of outdoorsy experiences, including Moroccan tea ceremonies at sunset, visits to Berber homes, performances by local musicians and cooking masterclasses.
For sheer drama, Alila Jabal Akhdar can’t be beaten. Its breathtaking clifftop location overlooking the Al Hajar Mountains is equalled by its elegant, sustainably crafted architecture, inspired by Oman’s ancient forts. Rooms take advantage of the views and are subtly decorated with murals of trailing leaves. The resort is ideal for nature lovers: in the Mediterranean-like climate, roses and fruit trees grow in abundance, while hikes, cave trips and butterfly trails are among the experiences to try.
Set in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha is only 45 minutes outside the city but a must for those craving sanctuary. Its tented villas, decorated in creamy hues with local antiques, are spaced discreetly apart for quietness and privacy. They also boast plunge pools for relaxing with a view of the desert plains. At cooler times of day, enjoy chauffeured wildlife drives and lessons in the ancient Middle Eastern arts of falconry and archery.
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