Al Wadi Desert, A Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel

Write your own Arabian fairytale in the desert

Beyond the highways and skyscrapers of Dubai, nestled inside the tree-scattered desert of Ras Al Khaimah; Al Wadi Desert, A Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel is a peaceful Arabian-style retreat in the sand. Made up of luxurious villas — each wonderfully-appointed and with private pools — the resort has an award-winning spa with an excellent hydrotherapy facility called The Rainforest, and exceptional dining opportunities like the Thai restaurant Safran, and Al Waha overlooking a natural watering hole. The wildlife rich surroundings are home to Gazelle and Oryx, while the onsite falconry centre has many feathered residents. Couples will love private dining on the tower and candlelit shisha on the rooftop bar while families will appreciate the kids' club. The Experience Concierge team is at hand, offering a great service to personalise extraordinary programmes to make sure you have a truly unforgettable desert getaway. 

Hayes & Jarvis Rating
Information about hotel ratings
Average: 5 (1 vote)
Hotel Category
Luxury
Location Type
Away from it all
Recommended For
Family Friendly
TripAdvisor Review
Tripadvisor rating 474 Reviews
a herd of giraffe walking across a dry grass field

Hotel highlights

  • All-villa resort in the desert\
  • all with private pools
  • Falconry centre with daily shows and interactions
  • Special private dining experiences on the watchtower
  • Award-winning spa with superb hydrotherapy facilities

Hotel Gallery

Hotel Features

General Information

  • Check-in Time:
    15:00
  • Check-out Time:
    12:00
  • 101 rooms
  • Transfer duration: Approx. 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport

Main Facilities

  • Fitness facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Spa facilities
  • Wifi

Accommodation Type

  • Boutique
  • Glamping
  • H&J Recommended
  • Hidden gem
  • Luxury Collection
  • Private villas

Board Basis Options

  • Full Board
  • Half Board
  • Bed & Breakfast

For Families

  • Kid's Club

Hotel Location

Location Highlights

Al Wadi Desert, A Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel

  • Away from it all
  • Approx. 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport
  • Spectacular desert views
  • Spread out resort
474 Reviews 80% of travellers recommended this hotel

Traveller ratings

  • Excellent 329
  • Very Good 65
  • Average 37
  • Poor 22
  • Terrible 22

What to Expect

  • Location
  • Sleep Quality
  • Rooms
  • Service
  • Value
  • Cleanliness

Reviews

Dec 04, 2019

Fabulous

Scotland

We stayed 3 nights at the end of November. I can hardly find a fault in the hotel at all. Our pool villa was huge and so lovely with a beautiful private pool, photos on the website don’t do it justice. Staff are unfailingly polite and friendly. We were half board and ate in all the restaurants and had room service, the quality and service were excellent. Just wish we could have stayed longer, loved it!
Dec 04, 2019

Exquisite staycation out of Dubai

Washington DC, District of Columbia

We had a simply amazing time at the RAK Ritz in the desert. Our tented villa was sublime and the whole experience from the bike riding, to dirnks and shisha at the moonbar, to lounging in the pool was just fantastic. Special shoutout to Lamia, who made our stay incredibly special and who went above and beyond for us. Thanks for making the trip so wonderful for us!
View all
Al Wadi Desert, A Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel

Facilities

Falconry

Falconry Centre

Enjoy an afternoon Falconry show followed by a nature walk with owl interaction.

Horse and Camel Riding

Enjoy a camel ride on the desert dunes as the sun begins to set for a traditional Arabian experience. Set out in the lateafternoon and meander through charming valleys, which span over 500 hectares before enjoying a sundowner at the base of the dune while the sun sets. If you love horses don't miss a visit to the Equestrian Centre, which is home to over 30 horses and camels. Experienced stable staff will take you on a journey around the stables and tell you more about the resident horses.

a close up of a hard wood floor next to a window

Fitness Centre

Fully equipped fitness centre is available along with an aerobics and a yoga studio.

a group of people standing next to a tree

Archery Range

Why not start a new hobby and try your hand at Archery. Private and night sessions are available on a request basis.

a person riding a bike down a dirt road

Bicycles

Enjoy complimentary bicycles to explore the desert surroundings. You can even park your bike outside your villa so you can come and go as you please. Guided rides are available on request.

a hotel room

Al Wadi Spa

Al Wadi Spa offers locally sourcedherbs and spices, expert therapists and recuperative hydrotherapy facilities to provide guests with an unforgettable spa experience.

Al Wadi Desert, A Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel

Room Types

More images

Al Rimal Pool Villa

Complementing the desert landscape, these Arabian mud-brick villas are furnished inside with stylish flourishes, warm hues, and modern conveniences. There is a terrace with private plunge pool and a spacious bathroom with shower and bath.Bicycles are parked outside every villa so you can get to the spa, the restaurants and the bars in no time at all — or just call for a golf buggy to pick you up.

Show room facilities
  • Air Conditioning
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Minibar
  • Private Pool
  • Safe
  • Satellite/Cable TV
  • Separate Shower
  • Telephone
  • Towels included
More images

Al Sahari Tented Pool Villa

The Al Sahari Tented Pool Villa is perched away from the rest of the resort and creates a sanctuary of exclusivity and luxury that you'll really appreciate. Similar in design to the Al Khaimah Villa — with its silk draped bathroom and bedroom, spacious deck with private pool — it affords you the additional benefit of a dedicated villa host to assist you with booking activities, private dining and more. Additionally, you'll get a daily 60 minute Rainforest experience in the spa, a 30 minute head and shoulder massage per stay for two, and daily in-villa evening cocktails and canapés, a daily in-villa breakfast, and fruit platters.

Show room facilities
  • Air Conditioning
  • Bath
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Minibar
  • Private Pool
  • Safe
  • Satellite/Cable TV
  • Separate Shower
  • Telephone
  • Towels included
More images

Al Khaimah Tented Pool Villa

These private tented villas exude luxury and Arabian mystique. They are made up of two separate wings draped in silk fabrics — one the bedroom with a king-sized bed and living space, and the other a large bathroom with central freestanding bathtub and rain shower. On the spacious deck is a large plunge pool overlooking the dunes, with a daybed for ultimate relaxation.

Show room facilities
  • Air Conditioning
  • Bath
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Minibar
  • Private Pool
  • Safe
  • Satellite/Cable TV
  • Separate Shower
  • Telephone
  • Towels included

VILLA TENTED-AL KHAIMAH-POOL-VILLA

VILLA AL RIMAL-DELUXE-POOL-VILLA

VILLA TENTED-POOL-VILLA

Al Wadi Desert, A Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel

Food & Drink

Safran

Safran is a signature restaurant offering contemporary Thai and Southeast Asian delicacies.

Al Waha

This restaurant offers both popular international and local cuisine.

Destination Dining

For a truly unforgettable experience embark on a dining journey like never before. The Tower: Enjoy private dining at the top of the watchtower where you will have views of the desert and your own dedicated chef. Desert Dining: Perfect for couples, families and groups. For those seeking a true desert experience, enjoy this customised desert experience with a traditional setting and a selection of menus ranging from light picnics to a seafood feast. Picnic Hamper: For an evening under the stars, head off into the sand dunes where you will be greeted with your own waiter and picnic hamper.

Moon Bar

This romantic Arabianroof top terrace lounge is exquistely designed overlooking the dessertscape and endless sand dunes. Relax on thespacious daybeds while admiring a wild desert sunset.

Samar Lounge

For fine wines and signature cocktails visit Samar Lounge. This double storey cove is a great place to relax on an evening.

Board Basis Options

Bed & Breakfast

Breakfast in the all day dining restaurant Al Waha. Service charges may apply.

Half Board

Breakfast in the all day dining restaurant Al Waha. Lunch at Al Waha or dinner at either Al Waha or Safran. Service charges may apply.

Full Board

Breakfast in the all day dining restaurant Al Waha. Lunch at Al Waha and dinner at either Al Waha or Safran. Service charges may apply.

Al Wadi Desert, A Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel

Family Friendly Facilities

Ritz Kids' Club

Guests aged 4 years and older can enjoy adventure, exploration and education at the Ritz Kid's Club,learning all about the natural wonders and cultural traditions Ras Al Khaimah has to offer. Activities include camel riding, bird watching and a unique opportunity to care for injured animals before they are released back to the wild. Restrictions: Activities offered with an additional fee include: Kids archery, Mini falconry and owl interaction, pony rides and bedtime stories under the stars.

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