Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah · United Arab Emirates
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
A hundred-odd private-pool villas inside a nature reserve of red sand and ghaf trees
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Al Wadi Desert occupies a 500-hectare nature reserve in Ras Al Khaimah, about an hour north of Dubai, where red dunes are stitched together by ghaf trees and grazed by Arabian oryx and gazelle. Every one of the 108 units is a standalone tented villa with a private pool and a walled garden, so the property feels far emptier than its room count suggests.
A major refurbishment completed recently added Signature Villas of over 9,000 square feet with dedicated butlers, and brought in a Michelin-starred chef to overhaul the dining. The spa, falconry centre and equestrian stables round out the offering.
Guests get the desert activities, dune drives, archery, guided nature walks, sunrise ballooning over the Hajar foothills, plus beach access at the group's Al Hamra property on the coast. It is the most practical way to combine desert and sea in a single short trip.
At a glance
What to expect
- Private pool villas
- Nature reserve with oryx
- Falconry centre
- Equestrian stables
- Spa
- Hot air ballooning
- Michelin-starred dining
- Beach club access
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