Ras Al Khaimah’s dunes have their own quiet magic, and The Ritz-Carlton, Al Wadi Desert makes sure you feel every bit of it. We’re talking villas tucked into the sand, wild gazelles trotting past your pool, and a butler team that operates like wish-granting genies. It’s not just a stay, it’s the desert at its dreamiest.
Check in: 10/10
Arrivals are seamless. Early check-in? They’ve got you. While your villa is being polished, you’re invited to settle into a restaurant, sip something cold, and pretend the real world doesn’t exist. There’s no rush here because the desert runs on its own clock. And we love it.
Rooms: 10/10
The Al Sarab Tented Villa is the one to book if you’re after privacy and space. It’s huge, with a pool that feels more lagoon than plunge. At sunrise, you’ll catch oryx wandering close; by sunset, gazelles graze right outside. A personal butler is always on call, making last-minute plans or unexpected whims happen effortlessly. It’s the kind of place where you can go fully off-grid without ever lifting a finger.
Dining: 10/10
Food here is an itinerary of its own. Gobi, the newest restaurant, is already a star: a Pan-Asian adventure inspired by the five Chinese elements (don’t miss the lobster and noodles). Farmhouse by Syrco takes a sustainable, hyper-local approach, serving dishes that feel indulgent but thoughtful. And then there’s Kaheela, the heart of the mornings: endless breakfast spreads, à la carte options, and a DIY Bloody Mary bar that’s worth setting the alarm for. On cooler evenings, order in-villa dining and eat by your private pool under desert skies.
Experiences: 10/10
Adventure runs deep here. The desert is your playground: horse riding at dawn, falconry shows that bring Bedouin culture alive, desert biking across rippling dunes, archery, stargazing, and more. The spa is another world entirely. The Rainforest ritual combines 16 hydrotherapy stations, from warm pools to an actual ice igloo, ending with loungers made for post-treatment naps. It’s indulgence with a therapeutic twist, and it feels especially surreal in the middle of the desert.
Check out: 10/10
As smooth as check-in, you’re done in minutes. Almost too fast. Because leaving behind gazelles at your doorstep, desert stars overhead, and the quiet rhythm of the dunes isn’t easy. The Ritz-Carlton, Al Wadi Desert has a way of pulling you in, and you’ll be plotting your return before you even hit the highway.
Takeaway
What you take home from The Ritz-Carlton, Al Wadi Desert isn’t just the memory of private pools or falcons at dusk. It’s the rare feeling of being unhurried, unbothered, and completely held by the quiet majesty of the landscape.
Images: @currentmoodmag.prive @currentmoodmag.travel
Doubles for the Al Sarab Desert View Pool, Villa from: INR 1,11,000 per night onwards.