The outdoors basically becomes the only thought running through everyone’s mind the second the thermometer drops a degree. Ours included. And we’re taking everything outdoors this season, dining, fitness, fairs, markets and staycations, too.

But, here’s one of the things the UAE is most excited for – heading out to the desert. Nothing beats the drive to the golden dunes once the cooler weather hits. Throw a staycation into the mix, and you’re pretty much sorted for the season.

Adding to your winter plans, here are 8 of the most spectacular hotels that nail desert staycations.

Desert stays, but make it five stars. The Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa is a hotel inspired by traditional bedouin villages and has got an impressive range of rooms, suites and villas that you can choose from. But your choices don’t just end with the type of accommodation.

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to their activities and amenities range. From traditional Emirati camping experience to horse riding, archery, dune bashing – you name it, they’ve got it. Fancy surfing amidst the desert? Don’t worry, they’ve got your back.

Where: Al Wathba South, Abu Dhabi
Book: marriot.com

One thing about Abu Dhabi is it won’t ever fall short on their expansive list of desert staycation spots. Tucked away on the outskirts of Al Ain in Remah Desert, the Telal Resort where you need to be if you’re looking to get away from the city.

The resort isn’t just a mere replication of traditional Bedouin villages but offers you a glimpse into the heritage and culture the land carries on. Choosing a stay here would mean that your days would be filled with wildlife safaris, camel riding trails, archery ranges and an on-site falconry school.

Where: Remah Desert, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Book: telalresort.mawaridhi.com 

Imagine a watching a golden hued sunset on a horizon with endless waves of soft desert dunes. Set against this spectacular backdrop is Bab Al Najoum Bateen in Liwa, Abu Dhabi. A five-star respite that takes you away from the city without the long, hectic queues of the airport.

And unlike your traditional resorts, this place is the ultimate haven for privacy. You can pick your choice of a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom villa all to yourself, and the best part is each one comes with a private plunge pool.

Where: Tal Murib Road, Mizaira’a, Liwa Oasis, Abu Dhabi
Book: babalnajoum.com

At a glance you might think you’ve been transported to a savannah on the African continent, but no, you are still very much within the borders of Abu Dhabi.

And that’s rather the beauty of it. This isn’t just the place you go to unwind but rather disconnect – so swap the regular doom scrolling schedule for one with sights of the Arabian wildlife. With free-roaming giraffes, cheetahs, and endangered Arabian oryxes, every corner is one filled with wonder and excitement. With Anantara, you have a choice between three distinct properties to choose from: Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort and Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort.

Where: Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Book: anantara.com

Set in the private nature reserve of Wadi Khadeja, The Ritz-Carlton in Ras Al Khaimah is just the ultimate respite that needs to be booked ASAP. Featuring 109 private villas with terraces and pools all amongst the stunning expanse of the sun-drenched Arabian naturescape, the hotel offers each guest a sanctuary of privacy – which means no awkward run-ins with your next door neighbour.

Here your itinerary takes shape around the desert: start your day off with a lesson or two on owls, while your afternoons can be reserved for exploring traditional archery or horseback riding. In between your activities, you might even catch a rare glimpse of the wilderness that roams free.

Where: Wadi Khadeja, Ras Al Khaimah
Book: ritzcarlton.com

Looking for a desert staycation that delivers the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed? Bab Al Shams might just be it. The resort features a stunning terracotta-toned architecture that blends right with the golden sands.

Besides getting a great pic or two for your socials, you are treated to a world of five star amenities and activities that’ll easily lure you away from your screens and deep into the desertscapes. What sets this apart are their guided nomadic nature tours and cycling proximity to the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. But if there is one experience that demands prime positioning on your itinerary, it is taking to the sky for a hot air balloon tour.

Where: Al Qudra Road, opposite Endurance City, Dubai
Book: babalshams.com

Desert staycations in the UAE usually calls for a getaway that offers complete privacy, spectacular views of the rolling dunes and great amenities. All of which you will find at this haven tucked in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, roughly a 45 minute drive away from the city centre.

The Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai is perfectly encapsulates the ancient Bedouin encampments of the region whilst offering completely private luxury suites with a temperature-controlled infinity plunge pool with two complimentary desert activities per day.

Where: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain – Dubai Road, Dubai
Book: marriot.com

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Located right in the midst of a region that holds much of the nation’s history and heritage, the Al Faya Retreat by Sharjah Collection gives you a tranquil space away from all the city buzz.

If desert staycations are something that’s on your agenda to do around the UAE during the cooler months, then make sure to add this one to your list. Transformed from two abandoned 1960s single-storey buildings, it stands as a modernist contrast in an otherwise UNESCO World Heritage desert landscape. More than just offering an array of their signature five-star amenities, the resort is also mere minutes away from the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, for those who are avid enthusiasts of history and culture.

Where: Mleiha Desert, Sharjah
Book: sharjahcollection.ae

Images: Instagram