Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi

The Saray Spa was heavenly, and the resort itself is beautiful from every angle. It’s fun to walk around and see how the building looks from different places. The pool is huge, with a wave pool too, and there’s an archery board for activities. The concierge may be able to arrange even more. At breakfast, the staff surprised me with a complimentary cake saying “thank you for staying with us.” Such a cute touch. I loved everything about this hotel.

We’re staying here for the Lyrid meteor shower and have been loving it. The calm atmosphere, beautiful room, and soft bed and pillows made it easy to settle in. Staff have been warm throughout, and the buggy service is quick. We also had a lovely dinner at Al Mesayan restaurant, while the pool was equally effortless thanks to staff who were happy to go the extra mile. It’s quieter than usual because of the current regional situation, but as a UAE resident and Bonvoy member, I’m glad to support special places like this and the team behind them. I was also delighted to find Byredo amenities in the room, which I’ve always loved personally. The one downside was the mosquitoes. The resort presumably does try to control pests, but mozzies are part of the territory, so I’d bring patches or repellent just in case. Highly recommended for anyone in Abu Dhabi or visiting the UAE, definitely worth experiencing.

The grounds are gorgeous, the food is incredible, and the pool area is ideal for relaxing. I spent two weeks here with 15 other ladies, and the rooms gave us plenty of space. Mine was very comfortable, and I slept really well the whole time. What stood out most was the staff. Everyone was welcoming, helpful, and genuinely made me feel looked after. Samakshya deserves a special mention for being especially kind and helpful throughout my stay. The hotel is a little out of the way, so a car is useful, but the journey is completely worth it. From arrival to departure, everything felt perfect. I’d happily return and would recommend it for a peaceful, beautiful getaway.

The sunset on horseback was one of the special moments here, and the food was exhilarating. The amenities were excellent and varied enough for all tastes. More than anything, the friendly attitude and extraordinary service made the stay memorable. The restaurant manager went far beyond what was needed to make the whole family comfortable, and the reception team and everyone else were just as welcoming. Every moment felt special. Highly recommended for anyone looking for luxury, fun, and a different kind of experience. We’ll definitely return.