Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates Al Wadi Desert
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
Tented desert lodge
Al Wadi Desert Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
The brand
MarriottTented desert lodge
Sandstone pavilions and tented lodges spread across the dunes, where guests share the desert with free-roaming Arabian oryx.
“sleek new villas welcome with minimalist design that lets the terracotta-hued dunes and piercing blue skies shine.”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Private pool villas equipped with dedicated butler service and customized dune dinners.
Exceptional
A 1,235-acre desert reserve where reintroduced Arabian oryx roam free across the dunes.
Remarkable
A sixteen-station Rainforest hydrothermal circuit and body treatments on heated quartz-sand beds.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Gold List
Condé Nast Traveler
2026
comprised of 101 private pool-villas set on a spectacular 250-acre nature reserve, The Ritz Ras Al Khaimah is more like 101 individual oases…
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Terracotta dunes and ghaf trees surround the property, with desert trails for horseback rides and fat-tire cycling.
The rooms
Canopied ceilings and carved mashrabiya dress the tented villas, and every one opens onto a private pool deck.
The villa pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Private temperature-controlled pools look straight across the sand, where gazelles often graze beneath ghaf trees.
The spa
Treatment suites look out over the sand through tall windows, with deep soaking tubs and local herbal wraps.
Hydrotherapy and gym
The 16-station Rainforest circuit centers on a stone vitality pool with hydro-jets, and the fitness room faces a private courtyard.
Restaurant
Kaheela
Under an ornate bronze chandelier or out on the pergola terrace, Kaheela serves Middle Eastern mezze and tandoori dishes.
Inspired by traditional Arabian architecture, the resort's 109 sand-hued private villas are thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the surrounding desert
At the table
Farmhouse serves local Dibba Bay oysters beneath high timber ceilings, and Moon Bar pours sunset drinks beside rooftop firepits.
How it began
The lodge opened in 2010 beside the newly established Al Wadi Nature Reserve, created to protect the endangered Arabian oryx.
Good to know
Stay here
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
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Ras Al Khaimah
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.