The elegant boutique destination provides endless adrenaline-fueled desert activities and wonderful spa treatments inspired by Bedouin traditions
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa is a distinguished and luxurious sanctuary located in the middle of the world-famous Abu Dhabi desert. Decorated with beautiful designs and set within Arabesque-inspired architecture, it presents a private and peaceful retreat away from the busy nature of the city.
While the palm-fringed infinity pool and plethora of dining options provide plenty of entertainment, Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa is also delighted to be able to treat guests and visitors to a varied collection of sensational and unique desert-inspired activities. Located within its own beautiful expanse of Arabian landscape, hotel guests and outside visitors are invited to learn about the heritage of the land and the culture of the Bedouin tribes by taking part in a curated choice of sports and pastimes.
Providing the perfect opportunity to learn about the history of the local area and experience what it was like to roam with the indigenous Bedouin tribes, the boutique activities range from camel and horse riding through the dunes to tension-relieving massages infused with ingredients sourced from the Dead Sea.
Falconry is one of the most treasured aspects of UAE culture, and the awe-inspiring falcon show at Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa demonstrates how these clever, swift birds of prey can hunt, swoop and race through the sky, while also explaining the important role they play in the Emirati society. Complimenting this display, the horse riding, desert walks and camel riding experiences offer an invigorating and immersive way of exploring the mesmerising desert dunes and the stories of this enrapturing area. Or, for those craving something a bit more fast paced, adrenaline seekers can taste the exhilarating thrill of careering over the golden banks in a dune buggy or speeding down the slopes on a fat bike under the care of the resort’s knowledgeable guides.
The archery classes encourage participants to switch off from their day-today-concerns and work on their aim, while the Desert Waves machine allows them to have a go at learning how to surf. In fact, Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa is proud to be the only desert resort in the UAE to offer a water-based activity. Finally, the desert bonfire offers the opportunity to head out into the wilderness after sunset, gather around the campfire under the stars and make special memories whilst enjoying authentic Emirati refreshments and exchanging stories.
Visitors and hotel guests are then invited to relax after their explorations by taking advantage of the expansive facilities of Saray Spa. Offering the highest levels of luxury and privacy, the welcoming centre of wellness is inspired by the idea of the traditional Caravanserai, a place where travellers from all over the world gathered to rest, recover and reenergise. At Saray Spa, desert travelers pause for a while and renew their energy levels before embarking on the journey ahead.
Set within a magnificent and calming space, this enrapturing oasis of serenity contains a wonderful collection of pampering facilities including a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, salt room, ice bucket, hot and cold plunge pools and the only snow cave in Abu Dhabi.
The expert therapists deliver a rejuvenating selection of facials, massages and further enchanting treatments, that each begin with a refreshing foot ritual. Highlights of the extensive menu include the reimagined body treatments that harness the powerful products of Swiss skin care brand LaValle. These include body contouring wraps that are proven to tone and reduce cellulite, leg treatments for reducing water retention, body draining wraps for removing toxins, and finally moistening wraps that leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Those who are really looking to hit reset and invest in their own wellbeing can also treat themselves to a very special and invigorating journey. Curated to boost circulation and detoxify, the ‘Embrace Luxurious Moments and Shine’ voyage offers a 25% discount whenever a 60-minute therapeutic massage and a 30-minute full body exfoliation are purchased together. Alternatively, those who indulge in the calming ‘Al Wathba Signature Massage’, featuring a consultation, foot ritual, bespoke full-body massage and sound healing session, are invited to conclude their voyage with a complimentary 30-minute full body exfoliation.
Finally, the Jubilee Rejuvenation ritual has been specially curated in honour of the UAE’s 50th National Day, coming up on December 2. For a limited time only, relaxation seekers can indulge in a tension-relieving massage, delivered using oud oil instead of regular aromatherapy oil, and a refreshing camel milk foot ritual for AED 560 per person. Oud oil is an integral part of UAE heritage and the 50-minute treatment also provides an exclusive teaser about what new and wonderful treatments will be added to the spa menu later this year.
To book your escape or enquire about any of the desert activities or spa treatments, please contact +971 2 204 4444 or email Reservations.Alwathba@luxurycollection.com.