Dine amongst the dunes at Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

The authentic Middle Eastern hideaway presents a new weekend lunch, Italian grapes tasting journey and innovative, tasty mocktails designed for both explorers and hotel guests.

Home to Abu Dhabi’s iconic Fossil Dunes, Salt Lake and Wetland Reserve, Al Wathba boasts numerous natural wonders and amazing scenery to explore. Offering the perfect escape from the daily hectic rhythms of the city, and less than an hour’s drive from Downtown Abu Dhabi, the spectacular desert is a popular destination for both day trips and staycations.

This summer, Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa is inviting desert lovers and explorers to discover this beautiful expanse of Arabian landscape and pass by for a few hours of wining and dining, or even a night’s stay. Offering comfortable rooms and suites boasting the highest standards of luxury, plus a sensational infinity pool, an expansive spa and a range of desert activities, the iconic hideaway has plenty to offer couples, families and friends.

Explorers Lunch at Terra Secca

Desert adventures can work up quite an appetite, and so Italian restaurant Terra Secca has curated an à la carte-style lunch menu that’s perfect for satisfying every discerning palate.

Presenting a wide range of dishes designed to suit all tastes, the special lunch menu is available as both a two or three-course feast, courtesy of Junior Sous-Chef, Vittorio Gianluca Nania, listed in this year’s Caterer Middle East “30 under 30 Chefs” to be reckoned with.

In addition to the exceptional starters, diners may enjoy succulent pasta, gnocchi and risotto dishes, as well as some of the house specials, offering the best flavour combinations from Italian cuisine such as paccheri alla Genovese served with slow-cooked ribs and a dash of Parmesan, multigrain pizza – perfect for the health-conscious, pizza corso Mazzini – a fried pizza topped off with cheese, nuts and apricot jam, and pollo alla Milanese. In addition, guests can also choose from a selection of quality grilled meats and fish.

Finally, those with a sweet tooth will adore the signature Terra Secca tiramisu, fondant and selection of Italian gelato.

The Explorers Lunch is available every Friday and Saturday, between noon and 4pm. Prices per person start from AED 125 for two courses, and AED 160 for three, excluding beverages.

Italian Wine Indulgence at Terra Secca

The warm, welcoming and signature restaurant, Terra Secca, is encouraging beverage connoisseurs to explore the fabulous world of Italian wines. Presenting an extensive wine list featuring grapes sourced from Italy’s most renowned vineyards, the totally immersive experience offers the perfect way of relaxing after an exciting day of desert activities.

The Italian Wine Indulgence journey stars two carefully curated options: either one glass of red wine and one glass of white, or one glass each of white, red and sparkling. Each pairing also comes with its own distinct theme and flavours, including Indigenous Italian, A Taste of the Southern Italy, More Than a Region of Love, Classic Piemonte and Tuscan Beasts.

Meanwhile, if guests start to develop an appetite whilst enjoying these smooth and fruity concoctions, they are also invited to order one of the picturesque restaurant’s authentic and delicious Italian dishes, providing the perfect accompaniment to the expertly crafted grapes.

Pairings start from AED 85 per person, available daily for lunch and dinner. Prices include beverages only, with food available on an à la carte basis.

Zero Proof Cocktails at Panache pool bar

Panache pool bar is delighted to further enhance its exciting series of mocktails, offering an even wider selection of delicious refreshers to help day guests and residents beat the heat.

The palm-fringed and perfectly chilled outdoor pool is encouraging guests to relax and unwind with a superb new collection of healthy and hydrating drinks, inspired by Zero Proof non-alcoholic spirits.

Now trending globally and used by the most skilled mixologist across the region and beyond, Zero Alcohol Gin has been incorporated into the menu to create a range of delicious low-calorie mixes.

Ideal for the health conscious or those who are looking to nourish their body whilst they top up their vitamin D levels, the new Zero Proof Cocktails start from AED 45 per drink. 

For table reservations for any of the above, please contact +971 2 204 4444 or email [email protected].

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