There’s something timeless and otherworldly about the desert—a place where silence stretches for miles, the sun paints the landscape in ever-shifting hues, and solitude feels sacred. For travelers seeking a deeper kind of escape, desert hotels offer more than just luxury; they offer immersion into the vast and beautiful unknown. From ultra-modern architecture nestled in dunes to tented suites perched on rocky outcrops, here are the best desert hotels in the world.
Our Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Nestled within the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Saudi Arabia’s Ashar Valley, Our Habitas AlUla is a sustainable luxury resort that seamlessly blends modern comfort with ancient landscapes. The resort comprises 96 eco-conscious villas and offers panoramic desert views, private outdoor decks, and indoor-outdoor showers that immerse guests in the natural surroundings. The resort’s culinary centerpiece, Tama, delivers a fusion of global and Middle Eastern flavors, utilizing locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that reflect the region’s rich heritage. Guests can unwind at the infinity pool, indulge in wellness treatments at Thuraya Wellness, or participate in daily activities such as yoga, stargazing, and guided desert excursions. Book your stay here!
Shipwreck Lodge, Namibia
Set between the windswept dunes and the Atlantic Ocean in Namibia’s remote Skeleton Coast, Shipwreck Lodge offers a surreal blend of luxury and isolation. Designed to resemble the shipwrecks that dot this treacherous coastline, the lodge’s ten eco-friendly cabins are solar-powered and feature wood-burning stoves, ensuite bathrooms, and private decks with expansive desert views. The main lodge houses a cozy lounge and restaurant, where guests can relax with a drink and savor delicious meals. Activities include quad biking over roaring dunes, sandboarding, 4×4 excursions to the Clay Castles, and visits to nearby seal colonies. Secure your stay here!
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
Found amidst the majestic desert plains and the Hijaz Mountains near Umluj, Six Senses Southern Dunes is a luxurious sanctuary that harmoniously blends ancient heritage with modern sustainability. The resort boasts 36 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, alongside 40 expansive pool villas, each thoughtfully positioned to offer panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. Culinary experiences feature two signature restaurants, two bars, a Gelato Pod, and a Chef’s Table that highlight regional flavors and wellness-focused cuisine. Guests can indulge in artisan workshops, cooking classes, bird watching, stargazing, wellness programs, and a cinema under the stars. Book your stay here!
Paradero Todos Santos, Mexico
Paradero Todos Santos in Baja California Sur’s tranquil desert landscape offers a distinctive blend of minimalist design and immersive experiences. This 35-suite resort featuring raw materials like concrete and wood provides amenities such as rooftop star nets and outdoor soaking tubs, fostering a deep connection with the surroundings. Culinary offerings at Tenoch, a Michelin-recognized destination restaurant, showcase modern Mexican cuisine with Japanese influences. The Ojo de Agua spa provides wellness treatments rooted in traditional practices, including temazcal ceremonies and sound healing. Book your stay here!
Amangiri, Utah, USA
Situated within 900 acres of untouched desert in Canyon Point, Amangiri is a sanctuary of minimalist luxury that blends into the dramatic landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. The resort features 34 modernist suites, each offering expansive views of the desert and equipped with outdoor lounges, sun roofs, and some with private pools. Central to Amangiri is its iconic swimming pool, which wraps around a natural rock escarpment, creating a unique focal point that epitomizes the resort’s integration with nature. Guests can indulge in a 25,000-square-foot spa, offering treatments inspired by Navajo healing traditions, go via ferrata climbing, horseback riding, and hiking through the surrounding canyons. Book your stay here!
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, built deep within the Rub’ al Khali, is a luxury oasis featuring 140 rooms, 14 suites, and 53 pool villas, each adorned with earthy tones and handcrafted furnishings that reflect the surrounding landscape. Culinary experiences abound, from the rooftop grill Suhail to the Mediterranean-inspired Ghadeer. For a truly unique dining experience, guests can opt for “Dining by Design,” enjoying a private meal under the stars amidst the dunes. Guests can partake in camel treks, desert walks, archery, and falconry displays, or unwind in the Anantara Spa. Find the best booking rates here!
Our Habitas Namibia
Our Habitas Namibia is a serene desert sanctuary set on a private reserve just outside Windhoek, where luxury meets purpose. Designed to blend into the sweeping savannah, the lodge features sustainable materials, open-air spaces, and panoramic views that invite guests to slow down and connect with nature. Days unfold with wildlife safaris, wellness rituals, and cultural immersions, while evenings bring storytelling by the fire and stargazing under vast African skies. More than just a place to stay, it’s a soulful retreat rooted in community, conservation, and conscious travel. Discover the best booking rates here!
Banyan Tree Al Ula, Saudi Arabia
Nestled within the awe-inspiring Ashar Valley of AlUla, Banyan Tree AlUla offers a luxurious desert sanctuary featuring 79 elegant tented accommodations, each thoughtfully designed to reflect Arabian heritage with handcrafted antiques and canopy tents that echo the traditional Bedouin style. Guests can indulge in a range of curated experiences, from rejuvenating spa treatments and wellness activities to adventurous pursuits like hiking and horseback riding. The resort’s unique amenities include a secluded rock pool nestled amidst sandstone mountains and destination dining experiences under the starlit desert sky. Book your stay here!
Bab Al Shams, Dubai
Bab Al Shams is a luxurious desert resort located on the outskirts of Dubai, offering a serene escape from the city’s bustling energy. Nestled among the golden dunes, this Arabian-style retreat blends traditional architecture with modern comforts, creating a tranquil oasis perfect for relaxation and romance. Guests can enjoy breathtaking desert views, indulge in world-class dining, and experience authentic cultural activities such as camel rides, falconry, and sunset desert safaris. With its infinity pools, spa treatments, and starlit evenings, Bab Al Shams delivers a unique blend of adventure and luxury in the heart of the desert. Secure your stay here!
Al Faya Retreat, Sharjah
Al Faya Retreat in Sharjah is a serene desert sanctuary that blends luxury with heritage. Nestled at the foot of the Al Faya Mountain, this boutique resort is housed in a meticulously restored 1960s building that once served as a clinic and grocery store. Surrounded by vast, dramatic landscapes of sand dunes and rocky terrain, the retreat offers a unique escape into nature and history. With just a handful of rooms, a tranquil saltwater pool, a private spa, and uninterrupted desert views, Al Faya Retreat provides an intimate and exclusive experience. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking peace, rejuvenation, and a deeper connection with the Emirati desert landscape. Book your stay here!
Aire De Bardenas, Spain
Aire de Bardenas is a unique hotel located on the edge of the surreal Bardenas Reales desert in Navarre, Spain. Renowned for its avant-garde architecture and eco-conscious design, the hotel features a series of sleek, cube-like structures and bubble rooms that blend seamlessly with the rugged landscape. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the desert’s dramatic terrain right from their beds, offering an immersive experience in nature without sacrificing comfort or style. The minimalist interiors, paired with thoughtful amenities and locally inspired cuisine, create a luxurious yet grounded retreat. Find the best booking rates here!
El Perdido Desert Dream, Mexico
Tucked between the arid beauty of the Baja California desert and the Pacific Ocean, El Perdido Desert Dream in El Pescadero is a boutique retreat that redefines desert luxury. This secluded haven has 7 private bungalows—known as jacales—crafted from local wood, clay, and stone, blending into the surrounding landscape. Each bungalow offers amenities like king-size beds, outdoor bathtubs and showers, fully equipped kitchens, and private terraces with hammocks. The on-site restaurant, El Coyote, provides an open-air dining experience, serving seasonal dishes. Beyond relaxation, it offers a range of wellness activities, including private massages, sound baths, and stargazing sessions at their private observatory. Book your stay here!
Caravan Agafay by Our Habitas, Morocco
Caravan Agafay is a serene desert retreat offering an immersive glamping experience in Morocco’s Agafay Desert. Nestled among rocky dunes with panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains, this eco-conscious resort has 40 canvas tents and lodges, each featuring artisanal touches, comfortable furnishings, and private outdoor spaces that harmonize with the natural surroundings. The on-site restaurant, Olivar, serves a fusion of Moroccan and international cuisines, utilizing fresh ingredients sourced from the resort’s organic garden and local farms. Guests can engage in various activities such as camel trekking, e-bike tours, yoga sessions, and stargazing. Book your stay here!
BE Agafay, Morocco
Set in the serene Agafay Desert, just an hour from Marrakech, BE Agafay is a stunning retreat with spacious yurts and bungalows, each thoughtfully designed with private terraces, in-suite bathrooms, and amenities like air conditioning, heating blankets, and star-gazing windows. Guests can unwind by the uniquely designed Oasis pool, partake in traditional hammam and massage treatments at the spa, or engage in yoga sessions amidst the tranquil desert backdrop. For the adventurous, options include camel rides, quad biking, and pottery workshops. Culinary delights await at The Hideaway and The Oasis restaurants, where Moroccan and international cuisines are served under the stars.
Zannier Sonop, Namibia
Perched atop ancient granite boulders in the Namib Desert, Zannier Sonop offers an immersive modern eco-luxury. This exclusive lodge features ten tented suites adorned with antiques, vintage bathtubs, and private terraces, each providing sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness. Guests can indulge in horseback riding and electric fat-bike trails, to hot air balloon safaris and guided nature walks. Evenings are marked by five-course gala dinners served with silverware and candelabras, followed by stargazing sessions under the expansive African sky. Wellness options include an open-air infinity pool, a spa offering treatments inspired by local traditions, and daily yoga sessions. Secure your stay here!