The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Virgin rating

The hotel

Tranquil and committed to the environment, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert resort has a natural yet sanctuary feel in beautiful surroundings with gazelles and oryx roaming around. Choose from a wide selection of recreational activities and experiences, or simply bask in the surreal aura of the desert's romance. All villas come complete with their own swimming pool, ensuring utter privacy as you bask in the sun’s rays. There’s also traditional tented villas for those who want the full-on Bedouin experience. There’s a dedicated nature reserve on-site, home to Arabian gazelles, camels and oryxes. Children and adults alike will enjoy the opportunity of getting up close to these gentle and fascinating creatures as they wander the dunes at leisure — magical! Also magical is the resort’s spa, offering lavish treatment pavilions, state-of-the-art hydrotherapy and signature treatments including the rainforest experience which comes highly recommended.

Amenities

  • Horse Riding
  • Babysitting service
  • Kids Club
  • Bar
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Located in the UAE’s northern emirate Ras Al Khaimah, the closest desert resort from Dubai International Airport. Transfer time from Dubai International Airport: 50 minutes.

Hotel information

100 private villas. All with air-conditioning, private swimming pool, furnished sun deck, cosy seating area, 41” interactive LCD TV, Bose music system, telephone, complimentary WiFi access, mini-bar*, tea/coffee maker, safe, silk bathrobe, hairdryer, robes, slippers, separate soaking tub and rain shower, bathroom amenities, iron and ironing board. 

Al Rimal Pool Villa with 1 king-size bed or twin beds, and lounge area with sofa bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children (subject to extra bed, sofa bed).

Half Board option: includes breakfast in Kaheela. Guests booked on Half Board can dine-around in participating restaurants and lounges for lunch or dinner (food only); Kaheela, Moorish, Farmhouse, Moon Bar, Oasis Pool & Bar, Kan Zaman BBQ and Shore House (seafood restaurant located at The Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach).

Full Board option: includes breakfast in Kaheela. Guests booked on Full Board can dine-around in participating restaurants and lounges for lunch and dinner (food only); Kaheela, Moorish, Farmhouse, Moon Bar, Oasis Pool & Bar, Kan Zaman BBQ and Shore House (seafood restaurant located at The Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach).

Al Rimal Enclosed Pool Villa are the same as Al Rimal Pool Villas, with an enclosed private pool, offering maximum privacy.

Al Khaimah Tented Pool Villa with king-size bed, lounge area with sofa bed, terrace, sun-loungers, dining table and chairs with barbecue area. Oversized bathroom with free-standing tub and separate rain shower, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Al Sahari Secluded Tented Pool Villa with king-size bed, lounge area with sofa bed, terrace, sun-loungers, dining table and chairs with barbecue area. Oversized bathroom with free-standing tub and separate rain shower, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Please note: Al Khaimah and Al Sahari tented villas are available on the Full Board package only. 

Kaheela (International and regional cuisine, open for breakfast and lunch, with buffet and a la carte options). Moorish (tapas style Arabian and Andalusian dishes). Farmhouse (farm-to-table inspired menu, open for dinner). Moon Bar (cocktails and shisha). Paddock Cafe. Arabian BBQ nights at Kan Zanam on Saturday's. Oasis Pool Bar. Destination Dining* options include in the desert dunes including picnics and private barbecues under the stars. 

Oasis Pool & Bar featuring a large swimming pool, jacuzzi, kids' pool and Ritz-Kidz splash pool area. The Ritz-Carlton Spa* with indoor hydrothermal pool and the Rainforest Spa experience. 24-hour fitness centre. Yoga*. Complimentary bikes to use in the resort for the whole family. Nature and bird-watching walks*. Nature drives*. Stargazing*. Archery*. Fishing*. Desert biking*. Horse riding*. Owl Experience. Complimentary access to the Ritz Kids® club (aged 4 years and above). Feathered Friend experience for kids. Trail Tales experience for kids. Complimentary beach access at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach (only 15 minutes away).

Complimentary WiFi access. 24-hour room service*. Concierge. Gift shop. Laundry service*. Complimentary parking.

3 nights minimum stay applies over New Year. No check out permitted on 31st December.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (901)
  • Very good (120)
  • Average (73)
  • Poor (38)
  • Terrible (56)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Hotel

Apr 27, 2024 Yoshie A

I have stayed at many five-star hotels, but this one was the best hotel experience of my life. I am especially grateful to our butler, Mr. Charith, who made our stay enjoyable and supported us throughout. He ensured that all activity bookings and pickups went smoothly. We thought we had arranged a transfer car for our departure, but when we… Read more
I have stayed at many five-star hotels, but this one was the best hotel experience of my life. I am especially grateful to our butler, Mr. Charith, who made our stay enjoyable and supported us throughout. He ensured that all activity bookings and pickups went smoothly. We thought we had arranged a transfer car for our departure, but when we realized we hadn't, he quickly stepped in and resolved the situation. Thank you so much. The hotel was home to a variety of animals, including horses, camels, hawks, and goats, and we enjoyed petting them and taking numerous photos. The falcon show was deeply moving. The Wildlife feeding tour was an exciting adventure, as we drove through the desert searching for Arabian oryx. It was clear that the staff involved with the animals truly loved and cared for them. This hotel offers an experience beyond imagination and creates unforgettable memories. I highly recommend it and will definitely return. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Relaxing. Well taken care of.

Apr 25, 2024 Philip J

To begin with, may we say that we had a very blessed experience at the Al Wadi Desert. Once you enter the venue you are taken over completely. Every employee of this place is a people’s person. One can say it’s part of the training and all but we can assure you, we did see genuine heart gestures. We had our elderly parents with us and we must… Read more
To begin with, may we say that we had a very blessed experience at the Al Wadi Desert. Once you enter the venue you are taken over completely. Every employee of this place is a people’s person. One can say it’s part of the training and all but we can assure you, we did see genuine heart gestures. We had our elderly parents with us and we must mention that everyone at the facility stood with us to give special care and attention to our parents, that too during such a busy season. Just want to specifically mention Jeff and his team - Subin and Shiva especially, who so carefully took care of us and paid so much attention to our conveyance to and fro. Vishal and the house-keeping team who ensured everything was clean and comfortable. If we had a request we didn’t have to request a second time. Mani, Joshi and Kaheela team - they were exceptional in how specific needs were remembered every time. The breakfast spread is beautiful also. Diana and King at the Moorish were very courteous as well. About the place - it was a surreal experience It felt we have stepped into another zone completely. Was skeptical about the desert but it was worth taking the risk. It was beautiful. The quietness and the nearness to nature was so refreshing. The settings are carefully built into the nature around. It was exciting to spot all the wild life. The pictures will explain more … 🙂 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Highly recommend to everyone who comes to Dubai/UAE

Apr 22, 2024 Leon K

We (Family of 4 with a 2 year old baby girl) stayed in the Two-bedroom Desert Secluded Pool Villa (Sunset). During this trip, we visited other high end hotels including the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Personally (coming from all 4 of us), we strongly recommend this resort other high end resorts/hotels in the UAE especially if you are choosing… Read more
We (Family of 4 with a 2 year old baby girl) stayed in the Two-bedroom Desert Secluded Pool Villa (Sunset). During this trip, we visited other high end hotels including the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Personally (coming from all 4 of us), we strongly recommend this resort other high end resorts/hotels in the UAE especially if you are choosing activities and experience that's not only great for adults but also for the kids. Excellent in most aspects possible. Professional/attentive staff, well-managed rooms, great architect/design, diverse choice of activities/experience to choose from. Willing to come here at least once every year or two with our kid. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating the best

Apr 22, 2024 mohammad m

Everything was really good, it was a very interesting experience, restaurant, camel riding, safari, horse riding, cycling, walking in that place, thank you very much, God willing, it will always be like this. I also thank the kind and hardworking staff of the hotel. See you soon 🙏🏻
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Stunning location, comfortable well managed villas with excellent customer service.

Apr 20, 2024 Clare L Banstead, United Kingdom

As returning clients we received a very warm welcome. As usual everything was perfect. Very peaceful and relaxing. Very clean, comfortable and well managed villa. Nothing was too much trouble for the housekeeping team. They quickly remembered our special requests and ensured they were available. The difference restaurants provided a great… Read more
As returning clients we received a very warm welcome. As usual everything was perfect. Very peaceful and relaxing. Very clean, comfortable and well managed villa. Nothing was too much trouble for the housekeeping team. They quickly remembered our special requests and ensured they were available. The difference restaurants provided a great variety of delicious quality dishes. All beautifully presented with first class service. We also loved the bbq with its huge array of different foods.( even in the rain ! ) Although all the staff offered service second to none, I would like to say a special thank you to Kent and Rae who went above and beyond to make our stay special. Your breakfast manager - Mannie, ensured a perfect start to our day with an impressive and efficient team. Thank you. We will see you again soon. Read less