The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Star 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

108 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 and choice of lunch or dinner in the participating restaurants: Kaheela, Farmhouse, Oasis Pool Bar and Paddock. Excludes mini-bar and in-villa dining.

Full Board option: includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner at participating restaurants: Kaheela, Farmhouse, Oasis Pool Bar and Paddock. Excludes mini-bar and in-villa dining.

All Inclusive option: includes three meals and selected alcoholic beverages and soft drinks at the time of dining and does not include any activities. Participating restaurants: Kaheela, Farmhouse, Oasis Pool Bar, and Paddock. Excludes mini-bar and in-villa dining.

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.

Sunrise Signature Pool Villas and Sunset Signature Pool Villas are 2 bedroom villas sleeping maximum 4 adults, 1 child and 1 infant.

Signature Villas are luxurious new villas that feature a living room with 75-inch TV, grand 10-seater dining table, personal chef, private pool, outdoor dining area, private butler, pantry, fitness studio, and master bedroom with king-size bed, second bedroom with 2 single beds, bathroom with walk-in shower and separate tub, and outdoor 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.

Specific Villa Benefits:

Al Sarab Desert View Pool Villa:

- Welcome bottle of Champagne plus food and beverage amenity (per stay for 2 guests)

- Sunset cocktails (per day for 2 guests)

- Welcome gift per stay

- Complimentary mini-bar (refill per day)

- 30 minutes complimentary spa massage when 60 minutes massage is booked

- Butler service.

Signature Pool Villas:

- Complimentary welcome bottle of Champagne and amenities, day of arrival ONLY

- Complimentary mini-bar (refilled daily)

- One daily sunset cocktail per guest

- Butler service

- Complimentary packing and unpacking service

- Complementary pressing of 4 items per villa per stay

- The Ritz-Carlton daily Bedouin Ritual including the daily Falcon and Owl Interaction.

Tented Villa (Al Khaimah, Al Sahari and Al Sarab Tented Pool Villa) One ‘Al Wadi Experience’ per person per day, bookable in advance via the Experience Concierge):

- Archery

- Horse Lead Ride

- Night Archery

- Fat Biking – Guided Desert Trail

- Birdwatching

- Nature walk

- Night walk

- Camel ride Tree Planting

- Pony Adventures with Spot & Fluff

- Wildlife feed

*Experiences are subject to change and seasonality. The above are given as example.

  • Booking Bonus: Book by 31 Jul '25 to receive up to 45% off the accommodation cost for stays between 26 Jun '25 - 10 Jan '26.  Terms and conditions apply. Any applicable offers have been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable. Blackout dates apply. 

Kaheela (International and regional cuisine, open for breakfast and lunch, with buffet and a la carte options). Farmhouse (farm-to-table inspired menu, open for dinner). 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. Laundry service*. Complimentary parking.

Minimum stay of 3 nights for arrivals between 29 - 31 December 2025.

* 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 (1198)
  • Very good (131)
  • Average (75)
  • Poor (41)
  • Terrible (62)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best Hotel in the UAE!

Jul 17, 2025 Steven S

Most amazing hotel stay in the UAE. The staff are incredible! Your every need is catered for, and they will do anything to make your stay unforgettable! Amr is the most amazing people working at this fantastic hotel, and he makes sure that you get the best service ever! The food at the Kaheela restaurant is the amazing, and the service is the best… Read more
Most amazing hotel stay in the UAE. The staff are incredible! Your every need is catered for, and they will do anything to make your stay unforgettable! Amr is the most amazing people working at this fantastic hotel, and he makes sure that you get the best service ever! The food at the Kaheela restaurant is the amazing, and the service is the best I have ever experienced in my 10 years of living in the UAE! I highly recommend this hotel to everyone in the UAE and abroad! They truly care about the guests, and go above and beyond no matter your age. My five year old daughter was treated like a princess by everyone who she met, and I am very grateful for the hospitality and experience that they gave myself and my family! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing place

Jul 16, 2025 Amina M

Thank you for the excellent service and support. I truly appreciate the smooth handling and professionalism. A special thanks to Mr. Hemanth and Mr. Carl for their outstanding assistance — your help made all the difference. Also, heartfelt thanks to Khahela Restaurant for celebrating my husband’s birthday and making the day even more special. It… Read more
Thank you for the excellent service and support. I truly appreciate the smooth handling and professionalism. A special thanks to Mr. Hemanth and Mr. Carl for their outstanding assistance — your help made all the difference. Also, heartfelt thanks to Khahela Restaurant for celebrating my husband’s birthday and making the day even more special. It meant a lot to us. Warm regards, Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating شكر

Jul 14, 2025 Passport15947030090

My Birthday in Alwadi this year is unforgetable memory. From the entrance everyone was so friendly with warm greating to me and my friends. Maysah and Ahmed helped me with the reservation and the villa privacy. It was so smooth check in , Akshay, Zakareia, and Kumari thank you for the warm BD wishes, then when i entered the villa Harshitha, Aya,… Read more
My Birthday in Alwadi this year is unforgetable memory. From the entrance everyone was so friendly with warm greating to me and my friends. Maysah and Ahmed helped me with the reservation and the villa privacy. It was so smooth check in , Akshay, Zakareia, and Kumari thank you for the warm BD wishes, then when i entered the villa Harshitha, Aya, Lovepreet and Maysah suprised me with a BD song along with a cake and warm wish in the bed done by there lovely housekeeping team. I will never forget this BD. I want to thank everyone truely you made my birthday wounderful Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Stunning Desert Retreat with Thoughtful Service – Minor Flaws That Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

Jul 9, 2025 ralph662015 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This resort is a serene escape from city life—beautifully nestled in the desert, offering complete tranquility and privacy. We booked the “Tent” for three days and fully enjoyed two days of absolute relaxation by our private pool. The highlights began each morning with the exceptional breakfast—rich in variety, beautifully presented, and… Read more
This resort is a serene escape from city life—beautifully nestled in the desert, offering complete tranquility and privacy. We booked the “Tent” for three days and fully enjoyed two days of absolute relaxation by our private pool. The highlights began each morning with the exceptional breakfast—rich in variety, beautifully presented, and delivered with genuine care. The service throughout our stay was consistently thoughtful. The team seemed to intuitively understand what guests might need next and offered helpful suggestions that elevated the experience. Special thanks to the wonderful caddy drivers, especially Pablo and Carl, who were incredibly friendly and went the extra mile—literally—by appearing with cold water and wet towels while we explored the property on foot. These small but memorable touches made us feel truly welcome. Dining was also a standout: our evening at the Farmhouse restaurant was delightful, and the bartender at Gobi Restaurant crafted an absolutely perfect Negroni—probably the best we’ve had in a long time. Room service was top-tier as well: quick, precise, and always served with a smile. However, there are two areas where the experience didn’t meet the otherwise high standard. Firstly, the Rainforest Experience was a disappointment. We had booked it specifically to enjoy a full two hours of relaxation. After just 1 hour and 40 minutes, a staff member entered to tell us to hurry up, and five minutes before the session was due to end, she returned to inform us we had to leave because the local guests who booked after us had arrived early. This felt rushed and quite uncomfortable—especially disappointing as Western guests who were expecting equal treatment and respect. Secondly, the reception staff could benefit from some training in guest relations. While check-in was efficient, it felt cold and slightly condescending. One incident, in particular, stood out: when our friends arrived at the resort to visit us, we received a call from a receptionist named Kumal, who flatly informed us that it was protocol to collect guests ourselves because guests are not allowed to visit for a couple of hours! There was no offer to assist or to make our guests feel welcome, which seemed out of step with the high standard set by the rest of the team. In conclusion, this is a truly beautiful and relaxing resort with many thoughtful details and outstanding hospitality from most staff. We would return and recommend it, especially for those looking to disconnect and unwind in luxury. Still, a few improvements—particularly in how all guests are treated equally and how the front desk interacts with guests—could make this a flawless experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A Magical Desert Stay – Truly Memorable!

Jul 7, 2025 yan_11188 Hong Kong, China

We recently stayed at this hotel in the middle of the desert, and the experience was absolutely amazing! 🏜️ Environment & Atmosphere The surroundings were beautiful and unique—being in the desert and seeing animals freely walking around was such a delightful and special experience, especially for the kids. The entire place was well-maintained… Read more
We recently stayed at this hotel in the middle of the desert, and the experience was absolutely amazing! 🏜️ Environment & Atmosphere The surroundings were beautiful and unique—being in the desert and seeing animals freely walking around was such a delightful and special experience, especially for the kids. The entire place was well-maintained and clean, making it very comfortable to stay in. 🍽️ Dining The breakfast at the hotel restaurant was delicious with a good variety. For dinner, we went to Gobi, which was also excellent—great food and a lovely atmosphere. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Staff & Family-Friendly Vibes We want to give a special thanks to the staff members Megha, Baplo, and Amr (and many others whose names we unfortunately forgot). Not just these three—every staff member we met was warm, friendly, and incredibly helpful. They often came over to play with the kids, and our children absolutely adored them. One day I wasn’t feeling well, and the staff immediately came over to check on me and offer help, which was really heartwarming. The Kids Club was a huge bonus—we could leave the kids there, and the staff kept them entertained for hours. My kid had so much fun that she didn’t even want to leave! ☀️ Despite the Heat… Even though it was hot outside, we could always return to the air-conditioned hotel or cool off in the pool. It made the summer heat totally manageable. 💬 Final Thoughts This stay exceeded all our expectations. From the environment and food to the incredible service, everything was top-notch. We’re already looking forward to coming back again! . Read less