If there’s one name you can count on to successfully fuse rustic Arabian character with understated (but most certainly present) luxury, it’s Jumeirah. The UAE-born hospitality leader officially unveiled the Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa in mid-March to bring another option for luxury escape to Abu Dhabi.
Tucked away amongst the rolling golden dunes of the Al Wathba area, approximately 50 kilometers south east of the UAE capital, the resort promises “an indulgent desert sanctuary” that “evokes the atmosphere of a traditional Bedouin village”. Being a 45-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi and 90 minutes from the chain’s Burj Al Arab location in Dubai, "sanctuary" summarises the property rather well.
Sprawling over 22,000 square meters of tranquil desert, the resort comprises a twisting village of 80 guest rooms, 10 suites and 13 villas. Each space is inspired by traditional desert dwellings – from the neutral tones to the Arabesque accessories, yet all the refined elegance you’d expect from the brand is found in abundance.
Every room offers a balcony to absorb the calming, secluded atmosphere from, while at the rear of each villa lies a private pool and terrace to underscore the venue’s personal serenity. Inside, classic art and rich wood bring a homely feel, while rain showers and ‘his and hers’ wash basins are subtle but welcome touches of sophistication. Fear not, millennials. Complimentary WiFi, an iPod docking station, and myriad other modern technological additions keep everything 21st century.
Five on-site dining and entertainment options cater to those who plan on staying within the resort’s walls for the duration of their stay, including Terra Secca for exquisite Italian dining, and the peaceful Al Mesayan rooftop bar for dinner with a view. However, for the many guests who will surely come here to swap city lights for soundless nights (guilty), a sixth option, the Al Mabeet Desert Camp, is designed to impress. It offers you the chance to (almost) escape the modern world, tip a hat to Bedouin tradition, and dine among the dunes while still returning to the plush comforts of five-star resort living.
This adds up to plenty for visitors planning a multi-night stay, but what distinguishes the resort from rival properties is arguably its country club-esque facilities. The resort aims to capitalize on its location just five minutes from the Al Wathba cycle track and close proximity to an equestrian center by offering sport and leisure seekers a place to unwind without committing to an overnight stay.
A 1,000 sqm pool laps against the fringes of the surrounding desert oasis-style, and for those arriving with aching muscles or a busy mind, the Talise Spa offers plenty more to soothe. Two Turkish hammams (baths), crystal saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis, and snow rooms are complemented by two ice bucket showers and a well-equipped fitness suite. Crowning it all, however, are the unique salt rooms and cryo experience exclusively available to Jumeirah Al Wathba.
If this impressive list of spa options and the chance to gaze mindlessly out at the mesmerizing desert sprawl isn’t quite enough, the resort provides a few additional touches. Daily falcon shows, guided fat-bike tours, and an archery range all add to the experience, leaving you free to define whatever desert escape you desire.
Stay:
Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort and Spa
Al Wathba District,
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
+971 2 204 4444