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

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.

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 (1033)
  • Very good (124)
  • Average (72)
  • Poor (38)
  • Terrible (59)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent experience! (Samson & Ali)

Nov 23, 2024 Astrosapien Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The resort has completely transformed under Ritz management. We had a smooth experience from check-in all the way through to check-out. Our butlers Samson and Ali were amazing. Responsive and predictive of our needs at every step. This place will give you a beautiful memory to take home
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Anniversary

Nov 22, 2024 Ziad G

Perfect service and perfect food Our waiter Kartik was exceptional Great experience Highly recommended The service from start to finish was amazing and Kartik handled everything perfectly and was very accommodating. This place is really romantic
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Magic stay - 10/10 hospitality and luxury

Nov 21, 2024 chess1994 London, United Kingdom

This was the best stay I’ve ever experienced. It was a surprise 3 day 3 night trip for my birthday. The hotel did everything to go the extra mile. Ahmed was impeccable at supporting my partner with a minor confusion on our package. The breakfast was fantastic & we ate at both farmhouse and Zuma. We LOVED farmhouse. The hospitality from all staff… Read more
This was the best stay I’ve ever experienced. It was a surprise 3 day 3 night trip for my birthday. The hotel did everything to go the extra mile. Ahmed was impeccable at supporting my partner with a minor confusion on our package. The breakfast was fantastic & we ate at both farmhouse and Zuma. We LOVED farmhouse. The hospitality from all staff was second to none & to wake up and see the oryx or have to walk past a flock of camels to get in your room was magic - it was a pleasure to stay here & I’ll remember this trip forever! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Highly recommend

Nov 15, 2024 mallika95

Always amazing. Came here for a birthday celebration and the hotel went beyond to ensure everything was perfect - especially Anup! They organised a special high tea and beautiful dinner in the dessert. Highly recommend. A must experience.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing experience in the desert

Nov 11, 2024 Osama K

Overall a very pleasant staycation. Amazing food and comfortable rooms, beautiful scenes and such lovely and caring staff who took care of us like a family. Especially Amr who explained everything to us and showed us around… A special thanks to Daphne who found my little daughters Bunny that we forgot in hotel and sent it to us by courier 🙏🏻