Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa
01/14/2026 Reading time: 2 Minutes
Perfect for ... fans of pure nature and city weary people who want to switch off, reflect or make plans in peace.
Why not send yourself off to the desert, swapping urban life for the great outdoors? No sooner said than done: Al Wathba, which wants to be perceived as a kind of modern Bedouin settlement, appears just an hour or so from the Louvre. The Desert Resort of the Luxury Collection is nowhere near as remote and fascinating as Anantara's Qasr al Sarab, but the camels, stables and quads to the left of the entrance are a clear indication that there is no shortage of typical desert activities.
typical desert activities. It soon becomes clear where to find the best place to relax: in the pool area. It is a real gem, like a desert rose, flanked by beautiful palm trees. Sunbeds, cabanas made of fabric or under a vaulted ceiling - you are spoiled for choice here. The towel dispenser is as quick as the falcon later on when eating chicken parts at the late afternoon show.
Speaking of catering: The watercress salad with halloumi and orange dressing served with the comfortable loungers is to die for. As is the breakfast, which can be enjoyed in the "Bait al Hanine" in the atmospheric inner courtyard or on the outdoor terrace with a view of the dunes. The French toast and the loving attention from waitress Sapna ("Dream") are a double stroke of luck. Back to the cabana with direct access to the water and a view of the "FlowRider" - they have actually planted this surf simulator here so that you can ride the waves in the desert too. When the business has long since shut down and the guests are getting ready for the evening, it becomes magical: the sky now glows in every imaginable shade of orange. Later, in the suite with pool, jacuzzi and excellent sleeping quality, the hairdryer jerks and the TV overdrives - who cares with so much magic all around?
Test highlight: The falcon show with "Romeo": He ignored Ali, his trainer, and did what he wanted.
typical desert activities. It soon becomes clear where to find the best place to relax: in the pool area. It is a real gem, like a desert rose, flanked by beautiful palm trees. Sunbeds, cabanas made of fabric or under a vaulted ceiling - you are spoiled for choice here. The towel dispenser is as quick as the falcon later on when eating chicken parts at the late afternoon show.
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Speaking of catering: The watercress salad with halloumi and orange dressing served with the comfortable loungers is to die for. As is the breakfast, which can be enjoyed in the "Bait al Hanine" in the atmospheric inner courtyard or on the outdoor terrace with a view of the dunes. The French toast and the loving attention from waitress Sapna ("Dream") are a double stroke of luck. Back to the cabana with direct access to the water and a view of the "FlowRider" - they have actually planted this surf simulator here so that you can ride the waves in the desert too. When the business has long since shut down and the guests are getting ready for the evening, it becomes magical: the sky now glows in every imaginable shade of orange. Later, in the suite with pool, jacuzzi and excellent sleeping quality, the hairdryer jerks and the TV overdrives - who cares with so much magic all around?
Test highlight: The falcon show with "Romeo": He ignored Ali, his trainer, and did what he wanted.
