If a getaway filled with dune-surfing, stargazing, and desert safaris sounds up your street, book your next holiday in one of the world’s most secluded landscapes: the desert. Spanning North Africa, India, America and the Middle East, approximately 33 per cent of the world’s surface is desert – and that includes the icy varieties found in both the Arctic and Antarctic. So, given it covers such an expanse, surely there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from? Not necessarily. Unsurprisingly, it’s a huge undertaking to build a hotel in a landscape that’s barely habitable for humans, let alone one with all of the luxury amenities required by 2025’s well-heeled traveller. That said, there are a few that have pulled out all the stops to create a serene sanctuary in the sand. Step inside the crème de la crème of the world’s desert hotels below. 

Dubai Desert, UAE

Roughly 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai, it would be remiss to visit the most cosmopolitan city in the UAE and not head to the desert. Part of the Arabian Desert that stretches from Yemen to the Persian Gulf and Oman to Jordan and Iraq, it is the fourth largest desert in the world and also home to the ‘Empty Quarter’ near Abu Dhabi (more on that later). Accessible from Dubai, however, is the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, which was designated to support the largest free-roaming herd of Arabian oryx in the UAE, along with other species of gazelles, birds, reptiles, and insects. For a city that prides itself on its tourism experiences, the adventures available here are nothing short of mind-blowing, ranging from drone light shows and hot air balloon tours (with views across the Al Hajar Mountains) to fine dining experiences and falcon shows. 

Where to stay: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort

Arabic for ‘gateway to the sun’, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort is a serene oasis amid Dubai’s golden sands. Having launched in 2004 to offer tourists a taste of life outside the city, it features 115 lavish rooms and suites designed to replicate a traditional Arabian fort. 2024 saw the introduction of an array of desert pool villas, each drawing inspiration from the Bedouin community and thoughtfully designed as ‘sands of serenity’, with a raw and minimalist aesthetic. From dining on fine Asian flavours at Anwā to enjoying holistic wellness treatments at the spa, this is desert luxury at its finest. The hotel is also home to an array of desert-centric adventures, including breakfast on hot air balloons, horse-riding, camelback trekking, falconry, nature tours to Al Marmoom and much more, while the must-see Al Qudra man-made lakes are also nearby. 

From £280 per night. 

Thar Desert, India 

Otherwise known as the Great Indian Desert, Thar spans an arid region in north-western India, with 85 per cent of its surface area found there and the other 15 per cent stretching into Pakistan. Boasting the highest population density of any of the world’s major hot deserts, despite its harsh environment, Thar is home to roughly 16.6 million people. Temperatures have been known to exceed a whopping 50°C in the summer months, so it’s integral to holiday here in the winter.

Where to stay: Suján The Serai

Relais & Chateaux property Suján The Serai sits on a 100-acre private estate of indigenous desert scrub, drawing inspiration from the royal caravan sites of Rajputana to create 21 luxury tents, each with their own outdoor terrace and some with private walled gardens and plunge pools. The on-site restaurant follows a farm-to-table ethos, while the Suján Spa features a further four tents to deliver treatments ranging from reflexology to relaxing massages that exclusively use products made with ingredients from the Thar. A short drive away lies Jaisalmer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making the Serai the perfect base from which to explore the Golden City too. 

From £650 per night. 

Atacama Desert, Chile

Known as the world’s driest non-polar desert, and one of the world’s premier stargazing locations, Atacama Desert offers endless clear skies, providing guests with an excellent opportunity to marvel at the night sky and even witness the Milky Way in all its glory. Plus, mild weather during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn creates a comfortable environment to engage in outdoor adventures and witness the breathtaking landscapes, from arid deserts and salt flats to volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. Just remember to pack your sunscreen…

Where to stay: Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa

Overlooking the majestic Licancabur Volcano in the Atacama, Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa offers a luxurious retreat that seamlessly blends modern comforts with Chilean charm. Expect a wine bar, two pools, and an on-site restaurant to tend to all of your holiday needs, while the 32 elegant rooms have been designed to bring the outside in, with expansive windows framing breathtaking views of the volcano beyond. Head to the concierge desk to book your desert experiences, including tours of the salt flats, geysers, hot springs and lagoons, or unwind at the Uma Spa, which offers steam room and outdoor infinity pool with panoramic views. 

From £1,448 per night. 

Agafay Desert, Morocco

Precisely 19 miles south of Marrakech, the Agafay Desert has become as popular as the city it fringes in recent years. Despite it being classed as a rocky desert, it looks quite similar to the Sahara (which it lies semi-adjacent to) thanks to its white sand dunes framed by the majestic Atlas Mountains. There’s a surprising amount of flora and fauna here, with even marine wildlife living in the oueds peppering the landscape, as well as Berber villages and olive fields too. 

Where to stay: Caravan Agafay by Our Habitas

Just 45 minutes from Marrakech, Caravan Agafay by Our Habitas is an immersive experience in the Moroccan desert. Nestled amid rocky dunes and offering expansive views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, this unique retreat invites guests to choose from an array of accommodations, including Atlas Lodges, Dune Lodges, Desert Lodges, and Explorer Tents, each designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. By day, enjoy camel trekking, intimate music performances and locally-inspired rituals, before dining at the Olivar Restaurant, serving unique dishes that celebrate Morocco's rich history with a side of moon-gazing. 

From £245 per night. 

Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi

The filming location for the second instalment of Dune, the Liwa Desert provides a dramatic backdrop for all desert adventures. Part of the world's largest uninterrupted desert – the Rub' al Khali or ‘Empty Quarter’ – it is famous for its towering sand dunes, which are among the highest in the world. A protected area within the UAE, that also extends into Saudi Arabia, hotels and resorts here keep traditional culture alive while inviting guests to try out some of the most thrilling desert experiences, including falcon and saluki shows, desert walks, camel trekking, archery, sand surfing and stargazing.

Where to stay: Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

Situated in the ‘Empty Quarter’, Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is just a two hour drive from Abu Dhabi city but feels like a world away thanks to its secluded fortress of turrets and courtyards landscaped within the towering dunes. Featuring a new infinity pool and cultural centre, the resort offers a luxurious sanctuary in the heart of the Liwa Desert, where guests can indulge in sumptuous rooms, suites, and private pool villas, each offering views of the desert landscape. Tap into a wealth of experiences, from camel treks and dune bashing to desert spa rituals and Moroccan hammams, before dining under the stars or simply unwinding by the pool. 

From £2,180 per night. 

Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan

Likely the aesthetically closest place to Mars on Earth, the Wadi Rum desert is a sight to behold. Dotted with rugged red cliffs and billows of sand, Wadi Rum translates as ‘valley of the moon’ and is situated in southern Jordan as the traditional home to the nomadic Bedouin tribe. Must-see attractions in the UNESCO World Heritage Site include fascinating rock paintings, petroglyphs and inscriptions which date back to prehistoric times, as well as walking through the Khazali Canyon and touring the historic cities of Amman and Petra. 

Where to stay: Memories Aicha Luxury Camp

One of the most famous and luxurious camps in the Wadi Rum desert, Memories Aicha Luxury Camp comprises 55 tents offering mind-blowing panoramas of the Arabian desert and, when the weather allows, some of the clearest views of the Milky Way found on Earth. Intimate accommodation caters for two to three guests and all tents are fitted with all the mod-cons well-heeled travellers would expect, such as air conditioning, hair dryers, fluffy bathrobes and king-sized beds. On-site facilities include a garden, library, terrace and restaurant – but if you fancy something a little more private, dedicated private chefs are available to cook up a storm whenever you fancy. 

From £174 per night.

Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA

Renowned for its cacti, craggy mountains, and native petroglyphs, you’ll find the Sonoran Desert to the west and south of Phoenix in the US state of Arizona. That said, the hot ecoregion actually spans 260,000 square kilometres, meaning it fringes Mexico and California. As the hottest desert in Mexico, Sonoran is not for the faint-hearted, but if you do go (with guides, please) you will be rewarded with unspoilt views and moderate hiking trails – pack several water bottles. 

Where to stay: Boulders Resort and Spa, Arizona

The secluded and natural haven of Boulders Resort and Spa is nestled in the picturesque Sonoran Desert and takes its name from the 12-million-year-old granite rock formations that dot the north Arizonan landscape. Inside, find casitas and suites with south-western inspired interiors, wood-burning fireplaces, and natural stone showers, while outside, discover beautiful mountain views at every turn featuring the property’s namesake boulders, emerald-hued golf fairways, and a duck pond’s grassy knolls where Gambel’s quail and desert cottontails play. The resort is famed for its spa and, naturally, takes its cues from the desert’s bounty, highlighted in the Desert Rose Radiance body treatment, which utilises jojoba and desert rose exfoliation and a soothing aloe mask made from local succulent plants. 

From £235 per night.

Kalahari Desert, Africa

Between November and February, average daytime temperatures in the Kalahari desert typically range from 25-35°C, and it’s during these dry winter months that those who are keen to experience a desert safari will be able to spot wildlife, especially newborns, as animals concentrate around water sources. Featuring a gentle undulating landscape, you won’t just find sand dunes here, but spots of grassland and salt pans that support more animals and plants than the Sahara, for example. This is the perfect choice for those dipping their toes into a desert holiday. 

Where to stay: Our Habitas Kalahari, Namibia

A safari destination that is also renowned for its desert landscape, Our Habitas Kalahari is set against a backdrop of panoramic savannah within a 50,000 hectare private wildlife reserve just 45 minutes from the Windhoek airport. The property features 12 stylishly designed tents that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, alongside a serviced lounge, outdoor pool, and a wellness centre to enhance relaxation. While you’ll be bowled over by frequent sightings of giraffes, elephants and rhino, also enjoy listening to bushmen from tribes across Namibia swap stories over braais and cocktails, be swaddled in the Himba people’s red-ochre body paint in the spa, and stargaze up at an unimpeded canopy.

From £300 per night. 

Sahara Desert, Africa

The world’s third-largest but hottest desert (it’s smaller only than the deserts of Antarctica and the northern Arctic), the Sahara spans the entire breadth of North Africa. Almost the same size as China, its sheer size is hard to comprehend, as it is bordered by 11 countries. Pick your gateway wisely, and only venture into the desert with expert guides. Folklore has it that the sand has been known to swallow whole herds and cities… 

Where to stay: The Residence Douz

Serving as a gateway to the Sahara, Cenizaro Hotels and Resort’s first desert resort, The Residence Douz, opened in 2022. Marking the brand’s second opening in Tunisia, it did not disappoint, inviting guests to lounge among glistening golden sands set in 40 hectares of rolling dunes and swaying palms. The all-suite oasis comprises 50 desert-inspired villas each of which references local design and aesthetics, some boasting private terraces and swimming pools shaded by canvas canopies, but all featuring bricks of Tozeur and hand-woven carpets. With three dining outlets – spanning Mediterranean to Tunisian cuisine – a spa including a traditional hammam, eight treatment rooms and Turkish baths, and a kid’s club complete with an observatory tower for spotting wildlife such as fennecs and gazelles, it has everything you’d want from a luxury desert hotel. 

From £133 per night. 

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