10 Desert Staycations and Cafes in the UAE

The desert is an adventure that you can explore, relax, enjoy small talks, and have a nice cup of chai or coffee if you wish! Here are the top 10 desert staycations and cafes you should visit when the city life is starting to wear you down.

1. Barracuda Beach Resort in Umm Al Quwain

The resort’s location on the edge of the Umm Al Quwain lagoon makes it ideal for a weekend escape from the bustle of Dubai without taking you too far from the city’s attractions. Modern villas and suites, a variety of dining options suitable for all family members, and other amenities ensure that guests of any age will have a memorable visit to this resort.

 

Choose from King, Two, One, and Studio suites that look out over the spectacular infinity pool, or the more luxurious Superior Waterfront Villas, each of which features its balcony. Thunder Road Pizza and Grill Italian Restaurant serves pizza, pasta, other Italian favorites, and Continental, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisine. There’s something for everyone in the family to eat, no matter their preferences.

 

2. One Degree Café at the Margham desert

Also new this winter in the Margham desert is One Degree, a café that is only open seasonally. This desert setting off the Dubai-Hatta road is actually not too distant from Downtown Dubai, taking only approximately 45 minutes to reach. To complement your high-quality brew, try some of the tasty campfire sweets they serve. Do not pass up the piping hot marshmallows. Its open from 4pm to 2am local time, visit Dubai’s Al Margham Desert.

3. My Space at the Nazwa desert

Enjoy the beautiful weather with a cup of coffee, some delicious baked goods, and a spectacular fire show. There is a kid’s play area in this restaurant and entertainment complex. Get the whole desert experience by riding a camel, which is also available. With extended hours every day (from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. In the Sharjah neighborhood of Nazwa

4. Mysk Al Faya Retreat in Sharjah

 

Get away from it all in the tranquil Mysk Al Faya Retreat, where you can follow in the Bedouins’ ways. The retreat, which was originally constructed in the 1960s and is now nestled in the Mleiha desert dunes, is a tastefully refurbished location that provides visitors with access to the famous archaeological site and its intriguing history.

Those who would prefer a more sedate vacation can lounge by the pool or take part in a wellness experience at the one-of-a-kind, hands-free spa including a herbal room, salt pool, and tropical shower walk. There are only five rooms, but each one has a skylight for stargazing at night, and they are all conveniently located around the campfire so guests can share stories about their day in the desert.

5. Longbeach Campground in Ras Al Khaimah

Is it your dream to spend the night under the stars and in a comfortable tent right on the beach? Glamping (glamorous camping) dreams come true in Ras Al Khaimah’s Long Beach Campground. There are four types of tents available at Bin Majid Hotels & Resorts, each with their own amenities and style: deluxe tents, family tents, prism balcony tents, safari suite tents, and panoramic dome suite tents.

Each tent is specially designed to withstand the harsh elements of the Gulf’s environment. All of the tents have luxurious beds, outside seats, a private bathroom, and breathtaking views of the beach.

When it comes to entertainment options, you’ll be spoiled for choice. You can challenge your pals to a round of beach volleyball, take part in a creative workshop, go kayaking or kite flying, or play a game of water volleyball on the floating aqua park. In the evening, enjoy the gorgeous surroundings at the swim-up bar or relax by the bonfire. The bar includes both an indoor and outdoor dining space, with the latter including a BBQ supper cooked to perfection at the chef’s many open grills. A floating theater is parked in the middle of the water at this camp.

6. Not A Space at the Al Faya desert

NOT a SPACE, a café in Sharjah’s Meleiha neighborhood, has opened a temporary winter desert cafés pop-up in the Al Faya desert, which features stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Sandwiches, sodas, coffee, and sweets are all on the menu. Live performances by DJs, musicians, and other artists are regular occurrences at NOT a SPACE, and the venue also hosts yoga classes.

7. Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara in Abu Dhabi

Millennials everywhere should definitely check out this hotel, which Luxury Travel Advisor named the most Instagrammable in the entire globe.

The five-star hotel enjoys a private setting in a desert paradise. Relax in the privacy of your own poolside villa, while gazing out at the breathtaking landscape of the Liwa desert and its seemingly endless sand dunes. Enjoy some exciting desert pursuits while you’re here, and peruse the library’s extensive collection of books on desert creatures and explorers.

8. Uncommon at the Al Faya desert

In the desert, The Uncommon is a popular place to stop and reflect. A massive mirror wall, sand dunes in motion, cozy chairs, and adorable coffees. This Sharjah pop-up café is a great addition to the UAE café scene, so if you like to hang out in cafes and take pictures for social media, you should check it out. Al Faya desert is home to the café that made headlines last year.

9. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah

Located in the stunning Al Wadi Desert, the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah spans over 1,235 acres of land within a protected reserve. The villas are decorated in the tradition of the Bedouin people and have private pools, terraces, lounge areas, and stunning views of the desert.

If you’re the type of traveler who likes to live on the edge, consider signing up for a desert camel trip, taking an archery or birdwatching course, or simply going on a nature stroll. Newly opened Sonara Camp, the farm-to-table Farmhouse, all-day dining at Kaheela, the open-air Moon Bar, and the laid-back Moorish lounge are just a few of the resort’s five eating options.

10. Mara Restaurant & Lounge in Jumeirah

 

Located in Wasl 51 Jumeirah, the newly launched Mara Restaurant & Lounge offers affordable global fare from a variety of cuisines. Pop-up desert café Link by Mara has opened near Sharjah Sustainable City. Sushi, kushiyaki, and other limited-time delicacies are just some of the options at Link by Mara, which sets itself apart from other dessert cafés.