The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Formerly the Banyan Tree Al Wadi, the Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah, now a Ritz-Carlton property, is a luxury desert resort with individual, private pool villas dotted around the desert landscape, offering utter seclusion and relaxation. The resort also has a number of wildlife activities on offer thanks to its position within a 500-hectare, protected nature reserve, giving the property a unique feel.

The individual one bedroom villas are either outwardly designed to look like traditional Arabian mud-brick buildings, or are tented to reflect the Bedouin nomadic feel of the location. Elegantly decorated, interiors combine the plush and ornate with modern clean lines and a fresh feel. Private pools add to the exclusive feel of the property. there is also a main pool and bar which also benefits from a jacuzzi.

Guests at the Al Wadi Desert can also treat themselves to a sensual spa experience at the Al Wadi Spa. With 10 lavish treatment pavilions, as well as a unique hydrotherapy centre called the Rainforest, where visitors can wander between rooms with pools and showers of different temperatures, ice rooms, steam rooms and saunas, the spa has everything you could need to completely unwind and relax in an oasis of calm and tranquillity.

Located within a nature reserve in the desert, it is the perfect place to enjoy the surrounding nature and wildlife. The property is home to a number of birds of prey, including falcons, two owls and hawks, and an afternoon spent participating in an intimate falconry display is a fantastic way to learn more about these fascinating creatures. There is an activity centre where guests can also go camel or horse riding, meet for nature walks, do archery and much more.

The Al Wadi Desert Ras Al Khaimah has two restaurants on site: Safran offering an exclusive fine-dining Indian menu in a distinctly Arabian setting, and Al Waha which offers international and Arabic cuisine in a beautiful setting honouring traditional Middle Eastern architecture. There are two bars: Samar Lounge which has a selection of wines and cocktails as well as cigars, and the Moon Bar which is on the roof terrace of Samar Lounge, offering shisha and presenting the perfect location for sunset and for star gazing. There are plenty of romantic places for destination dining including the The Tower, built as a traditional Arabian watchtower with stunning views over the desert, or even an Arabian or Western-style barbecue under the stars on the sand dunes with your own personal chef and butler.