There’s something magnetic about the desert—endless golden dunes shifting with the wind, cool mornings scented with spice, and a horizon that feels infinite. It’s a landscape that humbles and inspires all at once.

Today, desert resorts are drawing adventurous yet comfort-seeking travelers who crave both discovery and stillness. These retreats offer far more than a place to stay: think desert safaris at sunrise, Bedouin hospitality around a fire, camel treks across ochre sands, or the thrill of dune bashing before an evening under starlit skies.

From Morocco’s Sahara to the rose-red canyons of Jordan, the best desert resorts marry adventure travel with cultural depth and extraordinary tranquility. Each moment is crafted to heighten your senses, immerse you in place, and create experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else.

Below, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite desert resorts and destinations that perfectly blend comfort with adventure travel.

Morocco: Gateway to the Sahara

Morocco is an adventure for all the senses. Lose yourself in the vibrant souks of Marrakech, where every turn reveals a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and sounds.

Feel the golden sands of the Sahara between your toes as you watch the sun sink behind the dunes. Wander through the dreamy blue streets of Chefchaouen, a place straight out of a fairytale. From the rugged Atlas Mountains to the windswept beaches of Essaouira, Morocco offers a journey as diverse as it is unforgettable.

And don’t forget the food—fragrant tagines, flaky pastries, and endless glasses of mint tea await.

Our favorite desert resorts in Morocco offer personalized service, stunning views, and timeless Moroccan elegance.

Riad Fes – Authentic Moorish architecture with modern comforts.
Kasbah Tamadot – Atlas Mountains retreat with stunning views and luxury suites.
Villa des Orangers, Marrakesh – Relais & Châteaux riad blending Moroccan charm with refined elegance.
Dar Alham – Secluded desert escape offering privacy, serenity, and traditional design.
Olinto Atlas Mountain Retreat – Exclusive Atlas Mountains hideaway with lush gardens and refined Moroccan style.
Villa Maroc – Boutique property blending charm and relaxation.

We created this Moroccan vacation guide to help you plan must-see cities, activities, and experiences.

United Arab Emirates: Glamour in the Desert

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is where desert adventure meets 5-star comfort and relaxation.

Wake up in a glass-walled villa at Al Maha, where wild gazelles wander just beyond your private pool. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you race across golden dunes in a 4x4, or rise gently into the sky on a hot air balloon as the desert glows with the first light of dawn. Sip rich Arabic coffee in a Bedouin-style tent and dine under a canopy of stars.

The UAE deserts invite travelers to experience both energetic adventures and moments of pure stillness.

These are the desert resorts in the United Arab Emirates that we come back to time and time again.

Al Maha, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – Suites with private pools and desert wildlife.
Qasr Al Sarab Resort – A desert fortress among the dunes.
Anantara Sir Bani Yas – Wildlife reserve stay with beach and desert views.

Oman: Authentic Desert Escapes

Find ancient traditions and untamed landscapes in the Omani deserts.

Step into the rolling dunes of Wahiba Sands, where copper-toned hills stretch forever. Trek across shifting sands, visit Bedouin families who welcome you with warm hospitality, or explore desert oases that feel like hidden treasures. Spend your evenings around a crackling fire, sharing stories with your travel companions or new friends beneath skies filled with stars brighter than you’ve ever seen.

Oman’s deserts are raw, authentic, and untouched—perfect for travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in the wilderness and culture.

We love these unique desert resort stays in Oman:

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort – Cliffside retreat above dramatic canyons.
The Chedi Muscat – Elegant beachfront oasis near desert landscapes.
Al Baleed Resort Salalah – Oceanfront resort with desert excursions.
Six Senses Zighy Bay – Cliffside luxury with private villas, beachfront views, and dramatic mountain backdrops.

Jordan: Desert Wonders of Wadi Rum

Jordan is a desert of wonders waiting to be explored.

In Wadi Rum, located in southern Jordan, red sandstone cliffs and wide-open valleys create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Ride in a jeep across Mars-like terrain, hike up cliffs for panoramic views, or settle into a traditional Bedouin camp with a cup of cardamom tea.

As night falls, the desert sky becomes a brilliant canvas of stars. Pair your time in Wadi Rum with a visit to Petra’s rose-red city or a float in the Dead Sea. You’ll uncover a side of Jordan that blends adventure with timeless history.

These incredible desert resorts in Jordan take glamping to a whole new level:

Memories Aicha Luxury Camp – Bubble tents under the stars.
Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp – Panoramic tents with private stargazing views.
Discovery Bedu Camp – Eco-friendly stay with modern comforts.

Egypt: Siwa Oasis Eco-Lodges Blending Desert Adventure with Ancient History

Egypt’s Siwa Oasis is a hidden world deep in the desert.

Palm groves sway gently in the breeze, salt lakes shimmer in shades of turquoise, and ancient ruins allow you to step into history. Spend your day racing down dunes in the Great Sand Sea or slip into a hot spring tucked among the palms.

In Siwa, time slows. It’s a desert escape that blends raw beauty with the echoes of ancient history.

Stay in a cozy retreat or a rustic lodge in Egypt:

Adrère Amellal, Siwa Oasis – Candlelit eco-lodge built of salt rock.
Talist Siwa – Lakeside setting with palm groves.
Desert Rose Eco-Lodge, Bahariya Oasis – Desert serenity with eco principles.

Combine your desert oasis with the timeless beauty of a luxury Nile River cruise for a journey that blends contrast and culture. After days of serenity among sweeping dunes, private pools, and desert fortresses, step aboard a ship where ancient history unfolds along the riverbanks.

This pairing offers the best of both worlds—desert solitude and riverfront discovery—while wrapping every moment in five-star service, fine dining, and breathtaking views.

These are our favorite Nile River cruises:

Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruiser – Boutique-style ship with 27 cabins, spa, gourmet dining, and private dockings.
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV – 1920s-inspired elegance with chic cabins, pool deck, and expert-led excursions.
Viking Osiris – Modern 2022 vessel with Scandinavian design, panoramic lounges, and seamless cruising.

Qatar: Luxury Desert Glamping Near Doha

Qatar’s deserts are an adventure just beyond the city skyline.

One moment you’re in the heart of the capital city, Doha, and the next you’re gliding over rolling dunes that stretch endlessly to the horizon. In Qatar, the desert is both exhilarating and serene—an escape that feels worlds away.

Feel the thrill of driving a 4x4 down sandy slopes, riding a camel toward the setting sun, or camping at the edge of the Inland Sea, where desert sands meet the waters of the Gulf.

Stay in one of these desert resort tents and let the stillness of the desert wrap around you.

Retaj Salwa Resort & Spa – Desert retreat close to Doha.
The Outpost Al Barari Camp – Nature-based glamping with dune adventures.
Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort – Villas overlooking desert-meets-sea landscapes.

South America: High-Altitude Desert Adventures

From the starlit skies of Chile’s Atacama Desert to the high-altitude beauty of Peru’s Titilaka, South America offers some of the world’s most extraordinary desert stays.

Each destination pairs breathtaking natural scenery with unique cultural and adventure experiences, creating unforgettable escapes for travelers seeking both solitude and discovery.

Find a variation of desert resorts across South America:

Nayara Alto Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile – Adobe-style desert oasis with gardens, pools, and guided adventures under starry skies.
Explora Atacama, Atacama Desert, Chile – Adventure pioneer with 40+ explorations, private observatory, and sleek desert design.
Titilaka, Lake Titicaca, Peru – Peninsula lodge with floor-to-ceiling views and curated Andean cultural excursions.
Kachi Lodge, Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia – Futuristic domes with stargazing, volcano hikes, and artisan visits.
Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina – Vineyard retreat with adobe villas, wine therapy spa, and Andes foothill excursions.

Namibia: Epic Dunes and Stargazing Retreats

Namibia’s desert resorts offer a blend of vast, otherworldly landscapes and luxurious comfort. From the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei to the panoramic vistas at Wolwedans, you can enjoy stargazing, guided safaris, and immersive desert adventures.

These retreats showcase the raw beauty of the Namib Desert while providing elegant accommodations and unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.

andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – Glass-fronted suites with plunge pools, desert safaris, and world-class stargazing.
Wolwedans Dune Lodge – Rustic-chic retreat in NamibRand Nature Preserve with panoramic views, balloon rides, and family-friendly desert walks.

Mexico: Desert Meets Sea Luxury

Mexico’s desert resorts blend rugged landscapes with coastal beauty, creating a unique desert-meets-sea experience.

From the refined villas of Zadún to the design-forward adventure of Paradero Todos Santos, you can enjoy stargazing, desert excursions, and water-based adventures.

Each desert resort in Mexico combines stunning desert scenery with world-class amenities for an unforgettable escape.

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, Los Cabos – Iconic Baja escape with rooftop terraces, butler service, and desert-meets-sea adventures.
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, San José del Cabo – Villa retreat with a personal attendant, desert-inspired design, and world-class spa.
Paradero Todos Santos, Baja California Sur – Minimalist desert retreat with guided hikes, surfing, farming workshops, and stargazing.

United States: Iconic Southwestern Escapes

The United States offers iconic desert escapes in the Southwest, where dramatic landscapes meet luxury and adventure.

From Amangiri’s minimalist Utah retreat with canyon views and hot-air ballooning to Sedona’s Enchantment Resort with red rock hikes and world-class wellness, these desert resorts showcase the best of Southwestern desert beauty with comfort, adventure, and unforgettable vistas.

Explore our favorites:

Amangiri, Canyon Point – Iconic Utah retreat with minimalist design, canyon views, and Navajo-led desert adventures.
Enchantment Resort, Sedona – Red rock escape with hiking, vortex experiences, and world-class wellness at Mii amo.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Tucson – Sonoran Desert resort with guided hikes, golf, spa, and family-friendly luxury.

Planning Your Desert Resort Stay

Desert resorts are unlike any other kind of getaway. They invite you into a world of vast dunes, cultural depth, and exhilarating adventure travel—but their remoteness and extreme climates mean they require more forethought than a simple beach break. From the timing of your visit to the excursions you choose, every detail shapes the experience.

That’s where we come in. We carefully plan every element of your stay at the best desert resorts—from private transfers across the sands to expert guides for desert safaris and the perfect balance of stillness and adventure. With thoughtful preparation, every sunrise trek, lantern-lit dinner, and night beneath a starlit sky unfolds seamlessly.

Our role is to ensure that your time in the desert feels effortless, while still delivering the thrill of discovery. With the right planning, desert resorts transform from remote retreats into extraordinary journeys—rich with culture, adventure, and unforgettable moments.

Book a complimentary travel planning session with Allison today.

FAQs About Desert Resorts and Vacations

When is the best time of year to visit a resort in the desert?

The best time to visit a desert resort is from October to April. The summer months are extremely hot and may limit the outdoor activities you can participate in.

What should I pack for a desert stay?

Pack breathable clothing and layers for chilly nights. Keep the local culture in mind, as some locations may have expectations and rules for how men and women dress. Don’t forget sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.

Do desert resorts have Wi-Fi and modern amenities?

Yes, most desert resorts offer Wi-Fi, air conditioning, private bathrooms, and pools. Don’t let this interfere with your “disconnect and unwind” experience. That's what is great about working with us to plan your desert adventure—we can help you navigate all the details from transportation to hotel room nuances.

How remote are these resorts?

It depends—some desert resorts are just an hour from major cities, while others require a longer transfer (3–5 hours) or private 4x4 pickup to reach deep desert locations. When you work with us, we coordinate all these details for you.

Desert Resorts for Adventurous Travelers: From Morocco to the Middle East