Once upon a time, deserts were a place to avoid. Arid and inhospitable, only a few robust and ingenious groups of people throughout history have thrived there. But now, twenty-first-century living allows us to bask in the desert sun, appreciating the serene beauty these unique landscapes offer.
The best desert hotels offer an experience like no other. Miles from the rest of civilization and engulfed in nothing as far as the eye can see, it’s a chance to truly escape. Or, if you’re so inclined, it’s the perfect jumping-off point for unparalleled exploration.
Whatever your reasons, these luxury oases are the world’s best desert hotels.
Amangiri
Location: Utah, United States
Price: Eye-watering
Vibe: Unparalleled experiential luxury
The rundown: You’ll understand how special an experience you’re in for before you even arrive at Amangiri. The panoramic drive to the secretive location on the Utah-Arizona border is astonishing. The hotel itself is equally breathtaking. The experience is unequaled.
Often named the greatest luxury brand in the world, Aman’s efforts in Utah are wondrous. Navajo-inspired spas, an immaculate wrap-around swimming pool, and desert-view guestrooms all add up to a truly memorable stay. Its prices aren’t for the faint-hearted, though once again, they are full-board with tours and drinks included. This is luxury at the highest end.
Qasr Al Sarab
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Price: $382
Vibe: Arabian wonder
The rundown: The captivating setting of the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert is enough to pull you to Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Sarab. Resembling an ancient castle, the fortress of a hotel offers dune views from even its standard guestrooms, while its oasis-styled pool and world-class spa round out the experience.
Of course, with that location, you’d be missing out if you didn’t take a chance to go dune-bashing, camel riding, and indulge in Bedoin star-lit dining in the desert. Mesmerizing.
Emeraude Luxury Camp
Location: Agafay, Morocco
Price: $200+
Vibe: Saharan glamping
The rundown: Sometimes, less is more. Emeraude Luxury Camp embraces this without skimping on the comfort that makes a stay excellent. Guests glamp in luxury tents with the Atlas Mountains looming in the distance and unobstructed stars on show in the evening.
In a full Bedoin immersion, you’ll be treated to local culinary delights, music, cultural performances, and above all, the serenity of the desert. It’s not far from Marrakech either, making it a perfect city escape on a longer trip.
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Location: Sossusvlei Desert, Namibia
Price: $1,000+
Vibe: Breathtaking luxury at every turn
The rundown: Arguably the most spellbinding property on our list, andBeyond Sossusvlei Lodge must be seen to be believed. Built on a private reserve in the world’s oldest desert, the hotel’s ten-stone and glass-built rooms are all gifted with expansive views of one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes.
Prices are all-inclusive again, but impressive add-ons like helicopter flights over the desert or upgrades to the stargazing suite are all available to top things off. You’ve never stayed anywhere like this before.
Wadi Rum Luxury Camp
Location: Wadi Rum, Jordan
Price: $150+
Vibe: Bubble living steps from history
The rundown: Spectacular doesn’t live up to the experience. Ensuring you get the Wadi Rum desert means staying close by, and Wadi Rum Luxury Camp is the ideal spot.
Guests enjoy staying in comfortable bubble rooms, perfect for stargazing, and use them as a base for exploring the surrounding area. Red rock cliffs begging for exploration serve as the backdrop for a unique time in one of the world’s best desert destinations.
El Conquistador Tucson
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Price: $150+
Vibe: Affordable desert oasis
The rundown: This affordable Hilton property is situated in the Sonoran Desert and sets guests up perfectly to experience the surrounding area. The region’s top hiking trails are close by, the on-site restaurant and communal spaces have a local indigenous culture focus, and the rooms are generous, comfortable, and offer brilliant views of the area.
It was listed as one of the best experiential hotels in the US, and even better, it’s a Hilton property, so you can grab it for points instead of cash!
Tierra Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Price: $1,400+
Vibe: Solar-powered-high-end-brilliance
The rundown: Situated in the driest place in the world, this solar-powered all-inclusive resort is a bastion of eco-luxury. As with many South American hotels, the volcano vistas, perfect stargazing, and dramatic desert views are worth the trip alone, but the remote hotel’s service, food, and excursions take things to a different level.
While the price tag is high, know that it’s all-inclusive (including three-course meals, beer, cocktails, and wine) and even includes two half-day excursions or one full-day excursion per day of a stay. You’ll be hard-pushed to find somewhere more remote, spectacular, and luxurious than this.
by travelers, for travelers.
