Planning a getaway to the desert? The best desert hotels in the world combine unparalleled luxury with the stark beauty of desert landscapes, creating an unforgettable experience for travellers. From the canyons of Utah to the vast dunes of the Middle East, these places to stay are designed to offer both seclusion and comfort in some of the world’s most unique landscapes. Our AI travel assistant has selected top desert escapes to provide you with the ultimate in desert adventure, luxury, and relaxation.
Each of these hotels lets you connect deeply with nature while enjoying exclusive services such as private desert excursions, stargazing, and world-class spa experiences. They are perfect for travellers seeking more than just a stay—they offer a full immersion in the beauty and calmness of desert environments. Let’s explore WIWT´s top picks, designed to make your desert retreat truly unforgettable.
OUR TOP 10 DESERT HOTELS IN THE WORLD
1. Amangiri
Located in Utah’s stunning canyon country, Amangiri combines modern luxury with the raw beauty of the American Southwest. Designed to blend seamlessly into its rugged surroundings, this luxurious retreat offers expansive suites, each with panoramic views of dramatic cliffs and mesas. Known for its iconic infinity pool, Amangiri provides an exceptional escape into the desert with high-end amenities and minimalistic architecture that enhances the natural landscape.
Guests can relax in exclusive experiences such as hot-air ballooning, canyoneering, and cultural tours with Navajo guides, adding a unique local touch to their stay. In addition to adventure, the resort also offers a world-class spa with therapies inspired by Navajo healing traditions, providing the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.
Why to stay at Amangiri?
- World-class spa and wellness facilities.
- Iconic infinity pool with canyon views.
- Guided cultural tours and desert adventures.
2. Longitude 131°
Located in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, Longitude 131° is a luxury desert lodge overlooking the sacred Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Each of the property’s tented pavilions features floor-to-ceiling windows offering exclusive views of the Outback’s stunning landscapes. Inside, the interiors blend contemporary design with Indigenous artwork, creating an elegant yet culturally immersive experience.
Longitude 131° offers private guided tours of Uluru, allowing guests to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with expert guides. With fire-lit dinners under the stars and gourmet cuisine inspired by native Australian flavours, this retreat allows guests to connect deeply with the heritage and spirit of the land.
Why to stay at Longitude 131°?
- Iconic views of Uluru from luxury tents.
- Immersive Indigenous culture and heritage.
- Exclusive Outback excursions with expert guides.
Planning a trip to the deserts? Explore WIWT accommodation guides Worldwide.
3. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a majestic fortress located in the vast dunes of Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter. This luxurious oasis offers private villas with panoramic desert views, each designed with traditional Arabian decor and modern amenities. From camel treks to private dune dinners, Qasr Al Sarab provides an authentic desert experience paired with world-class service and comfort.
Guests can relax at the award-winning Anantara Spa, inspired by ancient Bedouin traditions, or take part in desert adventures like sandboarding and archery. Known for its luxurious and romantic ambience, this resort provides an ideal desert escape for couples and families alike.
Why to stay at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort?
- Lavish Arabian-style villas with private pools.
- Unique desert experiences, like camel rides and dune dining.
- Award-winning spa with Bedouin-inspired treatments.
4. &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Located in Namibia’s vast Namib Desert, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge offers a retreat where luxury meets the wilderness. The lodge is built with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, giving each suite unobstructed views of the surrounding red dunes and desert plains. Designed to be eco-friendly, the lodge runs on solar power and offers sustainable tourism experiences that emphasize conservation.
Guests can explore the iconic Sossusvlei Dunes, embark on nature drives, or enjoy guided stargazing sessions at the on-site observatory, making this lodge a dream for nature lovers. The blend of eco-conscious design with luxury comforts makes &Beyond Sossusvlei a top choice for those wanting an immersive desert stay.
Why to stay at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge?
- Stunning desert views from every suite.
- Eco-friendly with a focus on sustainability.
- On-site observatory for guided stargazing.
5. Al Maha Desert Resort
An exclusive desert oasis located in Dubai’s sprawling sand dunes, Al Maha Desert Resort offers a taste of traditional Arabian luxury in a natural setting. Each villa features a private infinity pool, blending seamlessly with the desert landscape and providing stunning views. Guests can enjoy a range of unique desert experiences, from camel trekking and horseback riding to guided nature walks.
The resort’s Bedouin-style decor, combined with world-class service, makes it a favourite among travellers looking to experience Dubai’s desert in style. With an award-winning spa and gourmet dining under the stars, Al Maha offers an unforgettable retreat in one of the world’s most scenic deserts.
Why to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort?
- Private pools with stunning dune views.
- Authentic Arabian decor with luxury touches.
- Desert adventures like falconry and nature walks.
6. Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Set in one of Namibia’s most remote landscapes, Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp offers a unique blend of luxury and untouched wilderness. This eco-lodge is located near the Skeleton Coast, a rugged and isolated stretch of desert known for its unique wildlife. Guests can experience guided safaris to see desert-adapted elephants, lions, and even rhinos, offering a true immersion in Namibia’s natural beauty.
The camp’s tented accommodations provide a luxurious retreat with contemporary furnishings and expansive views of the desert. Scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast and visits to remote beaches give guests access to some of Namibia’s most striking landscapes.
Why to stay at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp?
- Remote location with exclusive access to wildlife.
- Unique guided safaris in the desert.
- Scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast.
7. Explora Atacama
Located in the heart of Chile’s Atacama Desert, Explora Atacama combines high-end luxury with a commitment to environmental stewardship. This lodge is designed to offer comfort while respecting the desert’s fragile ecosystem, featuring sustainably sourced materials and energy-efficient facilities. Guests can take part in guided excursions, exploring nearby salt flats, geysers, and volcanic landscapes.
In addition to exploring, guests can relax at the lodge’s hot springs and enjoy stargazing from the on-site observatory, making Explora Atacama an ideal retreat for both adventure and relaxation. Its balance of luxury and eco-consciousness makes it a standout choice for Atacama travellers.
Why to stay at Explora Atacama?
- Luxurious accommodations with an eco-friendly focus.
- Exclusive excursions into Atacama’s unique landscapes.
- Stargazing at the on-site observatory.
8. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert offers a luxury desert experience in the UAE, with private villas, infinity pools, and elegant Arabian decor. This stunning resort is set within a 1,235-acre nature reserve, providing guests the chance to enjoy falconry displays, horseback riding, and Arabian cooking classes.
In addition to the luxury accommodations, guests can relax at the Al Wadi Spa, which offers a range of treatments using locally sourced ingredients. The Ritz-Carlton’s Arabian-inspired design and peaceful atmosphere make it ideal for those seeking an oasis of calm and beauty.
Why to stay at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert?
- Spacious private villas with private pools.
- Unique desert activities and spa treatments.
- Arabian-inspired design in a nature reserve setting.
9. Tierra Atacama
Located in Chile’s desert, Tierra Atacama combines sustainable luxury with spectacular views of the Andean mountains and the Atacama salt flats. With an eco-friendly design, this boutique resort offers luxurious rooms with private terraces, a spa with volcanic rock treatments, and excursions into the unique Atacama landscape.
Guests at Tierra Atacama can explore nearby salt flats, hot springs, and volcanoes, while the observatory offers a front-row seat to some of the clearest skies in the world. This retreat’s unique architecture and personalized service make it a top choice for a memorable desert experience.
Why to stay at Tierra Atacama?
- Eco-friendly design with luxurious touches.
- Diverse desert excursions, including volcano hikes.
- Observatory for stargazing in the Atacama sky.
10. Zannier Hotels Sonop
In the breathtaking Namibian desert, Zannier Hotels Sonop offers a luxurious vintage-inspired stay with 1920s-style tents. Set atop boulders with panoramic desert views, each tented suite features antique decor and modern luxuries like a heated pool. From horseback riding to private dinners on the dunes, Sonop provides an immersive desert experience.
With open-air yoga sessions, a spa, and a cinema under the stars, Zannier Sonop is the ideal choice for travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation in an unforgettable setting. The hotel’s blend of luxury and throwback charm captures the spirit of early 20th-century exploration.
Why to stay at Zannier Hotels Sonop?
- Luxurious 1920s-inspired tents with panoramic views.
- Horseback riding and private dune dinners.
- Open-air cinema and starry night experiences.
Our Final Take on the Best Desert Hotels in the World
From the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei to the vibrant landscapes of the Atacama, these best desert hotels offer travellers an exceptional blend of luxury and adventure. Each destination is handpicked by our AI travel assistant to give you unparalleled access to some of the world’s most beautiful desert landscapes. With experiences tailored for every type of traveller, from exclusive wildlife safaris to stargazing under vast desert skies, these hotels make your journey into the desert unforgettable.
Looking for more unforgettable stays? Check out our lists of The 10 Best Private Island Resorts in the World and The 10 Best Four Seasons Hotels Worldwide. Whatever your travel dreams, WIWT is here to help make them a reality—so pack your bags and explore the best places to stay in the world’s most unique desert settings!