Need to know
Rooms
123, including 18 suites.
Check–Out
Check-in is at 3pm, but both are flexible, subject to availability and a 50 per cent charge for check-in after 9am or late check-out until 6pm.
More details
Rates include a buffet breakfast, as well as a falconry demonstration and a camel ride.
Also
Some terrace rooms on the ground floor are wheelchair accessible, but deluxe rooms are on the first floor and only reachable by stairs. All communal areas, including the infinity pool, are fully accessible.
At the hotel
Bikes to hire, boutique, paid laundry service and free WiFi throughout. In rooms: TV, coffee machine, tea-making kit, minibar and free bottled water.
Our favourite rooms
We’re tempted by the thought of taking our morning brew alfresco amid breeze-swayed palms in a Terrace Garden View Room. The palatial Desert Pool Villas set hearts pitter-pattering with private pools and perfect seclusion.
Poolside
Heat-hazed afternoons are best spent rotating between the desert-flanked infinity pool and the lap pool’s adults-only swim-up bar. There’s also an outdoor family pool, which has a lifeguard. All three are open from 8am to 8pm.
Spa
Let the scent of rose and honey lure you to Bab Al Shams Spa. Here, hammam rituals and bathing ceremonies draw on traditional Maghrebi healing practices, using Maison d’Asa’s regionally sourced organic botanicals and clay. Or perhaps you’ll opt for a therapy rooted in ancient Arabic techniques — a rub-down using the oil of the al-sidr tree, hailed for its anti-inflammatory properties — or even a bespoke Bamford facial. Ramp up your relaxation further with guided yoga or meditation, reiki or sound healing sessions. Although all you really need for a dose of calm here is a stint in the sauna and steam room, before padding out to the pool, herbal tea in hand as you eye the desert beyond.
The airy fitness centre is kitted out with Technogym equipment, and has a schedule of fitness classes and personal trainers on hand, too. The spa and gym are open daily from 9am to 10pm.
Packing tips
You’ll want closed-toe shoes and a fresh camera-film roll for any desert expeditions.
Also
For birthday dos, date nights and down-on-one-knee moments, there are private dining options at romantic spots around the resort.
Children
All ages are welcome and well catered to.
Best for
All ages are welcome, but the resort will be most rewarding for kids old enough to get stuck into desert adventures.
Recommended rooms
Most rooms have a daybed suitable for one child, and there are Family Rooms and Suites available too, with two rooms connected via a private hallway. Baby cots can be added for free to all rooms.
Crèche
The free kids’ club is open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Activities
Mini explorers can come along on most activities, including pony and camel rides, nature walks and stargazing.
Swimming pool
The swim-up bar pool is adults-only, but there’s also a family pool with a lifeguard, plus the hotel’s infinity pool.
Meals
Children are welcome at all restaurants (although under-21s aren’t allowed at Anwā after 8pm). Ninive has a separate children’s menu.
Babysitting
Babysitting can be arranged with 24 hours’ notice, for AED100 an hour.
