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Liwa Hotels & Resorts Abu Dhabi UAE

Liwa Hotels: Best Resorts and Hotels in Liwa Oasis

    The Liwa Oasis, located in the heart of the UAE desert, is one of the most beautiful, surprising, and authentic destinations in the Emirates. It is also the perfect place for a memorable stay in the midst of the desert. In this guide to the best hotels in Liwa and its fabulous desert resorts, you will discover top-notch accommodations suitable for a delightful couples’ getaway, a weekend escape, a honeymoon, or even an extended stay amidst the red dunes of the world’s largest sandy desert.

    Our carefully curated collection showcases the pinnacle of accommodations in Liwa Oasis, a truly remote, authentic, enchanting, and captivating destination nestled in the heart of the United Arab Emirates. We have handpicked some of the Middle East’s most exceptional resorts, all ready to offer you an unforgettable experience amidst the grandeur of the desert, just 200 km from Abu Dhabi and 300 km from Dubai.

    Liwa Oasis, with its surreal landscapes and rich cultural heritage, beckons travelers seeking a unique escape. Whether you are in search of opulent luxury, a tranquil oasis, or a blend of traditional and modern comforts, this guide will assist you in finding your ideal retreat. Prepare to be awed by the breathtaking dunes and the serenity of this oasis. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, savor delectable cuisine, and indulge in world-class amenities. Liwa Oasis is arguably the best-kept secret of the UAE, a hidden gem that will undoubtedly astonish any traveler!

    What you’ll find in this guide to the best Liwa Hotels and Resorts:

    Best Liwa Hotels and Resorts

    Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort

    The Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful resorts in the UAE, and perhaps in the world. Nestled in the enchanting setting of the Liwa Oasis, the Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort stands as the finest hotel in Liwa and is the perfect place for an unforgettable stay.

    Located amidst the red dunes of the Empty Quarter, the boundless and evocative Arabian desert, this remarkable resort resembles an ancient desert fortress – a sandcastle straight out of the Arabian Nights fairytale. The spirit of explorers and desert nomads seems to linger in the dunes, gently caressed by the wind. Starry nights captivate travelers, while fine sand blankets the lush gardens of this ancient and captivating oasis.

    Liwa Oasis is now a quiet and remote place, far from the realm of mass tourism. Few people are acquainted with this charming locale, nestled along the border with Oman. The Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort perfectly encapsulates its enchanting and evocative ambiance.

    Situated approximately a 2-hour drive from Abu Dhabi and 3 hours from Dubai, the Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort is the ideal destination for a rejuvenating and romantic getaway, tailor-made for couples. This luxurious 5-star resort boasts exquisite rooms, suites, and villas adorned with Arabic-style decor, elegant furnishings, sumptuous carpets, and meticulously crafted finishes, featuring an extensive use of fine natural woods, marble, and mosaics. The color palette, ranging from caramel, sand, brown, white, to orange, evokes the atmosphere of an ancient caravanserai, yet the refined furnishings lend it the opulence of a sultan’s palace.

    The beautiful Anantara Suites feature a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a charming private patio complete with a table, sun loungers, and picturesque views of the garden and the dunes. Some of the most exquisite rooms are those with a terrace, which indeed offer a fabulous outdoor space adorned with Arabic-style sofas and a spacious porch overlooking the dunes.

    For those fortunate enough to indulge, the breathtaking Anantara Villas stand as one of the most luxurious resort accommodations in the Middle East. These private villas are nestled in one of the most tranquil corners of the resort, surrounded by a magnificent private garden enclosed by fortress-like Arab-style walls. Each villa boasts a private infinity pool and offers sensational views of the crimson desert dunes. The villas range from 1 to 3 bedrooms and 1 to 3 bathrooms. The largest villa spans 210 square meters, featuring a generous living room and terraces equipped with tables, sofas, loungers, and barbecue facilities.

    Staying at the Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort, you can benefit from the beautiful spa, which features a hammam, relaxation areas, private jacuzzis, steam baths, an ice room, sauna, and offers a plethora of rejuvenating treatments, beauty routines, wellness treatments, private yoga classes, and top-notch massages.

    The highly trained staff speak multiple languages and offer some of the best professional beauty and wellness treatments, that contribute to making this fabulous desert resort in Liwa one of the best in the UAE. You can also enjoy the large fitness center and swimming pool with sun terraces and sunbeds, a lush park with palm trees, shaded areas, as well as a sports center with tennis courts, horseback riding, archery, and mountain biking.

    This resort offers the utmost tranquility and a valuable experience for both couples and families. In fact, there is also a kids’ club with specialized staff. When it comes to food, the Anantara Al Waha Restaurant serves fine Arabic cuisine, while the Suhail Restaurant offers excellent French-inspired specialties. Finally, Ghadeer is a casual and atmospheric restaurant serving light meals.

    The Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort offers a spacious, complimentary private car park and boasts a 24-hour reception staffed by multilingual personnel. The resort’s pools are accessible year-round, and you can also enjoy a wide range of cocktails and beverages at the various on-site bars. Additionally, the hotel’s staff can arrange desert excursions, falconry shows, camel rides, and horseback rides for your entertainment.

    Liwa Nights Desert Glamping

    If you’re seeking an extraordinary stay, Liwa Nights might be the perfect choice for you. Situated in the heart of the desert, nestled amidst the towering dunes of Liwa Oasis and just a short distance from the Moreeb Dunes, which rank among the world’s highest, Liwa Nights offers a unique glamping experience with its spacious circular tents, reminiscent of those used by desert nomads.

    Inside each tent, you’ll find a comfortable bed with a plush mattress, bedside tables, and a cozy sitting area. Your private bathroom is equipped with a shower and comes stocked with complimentary toiletries. It’s a blend of simplicity and luxury, and to top it off, the tent is even equipped with air conditioning! But the real highlight is the breathtaking view of the desert dunes, making your stay truly memorable.

    The welcoming host, proficient in multiple languages, will spare no effort in ensuring your comfort and crafting an unforgettable experience. Nestled amidst date palms in a picturesque oasis, the setting exudes tranquility, far removed from the throngs of mass tourism. This locale is a well-kept secret, cherished primarily by locals.

    Prepare for enchanting evenings spent by the crackling fire, gazing in awe at the mesmerizing expanse of the starry sky. Here, you can relish the serene silence or engage in delightful conversations with your host. The tents at Liwa Nights offer an all-inclusive experience, featuring delectable home-cooked breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. You’ll also have the opportunity to savor the locally grown dates and partake in a plethora of desert activities, including hiking, visits to ancient forts, dune buggy rides, and much more.

    Liwa Hotel


    Nestled in the heart of the serene Liwa Oasis, the Liwa Hotel stands as another good 5-star establishment, situated just a stone’s throw away from a tranquil desert village and the captivating red dunes of the Empty Quarter, also known as Rub Al Khali. With a modern decor inspired by contemporary Arabic style, this hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, each featuring a private patio with stunning views of the dunes. The rooms are well-appointed with all the amenities you need for a pleasant stay, including a generous living area, a bathtub, and a private bathroom with a shower and complimentary toiletries.

    Guests can indulge in the hotel’s restaurant, the Green Liwa Oasis, which offers a good blend of regional and international cuisine. Additionally, guests can make use of the fitness center and a small spa, complete with a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Moreover, the hotel boasts a picturesque swimming pool that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding dunes, along with sun terraces and a poolside bar. The pools remain open year-round, allowing guests to enjoy a refreshing dip at any time, and a delicious breakfast buffet is served in the morning. The reception is available 24 hours a day, and hotel guests enjoy complimentary parking.

    Best Hotels near Liwa Oasis

    Tilal Liwa Hotel Madinat Zayed

    Located in the Liwa Desert, halfway between Abu Dhabi and the Liwa Oasis, the Tilal Liwa Hotel Madinat Zayed is a luxurious 4-star resort boasting excellent and affordable rooms and suites, all with fabulous views of the dunes. Especially popular with couples, the Tilal Liwa Hotel Madinat Zayed is also highly favored by locals and expats for a staycation or a rejuvenating break away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

    The comfortable rooms feature a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, and some also include a balcony or patio with a lovely view of the garden, the swimming pool, or the dunes of the Liwa Desert. The hotel’s restaurants serve outstanding regional and international cuisine, including vegetarian options. They feature live cooking stations and are beautifully situated in the garden.

    When booking, be sure to opt for the all-inclusive rate so that you can enjoy the generous breakfast buffet, as well as the excellent and plentiful lunches and dinners, along with a wide selection of unlimited drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). This is a great value, considering the typically high drink prices in the UAE. Also, keep in mind that the hotel is situated in the desert, so you won’t find any other restaurants or bars nearby.

    The hotel boasts a large sun terrace with loungers and an infinity pool that offers a stunning view of the desert. The small spa features a steam room and offers various treatments and massages. The reception is open 24 hours a day, and you can also take advantage of free private parking.

    Liwa Hotels and Resorts: What to Expect

    Liwa Oasis is a true hidden gem, nestled in the heart of the United Arab Emirates. This lesser-known and less touristy destination has managed to preserve its authentic charm, making it an ideal retreat away from the hustle and bustle of more popular spots. While there are only a handful of hotels in Liwa, some of them rank among the finest in the Middle East.

    Notably, the Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort stands out as one of the most beautiful and atmospheric hotels in the world. This dreamlike resort offers top-notch amenities and accommodations. Its architectural design is reminiscent of an ancient Arab fortress, immersing you in the allure of bygone eras, where tales of caravans, sultans, and princesses come to life.

    Choosing to stay in one of Liwa’s hotels means relishing a moment of relaxation, taking in one of the most remote and stunning corners of the Arabian Peninsula, and experiencing a slice of the world’s largest sandy desert. Here, you’ll encounter some of the tallest sand dunes globally, making it the perfect locale for desert activities like camel rides, dune buggies, hikes, and off-road adventures.

    Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to explore numerous old forts and visit traditional villages. The United Arab Emirates isn’t solely about the glamorous skyscrapers and resorts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi; it also comprises villages surrounded by sand and dust—ideal places to immerse yourself in the intriguing local culture.

    Staying in Liwa’s hotels offers you a fabulous view of the desert and the oasis, where date palms continue to thrive today. You can visit the villages to savor the finest dates, purchase local handicraft souvenirs, or sample some local specialties. There are a few small shops and kiosks, primarily catering to locals. In fact, until just a few years ago, Liwa Oasis was a remote borderland, inhabited solely by camel ranchers, date palm farmers, and the thousands of workers who live and toil in the gas fields hidden in the heart of the desert.

    FAQs on Liwa Hotels & Resorts

    What’s the best hotel in Liwa Oasis?

    The best hotel in Liwa Oasis is the fabulous 5-star Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort. Particularly popular with couples, honeymooners, and families, this luxury hotel boasts first-class service and fabulous accommodations with desert views.

    What’s the best budget-friendly hotel in the Liwa Desert?

    Liwa Oasis isn’t exactly a budget-friendly destination, but in the Liwa Desert, about 65km north of Liwa Oasis and near modern Zayed City, you’ll find the Tilal Liwa Hotel, which offers excellent desert-view accommodations at affordable rates. Be sure to check out their all-inclusive rates, as they are the best deal you’ll find in the Liwa area.

    What are the prices for Liwa hotels?

    Prices for a double room in one of the best hotels in Liwa range from AED 1,100 ($300) to AED 2,500 ($700) per night.

    For the fabulous villas at the Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort, prices start at around AED 5,100 ($1,400). During the high season, especially between November and January, rates may be subject to increases. If you plan to travel during these months, it is advisable to book well in advance.

    Those interested in staying in Liwa on New Year’s Eve should book early, as the best hotels in Liwa may be in high demand. The same goes for the tents at Liwa Nights, as availability is very limited.

    How far is Liwa Oasis from Dubai?

    Liwa Oasis is approximately 300 km from Dubai, which translates to about a 3-hour drive. You can easily reach Liwa Oasis from Dubai by following the E11 road to Abu Dhabi, and from there, take the E65 road, which leads directly to Liwa. This route is a well-maintained, wide freeway for a smooth journey.

    How far is Liwa Oasis from Abu Dhabi?

    Liwa Oasis is approximately 200 km from Abu Dhabi, which translates to roughly 2 hours of driving. You can easily reach Liwa Oasis from Abu Dhabi by taking the E65 road, which leads directly to Liwa through the scenic landscapes of the Liwa Desert.

    How to get to Liwa Oasis from Dubai?

    The best way to get to Liwa Oasis from Dubai is by car. You could rent a car in Dubai and drive there, as it is the most enjoyable option – you will be able to appreciate the fabulous desert landscape along the way – and it is also the most cost-effective choice, as car rental prices in Dubai can be quite affordable, and gasoline is inexpensive.

    Check out our guide on car rental in Dubai: you’ll find practical tips on the most reliable car rental companies, how to discover the best deals, and everything you need to know about driving in the UAE, including permits and licenses.

    How to get to Liwa Oasis from Abu Dhabi?

    As with Dubai, the best way to reach Liwa Oasis from Abu Dhabi is by driving along the scenic E65 road. You can rent a car in Abu Dhabi, as there are several reliable and affordable rental options in town and at Abu Dhabi Airport.

    Other Useful Tips for Your Trip

    Are you planning your trip? Here, you will find all the information, tips, and essential things to know before you go!

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    ☞ DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE: THINGS TO DO, SEE AND KNOW
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