From the world’s tallest building to the largest shopping mall and the world’s first indoor ski resort, United Arab Emirates knows how to go big or go home, making it the premier luxury destination for your next trip.

There’s so much to see and do within the labyrinth of high rises yet its when you leave the bright lights of the city that Dubai comes to life. The otherworldly backdrop of sunburnt sand dunes engulfs the perimeter of the city and just an hour south-east sits the highly sought Dubai Desert Conservation reserve.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

It’s here that is home to Dubai’s protected and otherworldly wildlife like the Arabian Oryx and Gazelle. Take a desert safari to see these spectacular animals and for the intrepid adventurer you can’t go past dune bashing in a 4x4 or quad biking along the soft slopes.

For those who are willing to get even more well acquainted with the fine desert sand there’s sand boarding too. For a more luxurious take on the dunes though you can’t go past a magical camel ride or hot air balloon ride at sunrise.

Take a camel ride. Photo: Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts

Desert Glamping

Once you’ve done all of the adventuring you can manage, it’s time to check in to the Emirates' first luxury desert resort to offer an all-pool villa concept, complete with 3,000 square metres of Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spa facilities at Banyan Tree Al Wadi. The resort sits on 100 hectares of private nature reserve just an hour northeast of Dubai and is about as luxurious as desert retreats get.

Not far from the stunning Al Hajjar Mountains, this oasis offers the ultimate in desert luxury. Consisting of 101 pool-villas, the tented pool-villas emulate the nomadic tent style of Bedouin tribes, while the deluxe pool-villas depicts the traditional mud brick architecture of Ras Al Khaimah.

The ultimate in desert luxury. Photo: Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts

Other Luxury Adventures

Choose your own luxury adventure, from a private candle lit dune barbeque dinner in the Al Wadi Nature Reserve to sunrise and sunset yoga sessions, there’s something to please everyone in Dubai. Especially those with the most discerning of standards.

Embark on a private horse ride through the desert, or swap out the sands for the nearby Arabian Gulf to sail to Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach's bay in a traditional Arab Abra boat, with champagne in hand of course. Or simply wander through the nature reserve with an elaborately prepared picnic hamper to find your perfect spot to unwind and relax.

Dine overlooking the resort below. Photo: Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts

For more information on booking your luxury Dubai desert escape, contact our Luxury Travel Experts on 1300 038 785.