Hotels: The Living Sands
Photo: Amangiri
Here are some hotels offering the most exquisite desert experiences.
United States of America
Breathtaking sceneries of canyons, dunes and desert serve as a sensational backdrop for this impressive luxury resort. Geometrically constructed to perfection, and embellished with a soft brown colour scheme, this resort complex blends beautifully and impeccably with the striking rocky surroundings. Relax in style and comfort, in Amangiri’s plush suites, after a day out exploring the encircling geological wonders.
Photo: Amangiri
Morocco
An exquisite Moroccan glamping experience is the hotel’s specialty. Unique African woven matting, local Berber rugs and mellow-hued interiors recreate an authentically Moroccan ambience as you tuck into delicious traditional cuisine around a cosy communal table. Whether you choose to explore the scenic surroundings by bike, buggy, camel or on foot, Scarabeo’s experienced guides make sure you are in good hands.
Photo: Scarabeo Camp
Spain
This cosy avant-garde accommodation fashioned in the vicinity of the Natural Park, is internationally acclaimed for their novel creative concepts, having racked up at least twenty six awards for Architecture and Design. Chief amongst those, are the photogenic, blissful, brilliantly-conceived Bubble Rooms – standalone see-through spherical residences, that are judiciously positioned within the Bardenas desert landscape, in a manner vividly reminiscent of a sci-fi flick.
Photo: Hotel Aire de Bardenas
Oman
39 gorgeous Bedouin-style tents make up this sprawling accommodation, plumped right in the thick of the Omani desert, two hours away from Muscat. Embrace the rich sands of the Wahiba, as you explore the nearby picturesque dunes and wadis. Be mesmerised by the illusive, exotic atmosphere, under the gleaming Omani moonlight, as the campfire burns on.
Photo: Desert Nights Camp
UAE
Enter the comfort of individuality with lovingly curated bespoke desert experiences. Upon the powdery sands of the Arabian desert are its luxurious nomadic tents, the Apache and Touareg, tastefully furnished for a cosy home away from home. An array of thrills await, from quad-biking to sandboarding, for a action-packed day. At night, indulge your palate with authentic gastronomic delights by the in-house chef while enjoying the sweeping calm of the sands beyond.
Photo: Nara Desert Escape
Mongolia
An eco sanctuary in the heart of the Gobi Desert, the renowned Three Camel Lodge offers a luxurious twist to traditional Mongolian nomadic living. Each of their 50 lavish tented gers epitomises extravagant comfort with a spacious wooden-latticed interior and spa-like bathroom amenities. Moreover, with a complete digital disconnect, Three Camel Lodge provides a true rustic getaway like no other.
Photo: Three Camel Lodge
India
Atop the popular Sam Sand Dunes sits the charming Winds Desert Camp, bringing you a slice of authentic desert life and a fresh take on your regular holiday experience. Go back to the basics with the quaint Indian-style Swiss tents boasting tasteful Bohemian decor and an outdoor verandah. Relish the desert’s vast serenity on camelback – a refreshing escape for weary city-dwellers.
Photo: Winds Desert Camp
Namibia
The rolling Sossusvlei dunes of Namib Desert is a serenely stunning setting for the secluded Little Kulala Desert Lodge. Each thatched ‘kulala’ (with a private plunge pool) embodies a desert-chic style of pastel shades, organic fabrics and textures, effortlessly mirroring the sandy landscape. Little Kulala offers activities galore, from quad biking and sunrise balloon safaris to sleeping under the stars in your very own rooftop skybed atop the villa!
Photo: Little Kulala
