Al Wadi Desert Launches “Experience Concierge” Service

As if the Al Wadi Desert, a luxurious desert hotel run by Ritz-Carlton, wasn’t already appealing enough, they have just launched a new service that will tailor each guest’s experience down to the finest detail. The “Experience Concierge” is a personalised guest service that helps guests to plan their holiday itinerary with everything from adventure to leisure and nature activities on the schedule. Here are a few things you can look forward to from your stay at Al Wadi Desert…

DESTINATION DINING

Dining at Al Wadi Desert is certainly not your usual dine and go affair. Here, you can expect an unrushed magical dinner inside the warm canvas of a Bedouin tent or directly beneath the stars. Both Arabic and international cuisine are available to suit all palates.

Alternatively, you can choose to dine in the Tower, a traditional Arabian watchtower which offers incredible views over the desert. Sit down to a tasty meal prepared by your own dedicated chef.

If you’d prefer an intimate desert dining experience, you may opt for the Desert Dining opportunity – a true Bedouin experience in the dunes. Choose from a light Arabic picnic to a seafood feast to enjoy with 360 degree views of the desert dunes – complete with your own waiter.

NATURE ACTIVITIES

Tree planting

Mark the occasion of your stay by planting a tree in the reserve’s Heritage Forest. Equipped with Ghaf (the UAE’s national tree) Sidr and other indigenous saplings, you will be given a spade, gloves and a watering can for your nature adventure in the forest. You can also purchase a wooden sign to name your tree!

Art of Falconry

Experience a daily interactive falconry show at Al Wadi Desert and learn some fascinating facts about the UAE’s national bird. This exciting encounter offers guests the chance to witness these birds from a tented wooden deck overlooking the Al Wadi Nature Reserve. Learn about the role that falconry has played in the Bedouin culture and how they have been trained for more than two thousand years. Don’t miss the chance to get a photograph taken with a falcon balancing on your gloved hand. The indoor-outdoor falcon house is home to a variety of falcons, hawks, owls and eagles and is the only place in the Middle East to receive falconry training.

Catch and release fishing

Enjoy a bout of catch and release fishing for red-breasted tilapia at the reserve’s watering hole. This experience is suited for first timers and experienced fishermen and is accompanied by a nature guide – fishing rods, tackle, bait, nets and chairs are all provided. You can also add the option of a gourmet picnic with non-alcoholic beverages or champagne for two or four people to enjoy beside the water. A tailored kids’ menu is available.

Biking and nature walks

Free guided bike rides are available and offer guests the chance to explore the reserve. You can also join a nature and birding walk to experience the reserve’s incredible wildlife. Nature drives are also available.

KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

Ritz Kids’ Club

It’s not just the adults we look after at Al Wadi Desert. Little ones are catered to with an exciting kids’ club and endless activities. There are plenty of things to look forward to here, from pony rides to fish feeding experiences. Other features include video games, colouring in books, table games, stables tours and bedtime stories under the stars.

Ritz Rangers programme

The Ritz Rangers programme offers little guests the chance to enjoy informative tours and walking trails to learn about the local fauna and flora that exists in the reserve. The programme requires kids to learn survival skills and other useful facts and each Ritz Ranger will receive a badge and certificate at the end of the programme.

Mini falconry classes

In addition to falconry shows, little travellers can also join kids-only educational falconry classes to learn about these fascinating birds of prey. The shows include specially trained child-friendly birds, falconry equipment and snacks. Kids will get to meet the two youngest resident owls, Ritz and Carlton.

ACTIVE AND ADVENTURE

Archery classes

Learn the age-old sport of archery at Al Wadi Desert. Both private and night lessons are available within the safety of a specially designed tented deck. Children can join child-friendly archery classes and be specially coached by the resident archer.

Camel caravan

Enjoy exceptional views of the desert with a refreshing sundowner in hand as the sun sets behind the dunes. The camel caravan departs from the camp in the late afternoon and travels through the red dunes to a summit of the reserve and is one of the most authentic ways to experience the desert.

Horse riding

Don’t miss a visit to the hotel’s Equestrian Centre, home to over 30 horses and a dozen camels. Join the table manager for an informative behind-the-scenes tour of the stables and paddocks. Private lessons and training are available and there are pony rides for kids.

Mountain trekking

Those feeling more energetic should consider joining the mountain trekking experience up the nearby Jebel Jais mountain. You’ll be rewarded at the end of your climb with an extraordinary sunset over the dunes and the valley of Wadi Khadeija.

Desert adventure dune bashing

Those looking for an exciting adventure in the desert should sign up for a thrilling dune bashing experience in the desert. You’ll tear through the desert in 4×4 vehicles and ramp the dunes at high speed as the red sand cascades around you. An adventure not to be missed!

LEISURE

Star gazing

With minimal lighting and distractions, the Al Wadi Desert is one of the best places to star gaze. Spend some time under the stars and appreciate the incredible constellations so rarely witnessed back home.

Outdoor yoga

Start the day the right way with a Sun Salutation session at the yoga pavilion. For those who prefer to sleep in, there is also a Sunset Yoga class that uses meditation to relax the body and mind at the end of the day.

Al Wadi Spa

Revive and unwind at Al Wadi Spa, equipped with a Rainforest Jacuzzi and Vitality Pool for ultimate relaxation. The Herbal Sauna offers a great way to relieve stress. Why not try a treatment made with locally sourced herbs and spices? There are 10 lavish spa pavilions where you can indulge in special rituals, facials, massages and more.

ABOUT AL WADI DESERT, A RITZ-CARLTON PARTNER HOTEL

Al Wadi Desert, a Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel offers luxury Arabian hospitality at its best. This 5* hotel has a choice of 101 private pool villas scattered throughout the dunes where you can settle into desert life at your own pace. In the evenings, enjoy dinners at the two restaurants or sip a cocktail with a Shisha pipe at the rooftop lounge. Browse our special offers.