Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Review

Overview of the Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, is an exquisite sanctuary set in the heart of the Abu Dhabi desert. Its architecture and interiors reflect the natural beauty and tranquility of its desert surroundings, offering a peaceful escape from bustling Abu Dhabi. Al Wathba is a great option if you have Marriott Bonvoy points or certificates to burn, as the hotel tends to be relatively pricey.

How I Booked the Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi

We secured our stay at Al Wathba through a strategic use of certificates for a Superior King Guest room. I had two certificates worth up to 40,000 Bonvoy points each and paid an additional 12,000 Bonvoy points to top them up for this redemption (the stay cost 47,000 and 45,000 points respectively). I also had some lingering suite upgrade award certificates available that I applied to the reservation, and boy were we rewarded with an amazing upgrade to a one-bedroom suite with a private plunge pool and spa.

This hotel is often available for booking with even Marriott’s 35,000 point certificates offered by various co-branded credit cards, providing that you’re willing to pay some additional points for a top-up. Marriott points and certificates can be earned with the following credit cards:

• Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Location

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, is a serene oasis nestled in the expansive Abu Dhabi desert. This secluded setting, about 50 kilometers away from the heart of Abu Dhabi city, offers guests a peaceful retreat amidst the natural beauty and tranquility of the desert. The resort’s location strikes a perfect balance, providing a sense of escape from urban life while still being within a reasonable drive of the city’s conveniences and attractions. It is also conveniently located about a 40-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), making it accessible for international travelers.

Despite its isolation, the resort is within reach of some unique local attractions. Guests can experience the excitement of camel racing tracks or visit the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, famous for its flamingo population and natural beauty. Furthermore, Al Wathba’s remote location away from city lights makes it an ideal spot for stargazing.

Best Parts of the Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi

Al Wathba was truly a highlight of the year with some amazing benefits:

• Private Plunge Pool and Spa in Suite: The one-bedroom suite’s private plunge pool offers an exclusive, luxurious experience, allowing for relaxation in a secluded environment. I’ve been lucky enough to have a private plunge pool and a private spa before, but never both at the same time.
• Immersive Desert Ambiance: The resort’s unique location in the desert provides a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and disconnecting from the hustle of daily life.
• Exceptional Culinary Experience: With meals served on-site, the variety and quality of food at Al Wathba are outstanding, and the prices weren’t too horrible either. The complimentary breakfast, available for those with Platinum status or higher, features a wide range of delicious options.
• Spa and Saunas: Our flight out wasn’t until late so we took advantage of a 2 p.m. late checkout and then still hit the spa and saunas before we departed the hotel. Despite it being hot in the desert, the saunas are a lovely way to spend time during your stay.

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Drawbacks

Despite being an overall amazing property, there are a few drawbacks to staying here:

• Remote Location: The resort’s secluded setting, while peaceful, means it is far from other attractions and activities outside the resort, which might not suit guests looking for more explorative or cultural experiences. Realistically, you’ll need a car to stay here (or you’ll spend a lot of money on a taxi or transfer to/from Abu Dhabi).
• Dependence on Resort Facilities: Due to its isolation, guests are primarily confined to the resort for dining and activities, which may not appeal to everyone, especially those who enjoy exploring local areas.
• Late Checkout Restrictions: Being a resort, this property is exempt from the 4 p.m. late checkout guarantee for those with Platinum or higher status.
• Limited Nearby Attractions: The lack of nearby attractions could be a disadvantage for those who wish to experience more of Abu Dhabi’s urban and cultural offerings during their stay.

Getting to the Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi

The journey to Al Wathba is part of the experience. Renting a car from Abu Dhabi airport is advisable, since it offers flexibility for reaching this desert retreat. The drive itself is scenic, providing a transition from the urban landscape to the serene expanse of the desert.

We spent one night in downtown Abu Dhabi before we came to Al Wathba. The drive took just about an hour. From the airport, you’ll be looking at about 40 minutes.

Check-In

The check-in process was a precursor to the exceptional service we experienced throughout our stay. As soon as we pulled up, the valet greeted us, helped us with our bags and took our car to the designated parking area.
Check-in has its own building. The staff recognized my Titanium status and we were taken via golf cart over to our room. We were again helped with our bags and given a quick tour of the room.

The Room at Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi

Our one-bedroom suite is one of my favorite rooms I’ve ever stayed in. The decor reflected the desert’s natural palette, creating a harmonious and calming environment. The suite’s standout feature was the private plunge pool and spa, offering a secluded spot to relax and unwind. The pool’s temperature was perfectly maintained, providing a refreshing respite from the desert heat, but it also wasn’t too chilly at night — and even if we did get a little cold we could always jump into the spa instead.

Beyond the pool and spa, we had a little outdoor bedouin oasis all to ourselves, too. It was a perfect spot for hanging outside in the morning and in the evening when the temperature was a little cooler.

Inside, the suite was spacious,with ample room for relaxation and privacy. Spanning a generous area, the suite included a separate living area, a bedroom and a well-appointed bathroom, offering a sense of home-away-from-home comfort. The layout was thoughtfully designed to maximize both space and comfort.

The centerpiece of the bedroom was a luxurious king-sized bed, adorned with premium linens and a selection of pillows, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The bedroom also featured a large window that opened up right above our spa and looked out toward our little oasis.

The living area was elegantly furnished with comfortable seating. This space provided a perfect spot for unwinding at the end of the day or relaxing with a book and a cup of coffee.

The bathroom was also a highlight, featuring high-end fixtures, a large bathtub, a separate rain shower, and a range of luxury toiletries. The attention to detail in the bathroom design provided a spa-like experience, adding to the overall sense of indulgence.

Food and Drink

The culinary experience at Al Wathba was delightful — impressive considering there are few, if any, other options around. We enjoyed complimentary breakfast each morning thanks to my Titanium status. On the first night of our stay, we enjoyed sandwiches that we had brought from our previous hotel. On our second night, we dined at one of the on-site restaurants, Al Mesayan, and ate a delicious pizza. The meal was relatively reasonably priced.

Amenities

The resort’s amenities are thoughtfully designed to complement its desert setting. The spa, in particular, stands out as a sanctuary. My only disappointment was that I waited until the last day to visit (why do I always do that?). It offers a range of treatments that draw on local traditions and natural ingredients, providing a unique and rejuvenating experience, but also has various saunas and pools that anyone staying at the resort can visit.

The hotel also offers a beautiful pool, though we were pretty caught up in our own private plunge pool and didn’t venture to the main pool except to take a look.

Other amenities, including the fitness center and activity programs, are available, though we did not take advantage.

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi – Family Friendliness

Al Wathba is welcoming to families, offering activities and amenities that cater to guests of all ages. The resort’s serene environment and range of facilities make it an ideal choice for families seeking a luxurious yet relaxing getaway. We saw quite a few kids during our stay.

Final Thoughts on Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, stands out as a remarkable use of your Marriott Bonvoy points or certificates in the Abu Dhabi desert. The hotel offers a blend of natural beauty and luxurious comfort, in a unique setting. The resort’s remote location, while offering peace and privacy, may limit exploration outside its confines but also ensures an undisturbed, authentic and luxurious desert experience. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an opulent desert experience, Al Wathba promises and delivers an unforgettable stay.