Sitting atop a dramatic desert dunes and greeting the dawn’s first light can be one of the most soul-stirring ways to bid goodbye to 2025 and step into 2026. While the silence of the sands has its own kind of magical charm, the vast allure of its emptiness is both humbling and liberating. With each passing year, people love to welcome the turn of the calendar from destinations unexplored. And that is why Robb Report India has curated some of the top-rated desert resorts from around the globe, which are worthy of your admiration, time and money.
Camp Sarika by Amangiri, Utah, USA
To connect with nature in an incredible desert landscape, surrounded by rocky escarpments and giant vertiginous canyons, travellers must visit Camp Sarika, one of Aman’s legendary properties. This celebrity-popular resort wins with a high level of privacy and unmatched location. Located where Utah meets Arizona, the all-weather, year-round tented camp reminds of Martian-like-formations that blend in with the region's geological diversity. From state-of-the-art lap pools, private sun decks, soaking tubs, spa inspired by Navajo traditions, and sweeping suite views, the camp delivers luxury at its finest. Personalised service takes centre-stage here. Visitors can also indulge in fun-filled activities like hoop dancing, storytelling, flute performances, and dream catcher weaving. Surrounded by five national parks and the Navajo Nation Reservation, this one is unmissable.
Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia
AlUla has captured the world’s imagination, and any chance to experience this boutique destination should be seized at once. Banyan Tree AlUla adds an unforgettable chapter to these opportunities. This single-use plastic-free property, which also claims to procure 60 per cent of its items locally, has rooms and structures thoughtfully built in to blend into the landscape. Add to this surrounding sandstone cliffs, excellent food offerings, unique pool area, and a dedicated staff. There’s also plenty to keep everyone entertained with stargazing, horseback riding, and desert hiking experiences.
The Serai, Jaisalmer, India
Making the most of a 100-acre private estate, this Relais & Châteaux hotel is located in the middle of nowhere. Yet, it draws visitors to its luxurious, organic, and tranquil abode amid boundless dunes and starry skies. At The Serai, the spirit of the place, its local communities, and its traditions are honoured. Inspired by the caravan sites of Rajputana, the tented suites are well-equipped; and for more, the dedicated butler is just a request away. Expect incredible Rajasthani food, elevated hospitality, and a noteworthy 'no plastic' policy. Experiences like yoga and meditation, stargazing, sand dune bashing, guided nature walks, camp fires, and candle light dinners add to the memorable stay.
Little Kulala, Sesriem, Namibia
Little Kulala, the brainchild of the conservation tourism specialist Wilderness, offers front-row seats into Namibia’s geology. With its deliberately minimal approach, the hotel pays homage to the nation's ecotourism with fully solar-powered rooms, and 11 thatched kulalas (translating to 'sleep' in Oshiwambo). There is also a laidback restaurant, intimate library, wine cellar, and craft boutique. The commissioned artworks enhance the experience. With an exclusive-use gate opening directly into the desert, the Little Kulala is the only private resort that offers access to the dunes of Sossusvlei and vistas of Dead Vlei. When here, opt for balloon safaris, quad biking, and guided hikes.
Nick & Bobo's Erg Chigaga, El Ghizlane, Morocco
For anyone visiting Morocco, spending a night in the Sahara is non-negotiable. In the wild and remote dunes of Erg Chigaga, Luxury Desert Camp (originally opened by Nick & Bobo's) offers an authentic desert-camp experience best experienced via various activities, including camel trekking, sand boarding, guided walks, drumming around the campfire, and dining under the stars. Within the Berber tents (inspired by Morocco's nomadic traditions), find traditional wall-to-wall rugs, solar-powered lighting, water-conserving wash systems, and handmade furnishings.
Longitude 131°, Uluru, Australia
Formed 500 million years ago, Uluru is one of the world’s largest monoliths; and at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, one comes face-to-face with the oldest living cultures of the Anangu aboriginal people. Its stories and such natural beauties of Uluru can be best enjoyed from your bed inside the white-tented cabins of Longitude 131º, each named after an Australian explorer or wilderness pioneer. At each of the 16 elevated tented pavillions, find floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms. The stunning location, impressive collection of Aboriginal art, sumptuous multi-course offerings, and intimate cultural tours steal the show at Longitude 131°. Its Dune Pavilion, a posh setup, offers views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, UAE
Located inside Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, a stay at Al Maha is far removed from any usual Dubai trip. Here, one is invited inside a protected reserve of wilderness and Bedouin charm. Named after the oryx, (UAE’s national symbol), this Marriott Bonvoy features 42 private suite, inclusive of Royal, Emirates, and Presidential villas. Inside, expect plush interiors, Arabic art work, elaborate lighting, intricately carved furniture, handcrafted Arabian furnishings and antiques, and regional artifacts. Encounters with Arabian oryx, gazelles, desert foxes, and a variety of bird species are frequent. The sunrise nature trails, wildlife excursions, spa and wellness indulgences, gourmet dining and champagne in the dunes stand out. On the property, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained with archery, nature walks, falconry, and camel trekking.
Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel, Jordan
Serving as a springboard for exploration of the Wadi Rum, the bubble tents here lure honeymooners and travellers craving a secluded escape in Jordan. Towering sandstone formations, ancient red mountains, and awe-inspiring sunsets serenade are visible from this transparent bubble. At night, gaze at the stars beyond the clear roof. This all-suite hotel comes with a separate living room, a private bathroom, and a patio with a Jacuzzi. Food and beverages are served buffet-style right in the middle of nowhere; and nearby trips to incredible desert surroundings take Wadi Rum glamping to another level.
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