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Situated on the edge of a desert, this chic resort is 68 km away from the Liwa Oasis.
Summary of reviewsAldhafra Desert Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG, is celebrated as a remarkable retreat set in the heart of the mesmerizing desert landscape of the UAE. Its location near the Liwa Oasis is consistently praised, offering guests a serene escape and a real desert experience likened to a fairy tale. Guests appreciate the outstanding views, especially from the pool area, while the proximity to camel racing and easy accessibility from Abu Dhabi add convenience to the sense of isolation. The welcoming environment created by friendly staff further enhances the desert experience, complemented by charming decor and stylish accommodations that offer great value for money.
The resort's breakfast experience at Aldhafra Desert Resort is highly praised, with delicious, well-prepared meals and a buffet offering a variety of fresh and plentiful options. Guests enjoy the blend of Indian and Arabic dishes and commend the kind and accommodating service. Though there are suggestions for expanding choices and affordability, the overall satisfaction remains high. Meanwhile, dinner reviews display mixed opinions, with some guests enjoying tasty selections and an entertaining BBQ event, while others express concerns over limited options and inconsistent quality.
Rooms at the resort boast breathtaking views and spacious comfort, with beds earning high marks for cozy relaxation. Immaculately maintained, the rooms reflect the essence of the Emirates, though there are minor maintenance issues noted. Cleanliness in the resort is largely commendable, contributing to a calm and peaceful ambiance, albeit with some calls for improvement in specific areas. The staff consistently receive high praise for their warm hospitality, ensuring a memorable stay through attentive and thoughtful service.
The pool stands out as a highlight, offering guests a chance to relax amidst stunning desert views, especially at sunset. Families enjoy the resort's atmosphere, engaging in activities designed for both children and adults, making the resort a welcoming destination for a family escape. While the resort may be smaller than some guests expect, it offers an ideal setting for relaxation and adventure, with many positive remarks about the comfort and cleanliness of the beds. Overall, Aldhafra Desert Resort provides a compelling choice for travelers seeking a magical blend of tranquility, comfort, and the allure of the Arabian desert. Show more
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Categories
Resort with Spa
This resort offers a luxurious spa experience, premium bedding, and is individually furnished. It also features an outdoor pool, enhancing its appeal for relaxation and pampering.
Family Friendly Resort
This family-friendly desert resort offers a blend of Arabian charm and a serene escape. It features children's activities and spacious accommodations suitable for families. The resort also provides unique experiences like camel trekking and sand bottle artistry workshops.
Dog Friendly Resort
This resort is tagged as dog-friendly and is considered a luxury option. It offers panoramic views of the Rub al Khali Desert and has amenities suitable for a comfortable stay with pets. It is also rated as one of the best pet-friendly hotels in Madinat Zayid.
Resort with Swimming Pool
This 5-star resort features an outdoor infinity pool offering panoramic views of the Rub al Khali Desert. Guests can also enjoy villas that include private plunge pools, enhancing the luxurious pool experience.
Outdoor Pool
Business Resort
This resort offers event facilities suitable for business needs. It combines Arabian charm with modern comfort, providing a serene escape for business and leisure travelers. The resort has meeting rooms.
Resort with Parking
Aldhafra Resort offers parking. It is considered one of the best luxury hotels with parking in Madinat Zayed. The resort is noted for its serene environment and high-speed road access from Dubai.
EV charging stations
Resort with Gym
While details are limited in the provided context, as a resort, Aldhafra Resort typically offers comprehensive fitness and recreational facilities, including a well-equipped gym. It is also likely to have various sports amenities to cater to health and fitness enthusiasts.
5-Star Resort
This resort offers luxurious accommodation and is known for its high service standards. It provides a serene and secluded experience for guests. The hotel has received an excellent rating of 8.5 based on 3 reviews, with prices averaging USD 292 per night.
Resort with Outdoor Pool
This resort features an outdoor infinity pool that offers panoramic views of the Rub al Khali Desert. It provides a luxurious experience with excellent pool facilities.
Resort with EV Charging Stations
Resort for Honeymoon
Room Types
Deluxe King Room with Desert ViewProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a bidet. The spacious double room provides air conditioning, soundproof walls, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe King Room with Resort AccessGuests will have a special experience as the double room features a pool with a view. Offering free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a bidet. The spacious double room offers air conditioning, soundproof walls, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe King Room with Resort viewThe pool with a view is the standout feature of this double room. Featuring free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a bidet. The spacious air-conditioned double room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, soundproof walls, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker as well as garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
One-Bedroom SuiteProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this suite includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a bidet. The spacious air-conditioned suite provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, soundproof walls, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker as well as garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Twin Room with Resort AccessFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a bidet. The spacious air-conditioned twin room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, soundproof walls, a minibar and a tea and coffee maker. The unit has 2 beds.
Deluxe Twin Room with Desert ViewProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a bidet. The spacious air-conditioned twin room provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, soundproof walls, a minibar and a tea and coffee maker. The unit offers 2 beds.
Two-Bedroom Shamal SuiteThe pool with a view is a top feature of this suite. Featuring free toiletries and bathrobes, this suite includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a bidet. The suite's kitchenette, which has a microwave, is available for cooking and storing food. The spacious suite features air conditioning, soundproof walls, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 3 beds.
One-Bedroom Liwa SuiteFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this suite includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a bidet. The suite's kitchenette, which has a microwave, is available for cooking and storing food. The spacious suite features air conditioning, soundproof walls, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 2 beds.
Deluxe Twin Room with Resort ViewThis twin room's standout feature is the pool with a view. Offering free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a bidet. The spacious twin room offers air conditioning, soundproof walls, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 2 beds.
Deluxe King Room with View - AccessibleThe pool with a view is the standout feature of this double room. Featuring free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a bidet. The spacious air-conditioned double room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, soundproof walls, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker as well as garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Twin Room with View - AccessibleThe pool with a view is a top feature of this twin room. Featuring free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a bidet. The spacious air-conditioned twin room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, soundproof walls, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker as well as garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Deluxe RoomOffering free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a bidet. The spacious air-conditioned double room offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, soundproof walls, a minibar and a tea and coffee maker. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.7
Very Good
Location
Aldhafra Desert Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG, is a remarkable retreat set deep in the heart of the desert, offering guests a serene escape amidst the stunning dunes of the UAE. Its location is consistently praised as a major highlight, with reviewers describing it as an oasis of peace and tranquility, situated near the Liwa Oasis and surrounded by endless desert landscapes. This unique, secluded setting provides a real desert experience that captivates visitors, often likened to the enchanting scenes of Arabian nights or a 1000 and one nights fairy tale.
The resort enjoys outstanding views over the desert, particularly from the pool area, where guests can relish the vast, picturesque scenery while unwinding under the starry skies. Located next to the camel racing stadium, the hotel is easily accessible from Abu Dhabi, offering both a sense of isolation and convenience. This balance of peaceful seclusion and easy access makes it an ideal destination for families seeking a retreat off the beaten path.
Guests appreciate the combination of a fantastic location with friendly and accommodating staff, creating a welcoming environment that enhances the overall desert experience. The charming decor and stylish accommodations complement the beauty of the surroundings, delivering a value-for-money stay. Overall, Aldhafra Desert Resort is celebrated for its unique atmosphere, providing an unforgettable experience for those looking to connect with the natural allure of the Arabian desert.
Breakfast
Nestled in the stunning Aldhafra Desert, the resort offers a breakfast experience that is largely praised by its guests. Breakfast and dinner at the resort are often described as excellent and satisfying, with multiple mentions of tasty, well-prepared, and delicious meals. Guests highlight the buffet's variety and praise its daily changing selections, which provide guests with ample options to enjoy. The breakfast restaurant is noted for its amazing atmosphere and delightful views, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience.
Many guests comment on the availability of fresh and plentiful options that meet high standards. There are positive remarks on the flavorful full board meals, highlighting a nice blend of Indian and Arabic dishes. The breakfast service receives admiration for being kind and accommodating, ensuring guests feel well taken care of during their stay.
However, some reviews mention areas for improvement, such as suggestions for expanding the breakfast choices and incorporating more Arabic options. A few guests feel the menu is somewhat limited or expensive, indicating there is potential for enhancement in diversity and affordability. Despite these occasional critiques, the overall feedback tends toward satisfaction, with numerous guests celebrating the resort's ability to deliver a remarkable culinary start to their day amidst beautiful surroundings.
Dinner
Aldhafra Desert Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG delivers a dining experience that has sparked a mix of opinions from its guests. While some guests appreciated the well-chosen and tasty selections, along with an amazing BBQ in the desert, others found the food to be a letdown, with complaints about limited options and inconsistent quality. Several guests noted the sumptuous yet not expansive buffet, highlighting entertaining performances accompanying the meals. Though some meals received praise for their variety and tastiness, others fell short: leftovers from a previous night, slopped puddings, and bad service were mentioned. Dinner service was also described as delicious by some, highlighting notable improvements needed in food quality and variety. Despite the concerns, the resort's dining experience has its admirers who found both breakfast and dinner delightful amidst the desert setting.
Rooms
Nestled in the heart of the desert, Aldhafra Desert Resort, part of the Vignette Collection by IHG, offers guests a retreat that beautifully marries comfort and picturesque surroundings. The resort's standout features include rooms providing breathtaking views of both the pool and the expansive desert landscape. Guests frequently compliment the spaciousness of the accommodations, praising them for being well-suited for families and providing ample room for visitors. The beds consistently earn high marks for comfort, contributing to an overall restful stay.
The resort boasts a stunning structure that harmonizes with the natural splendor of the desert, creating a serene environment highlighted by immaculate and finely appointed rooms. Exceptional service ensures cleanliness, with staff meticulously maintaining the rooms to meet high standards. The decor captures the essence of the Emirates, adding a touch of authenticity to the experience. The cozy atmosphere, combined with excellent food and drinks, enhances the appeal of this desert haven.
While the charm and comfort of the rooms are undeniable, some aspects, such as dated furnishings and occasional maintenance issues like flooding bathrooms or windows that don't open, suggest areas for improvement. Nevertheless, the resort remains a delightful escape, where the scenic beauty and exceptional hospitality ensure guests' enjoyment. The blend of lovely amenities with the magical desert setting makes Aldhafra Desert Resort a compelling choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Beds
The guest reviews for the beds at Aldhafra Desert Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG, present a mostly positive image. Many guests have praised the beds for being comfortable and clean, contributing to a cozy stay experience. Visitors have particularly appreciated the relaxing ambiance, enhanced by both the comfort of the beds and the calming views from their rooms. Families have also highlighted the enjoyment of the beds and the overall cleanliness of the rooms. However, there are a few drawbacks mentioned, such as some guests finding the beds a bit hard and one complaint about an unpleasant smell. In a rare instance, a guest encountered bed bugs, which was noted as very disappointing. Despite these few negative remarks, the overall sentiment towards the beds leans towards comfort and satisfaction.
Cleanliness
Aldhafra Desert Resort offers a blend of Arabic style and tranquility in a serene desert setting. Many guests praise the hotel for its clean and comfortable rooms, highlighting that the common areas and pool are well-maintained. The reception staff, particularly in the restaurant, are noted for their professionalism. The hotel shines with a calm and peaceful ambiance, making it an excellent escape for guests seeking relaxation.
Despite these positives, some visitors express dissatisfaction with certain aspects of cleanliness, mentioning issues with areas such as the balcony and the restaurant. There are also comments regarding maintenance needs, including plumbing and persistent flies within the premises. While the magnificent decor and large, comfortable rooms with desert views are often praised, there is a call for improvements in overall cleanliness to fully enhance the guest experience.
Staff
At the Aldhafra Desert Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG, the staff consistently earn high praise from guests for their exceptional dedication and warm hospitality. Visitors frequently mention the attentive and professional nature of the team, highlighting their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. The staff, from the reception to the restaurant and pool areas, are noted for being incredibly friendly, helpful, and accommodating. This is exemplified through special touches like decorating rooms for celebrations and providing thoughtful service throughout the resort. Many guests commend individual staff members, like Mervin, the bartender, and Faizal at the reception, for their exceptional service. The team's ability to connect with guests and fulfill their needs enhances the overall experience, making visitors feel welcomed and cared for in every aspect of their stay. With such a committed and hospitable staff, the resort truly shines as an inviting destination.
Pool
The pool at the Aldhafra Desert Resort, part of the Vignette Collection by IHG, emerges as a highlight among guests, who consistently praise its inviting warmth and alluring charm. This striking infinity pool offers breathtaking views of the surrounding dunes, allowing swimmers to enjoy a unique blend of relaxation and natural beauty. Guests appreciate the tranquil ambiance, particularly at sunset, when the pool is beautifully illuminated. Families find the environment peaceful and the staff attentive and friendly, enhancing the overall experience. The pool's strategic location next to the bar makes it convenient for guests to enjoy refreshments while soaking up the desert views. With its expansive area and unique design, swimming here is described as a superb experience, allowing guests to relax while gazing out at the stunning desert landscape. However, some travelers note minor inconveniences such as windy conditions occasionally bringing sand into the pool area and a need for more attentive staffing at peak times. Despite this, the cleanliness and exceptional views make the pool a standout feature of the resort.
Family
The Aldhafra Desert Resort, part of the Vignette Collection by IHG, offers a welcoming and enjoyable experience for families traveling with children. Visitors consistently praise the resort's family-friendly atmosphere, noting the impressive array of activities designed especially for kids. The swimming pool emerges as a favorite feature, providing a safe and shallow area for children to play and make lasting memories. Many families appreciate the thoughtful touches in their rooms, such as ornamental towel arrangements, flowers, and delicious cakes, adding an extra layer of warmth to their stay.
Children are delighted by various activities, including quad biking, with the resort ensuring that their youngest guests have a memorable stay. Staff members are frequently described as friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall experience for families. The resort's layout includes connecting rooms that keep families together while offering ample space for a family of four. Its pet-friendly policy is noted, though pets have designated walking areas to ensure comfort for all guests.
Though the hotel's size may be smaller than it appears in pictures, the resort provides an ideal location for spending time with friends and loved ones in a relaxed setting. Despite some initial expectations, guests discover a place where the needs of families with children are front and center, making it an enjoyable destination for all.
Yes, Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG.
Yes, Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG.
Yes, Aldhafra Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG has a gym.