The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott International, has recently opened Al Wathba Desert Resort and Spa, marking the debut of the portfolio in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi.

Al Wathba Desert Resort and Spa is located deep within an expansive desert landscape, with a design reminiscent of a historic desert village. The resort was previously operated by Middle Eastern Hospitality brand Jumeirah until March 2020.

Nestled within a picturesque garden, the hotel’s spa is central to the hotel experience as a retreat and is a space where guests at Al Wathba can enjoy a range of health and wellness rituals in a contemporary setting, while harnessing age-old techniques.

The wellness facility will be opening after the hotel and is scheduled to welcome guests as of September 2020.

With 11 treatment rooms, the spa also features relaxation areas including a healing crystal salt sauna, traditional Turkish hammam, IceLab Cryo experience, an open-air yoga pavilion and invigorating ice shower, as well as steamrooms, plunge pools and snow caves.

“We’re delighted to welcome Al Wathba, Desert Resort and Spa to our ensemble of hotels that define the destination and offer our global explorers an authentic desert experience alongside warm Arabian hospitality,” said Guido De Wilde, COO Marriott International Middle East.

Inspired by native architecture and the destination’s rich history, the resort’s 103 guest rooms and villas feature traditional Arabesque flourishes, mashrabiya detailing and Bedouin accessories. Design detail also includes understated interiors and neutral tones to complement the surrounding desert landscape.

All villas come with spacious private plunge pools and patios offering unlimited views of the surrounding Arabian Desert.

The resort also features six dining venues and bars, and offers a rich selection of cultural immersion opportunities, such as horseback desert tours or lessons in the medicinal uses of local plants by Bedouin tribes.

Al Wathba Desert Resort and Spa joins The Luxury Collection brand’s three-resort-strong portfolio in the UAE.