Deserts are a massive ecosystem in and of themselves. While they swath one-third of Earth’s surface, deserts only accumulate less than 20 inches of rain a year. The stark beauty of these arid landscapes is further highlighted by hotels that take inspiration from these settings or use the land for adventurous excursions. From the isolated Amangiri located in the otherworldly topography of southern Utah to the Arabic-style Qasr Al Sarab planted in the expansive Liwa desert, these properties allow visitors to experience otherwise unforgiving climates. Next time you are looking for a destination with a combination of extreme environs, dazzling accommodations, and a mixture of top-notch indoor and outdoor amenities, look no further than one of these seven desert-based hotels.
Hotel Paseo (Palm Desert, California)
Nestled in the desert in Southern California, Hotel Paseo opened in March 2018 and was designed by Kay Lang + Associates. Combining desert oasis with midcentury modern design, the property offers complimentary yoga on the lawn at 6:30 A.M. and free bike rentals to explore nearby shops and art galleries. Sore legs from all of that biking? The property’s Spa LA LÉ boasts seven treatment rooms with a diverse menu, including organic facials and couple’s massages. hotelpaseo.com
The Amangiri (Canyon Point, Utah)
Situated on 600 acres in Canyon Point, Utah, the Amangiri has a beautiful view of the Grand Staircase-Escalante, a wondrous geological formation. The Aman property is a unique collaboration between three established individual architects—Marwan Al-Sayed, Wendell Burnette, and Rick Joy—who were inspired by the mystery of southern Utah's majestic cliffs and rocks. Guests enter rooms through a thick concrete mass with dripping water bodies, and into a private screened court. aman.com/resorts/amangiri
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa (Scottsdale, Arizona)
A backdrop of cacti and greenery surrounds Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa’s 109 casitas and suites and eight private homes that stretch across 53 acres of arid landscape. The Mountain Casitas are equipped with wood-burning fireplaces and outdoor terraces, while the Camelback Casitas and Suites surround the Sanctuary infinity-edge pool and 12-treatment spa with a 25-yard lap pool. Guests can take advantage of the outdoor soaking tubs and lava-rock fireplaces, or venture off property and golf at Paradise Valley’s popular courses. sanctuaryoncamelback.com
Prana del Mar (Baja, Mexico)
Located at the southern tip of Baja, Mexico, on the outskirts of Los Cabos, Prana del Mar is popular for the range of activities in the local area of Baja (examples include baby sea turtle releases, whale watching expeditions, surfing lessons, and sea kayaking). There are several health and wellness retreats on property ranging from pilates to fitness boot camps. The property employs eco-friendly initiatives, including solar power, an organic garden, a solar-heated lap pool, organic sheets and towels, and recycling of all wastewater for irrigation. pranadelmar.com/
Qasr Al Sarab (Abu Dhabi)
Located in the middle of the Liwa (the largest uninterrupted desert in the entire world), Qasr Al Sarab is a mere two hours from Abu Dhabi. Built on a crescent-shaped dune, each of the 154 guest rooms and 52 villas faces west in order to capture scenic sunset views. The accommodations are built like old sand huts, a traditional Arabic design concept, and were created by the firm Northpoint. The property is in the heart of the Empty Quarter, allowing visitors to bike across the dunes of the desert, embark on a sunrise tour on the back of a camel, or channel the archery techniques of the Liwa tribesmen. anantara.com
The Oasis at Death Valley (Death Valley, California)
Reopened on February 2018 after a $100 million renovation, the Oasis at Death Valley (which includes two properties: the Inn at Death Valley and the Ranch at Death Valley) was completed in partnership with Rebecca Stone and Chris Vandall of Denver’s OZ Architecture. The inn was made out of adobe, which was harvested on-site. The stunning resort is lined with date palm trees, lush gardens, naturally spring-fed pools, and offers horse and carriage rides as well as golfing on the lowest elevated golf course in the world. oasisatdeathvalley.com
Dan Eilat Hotel (Israel)
Minutes away from the calm Red Sea beaches and main Eilat lagoon, the Dan Eilat Hotel is situated in the Southern Negev desert. Every room in the hotel features a painting by a renowned Israeli artist Natan Yosef. The property offers guests access to the outdoor swimming pool, children's pool and playground, spa, beauty salon, squash court, and dance hall. Just a couple miles away is Eilat’s popular Underwater Observatory—a marine safari filled with diverse life from the Red Sea. danhotels.com