If you want to travel without navigating the complex web that is holidaying in a global pandemic, then staycations can be a good alternative. As Covid-19 rules continue to restrict international travel with requirements for vaccinations, PCR tests and complicated paperwork, booking a short break somewhere in the UAE is an easier, albeit less exotic, way to indulge in some relaxation and a welcome change of scenery.
Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, offers exactly that.
Set in the poetic Al Wathba desert, with a sprawling infinity pool that merges into sandy vistas, plus a plethora of activities such as dune-bashing, falconry and archery on the cards, this hotel offers a coveted escape with luxury and isolation aplenty.
The welcome
The resort is ensconced within Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba South desert, about 35 minutes from Mussaffah and a few kilometres past the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival site and Al Wathba Palace.
While there is no off-roading involved to get there, we almost missed the signpost indicating the turn from one bylane to the other. On following the correct sandy road, we reached the majestic gates of our heritage destination easily enough.
Covid-19 safety measures meant we had to self-park our car, but our luggage was seen to promptly and we then had a swift check-in, only partly delayed because of our indecisiveness on which activity to partake in on what day.
The neighbourhood
Expect sand, sand and more sand. The beauty of this heritage property is that it feels as though you’re miles away from civilisation. The fact the resort design is inspired by that of a Bedouin village – all Arabesque accessories and a warren of hexagonal courtyards that belie its sprawling size – adds to the feeling of luxe isolation.
The safety measures
The resort has appointed a dedicated health and safety executive who ensures the property adheres to all government-stipulated regulations, as well as oversees sanitisation measures in the rooms, restaurants, spa and pool area. Each room is sealed after sanitisation, so guests feel secure upon checking in and accessing their room for the first time. Throughout the resort, sunbeds and cabanas are cleaned after each use.
The room
The living area in the one-bedroom villa, with a separate dining nook. Photo: Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
The hotel has three room categories – superior, suites and villas. All the one, two and three-bedroom villas come with a private pool, while large families can opt to stay in a self-contained gated compound that comprises one one-bedroom villa, two two-bedroom villas, one three-bedroom villa and a majlis.
The one-bed villa we stayed in reflects the Arabesque touches that can be found across the property, from mashrabiya screens and fanous lanterns to intricate tapestries and a thatch-effect ceiling. The living area is divided into a lounge, dining nook and fully functioning kitchen.
The highlight is the expansive patio, complete with loungers, a seating area and a curtained cabana, all encircling the plunge pool – also infinity-style and overlooking the teeming-with-life desert.
The service
Staff play a big part in making this a luxury resort, with their prompt demeanour and happy-to-serve attitude. At Saray Spa and Bait Al Hanine, where breakfast is served, the staff are at once friendly, knowledgeable and discreet.
The scene
The main pool with cabanas and a swim-up bar. Photo: Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Whether or not you’re staying in a villa, catch at least one sunset by the main swimming pool that extends out into the desert. In keeping with the heritage resort vibes, the pool area is surrounded by date palms and large clay pots that beautifully frame the sandy vista.
Elsewhere, Saray Spa – contained within its own compound beyond the reception – is a real treat. Divided into mirroring male and female sections, the spa offers both hot and cold therapy chambers, with each side fitted out with a warm Himalayan salt crystal room, a snow cave, two plunge pools – with freezing and scorching water – a sauna, hammam and steam room, and finally a chamber that allows you to replicate the ice bucket challenge, if you so dare.
For me, it was therapeutic luxury at its best, as was – somewhat paradoxically – the Desert Crawler dune-bashing experience.
The food
Jordanian lamb mansaf at Bait Al Hanine. Photo: Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
The resort has three restaurants – Bait Al Hanine for breakfast and Middle Eastern fare, open from 7am to 11pm; the Italian Terra Secca that serves lunch and dinner from noon to 11pm; and Al Mesayan that’s open on weekends from 4pm to 11pm, and serves bar bites and beverages.
The usual suspects such as breads, sausages and eggs aside, the breakfast menu is replete with healthy dishes that offer interesting flavour combinations. The morning booster (wild rice, avocado, spinach, asparagus, steamed tofu and pumpkin seeds) and grain and berry (organic quinoa, dried berries, arugula, cherry tomatoes and pine nuts) are delicious and will leave you feeling energised for any activity you might have signed up for.
Where you must indulge is the Middle Eastern menu at Bait Al Hanine, which serves a masterful Jordanian lamb mansaf (Dh120) and crunchy kunafa (Dh55).
Highs and lows
The private plunge pool in our villa was at once a luxe treat and a shudder fest (at least for squeamish guests such as myself), given the moths – dead and alive – floating in and around it, particularly late at night, when we deemed it too late to call housekeeping. But the desert vistas right before us more than made up for this little niggle, as did the clear-water Jacuzzi in the spa.
Insider tip
Desert Waves, a surfing machine, is open until 8pm. Photo: Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Don't forget to check out Desert Waves, the resort's artificial surfing machine. But head here after the sun sets, both to avoid the boisterous crowds and to enjoy the experience by moonlight. It’s open until 8pm.
The verdict
If it’s a luxury heritage resort experience that you’re looking for away from the bright city lights, Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba ticks all the boxes.
Bottom line
Check-in is from 3pm, check-out is at noon and overnight stays start from Dh750 ($205) a night on weekdays, excluding taxes.
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi; marriott.com
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On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai, Bryan Idowu, Ikouwem Utin, Mikel Agu, Junior Ajayi, Valentine Ozornwafor
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Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
TWISTERS
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos
Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool
Arsenal 1-0 Huddersfield Town
Burnley 1-0 Brighton
Manchester United 4-1 Fulham
West Ham 3-2 Crystal Palace
Saturday fixtures:
Chelsea v Manchester City, 9.30pm (UAE)
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur, 11.45pm (UAE)
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE results Lost to Oman by eight runs Beat Namibia by three wickets Lost to Oman by 12 runs Beat Namibia by 43 runs
UAE fixtures Free admission. All fixtures broadcast live on icc.tv
Tuesday March 15, v PNG at Sharjah Cricket Stadium Friday March 18, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium Saturday March 19, v PNG at Dubai International Stadium Monday March 21, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
Du Football Champions
The fourth season of du Football Champions was launched at Gitex on Wednesday alongside the Middle East’s first sports-tech scouting platform.“du Talents”, which enables aspiring footballers to upload their profiles and highlights reels and communicate directly with coaches, is designed to extend the reach of the programme, which has already attracted more than 21,500 players in its first three years.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto On sale: Now Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
The biog
Family: Parents and four sisters
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing at American University of Sharjah
A self-confessed foodie, she enjoys trying out new cuisines, her current favourite is the poke superfood bowls
Likes reading: autobiographies and fiction
Favourite holiday destination: Italy
Posts information about challenges, events, runs in other emirates on the group's Instagram account @Anagowrunning
Has created a database of Emirati and GCC sportspeople on Instagram @abeermk, highlight: Athletes
Apart from training, also talks to women about nutrition, healthy lifestyle, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure