Places to Stay in Al Gharbia
Places to Stay in Al Gharbia Abu Dhabi
QASR AL SARAB
Quite simply one of the most sensational wilderness resorts in
the world, this super luxury hotel is an epic citadel deep in
the sand sea hinterland.
Set deep in the great sweeping sandscape, the resort has been
built into and around the dunes and commands regal views down a
vast valley. Opened in late 2009, it has already won great
accolades and looks set for many more.
LOCATION: Rub Al Khali, Liwa, Ancient
Interior
Phone: 02 886 2088
Web: www.anantara.com
LIWA HOTEL
An old-favourite located in the heart of the Liwa oasis - that
has for years been tempting tired campers with its swimming pool
and restaurant.
LOCATION: Liwa
Phone: 02 882 8000
Web: www.liwahotel.net
TILAL LIWA
Overlooking the camel racetrack and training grounds outside
Madinat Zayed, this stunning and exciting new hotel is an easy
to reach desert retreat.
Styled like a traditional fort, Tilal Liwa looks out across an
infinity swimming pool and through a giant archway to the golden
dunes beyond. Its location is perfectly positioned for Madinat
Zayed and the Al Dhafra Camel Festival, and exploring the Liwa
area. One of the newest properties in Al Gharbia, this four-star
hideaway comes with five-star style. Situated just beyond
Madinat Zayed, it is far enough off the main road to Liwa to
give guests the full desert feel.
LOCATION: Madinat Zayed
Phone: 02 894 6111
Web: www.danathotels.com
MIRFA HOTEL
A grand, falcon-shaped hotel that gazes out to sea over lush
landscaped gardens and a lagoon-shaped swimming pool.
LOCATION: Mirfa
Phone: 02 883 3030
Web: www.mirfahotel.com
DANAT RESORT JEBEL DHANNA
Nestled between the desert landscape and the clean waters of the
Arabian Gulf, is Danat Resort, Jebel Dhanna. The resort offers
109 luxurious rooms and is an oasis of luxury and tranquillity;
blending the Arabian Hospitality and stunning surroundings into
the perfect setting.
LOCATION: Jebel Dhanna
Phone: 02 894 6111
Web: www.danathotels.com
DHAFRA BEACH HOTEL
A pleasant and reasonably priced hotel, this beach resort was
popular with the great Sheikh Zayed and it is still a charming
place to stay.
LOCATION: Jebel Dhanna
Phone: 02 877 1600
Web: www.danathotels.com
DESERT ISLANDS RESORT & SPA
One of the most unique and luxurious resorts in the world, this
private island hideaway is accessible only by boat or the
hotel’s private aircraft.
An extraordinary and inimitable resort, this is a beach hotel
and safari lodge rolled into one. It has become a favourite
weekend retreat for residents of the UAE and has won awards for
its hotel, decor and spa. But its past is even more impressive:
Sir Bani Yas was the island retreat of the great Sheikh Zayed,
regarded as the father of the UAE, who instigated the planting
of mangroves and introduction of wildlife. His descendants have
graced the hotel in his honour and the resort stands proud today
as a rugged royal retreat.
LOCATION: Sir Bani Yas Island, The Desert
Islands
Phone: 02 801 5400
Web: www.anantara.com
OTHER PLACES TO STAY
Simple and basic accommodation is available throughout the
region. The hosts tend to be welcoming and are usually happy to
offer local advice and arrange for take-away meals.
Motels
There are a number of simple motels along the main coastal
highway always attached to small clusters of shops and mechanics
workshops. Delma Island Motel provides the only overnight
accommodation on the island. It’s busiest during the Delma
Island Festival, when it is worth phoning ahead to check
availability.
Rest Houses
Inland there are basic rest houses in Madinat Zayed and Liwa
that cater to businessmen, local travellers and visiting
families.
Liwa Resthouse 02 882 2075
Madinat Zayed Rest House 02 884 6281
Ghayathi Rest House 02 874 1003
Sila Rest House 02 872 1009
Delma Island Motel 02 878 1222
CAMPING
Constant sunshine and an awe-inspiring array of locations make
camping a much-loved activity in Al Gharbia. In general, warm
temperatures and next to no rain means you can camp with much
less equipment and preparation than in other countries, and many
first-timers, and families with children, find that camping
becomes their favourite weekend break.
For most, the best time to camp is between October and April, as
during the summer it can get unbearably hot sleeping outside.
And within, Al Gharbia can choose between the unbeatable peace
and tranquillity of the desert or the fun of camping on the
beach right by the sea.