The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert — Hotel in Ras al-Khaimah

We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert in Ras Al Khaimah last weekend, in early February 2023.

It was a last-minute decision without doing research, as our past experiences at Ritz-Carlton properties have been amazing (particularly in San Francisco and Palm Springs). Unfortunately, this stay would prove to be our first mediocre experience.

The Good

— The ground staff, golf cart drivers, restaurants, in-room dining, spa, etc., were all great. Super friendly, well trained, and always addressing us by our names, just as you would expect in a higher-profile property like this.

— The breakfast and in-room dining were solid. Breakfast had a lot of options, including some we had never tried before. In-Room dining was solid, with the sandwiches being a bit bland, but the tomato soup was delicious. The staff there, too, was excellent.

— The Spa experiences were also excellent. The “Rejuvenation” offer, which included an hour of the “Rainforest Spa” and an hour of a couple’s massage, was a great deal. We enjoyed both.

— All activities we joined, namely the Nature Drive and the Bird of Prey, were also educational and fun. Especially the Nature Drive is well worth the money, particularly in our case, as you learn shortly.

The Bad

— The main reason people book this property is that they claim to have wildlife on the property. In the pictures you see online, you can see gazelles online from your terrace. That’s why we booked it, too. Unfortunately, after arriving and checking in, we discovered that the desert was entirely green due to heavy rain in prior weeks. Thus, no wildlife is nearby since they find food elsewhere. This was an absolute shock to us, and if we had known this before, we would not have booked it. Since this is the main attraction, we would have expected some goodwill regarding an excursion or something to see the animals. But nope, nothing. We had to pay good money to rent a desert vehicle and a driver to see any animals. Extremely disappointing.

— Zero Marriott status recognition. Not only did we receive an email immediately AFTER booking that this property is “exempt” from status upgrades, but even the “benefits” we did receive were the same, regardless of status level. We are Titanium Elite (the second-to-highest status level) and received a silly voucher worth almost nothing. And even this voucher we had to ask for, as reception forgot to give it to us.

— The villa that was assigned to us was therefore not only not upgraded, which is fine, but we felt it was also one of the worse options generally, as it received zero sunlight onto the pool. The room was, therefore, dark throughout the day, even when the sun was shining, which was a real bummer.

— Speaking of the pool: it was heated but nowhere near a temperature that would be suitable for enjoying for more extended periods during the winter. Only at checkout were we informed that they had the option to heat it more, but nobody told us when we checked in.

— Prices are high, even in winter, and across the board. Not only the rooms, which considering how dated they are is a bit ridiculous but also in-room dining. It’s alright, as we knew all the costs beforehand, but it just felt overpriced.

— And finally, while the ground staff was excellent, the two people we met from the management felt dishonest in their ways. There was just something off about them. Too friendly, it felt fake and the opposite of the genuine attitude of the ground staff.

— We asked for a digital receipt after checkout, as is expected these days. Still, regardless of confirming that they will send it to us and my two emails since then, I have yet to receive it a week after we left.

Generally, this property needs to live up to your expectations when booking a Ritz-Carlton. It did teach us a valuable lesson that you should always do your research, regardless of the brand name attached to the property.

We will not be back.

EDIT: They have finally sent over the invoice, and it turns out, they charged us for an activity for which we had a voucher. This...

A Luxurious Escape with Impeccable Service & Thoughtful Touches From the moment we stepped into the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, the experience surpassed our expectations. The lobby exuded peace and serenity, setting the tone for the days ahead. We were warmly welcomed by Kingsy with refreshing drinks and a towelette, while Aruna at reception graciously introduced us to the resort, making us feel instantly at home.

A special thank you to Mr. Chris, who acknowledged our celebration and went above and beyond by offering an upgrade—a rare gesture, given the villa-only nature of the property, which exempts Gold Elite members from standard upgrade benefits. While waiting for our villa to be prepared, Lovepreet at the Library Lounge ensured we were comfortable, engaging us in delightful conversation over refreshments.

Our Sahari Tent Villa was nothing short of breathtaking. From the secluded setting to the stunning private deck and pool, it felt like an oasis of tranquility. Mr. Venkat, who drove us to the villa, took the time to give us a tour of the property, sharing insightful details that enhanced our appreciation of the resort’s landscape and wildlife. Spotting oryxes and birds in the early morning from our villa was a delight!

The room itself was opulent, with an expansive bathroom that was nearly as large as the living space. The outdoor area was equally beautiful—perfect for unwinding and soaking in the serene desert surroundings. A heartfelt thank you to the housekeeping team for the thoughtful flower arrangement and birthday cake left during turndown service—it was a truly special touch.

The Falcon Show was a highlight, not just for my son but also for my mother. It wasn’t merely a spectacle; it was an educational and immersive experience, showcasing the care and expertise behind the birds' training and well-being. Meeting Michael and Harry the owl outside the breakfast area, was another unexpected joy! A visit to the Paddock Café after breakfast led to an impromptu and memorable experience—meeting the horses and securing a pony ride for our child, thanks to Mr. Javed (or possibly another J-named staff member) and Ms. Anu. Their flexibility and kindness meant so much, turning a spontaneous request into a cherished first-time horseback riding experience. Sahil was with my son the whole time, even allowing him to take the horse back to the stable and feed him. The stable staff were proactive, sharing insights whenever they noticed our interest in the horses. At the spa, Bindiya went out of her way to accommodate my last-minute request for a birthday treatment, and Margaret was exceptional—kind, attentive, and wonderfully intuitive in customizing the massage to my needs. The pool was an absolute dream—we could have stayed in it all day, just basking in the tranquility.

While most aspects of our stay were seamless and indulgent, our dinner at The Farmhouse fell short of expectations. The creaking floors outside were distracting, making it hard to fully enjoy the experience. Additionally, the food was inconsistent, a mix of hits and misses. We regretted not choosing Zuma instead, where we knew what to expect. Given the otherwise stellar experience at the resort, this was a minor disappointment.

This was one of the most indulgent, luxurious holidays I have had. The Ritz-Carlton’s strength lies in its people—from Mr. Chris's generosity to Venkat's insights, Javed's warmth, Margaret’s expertise, and the many unsung heroes across housekeeping, concierge, and F&B—they truly made my 40th birthday unforgettable.

The combination of a stunning location, seamless service, and personalized gestures makes this property a true gem. I would return in...

Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert — Honest Stay Review

This place is truly something else. Tucked away in the middle of the desert, it felt like a peaceful retreat far from the city noise. Waking up to the sight of wild gazelles, endless sand dunes, and nothing but the sounds of nature it was exactly the kind of calm I needed.

One of the biggest highlights? The Caddy team, Carl and Pablo were simply incredible. They made our stay feel extra special with their warmth and attention to detail. From helping with guest pick-ups to checking in on us around the resort Pablo even came over with cold towels and water when he saw us walking in the heat (what a life saver!). And Carl surprised me with a birthday cake and Prosecco seriously above and beyond. Huge shoutout to both of them for making it memorable. 🙌

Breakfast was another win. I had the Mushroom & Truffle Benedict, so good I ordered it again the next day. And that carrot and ginger juice? I got obsessed! The restaurant and housekeeping staff were also great efficient, friendly, and always around when you needed something.

We had such a wonderful dinner at The Farmhouse! They surprised me with a beautifully set-up birthday table and even brought out a cake and the best part? We hadn’t even mentioned anything about a celebration when we booked. Such a sweet gesture! I went with the set menu, and it was absolutely delicious. Special thanks to Giliane, the hostess, who was so lovely and welcoming.

Now, the not-so-great part…..

The reception team really didn’t meet the same standard. The lady who checked us in was cold and uninterested — didn’t even bother to acknowledge our Marriott Bonvoy status, let alone offer a complimentary upgrade or welcome treat (which most Marriott properties usually do without even asking). Instead, she tried to upsell us a better room — while we’re staying for four days. It felt impersonal and honestly a bit disappointing.

Then there was Kumal at reception, who made things unnecessarily difficult when our guests arrived. We’ve stayed here before and knew the policy — short-term visitors are allowed — but she insisted only one guest was allowed and blocked them at the entrance. It was frustrating, especially since they knew it was my birthday. I had to go all the way to reception myself just to sort it out. Not exactly the stress you want on a celebratory trip.

To top it off, we booked the Rainforest Experience expecting two hours of relaxation — but it turned out to be the opposite. The spa attendant kept rushing us, reminding us of the time every few minutes. She even told us we had to leave five minutes before our session ended because she had another booking. Totally killed the vibe, and for the price you pay, that kind of attitude just doesn’t cut it.

The front desk and spa service really need attention. A beautiful place like this deserves a consistently high standard...