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NEWS
Marriott expands Luxury Collection portfolio in Middle East with desert spa resort in Abu Dhabi
POSTED 20 Aug 2020 . BY Megan Whitby
With 11 treatment rooms, the spa features a range of relaxation areas, including a healing crystal salt sauna and traditional Turkish hammam Credit: Marriott International

Credit: Hotelier Middle East
We’re delighted to offer our global explorers an authentic desert experience alongside warm Arabian hospitality
– Guido De Wilde
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.

RELATED STORIES
  Marriott bolsters Its Asia Pacific luxury offering with 13 properties set to open in 2019


Marriott International’s current portfolio of 130 luxury hotels across ten countries and territories in Asia Pacific is poised to grow in 2019 with 13 new openings from JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and The Luxury Collection.
  Luxury Collection plans Los Cabos resort with 10,000sq ft spa


The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts will open its first hotel in Baja California Sur in June of this year, complete with a 10,000sq ft spa offering thalassotherapy.
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Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Healing sanctuary Tulah Clinical Wellness opens in Kerala
Tulah Clinical Wellness, a holistic wellness destination, has officially opened in the hills of northern Kerala, India.
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Uniting the world of spa & wellness
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News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
Marriott expands Luxury Collection portfolio in Middle East with desert spa resort in Abu Dhabi
POSTED 20 Aug 2020 . BY Megan Whitby
With 11 treatment rooms, the spa features a range of relaxation areas, including a healing crystal salt sauna and traditional Turkish hammam Credit: Marriott International
Credit: Hotelier Middle East
We’re delighted to offer our global explorers an authentic desert experience alongside warm Arabian hospitality
– Guido De Wilde
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.

RELATED STORIES
Marriott bolsters Its Asia Pacific luxury offering with 13 properties set to open in 2019


Marriott International’s current portfolio of 130 luxury hotels across ten countries and territories in Asia Pacific is poised to grow in 2019 with 13 new openings from JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and The Luxury Collection.
Luxury Collection plans Los Cabos resort with 10,000sq ft spa


The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts will open its first hotel in Baja California Sur in June of this year, complete with a 10,000sq ft spa offering thalassotherapy.
MORE NEWS
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Healing sanctuary Tulah Clinical Wellness opens in Kerala
Tulah Clinical Wellness, a holistic wellness destination, has officially opened in the hills of northern Kerala, India.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai creates Global Wellness Day programme rooted in nature
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day (GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Lithuanian care operator Addere Care has launched a new “wellness care hospital” in Vilnius.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Introducing Silent Loads: Wildsmith’s newest advancement in personalised wellbeing
In a world where imbalance often accumulates quietly, Wildsmith unveils its newest wellbeing innovation: Silent Loads, an approach designed to meet the needs of modern spa guests with precision and depth. [more...]

Longevity in spas: a strategic choice, not a default setting
Longevity has become one of the most debated concepts in contemporary wellness. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Hydrafacial

Founded in 1997, Hydrafacial has grown to become one of the world’s leading skin health brands. [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
09-12 Jun 2026

W3Spa EMEA

Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa, Portugal
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS