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Desert dreams: My favourite desert hotels around the world
By Pauline Duffin, Travelwise luxury travel specialist
There’s something immeasurably grounding about being in the desert:
…the space, the silence, the way light moves across the landscape. Over the years, I’ve stayed in some truly unforgettable desert properties, each offering a unique window into these wild and beautiful regions.
Pauline Duffin
Pauline specialises in designing highly-personalised adventures, guided by her decades of travel expertise. With a focus on India, South East Asia and South America and a deep love of African safaris, she's renowned for her finely-tuned ability to create experiences that reflect your unique interests.
Here are a few of my personal favourites.
Hoanib Valley Camp, Namibia
Tucked away in the remote northwest of Namibia, Hoanib Valley Camp is the definition of a hidden gem. The route in sets the scene – a narrow opening through the mountains that suddenly reveals a desert haven surrounded by endless ochre plains. It feels like stepping into another world. Wildlife sightings are a thrill, but it’s the peaceful remoteness and the connection to the land that really stay with you.
Shipwreck Lodge, Namibia
Set along the dramatic Skeleton Coast, this iconic lodge lives up to its name with weathered, shipwreck-style cabins scattered across the dunes. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down – there’s no rush here, just the wind, the waves and a sense of complete solitude. It’s the perfect stop for a little breathing space between more active safari days.
Kwessi Dunes, NamibRand, Namibia
In the vast NamibRand Reserve, Kwessi Dunes blends comfort with a touch of quirk. Each suite comes with a stargazing bed under the open sky – and trust me, the night skies here are something else. Days are for desert drives, nature walks and dune picnics. Evenings are for fire pits, sundowners and feeling like you’ve landed on another planet.
Amangiri, Utah, USA
One of the most spectacular desert hotels I’ve visited – and where I chose to get married! Amangiri is all about blending modern design with raw natural beauty. The architecture is striking, but it doesn’t try to compete with the surroundings – instead, it becomes part of them. The spa is world-class, the food is outstanding and every view looks like it belongs in a gallery. It’s an absolute dream for photographers and solitude seekers alike.
Explora Atacama, Chile
This was my first desert lodge experience back in the 90s, and it still holds a special place in my memory. The Atacama Desert is vast, dry, and endlessly dramatic – and Explora makes the most of it, with stylish design and carefully curated excursions. Expect lunar landscapes, salt flats and those unbelievable desert sunsets.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, India
A palace in the desert, quite literally. Umaid Bhawan is part royal residence and part luxury hotel, set on the outskirts of Jodhpur and overlooking the Thar Desert. It’s opulent in every way, from the sweeping courtyards to the art deco interiors. If you’re looking for grandeur with a generous dose of history, this is the one.
Suján Jawai Camp, India
This tented camp in Rajasthan blends wilderness with refinement. It sits in a region known for its leopard population, so game drives feel genuinely exciting. The tents are beautiful – polished floors, campaign-style furniture and lantern-lit verandas. You’re deep in nature, but every detail has been thought of.
Your perfect desert escape awaits.
Whether it’s tracking leopards in Rajasthan, stargazing in Namibia or soaking up modern luxury in Utah, the world’s deserts offer a richness like no other. If one of these hotels has caught your eye – or you’re just not sure where to start – get in touch and I’ll help you craft the desert journey of your dreams.
