Worthy of Bond-villain status, the ultra-luxe hideaway Amangiri is hard to spot, blending seamlessly into the extra-terrestrial terrain of the American Southwest. Drawing inspiration from traditional Native-American architecture, polished concrete has been subtly tinged with pinks, purples and reds to match the palette of the surrounding canyons. In a complex that is in complete harmony with nature, each room offers endless views from king-size beds. Continuing to blur the boundaries between inside and out, the heated swimming pool hugs the curve of the sandstone land, oversized loungers nudge the water’s edge and a fire-pit terrace hovers beside spectacular rock formations.

Cradled in the belly of Catarpe Valley, this marmalade-coloured
wilderness lodge occupies the world’s highest and driest desert.
The arid surroundings may be unforgiving, but Alto Atacama Desert
Lodge & Spa is a haven from the relentless heat – six plunge
pools are peppered throughout the grounds. Further outdoor baths,
filled with water from underground springs, are part of the
tranquil spa (home to geothermal treatments, no less). Elsewhere,
there’s a llama enclosure and a hilltop astronomical telescope for
stargazing across the clear skies.

Adrère Amellal could be straight out of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. It’s certainly for intrepid types: the remote lodge is located in the Siwa Oasis on the fringes on the Great Sand Sea. At the foot of a looming cliff, the kershef-stone complex practically disappears into the rock face. The cluster of labyrinthine buildings and corridors is designed to look like Shali, an ancient village with hilltop fortress ruins nearby. There is no electricity here; beeswax candles illuminate rooms, perfect for that digital detox. There’s a spring-water pool, or you can swim in Siwa’s saltwater lakes.

Al Faya Lodge is the latest head-turner on the hotel scene. A pair of abandoned 60s buildings – a grocery shop and clinic – has been transformed into a five-bedroom boutique hotel in the Sharjah Desert. The latte-hued stone, combined with rust-red weathered steel, melts into the ochre sands at the foot of Mount Alvaah. You can stargaze from the comfort of your bed through vast skylights, while the new saltwater spa’s open-air pool overlooks the sun-baked landscapes for a swim with a view.

The fiery desert landscapes of Sedona’s Red Rock Country look like a scene from a Georgia O’Keeffe painting. Scattered throughout the forested grounds like boulders, the terracotta-toned villas of Enchantment Resort could almost be huge fragments chipped off the canyon walls. Guest rooms nod to traditional adobe casitas and have private terraces overlooking Boynton Canyon, while the adults-only Mii Amo Spa is influenced by Native American traditions.

The long-awaited Six Senses Shaharut is due to open in late 2019, south of the Negev Desert. Here, carved into Israel’s ancient physical landscape, the luxury hotel overlooks the Arava Valley. Using local pale russet stone for the walls and roofs, the cluster of buildings slips easily into the surroundings. Outdoor lights are positioned carefully and sparingly so as to not disturb the dark skies – a stargazer’s mecca. The 58 rooms and suites will sit alongside a restaurant, spa and swimming pool. Opens December 2019.

Qasr Al Sarab is hidden among the caramel dunes near Liwa Oasis. Almost invisible from afar – twinkling lanterns the only giveaway – the fortress-like complex materialises like a mirage. The magical vibe continues as you cross a lantern-lit bridge before entering a shady oasis of palm-lined courtyards dotted with water fountains. It’s all about the views here: an infinity-edge pool and rooftop restaurant look out over the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert – it’s flame-like at sunset. With such a dramatic setting, you can see why Star Wars: The Force Awakens was filmed here.

When you see the Mihir Garh draped in light at golden hour, it’s easy to understand the inspiration behind its name, meaning “Fort of the Sun”. An hour’s drive from Jodhpur, the stillness of the Thar Desert is only disturbed by Marwari horses galloping past in a cloud of dust. In all its isolated splendour, the formidable fortress rises from the vanilla dunes like a giant sandcastle. The complex nods to local architecture, while inside there are just nine fire-warmed suites; some with plunge pools, others with hot tubs. The tranquil Vilasa Spa draws on local desert ingredients in its treatments.

The sheer Ojo Alamo cliff face conceals this unconventional hideout. Perched above La Plata River Valley, Kokopelli’s Cave was originally built as an office for owner, geologist Bruce Black, but is now an overnight rental. Like something out of The Flintstones, the 1,700sq ft rock-hewn space makes room for an en-suite bedroom, lounge, kitchen and kiva (a traditional ceremonial room). There’s no WiFi, but you won’t need Instagram with the terrace views – the iconic Four Corners: Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.

Located on the edge of Salar de Uyuni, the world’s biggest salt flat, Palacio de Sal is crafted from the only accessible material – salt. Like a mirage, it appears suddenly out of the glimmering, crystalline crust. Pale, igloo-shaped rooms cocoon guests, with walls, floors, sculptures and furniture all constructed using the gleaming white material. Drive out to Incahuasi to marvel at huge cactus candelabras sprouting from the scorched earth, or call ahead for your pop-up golf course to be erected using, yep, you’ve guessed it, salt.