Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is surprisingly verdant, dotted with palms, ghaf trees and plenty of shrubs. Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is located within the reserve, making it the perfect spot for a dreamy getaway. The resort has been built to look like an ancient Bedouin settlement, but has all modern amenities in its stand-alone, safari-style ‘tented’ suites. Curious Arabian Oryx and gazelles often wander right up to the private, temperature-controlled plunge pools attached to each suite. Dining at the resort’s Al Diwaan restaurant is a sumptuous affair with international and local fare served at all meals.
Nara Escape Camp
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa
Nara Escape Camp
If you’re looking for a customised outdoor experience in an exclusive luxury setting, look no further than Nara Escape Camp. Located amid the beautiful dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, this solar-powered desert retreat offers luxurious nomadic tents that are equipped with all amenities. Guests can choose from a number of menus ranging from Japanese fusion to fine dining, each with thoughtfully crafted, delicious dishes or create a customised menu with Nara’s French chef. There are also a host of activities on offer from nature tours, desert hikes, and stargazing to yoga, meditation, Shiatsu and Thai massage.
Damani Lodges Resort & Sedr Trailers Resort
Hatta’s ancient, atmospheric mountains offer the ideal setting for an escape from the city. Built into the mountains, Damani Lodges Resort overlooks the Hatta Wadi Hub activity park while the Sedr Trailers Resort is situated along the banks of the Hatta Dam. Yes, there is Wi-Fi, but the focus here is on exploring trails and trying adventure activities. Choose between mountain biking, kayaking, zorbing, axe throwing, hiking, downhill karting and archery. All that activity is bound to make you hungry. There are a number of food trucks stationed at the Hatta Wadi Hub offering different cuisines. Alternatively, guests can bring their own meat for a barbecue as both properties have their own grills for guests to use.
Mysk Kingfisher Retreat, Sharjah Collection By Mysk
Set along Sharjah’s east coast, Mysk Kingfisher Retreat overlooks the Indian Ocean’s pristine blue waters. The private island has 20 luxurious tents, each with its own private swimming pool and barbecue. Soft beiges, blues and desert browns dominate the interiors, reflecting the retreat’s natural environs. A number of activities will keep guests occupied during their stay. Explore the pristine Khor Kalba wetlands surrounding the island by kayaking through the mangroves or watching sea turtles hatch, nest and swim. More rigorous activities include stand-up paddle boarding, diving and cycling. All-day dining includes healthy, organic fare served at the Al Korum restaurant.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara
Surrounded by the Liwa Desert’s majestic dunes, Anantara’s five-star Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort will soon offer an immersive experience under the stars at its Camp Nujum. Set to launch in October, it includes a night spent within a traditional Bedouin tent and access to a number of activities ranging from a guided camel trek to more thrilling options such a sandboarding and fat biking. This will be followed by a lively traditional BBQ dinner accompanied by live storytelling. Guests have the option of returning to the main resort after dinner should they wish to do so.
