From dinosaur-themed family stays to luxe wellness retreat, here’s where to go glamping in the UAE this season
The sun is shining, the great outdoors is calling. Those looking for weekend adventures with a luxury touch are in safe hands in the UAE with a string of new glamping spots, where open-air fun comes with five-star touches.
Parvara, Fujairah
Unrolling against the craggy backdrop of Jabal al-Hamri – one of Fujairah’s highest peaks – Parvara is self-described as a luxury mountain pavilion sanctuary, thoughtfully designed to blend comfort with simplicity. A new kind of glamping escape designed for those looking to switch into DND mode, this off-grid escape is rooted in local heritage and nature. You book one of their curated journeys, which range from one to six nights, and enjoy the curated activities that come with it. Book a 24-hour digital detox and your stay will feature a sunrise trail, morning water and stone-based ‘Oasis Tub Experience, and evening bonfire; while the two-day ‘Active Renewal’ experience promises yoga at dawn, ‘tree of life’ dinner, and guided walks. There’s no restaurant or menus, instead, meals are crafted ahead of time with local flavours and regional ingredients in mind, and can be served in open-air settings around the space, inviting you to relax and reconnect on your own rhythm.
Rates: Packages from Dhs7,345 with the special UAE resident direct booking rate
Book: parvara.com
Nomad, Sharjah
Sharjah Collection are the creators of some of the UAE’s best glamping experiences. Perfectly framing Sharjah’s stretching landscapes, they include the out-of-this-world Moon Retreat, where guests bed down in dome tents with private plunge pools in the desert, and the beautifully Bedouin Najd Al Meqsar, which has transformed a hilltop village in Khorfakkan into a rustic-luxe glamping retreat that takes you back in time. And the newest addition to Sharjah Collection’s array of luxe glamping getaways is Nomad. Set on rugged natural terrain in Kalba’s mountains, Nomad is a collection of 20 eco-luxury trailers dotted across a vast landscape, each of which comes with a private BBQ area perfect for alfresco dinners under the starry night sky. Those who prefer to leave the cooking up to the professionals can enjoy an on-site restaurant, complemented by seasonal activities that encourage you to make the most of the beautiful location. Think birdwatching, outdoor yoga and stargazing.
Rates: From Dhs1,004 per trailer per night for two adults, including breakfast
Book: sharjahcollection.ae
Al Marmoom Domes, Dubai
Away from Dubai’s glitzy skyline, Al Marmoom is a unique, experiential resort in Dubai of glamping domes that unroll within the emirate’s golden desert landscape. Tucked inside the UAE’s largest unfenced nature reserve, guests stay in glass domes that offer 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape and have been fitted out with wooden decks where you can recline on a lounger or take a dip in your private pool. While there’s plenty of five-star amenities inside each abode, you’re much better off using your glamping getaway as a base to discover the wealth of desert and Emirati-inspired experiences on offer. Enjoy camel and horseback rides, take part in cultural workshops or get a traditional henna tattoo, and take time to explore the rich biodiversity, spotting Arabian Oryx, gazelles, and over 150 species of migratory and native birds. After dark, delight in an authentic Arabian dinner at the Oasis, then watch as the skies become your own planetarium with stargazing in the tranquility of the desert.
Rates: From Dhs3,550 per dome per night for two adults, including breakfast
Book: almarmoomdomes.com
Luxeglamp, Umm Al Quwain
Putting an elevated spin on the glamping experience in Umm Al Quwain is Luxeglamp, with its futuristic glass domes that line a boardwalk, which gazes out serenely over the mangroves. Those looking for privacy and romance will find themselves blissfully taken care of inside these zen-inducing dome tents, where Bali-inspired interiors are befitting of the off-grid location, and plush upgrades like plunge pools and even private saunas further enhance the facilities on offer. Inside, you’ll find all the modern comforts you’d want – AC, an ensuite bathroom, and even a mini-bar stocked with soft drinks. Plus, if you’re celebrating a special occasion, add-on packages include bespoke balloon setups for birthdays, personalised anniversary cakes, and floral petals laid out if you book the romantic package. Activities range from in-villa floating breakfasts and pizza making in the restaurant, to alfresco pursuits that immerse guests in the local environment. Think guided walks through the mangrove forests or kayaking adventures that invite you to discover the range of birds and fish that call the water home. Whether you’re looking to drop-and-flop or experience all there is on offer, you’ll find a glamping staycation that suits your style.
Rates: From Dhs1,950 per dome per night for two adults, including breakfast
Book: uae.luxeglamp.com
T-Rex Glamping, Dubai
Looking for a roar-some family getaway? Trade the traditional hotel stay for the world’s first dinosaur-themed glamping retreat at Dubai Parks & Resorts. Putting a prehistoric spin on staycationing, there are 57 tents in total based on different eras, from Triassic Megapods to T-REX Terahavens. Opt for the Signature Jurassic Tents, which include garden views and BBQs, or the Premium Tent, which comes with private pools and added luxuries. Beyond your glamping tent, there’s plenty of themed activities to enjoy. Families with little ones can dig, discover, and uncover hidden fossils at the Excavation Site, watch the past come alive at the Lava Watchpoint, or take a dip in the Dinosaur Footprint Pool. And when the sun sets, families can gather around the fireside or watch a movie under the stars while the little ones enjoy playtime at the dedicated Kids’ Academy. The dino-themed entertainment continues in the dining experience. At the Roaring Dinosaur Café and Splashing Raptor pool bar, the whole gang can enjoy prehistoric-inspired meals and drinks. That’s not all. Depending on the length of stay, you’ll also get access to a number of Dubai Parks and Resorts’ theme parks: Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, and Real Madrid World, plus entry to Riverland Dubai – making this an action-packed escape all ages are sure to love.
Rates: From Dhs1,081 per tent per night for up to four, breakfast included
Book: dubaiparksandresorts.com
Coming soon: Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas, Dubai
Hatta is one of the UAE’s most treasured spots when city-dwellers are craving a return to nature. And it’s already impressive glamping options are set to be further enhanced with the arrival of Caravan Hatta, a destination of 50 Airstream trailers. Created by Our Habitas, the Tulum-born hospitality brand that’s already behind a stunning caravan glamping spot in AlUla, Caravan Hatta marks the brand’s first UAE project, and will open very soon. Inviting guests to immerse themselves in Hatta’s natural beauty, the 50 bespoke airstream trailers will be backdropped by the craggy Hajar mountains and calm waters of the Hatta Dam. Each will come with sweeping views over the valley or lake, and will combine locally sourced materials with organic textiles, further adding to the grounding experience. Away from their airstream address, guests will be able to enjoy a wealth of experiences at The Lake House, which serves as the property’s central gathering point. An infinity pool backed by mountain views will sit at the beating heart, but a wider roster of cultural and wellness experiences will also be central to Caravan Hatta. Think creative workshops that draw from Hajar traditions, a nature-inspired hot and cold therapy area with a barrel sauna, outdoor cold plunge and hot tub, plus sound healing, yoga and meditation. Of course, the local landscape will also be the perfect playground for adventurous pursuits, with hiking and biking trails, plus kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake. After dark, an observatory deck invites guests to discover the constellations with guided stargazing.
Rates: TBC
Book: ourhabitas.com
