Jebel Hafit staycation: switch off at Pura Eco Retreats

A peaceful Abu Dhabi staycation at Jebel Hafit Desert Park, where glamping, history and mountain views come together beautifully

The stay

There is something grounding about driving next to a mountain for an Abu Dhabi staycation. Not past it. Next to it. It makes you feel small in a good way. Driving into Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Pura Eco Retreats, the sky looks a little bluer and the rocky tan sand pressed up against the limestone mountain suggests this weekend getaway offers more than just an escape from the city. Jebel Hafit rises quietly, confidently, and by the time you reach its base, the noise of everyday life has already slipped away. The pace changes without you realising it. You breathe deeper. You slow down.

Image supplied

The setting

Jebel Hafit Desert Park sits at the foot of Abu Dhabi’s highest peak and stretches across nine kilometres of protected land. It is about a two-hour drive from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which somehow feels just far enough, making it an ideal spot for an Abu Dhabi staycation. This is a place steeped in history, recognised for its UNESCO significance and home to archaeological discoveries that go back thousands of years. The famous Jebel Hafit Tombs, dating back 5,000 years, were excavated in 1959 under the direction of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. You feel that weight of history as you walk around. This land has seen things.

The room

Accommodation here ranges from proper back-to-basics camping to full-blown desert indulgence. There are Heritage Tents for a more traditional Bedouin-style stay, as well as a campsite if you want to pitch your own tent under the stars. I chose the Dome Tent and it struck the right balance between comfort and authenticity. This is glamping done properly. Stylish but not showy. Luxurious but still connected to the landscape. The dome has a private outdoor plunge pool, uninterrupted views of Jebel Hafit, a comfortable en-suite bathroom and an outdoor rain shower. At night, the silence is almost loud.

Image supplied

The food and drink

Breakfast is served at Hafit Foothills Lounge and it feels like a gentle nod to the past. The space is styled like a traditional Emirati majlis, with low seating in warm earthy tones, cultural artworks and the mountain as your backdrop. The breakfast spread is generous and distinctly local. Expect dishes like balaleet, shakshuka or tomato egg scramble, chibab or khameera bread, Emirati foul, grilled halloumi, zaatar feta, roca salad and sweet date syrup. It is comforting, filling and unhurried. In the evening, there is the option of a BBQ under the stars, which feels exactly as romantic as it sounds.

Image supplied

The activities

If sitting still is not your thing, there is plenty to do. The park offers guided hikes, walks to the restored ancient tombs, camel rides, bike rentals and even electric skateboards. Buggy tours add a thrill factor for those who want it. Families will find enough to keep kids entertained, while adults can choose their level of adventure. Do not skip a visit to the Hafit Tombs. Standing in front of structures that mark the beginning of the Bronze Age in the UAE is quietly powerful.

The experience

This staycation is about resetting. About slowing down. About remembering how good it feels to disconnect from noise and reconnect with something older and steadier. Time stretches here. Days feel longer. Nights feel deeper. Luxury exists, but it whispers instead of shouting. The experience is shaped by the people as much as the place. The staff are warm, relaxed and genuinely present. Ask them to take a photo and they happily step in, guiding you to the best angles and the spots where the mountain does all the work. Every picture looks considered, effortless and far better than anything you would have managed on your own. They know this landscape intimately, and it shows.

Image supplied

What’s on the bill

Heritage tents start from Dhs900 per night for two adults and two children. Dome tents with a private plunge pool start from Dhs2,250 for two adults. Deluxe lodges start from Dhs1,800, while Premium lodges start at Dhs2,800.

What’s On verdict

For anyone craving quiet, space and perspective. This is not about doing more. It is about feeling more. This is a stay for anyone who feels stretched thin. Jebel Hafit Desert Park is not about ticking boxes or chasing experiences. It is about standing still long enough to feel where you are. You leave lighter than you arrived, with dusty shoes, a full camera roll and the sense that you have reconnected with something essential.