5 stunning places to go glamping in the UAE
Winter in the UAE is all about spending most of our time outdoors, exploring the beautiful variety of sceneries our Nation offers: from full desert immersion, to seaside paradise and to nature escape.
And living in the UAE, most of us know what a glamping experience is by now…and if not, let us break it down for you.
Glamping is simply about camping in a glam way: picture an overnight stay in tranquil nature without having to pack your tent and blankies; a barbecue dinner without having to bring the right amount of charcoal, all your cooking utensils and pre-marinate your food; a rejuvenating staycation amidst nature without having to sleep on the ground.
Sounds quite amazing, right? Without further ado, here are our top 5 picKs to go glamping in the UAE.
Moon Retreat by Sharjah Collection
Located in the shadow of the Fossil Rock amidst the sand dunes of Mleiha and Al Faya Mountains, Moon Retreat is a truly magical glamping getaway in the UAE, made for connecting with nature and reconnecting with your loved ones.
Soak in the peaceful tranquillity of the surroundings, whilst gazing at the magnificent sky’s changing colors throughout the day.
And in the night, you can stargaze thanks to a pollution free environment.
Choose your glamping experience between a Dome with a private pool, a One Bedroom Tent, and a Two Bedroom Tent with a private pool: all equipped with your own BBQ on your private terrace.
Food wise, note that there is no restaurant at the site but the team offers you a range of ready to cook meals for you to enjoy a BBQ, in proper glamping style.
You can pre-order from a choice a continental and Arabic breakfast, and from pre-marinated seafood, vegetarian and meat meals. And not to worry, all the utensils are provided: from the charcoal, to BBQ tongs and cutlery.
So go ahead and enjoy a full disconnection from your busy life, and reconnect with your loved ones with only the sound of nature, the flowing water of your private pool and your barbecue grilling in the background.
Stay🗝️ insider tip #1: Don’t miss out on exploring the whole of the retreat by packing up your workout gear and go on a self-trekking with the pre-designated trekking course next to the retreat.
Stay🗝️ insider tip #2: Join the communal area for shared experiences with the bonfire evening, outdoor movie, and stargazing session.
Stay🗝️ insider tip #3: Yes, it can get a bit chilly at night in the winter, but not to worry, your private pool at Moon Retreat is temperature-controlled! So you can enjoy a late night dip and an early morning one alike.
Perfect for: a romantic couple's staycation, a small family staycation or a staycation with friends.
StayK Staycation Deal: prices starting from AED 1’432 per night, inclusive of all taxes & fees - exclusive rates available on StayK only.
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Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah, Abu Dhabi
Located in Al Mugheirah Reserve, Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah, Abu Dhabi offers a UAE glamping experience at the heart of a lush flora and diverse fauna, where you can spot Arabian sand gazelle gently roaming around right outside your accommodation, admire a Ghaff tree, the national tree of the UAE, catch a glimpse of a Red-wattled lapwing bird flying by and much more..
Choose your glamping experience between a silver Airstream trailer, or the 1 or 2 bedroom Scandinavian-inspired cabin with a private pool: all equipped with your own fire pit to enjoy a BBQ on your private terrace and complimentary bikes, for you to explore the stunning nature around the retreat.
If you still want to enjoy a swim whilst staying in the Airstream trailer, there is a main outdoor pool with sweeping views of the Ocean and Al Mugheirah Mangrove, with a kids pool too!
Food wise, you can enjoy Mediterranean and Arabic-style poolside bites at The Oasis Restaurant, and delicious Argentinian Asado-inspired cuisine at 28 Degrees restaurant. You can also choose to enjoy a BBQ at your fire pit: Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah’s team can arrange the delivery of pre-marinated cut of fresh, prime meat of your choosing right at your doorstep.
What else can you do at Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah aside from disconnecting in lush flora and diverse fauna? Well, this UAE glamping spot just keeps on giving ways for you to fully rejuvenate. From yoga and meditation sessions, to spa treatments, kayaking and fishing trips, and so much more awaits you..And there is also a plethora of kids activities for your little ones, along with a dedicated kids club.
So go ahead and enjoy a glamping experience fully immersed in nature at Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah.
Stay🗝️ insider tip #1: Do not miss out on the plethora of experiences available at Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah. Pop by the activity hub upon your arrival and the Resort Hosts will help you plan the ideal itinerary for your stay.
Perfect for: a romantic couple's staycation, a family staycation, a staycation with friends and a solo staycation.
StayK Staycation Deal: new exclusive rates available very soon…
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Pura Eco Retreat Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Al Ain
Located in Al Ain’s Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Pura Eco Retreat is the only glamping retreat in the UAE at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The site is simply majestic, as you get to be up close with Abu Dhabi’s highest peak.
Choose your glamping experience between:
- a Heritage Tent for a journey back in time, inspired by the way of life of the ancient inhabitants of the site;
- a Dome with a private plunge pool for a romantic glamping experience;
- a 1 or 2-bedroom Lodge for a luxury family glamping getaway.
All have a fire pit for you to enjoy BBQs or a bonfire on your private terrace, and all offer breathtaking views of the majestic mountain.
Food wise, indulge in the region’s culinary heritage at the outdoor Hafit Foothills Restaurant by JHDP, amidst the magnificent scenery of the Jebel Hafit mountain. For the ultimate glamping experience, you can also choose to prepare a BBQ at your fire pit and the team will deliver your ready to cook food. You can also opt for room service if you prefer to enjoy your meal in the intimacy of your tent.
Explore the retreat either by renting a bicycle, an electric skateboard, or by hopping on a camel. Uncover the fascinating archaeological and historical remains of ancient inhabitants. There are remnants of the Neolithic period, 8,000 years ago. And there are 5,000-year-old beehive tombs, known as the Jebel Hafeet Tombs.
And hike lovers, you are in for a treat as the site offers various hiking trails allowing you a complete exploration of the park and, home to Abu Dhabi’s highest peak, being the Jebel Hafit mountain in Al Ain.
So ahead and enjoy a peaceful mountain glamping retreat at Pura Eco Retreat Jebel Hafit Desert Park.
Stay🗝️ insider tip #1: If you want to learn all about the site's rich history, local flora and fauna, the experts at Pura Eco Retreat offer a guided hike.
Perfect for: a romantic couple's staycation, a family staycation, a staycation with friends and a solo staycation.
StayK Staycation Deal: prices starting from AED 350 per night, inclusive of all taxes & fees - exclusive rates available on StayK only.
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Kingfisher Retreat by Sharjah Collection
Take a road trip to the east coast of the UAE, and reach serenity by the sea at Kingfisher Retreat by Sharjah Collection.
This UAE glamping spot is a natural habitat in itself that you can fully immerse yourself in: from watching the sea turtles hatch, nest and swim in the neighbouring mangroves, to catching a glimpse of the many rare bird species and encountering the fast running ghost crabs or the slower hermit crabs.
Choose your glamping experience from 1 to 4 bedrooms tents, all with a private pool overlooking the Indian Ocean, fat bikes at your disposal right outside your tent, and most with a BBQ.
Food wise, you can enjoy a healthy organic culinary experience at Al Qurm restaurant, or choose to enjoy a BBQ experience by pre-ordering a range of ready to cook meals.
Aside from exploring the whole of the natural habitat, you can enjoy many activities such as cycling on the beach, kite flying, and kayaking. And to rejuvenate the whole of your body and mind, make sure to treat yourself to a spa treatment and don’t miss out on the Sunset Beach Yoga experience.
So go ahead and enjoy a stunning beachside glamping private pool staycation at Kingfisher Retreat by Sharjah Collection.
Stay🗝️ insider tip #1: Set your alarm nice and early for sunrise hour, and head down to the beach to start your day in the most magical way! You won’t regret waking up that early, we promise you!
Stay🗝️ insider tip #2: When staying at Kingfisher Retreat by Sharjah Collection, you get complimentary access to Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre, so make sure not to miss paying it a visit!
Perfect for: a couple staycation, a small or big family staycation.
StayK Staycation Deal: prices starting from AED 1’518 per night, inclusive of all taxes & fees - exclusive rates available on StayK only.
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Al Badayer Retreat by Sharjah Collection
Last but not least, the most known type of glamping in UAE - in the desert!
Located in Al Madam desert, Al Badayer Retreat is a luxury Sharjah desert resort getaway with authentic Emirati-flair. The design of the tents is reminiscent of caravanserais, the ancient inn for travellers in the desert regions on the Silk Road.
Choose your glamping experience between a Deluxe Room, and 1 to 3 bedrooms tents, all tents with a private pool, and most with a BBQ. Expect majestic dune views or unobstructed desert views from your tents, allowing for a full immersion in the desert.
If you still want to enjoy a swim whilst staying in the Deluxe Room, there is a main outdoor pool available in the resort amidst lush palm trees and featuring waterfalls, along with a peaceful indoor pool.
Food wise, you can enjoy international and regional flair cuisine at Al Madam restaurant or choose to enjoy a BBQ experience by pre-ordering a range of ready to cook meals.
Aside from enjoying the full of your Glamping in Sharjah, you can enjoy many activities such as outdoor movie nights, archery, cycle tour, basketball, volleyball and more.
So go ahead and enjoy a peaceful and luxury desert glamping experience at Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah.
Stay🗝️ insider tip #1: Set your alarm nice and early, and head to the Al Bury Tower to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise above your retreat!
Stay🗝️ insider tip #2: You can privatise the Al Bury Tower, to experience a magical romantic dinner overlooking Sharjah’s desert.
Stay🗝️ insider tip #3: Your private pool at Al Badayer Retreat is temperature-controlled! So you can enjoy a late night dip and an early morning one alike.
Stay🗝️ insider tip #4: The famous Al Madam Buried “Ghost” Village is located only 15 minutes away from the Retreat! So do not miss the chance to visit it whilst on your Sharjah Glamping staycation.
Perfect for: a couple staycation, a small or big family staycation.
StayK Staycation Deal: prices starting from AED 1’518 per night, inclusive of all taxes & fees - exclusive rates available on StayK only.