A roundup of some of the most unique spots for star-gazing, dinner and culture – all under one roof.
When it comes to the UAE, there’s an abundance of luxury, boutique and resort-style hotels available for your romantic weekend, girlies vacay or simple time out. There are also some spectacular options with private pools, unparalleled mountain views, glamping vibes, and even a chance to lie under the night sky and catch passing gazelles.
Read on for some of our favourites…
Mysk Moon Retreat, Sharjah
Get ready for a magical staycation that takes you into the heart of the desert for a night of glamping under the stars. The Sharjah Collection properties beautifully blend nature and culture while promoting sustainable environmental practices. The Moon Retreat boasts sci-fi movie-worthy dome-shaped tents that look straight out of Mars, nestled amid the Mleiha dunes. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky. Each comes with a private pool, sun loungers, and barbecue station.
Mysk Moon Retreat by Sharjah Collection, Umm Al Quwain Road, Al Ruwaida, Sharjah. Tel: (0)6 804 0404, sharjahcollection.ae.
Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown
Doubling up as an actual art gallery, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown offers a complimentary art tour experience for its guests. Visitors can book the art tour for AED 50, or enhance the experience by combining it with the neighbourhood-inspired afternoon tea for AED 125 per person or AED 195 per couple. Art enthusiasts will be guided around the captivating installations, including the new Dubai Videntium Temporis Machina (Dubai Viewer of Time Machine in Latin) by Franscois Potgieter. The entire hotel decor is cute, quaint and charming, and it gets bonus points for being pet-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your four-legged friends at home. You can get 25% off over the summer by using code SUM24.
Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, Marasi Drive, Business Bay. Tel: +971 4 210 2222 or visit hotelindigo.com.
Hatta Resorts, Hatta Dam
For a true taste of life in the great outdoors, Hatta Resorts is your ultimate destination. This glamping haven offers a variety of camping options, each more exciting than the last. Choose from the luxurious Sedr Trailers along the banks of Hatta Dam with open-air seating, the cosy cabin vibes of Damani Lodges, unique dome tents, or the deluxe RVs in the caravan area. No matter your pick, you’ll immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the park, soak in breathtaking views, and unwind in nature’s embrace. Each room comes with AC, wifi, entertainment units and microwaves.
Hatta Resorts, Hatta Wadi Hub, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 820 5500, hotelreservations@visithatta.ae.
Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Al Maha’s 42 Bedouin-inspired villas are sprinkled across the dunes, just a 45-minute drive from Dubai. Whether you opt for a one-bedroom Bedouin suite, a two-bedroom Royal or Emirates suite, or the luxurious three-bedroom Presidential suite, you’re in for an unforgettable desert escape. At Al Maha, enjoy stargazing at the rooftop bar, dining at the a la carte restaurant, and instant relaxation at the spa. Dive into activities like archery, desert drives, and nature walks. It’s the perfect spot for a secluded or romantic getaway with your fave plus one. There’s also a spa, temperature-controlled pool, archery and nature walks.
Al Maha, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Tel: (0)4 832 9900, or visit marriott.com.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi
In the vast expanse of Abu Dhabi’s Rub’ al Khali Empty Quarter, Qasr Al Sarab emerges like a desert mirage. Its crenellated walls, serene water features, and lush date palms create a picture-perfect Arabian escape. Amidst newer desert resorts, none can match the dramatic allure of Qasr Al Sarab. Opt for a pool villa to enjoy your own private oasis, and be sure to climb the dunes at sunset for a view that’s simply breathtaking.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Al Mirayr, Abu Dhabi. Tel: +971 (0) 2886 2088 or visit Anantara.
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