Now that the weather has finally cooled down, an outdoor escape in the wild is just what’s needed to unwind and remove oneself from the bustle of city life. Glamping — a mash-up of the words “glamour” and “camping”— is the ideal opportunity to relax and be one with nature, without having to sacrifice life’s basic comforts like a bed, bathroom, or electricity. From Oman to Jordan, read on for the chicest glamping sites in the region to visit this fall.
Hatta Sedr Trailers, Hatta
Hatta Sedr Trailers
In July, Hatta announced a new series of projects set to turn the mountainous exclave into a weekend hideaway. The eco-friendly project is being driven by developer Meraas, as part of a development plan for Hatta first announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in 2016. This week, the first project, a boutique trailer hotel, has just opened up in the enclave that borders Oman. Entitled Hatta Sedr Trailers, the accommodation is the first of its kind in the UAE. Each trailer is surrounded by the rugged Hajar Mountains and comes equipped with its own private terrace, in addition to a communal fire pit and barbecue facilities to enjoy. visithatta.com
Kingfisher Lodge, Sharjah
Kingfisher Lodge
Eco-tourism meets Arabian hospitality at Kingfisher Lodge. Located in Kalba, an exclave of Sharjah, the hotel sits on the coast near the Omani border. Made up of 20 luxury tents, each room overlooks its own private pool to the Indian Ocean. When you’re not lounging about, take a guided tour through the neighboring mangroves which play host to rare species of birds, and a turtle breeding area. Take things up a notch with other activities in the surrounding area, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, trekking, and fat bike riding along the beach. Arrive back to the lodge where roaring fire pits and a sumptuous meal awaits sharjahcollection.ae
1000 Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands, Oman
“Sheik Tent”
A four-hour drive away from Muscat, this secluded hideaway is located in the threshold of the Omani desert. The luxurious campground boasts three different styles of tents to choose from, each surrounded by towering, golden sand dunes. For added comfort and luxury, there are also fully-furnished, air-conditioned villas that resemble traditional Omani forts. For a more authentic experience, opt for the Sheikh tents, which are entirely made out of goat and sheep wool. During the day, take advantage of the camp’s full roster of activities like the swimming pool (it’s the only camp in Oman that has one), camel and horse safari, dune bashing, desert trekking, and coffee with a Bedouin family. thousandnightsoman.com
Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp, Jordan
“Full of Stars” accommodation at the Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp
Wadi Rum is nicknamed the “Valley of the Moon” for its arid red landscape that served as the backdrop for many Hollywood movies including The Martian and Star Wars. So, its only natural that its luxury camps will have you feeling like you spent the night in another planet. Situated 300km south of Jordan’s capital, in the Wadi Rum Protected Area, this luxury accommodation is as deluxe as it gets. In addition to tents, the camp also boasts futuristic, bubble-like pods that are surrounded by miles of the red sand once traversed by British army officer T.E. Lawrence. Each air-conditioned “bubble” comprises a king-sized bed, parquet floors, a mosquito net, a full bathroom and shower, and electricity. But perhaps the biggest selling point of this pod is its breathtaking views. Curtains can be pulled away to reveal a blanket of bright stars lighting up the night sky just above your bed. wadirumnight.com
