The Best Glamping Sites in Dubai
Here’s a fun fact: The term “glamping” originated in the United Kingdom in 2005 combining the words “glamorous” and “camping” to describe a more luxurious take on traditional camping.
And for a city where luxury is a way of life, Dubai is one of the best places to experience glamping. Just imagine sleeping in the desert under the Arabian stars.
Now if you’re ready to put glam to your camping trip, we recommend these best glamping sites in Dubai.
The Nest by Sonara
Website: https://www.nara.ae/nest/private-dining/
Address: Sonara Camp – Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 50 336 0397
Operating hours:
- 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM daily
Price:
- Dune Nest – AED 2,300 per tent for 4 guests
- Sunset Nest – AED 2,500 per tent for 4 guests
- Sunrise Nest – AED 2,800 per tent for 4 guests
The Nest by Sonara is everything you’d expect glamping in Dubai to be – from its luxurious accommodations to its beautiful location.
Nestled in the middle of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, The Nest gives you the quintessential desert camping experience plus the luxurious amenities.
Wonder why it’s named The Nest? Simple: it introduces you to the concept of desert nesting, which is essentially staying in a “nest-like” accommodation that supposedly gives you a more peaceful sleep.
Each of the 14 nests are designed by award-winning architect Gianni Ranaulo inspired by the dunes. In fact, these nests are built right into the desert, so it blends in well with its surroundings.
But this isn’t your ordinary tent because stepping inside, you’ll instantly feel like you’re in a resort with its plush bed, beautiful furniture, an ensuite bathroom and a private terrace.
What’s cooler is that you get to choose the view you want to wake up to, whether it’s the dunes, sunrise or sunset.
The Nest is all about unplugging and experiencing the simplicity of life in the desert. So, you can’t expect to have any entertainment during your stay.
This experience is all about soaking in the tranquility of the desert, sleeping peacefully under the stars and enjoying good food.
And when we say good food, we mean gourmet meals prepared by Sonara’s chef. At dawn, the resort’s staff will prepare your choice of breakfast in the outdoor private terrace.
Just imagine waking up to views of the desert while you enjoy your frozen acai bowl, seasonal fresh fruit salad or The Nest’s signature stuffed portobello mushroom tofu scramble.
You also get to choose what you’d like to have for lunch and dinner to be served in your accommodation. But if you want to dine with some entertainment, you can book dinner at the Sonara Camp.
Of course, you can’t end a beautiful dinner without some drinks and canapes at the Nest Lounge.
Pro tip:If you want the tranquility of staying in The Nest with some entertainment on the side, choose the Sonara and Next experience package.
Make your stay in the desert more special by adding a hot air balloon experience to your activities.
Terra Solis
Website: https://www.terrasolisdubai.com/en
Address: Dubai Heritage Vision Exit – 29 Jebel Ali – Lehbab Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 459 8300
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Price:
- Starts at AED 1,169 for two per night
Terra Solis combines the peace of being in the desert and the energy of a good party to give you a unique glamping experience in Dubai.
This beautiful oasis located 30 minutes away from the city center is created by the same minds behind Tomorrowland, a popular annual party in Belgium.
The massive resort covers 371,000 square meters of the desert and each accommodation is named after – and inspired by – the constellations.
- Polaris Bell Tents
Want the quintessential tent experience with the added amenities? Terra Solis has 48 spacious Polaris bell tents to choose from.
Here, you’ll be staying in a luxurious tent camp with a comfortable bed, air conditioning to beat the desert heat, a mini fridge and even breakfast for two.
- Perseid Lodges
If you need a bigger space for the family, you can stay at one of the 20 Perseid lodges where you get an ensuite bathroom, a spacious bedroom with soft sheets and access to the resort’s amenities.
- Orion Pool Lodges
Going all out for your glamping experience? If you don’t mind splurging a bit, you get to stay at one of the six exclusive Orion pool lodges at Terra Solis.
Here, you don’t just get a spacious lodge, but you also get to enjoy a large private terrace and yes, your own pool.
But you know there’s more to staying at Terra Solis than just relaxing in your accommodation.
For a resort designed by the people behind one of the world’s biggest parties, of course, you’d expect a party here. And by party we mean an entire production with world-class DJs and unique themes.
During the day, you can let loose at the Terra Solis pool where you can enjoy great food and drinks with lively music playing in the background.
And if you ever get hungry at any time of the day, MESA and SALA will make sure you enjoy a fine dining experience in the middle of the desert.
MESA brings you the flavors of the Mediterranean paired with an impressive cocktails menu. SALA, on the other hand, is the perfect sundowner’s spot with its cocktails and small bites.
You can also book a shisha session here while you watch the sun set in the Arabian desert. Now, if that’s not the ultimate glamping experience, we don’t know what is.
Pro tip:
If you’re going to Terra Solis for a day visit, check out their different offers depending on the time and day of your stay.
For instance, Wednesday is Rose and Slay while Friday Ibiza is well, all about partying from sun up until sun down.
Hatta Dome Park
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/hatta-dome-park
Address: Dubai-Hatta Road – Sufayri – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 820 5555
Operating hours:
- 24 hours daily
Price:
- Starts at AED 1,150 per tent per night
Hatta Dome Park is a popular Dubai glamping destination where you get to stay in dome tents overlooking the beautiful Hatta mountainscape.
This park is a 90-minute drive outside the city center. But before you complain about the long ride, we’re here to tell you that it will be worth it.
Each of the 15 tents in the park are designed to let you enjoy the view of the sky at night and the Hatta mountain range during the day, all without leaving the comforts of your accommodation.
With beautiful neutral tones to match the surrounding desert, these tents come with a comfortable bed that can sleep two adults and three children, a washroom, mini fridge and even a television.
And just when you think you’ll be unplugged because of its remote location, you’d be glad to hear that Hatta Dome Park has Wi-Fi connection.
That means you don’t need to miss out on posting about your getaway! How cool is that?
Of course, you’re not just staying inside your dome tent for your entire trip – although you’d want to – because the Hatta Wadi Hub is just a few minutes walk away from the park.
Craving for outdoor adventure? This is paradise for you. For starters, you can rent a mountain bike and conquer the 52-kilometer trail if you want a good challenge.
But if you’d rather stay within the park, there’s zorbing, axe-throwing and archery for you to enjoy. And if all that heat is getting to you, cool down at the 12-meter high water slide.
Hatta Wadi Hub also has a free fall zone, some high rope courses, a giant swing and even a 45-degree zip line, so you’ll be spoilt for choice here.
Pro tip:
Are you on a budget? Shop for your own supplies in the city and cook your own meal at the park’s barbecue facility.
But if you’d rather skip the cooking, Hatta Dome Park also has several food trucks offering delicious food at pocket-friendly prices.
Starlight Camp
Website: https://www.starlight-camp.com/
Address: Boulevard Plaza Tower 1 – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 50 345 5358
Operating hours:
- 24 hours daily
Price:
- Starts at AED 2,650 per night on weekdays
- Starts at AED 2,850 per night on weekends
Hearing the name Starlight Camp, you’ll already have an idea of what’s on offer at this glamping destination in Dubai. But camping under the stars is just part of the experience.
In fact, the fun already begins even before reaching the camp because you won’t know where you’re heading until you arrive at your destination.
The team doesn’t share the location to guests to add to the thrill of the experience. But we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed with where you’re going.
After an almost two-hour drive, you’ll be welcomed to a private resort where you’ll have your own bubble tent completely furnished with all the amenities that you can find in a hotel.
If you don’t want to leave your accommodation, you can cook your own meals on the charcoal barbeque grill outside your tent.
The team will take care of your breakfast, so all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the dunes.
Pro tip:
Starlight Camp offers very limited slots, so make sure that you book at least a few months before your trip.
Platinum Heritage
Website: https://www.platinum-heritage.com/
Address: Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 440 9827
Operating hours:
- 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily
Price:
- Bedouin Culture Safari starts at AED 595 per adult
- Heritage Safari starts at AED 695 per adult
- Private Night Safari and Astronomy starts at AED 2,800 per private vehicle
- Royal Platinum Desert Experience starts at AED 13,300 for private oasis
When it comes to desert experiences, Platinum Heritage dominates the market for its unique offerings including glamping in Dubai and other activities showcasing Emirati culture.
In fact, the tour operator offers the most luxurious desert glamping you’ll find in Dubai and you get to choose your experience based on your preference and budget.
So, what does Platinum Heritage have to offer? Here are your options:
- Bedouin Culture Safari
This experience will take you back in time when Bedouins lived peacefully in the desert by spending the night at a traditional Bedouin camp.
On board a vintage Land Rover, you’ll be whisked off to the middle of the desert to meet the famous Saluki dog, a falcon and of course, the local storytellers.
A special Emirati breakfast will give you fuel for the day’s activities after which you’ll be entertained by Bedouin performances giving you a sneak peak of the country’s rich culture.
If you choose to spend the night at the camp, you’ll be treated to a sumptuous dinner before you retire in your own tent.
- Heritage Safari
If you want the full experience, book the most awarded safari in Dubai where you’ll be whisked off to the Dubai Desert Conservation Drive.
Surrounded by the rich flora and fauna, you’ll be riding on a vintage Land Rover or camel while your conservation guide shares some useful history facts.
After all that exploring, you’ll be treated to a sumptuous lunch back at the camp before continuing with the day’s activities.
Dinner will be served back at the camp while you’re enjoying traditional performances. To end the busy day, you get to retire in your own stone dwelling for the night.
- Private Night Safari and Astronomy
If the desert is already mesmerizing during the day, wait until the sun sets and the stars light up the Arabian sky where everything turns into magic.
This night safari will let you experience just that and so much more at the Royal Desert Grounds where you’ll also learn about astronomy from a professional conservation guide.
After enjoying a ride on a 1950s vintage Land Rover, you get to enjoy a sumptuous Emirati dinner before you can relax in your stone dwelling room.
In the morning, you don’t only get to wake up to views of the desert – which will surely be unbelievable – but you’ll also be treated to a lavish Emirati breakfast.
- Royal Platinum Desert Experience
If money is no object, get the ultimate VIP desert safari experience in a private oasis that will make you feel like royalty from start to finish.
In this package, you’ll explore the desert on a beautiful Land Rover Defender. The day’s activities also include a camel ride and a private sunset falcon show.
After being out in the dunes, a six-course dinner made by a private chef will be waiting for you back at the camp.
Not only that, a fire show and acrobatic performance will wow you as you enjoy dinner.
But if you want to make the night extra special, you can even customize your entertainment to really make the most of your stay.
And what’s not to love about your own private oasis for the night? For sure, you’ll feel like Arabian royalty for a day.
What’s great about choosing a glamping experience with Platinum Heritage is that you don’t only have options, but you also get to customize those options.
This makes for a truly unique and unforgettable getaway, whether you’re ready to splurge or trying to save.
Pro tip:
You’ve already travelled far enough for a desert glamping experience. So why not take that experience further with an early morning hot air balloon ride?
Platinum Heritage can arrange for you to enjoy this unique experience as part of your glamping getaway. Just imagine flying over the Arabian desert while the sun rises.