1. NATURAL BEAUTY
MYSK Kingfisher Retreat, Sharjah, UAE
Set on an island off the east coast of Sharjah in the UAE, Mysk Kingfisher Retreat is a haven of conservation – a tented retreat hugged by mountain views, long stretches of sandy beach and mangrove channels that weave around the Khor Kalba Conservation Reserve. It opened in 2018 – the first property of the Mysk by Shaza portfolio – with a vision to open guests’ eyes to the uniqueness of Arabia’s nature, be it flora, fauna or four-legged creatures.
With strong Tanzanian safari vibes, the island is home to 20 tented suites (with 20 more currently under development) each with a private deck and plunge pool, a main ‘mess’ tent, a beautiful outdoor deck with perfectly-positioned salas for capturing the sunset, a spa tent and an organic farm. There is little else on the island besides you and your neighbouring guests, so privacy is all around.
Stay a few nights to capture the magic of this urban wilderness, where gazelles roam freely, blue kingfishers cruise the skies, giant mud crabs cavort along the beach at dusk, and turtles can be spotted soaking up morning rays on the edge of the mangroves. To really understand the beauty of this incredible ecosystem, spend a few hours wandering around the new Kalba Mangroves Center, then stroll along its raised walkways deep into the mangroves to immerse yourself in the sights and of nature.
Back at the hotel, lazy days can be spent under the cooling canvas of your tent – either flopping on your four-poster bed with views of the Indian Ocean, reading a book on your deck or enjoying a wellness ritual in the two-room spa. Other ways to while away the hours are kayaking, beach volleyball, bird-watching, cycling, yoga, star-gazing and shell-collecting, of which there are thousands. With everything positioned to face the ocean, your breakfast croissant, sundowner mocktail and starlit BBQ are in good company too, letting you capture and imprint Sharjah’s raw beauty on your memory for ever.
2. NOFA RIYADH
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Those wanting a wildlife adventure without having to stray too far from home, will like the premise behind Nofa Riyadh, a Radisson Collection Hotel, which is designed to replicate a safari lodge layout and centred around two pools which act as if like ‘watering holes’. The bungalow-style villas each have thatched roofs, private pools, Jacuzzi and a garden or terrace, with the interiors designed to mimic the pared-back luxury of a safari lodge, with wooden beams, exposed brickwork, and draped curtains over the beds. The resort is an hour’s drive from Riyadh’s bustling centre, allowing for a sense of seclusion and escapism, letting nature take centre stage.
To make your Out of Africa dreams come true, visit Nofa Wildlife Park nearby, home to 700 animals, many of which are classified as endangered or threatened species, including zebra, giraffe, cheetah, pygmy hippos, impala, ostrich and wildebeest. For more cultural engagement, you can visit Al Murabba Palace and King Abdullah park, stroll through the spice and jewellery stalls at Deira Market or explore the clay Masmak Fortress, all in and around Riyadh.
3. AL MAHA
Dubai, UAE
Deep in the heart of Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve lies Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, its tented canopies appearing like a mirage from the golden dunes. This adults-only oasis feeds off nature, with the tented suites, restaurant and experiences all making the most of the tranquillity, privacy and wilderness of the surrounding sweeping plains. Camel treks take place at sunset to a backdrop of the Hajar Mountains, or early morning horse rides capture the dawn chorus. Don’t be alarmed if a gazelle or oryx passes by your suite to take a sip from your pool, or joins you for breakfast on your private deck, eyeing up your fresh fruit platter.
The suites are thoughtfully designed - discreet in their refinement and filled with regional antiques. Each has a private pool, an easel for sketching, and a terrace for private dining. To experience the reserve in comfort take a 4x4 tour of the landscape or for something a little more adrenalin-fuelled, try the dune drive. At sunset, stroll down to the nearby watering hole to see who’s about, as a Field Guide helps you experience the desert environment in its entirety.
4. ANANTARA SIR BANI YAS ISLAND
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island, off the coast of Abu Dhabi has a trilogy of properties: the fortress-style Desert Islands Resort hotel, which is perfect for families; Al Yamm Resort villas for beach-lovers and the tented lodges of Al Sahel Resort, with their African vibes and lush savannah views. Whichever you choose, the island will envelop you in its natural charms, with its white sand beaches, mangrove lagoon, crystal clear waters and desert-style safari experiences. From here you can embark on myriad adventures that make the most of the natural world.
Once on the brink of extinction, the island is home to large herds of free-roaming Arabian Oryx thanks to its conservation activities, as well as wild gazelle. You can also journey across the wildlife park in an open-top 4x4 to meet ostriches, giraffes and cheetahs if you’re lucky. In the afternoon, you can enjoy an African twist on afternoon tea served in the lush savannah and by night, you can feast yourself round a bonfire as the ‘braai’ is fired up to cook boerewors and venison under the stars.
5. WADI RUM BUBBLE LUXOTEL
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Offering a truly out-of-this-world experience, Bubble Luxotel gives guests the opportunity to sleep under the stars in the vast expanse of Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan. You’ll sleep in the luxury of your very own private bubble ‘tent’, with its transparent roof and contemporary design and mod-cons in the middle of the desert.
Used as a location for films such as Star Wars and The Martian, the sprawling desert plateaus are surrounded by sandstone mountains, giving it a space-meets-wasteland feel. By day, you can rest in your hammock, soak up the panorama in your own hot tub, or take in a bird’s eye view of the scenery in a microlight or helicopter.
At night, you can star gaze under the tutelage of an astronomer to learn more about the twinkling diamonds above. Casual dining is served in a central tent, but for something all the more special, you can book a Dining by Design experience in a private bedouin tent, with shisha and a unique menu curated by the chef.
