New desert experiences in the Middle East

Falcons and camels in Abu Dhabi

Clients heading to Abu Dhabi should consider escaping the city and booking a stay at Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa, the newest Middle East desert resort for operator Gold Medal. The property, which opened last year, features various outdoor activities including falconry shows, a nocturnal wildlife hike and a guided visit of a racing camel track, ending in a tour of a traditional souk.

John Poulton, Gold Medal’s assistant product manager for the Middle East, Indian Ocean and Africa, says: “The Abu Dhabi Desert is a sight to behold. Stunning hotels seated among the vast, uninterrupted sand dunes offer a relaxing alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city.

“Desert safaris, dune-bashing and sandboarding are some of the authentic desert experiences available, so there’s plenty for clients to see and do.”

Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa’s facilities and decor reflect its location, with rooms and suites adorned with Arabic art and a dining concept with traditional Middle Eastern dishes.

Book it: Gold Medal offers three nights at Jumeirah Al Wathba from £1,089pp including flights and private transfers. Valid for travel from 4-21 June 2020. goldmedal.co.uk

Bedouin camping in Israel

The new Six Senses Shaharut hotel, located in the Negev Desert’s Arava Valley, has a sustainable focus. The resort, which is slated to open this June, features an Earth Lab that showcases efforts to reduce waste and support local communities.

Guests will also learn how they can continue to help protect the environment when they get home. The Grow With Six Senses kids’ club offers plenty of activities to keep children occupied while parents can try their hand at the resort’s more adrenaline-inducing activities, such as off- road driving, mountain climbing and abseiling.

There are plenty of family-friendly active options including hiking, camel safaris, craft workshops and bird-watching. Off-site Bedouin desert tours can also be arranged, during which members of the nomadic
tribe will share tales of local lore. Overnight camping treks are also available. The Red Sea city of Eilat is an hour’s drive from the hotel, where clients can book snorkelling and diving excursions too.

Book it: Six Senses offers nightly B&B rates from £581 per suite/villa per night for single or double occupancy. sixsenses.com

Sand, sea and Qatari traditions

The Al Majles Resort, which opened in Qatar’s Khor Al Adaid desert last October, offers clients plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding landscapes and learn about Qatari culture. From dune-bashing excursions and camel rides to drinking Arabic tea on locally made carpets in the hotel’s inner yard or lounge, Al Majles has options for adrenaline junkies as well as those seeking a more laid- back experience.

Unlike some of the Middle East’s more rustic camps, Al Majles promises to bring the luxury atmosphere of Doha to the desert, with a blend of traditional and contemporary Arabic design, combined with excellent dining and service. Day package highlights include a special weekend brunch on Fridays and Saturdays, offering guests a traditional Qatari feast.

The property is popular thanks to its coastal setting, which enables guests to swim and snorkel in the waters of the Persian Gulf.

While the resort doesn’t offer overnight stays, it is located only an hour’s drive from Doha, meaning clients can easily combine a city break with time in the desert.

Book it: Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel offers nightly rates in a Deluxe Guest room with balcony from £173. almajlesresort.com

Survival skills in Ras Al Khaimah

Adventurous clients keen to push themselves to the limit should look to Ras Al Khaimah’s latest adventure offering, which is located a stone’s throw from the Al Wadi Desert. The Bear Grylls Survival Academy is being built on Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, and is opening later this year.

The academy will feature courses suitable for a range of ages and fitness levels, offering six-hour, 24-hour and 48-hour experiences. Clients will be tested as they are exposed to the surrounding desert’s elements, learning extreme survival techniques such as fire lighting, shelter building and how to use a survival knife. They will also have the chance to find out how to deal with medical emergencies in the wilderness, navigate the desert and tackle rock climbing.

Book it: Ras Al Khaimah is less than two hours’ drive from Jebel Jais. If Only offers four nights at the Rixos Bab Al Bahr in a Deluxe Garden View Room from £949pp, including flights. Valid for stays from 1-30 March 2020. ifonly.net