Earth Day: 10 eco-friendly luxury staycations to book in the UAE
Today, April 22, 2025, the world celebrates Earth Day. To mark this occasion we look at the most sustainable resorts that cater to the eco-conscious traveller.
As the UAE continues to be a growing hub of biodegradable initiatives and climate change, especially after COP28, why not contribute accordingly and make your next staycation a sustainable one.
Overall, the UAE offers several sustainable staycation options for those looking to minimize their environmental impact while enjoying a luxurious and eco-friendly getaway. Each of these staycations are a mix of luxury and eco-friendly practices, allowing you to enjoy nature and culture while reducing your environmental impact.
So what are the main elements that make these resorts stand-out? Eco-Friendly Design
The resort is built using locally sourced, natural, or recycled materials to reduce the environmental impact of construction. Energy Efficiency
The use of solar, wind, or geothermal energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Many eco-friendly resorts install solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable energy sources. Locally Sourced Food
With the Farm-to-table dining, many sustainable resorts emphasize serving food that is locally grown and organic. It's sustainably sourced, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transport.
From plastic-free bottles to eco-conscious packaging of amenities, these hotels, glamping spots and resorts have carefully thought about each element that contributes to being environmentally friendly. So, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of properties that are sure to promise a memorable stay with minimum wastage. The Chedi Al Bait
To embark on a traditional Emirati cultural journey, guests can book a getaway at this ultimate summer retreat. In the midst of the cultural renaissance in the emirate, this luxurious property offers an inspiring contemporary scene where Islamic heritage with modern features provides an escape bringing the best of old comforts to a new age world. The hotel is nestled within the fulcrum of the UAE's vibrant landscape starting at Dhs900 for one night subject to availability.
For more information visit ghmhotels.com Moon Retreat
Discover a stay under serene skies and stunning surroundings with a dome or tent of choice. Developed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), the eco-friendly destination will be the ideal place for a unique overnight stay. This experience comes fully equipped with private pools and a majority of lodgings to choose from. As for activities, guests can enjoy stargazing at night and during the day hikes through the incredible landscapes of Mleiha or visit the Mleiha Archaeological Centre. Prices start at Dhs1,350 inclusive of breakfast with pristine mountain views.
For more information visit sharjahcollection.ae Mysk Al Faya Retreat
Explore the true beauty of the Mleiha region at this sophisticated gem. Experience Middle Eastern luxury with amenities such as the herbal room, the salt pool, the tropical shower walk and the hands-free spa that makes the desert camping experience in the UAE unique. Away from the city, this desert retreat is the place to be.
For more information visit sharjahcollection.ae
Jebel Hafit Desert Park
For a complete wellness experience, this bespoke retreat lies in Jebel Hafit with a multitude of outdoor activities surrounding nature. There are also several options for your camping experience, such as individual camping, serviced camping, and luxury camping. With minimalist chic domes with neutral hues and a hands-on active camping experience in the tents, guests can wander amid nature in utmost tranquility. The domes with breakfast start at Dhs1,750 for the packages and are not to be missed out on.
For more information visit: Instagram @ jebelhafitdesertpark Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort
You can lose yourself to nature's beauty as you embark on this wonderful journey in a wildlife sanctuary as you explore this distinct escape from the world inspired by the sights of Africa. Seclude yourself in the utmost privacy in the resort with one-of-a-kind facilities and you also dine in a secluded villa beneath the stars on your terrace.
For more information visit anantara.com Anantara The Palm
Escape to Thailand without having to venture too far from your UAE home at this Dubai resort. Thai-inspired beach haven Anantara The Palm Dubai offers a luxurious getaway for the whole family to soak up the sun and sea breeze away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With 400 metres of pristine private beach and three pools across its resort located on Palm Jumeriah, guests can relax and soak up the sun in pure peace. With recycling, waste reduction, responsible leisure at the property, the resort has carefully amended various aspects including single-use plastic, sustainable soap bars and even a food digester machine to process food waste.
For more information visit anantara.com Bedouin Oasis, RAK
You can live like a bedouin for a day with luxury in the middle of nowhere with thrilling desert experiences, traditional hospitality at its best all set in the dunes of Ras Al Khaimah with a traditional style setting offering a host of exciting activities as you witness a touch of the Arabian culture with beautiful landscapes on the trip starting at Dhs750 for three adults.
For more information visit bedouinoasis.org Hatta Sedr Trailers
While now being home to the region's first trailer hotel, guests can camp alongside the banks of Hatta Dam with these innovative trailers to have a truly memorable experience. With luxurious facilities on board, it's all set to feel like a thrilling adventure with all the necessary amenities provided. You'll be nestled in the heart of the mountains starting at Dhs986 with prices varying.
For more information visit visithatta.com Longbeach Campground, RAK
This is the perfect getaway to get close to nature. With various recreational facilities such as beach yoga, sea view aerobics, kite flying and exhilarating water sports. If you're looking for a fun-filled camp, kids will be far from bored with all the host of onboard activities for them to try out during the stay. There's also a pleasant site of farm animals for kids to interact with at the petting zoo. Starting at Dhs249 for the authentic deluxe tent with a comfortable setting, this will make the perfect home for your next camping trip in Ras Al Khaimah.
For more information visit bmhotelresorts.com Sonara Camp
For a more luxe experience, book a glamping at Sonara's Desert Nesting. Nesting offers a peaceful and innovative sleeping concept designed by award-winning Architect Gianni Ranaulo, for an unforgettable stay. The 14 nests are designed for utmost comfort. With an ensuite bathroom and private terrace equipped with one double bed and an extra bed for a total of two adults and two children to stay in. Guests can also embark on a culinary journey with a specially curated menu and an evening filled with entertainment.
For more information visit nara.ae – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
10 hours ago
- Zawya
Shurooq invests $81.7mln in 7 luxury eco-retreats
The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has invested more than AED300 million in developing the Sharjah Collection, a portfolio of seven luxury eco-retreats offering wellness, heritage and nature-based experiences across the emirate. Together, the retreats provide 154 high-end accommodation units in diverse landscapes, from coastal mangroves and desert dunes to mountain valleys and heritage villages. The global wellness tourism sector is projected to exceed US$1 trillion in 2025, according to the Global Wellness Institute, while slow travel is growing at about 10 percent annually. Sharjah recorded an 11 percent rise in guest numbers in 2024, with international occupancy continuing to increase in Q1 2025. Among the destinations is Al Faya Retreat in Mleiha's desert, repurposed from 1960s buildings into a boutique property of five rooms with desert views. Kalba's Kingfisher Retreat, developed with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, offers 40 luxury tents within a mangrove reserve. In Mleiha National Park, Moon Retreat provides domes and premium tents with activities such as stargazing and yoga. Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah's red dunes includes 46 units designed in traditional caravanserai style. Najd Al Meqsar in Khorfakkan features seven restored heritage homes in Wadi Wishi, while Al Rayaheen Retreat offers 19 restored houses in the historic core of Khorfakkan. Launching in Q4 2025, Nomad will introduce 20 solar-powered trailers in Kalba's mountain valleys, designed to promote digital disconnection and nature immersion. Environmental protection measures have been adopted to safeguard Kalba's biodiversity. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, said the retreats serve as 'living bridges between the visitor and the place — preserving heritage while reintroducing local identity in a contemporary form.' He added: 'Sharjah's natural diversity has provided fertile ground for projects that resonate with the spirit of each site. The Sharjah Collection is a strategic expression of this vision, with every retreat designed to echo its surroundings.' The collection, operated by Shurooq, forms part of its AED850 million hospitality portfolio and reinforces the emirate's vision for sustainable development. It aims to deliver experiences that combine cultural authenticity, ecological balance and slow travel, while also generating employment and protecting the environment through sustainable architecture and low-carbon operations.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
13 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Disneyland Abu Dhabi: 8 things we know about the new theme park so far
A whole new world is landing on Yas Island – and it's wearing mouse ears. Yep, the Walt Disney Company is building a full-blown theme park resort right here in Abu Dhabi and the excitement is already off the charts. It'll be the seventh Disney destination in the world – and the very first in the Middle East. The park is still a few years away from opening, but we've been keeping our ears perked for news and we've already got a handful of dazzling details. From a futuristic castle to local UAE stories woven into the rides, here's what we know so far about Disney's Arabian debut. Disney Abu Dhabi: what we know so far 1. It's officially coming to Yas Island The new Disney park will join the already stacked theme park line-up on Yas Island (hello, Ferrari World, SeaWorld and Warner Bros. World). Yas isn't just Abu Dhabi's entertainment capital – it's becoming the region's ultimate family playground. Disney is the cherry on top of an already thrilling sundae. 2. It'll be the most high-tech Disney park ever According to Disney Experiences chairman Josh D'Amaro, the Abu Dhabi project will 'push the boundaries of theme park design,' showcasing 'groundbreaking technology' and 'visionary architecture'. There's even talk of a modern castle design unlike anything in the Disney universe so far. Think less Cinderella and more cutting-edge sparkle (with a touch of Frozen maybe?). 3. It's packed with local flair This won't be a copy-paste Disneyland. Disney Abu Dhabi will fuse beloved Disney stories with distinct Emirati cultural touches, bringing local heritage and tradition into the spotlight. Expect regionally inspired storytelling, architecture and design details woven throughout the park. 4. It's going to be a major economic boost Thousands of new jobs are expected to be created – not just at the park itself, but across hospitality, tourism and entertainment sectors. Yas Island and surrounding communities are likely to see a surge in population and activity. 5. Property prices are set to skyrocket If you already own a slice of Yas, you're in luck. Real estate insiders are predicting a big leap in value as excitement around the park builds. Rental yields, particularly short-term holiday lets, are expected to soar as fans, families and tourists flock to the area. 6. It's going to change the region's tourism game Why fly 15 hours to Disneyland California, when you can do it all in Abu Dhabi? Disney's arrival will draw visitors from across the UAE, GCC, Africa, India and beyond. Winter holidays in the capital? Yes, please. 7. You'll need to wait (just a little while) No need to start queueing just yet – this isn't opening tomorrow. The park is currently in the early design stages and given the scope, we're likely looking at a Disney opening date for Abu Dhabi sometime between 2030 and 2032. In Disney time, that's basically just the next scene. 8. It's going to beat the heat It's (sort of) outdoors – but also indoors. Basically, it's magic. The answer, like any good Disney plot twist, isn't so straightforward. According to Disney Parks boss Josh D'Amaro, the new Yas Island mega-project will be a hybrid, combining the best of indoor comfort with outdoor charm. They're being very ambitious, architecture, tech and water are all coming into play – which sounds like there might be a splash of Moana inspiration involved. Here's the kicker: the park is being built right up against the water. Think cool breezes, waterfront vistas and, who knows – maybe even an indoor-outdoor castle that literally lets the sea into the storyline. Living in the UAE UAE Public Holidays 2025: the dates you need to know Yes, we have predicted dates too 5 unexpected Emirates ID perks you should seriously be using And yes, they all make our lives a little bit easier Islamic calendar vs. Gregorian calendar: Why UAE public holiday dates change every year Consider this your ultimate guide
Khaleej Times
15 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Shurooq's Sharjah Collection invests Dh300 million in 7 luxury eco-retreats
In response to the global shift towards wellness tourism and slow, meaningful travel, the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has invested over Dh300 million in recent years to develop the 'Sharjah Collection' — a portfolio of seven luxury eco-retreats designed to offer restorative experiences rooted in nature, heritage, and sustainability. Together, these destinations offer 154 high-end accommodation units across the emirate's most breathtaking landscapes, from coastal mangroves and desert dunes to mountain valleys and heritage villages. This investment directly taps into the booming global demand for wellness-focused travel. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism is projected to exceed $1 trillion in 2025, while the 'slow travel' movement — growing at approximately 10 per cent annually — is redefining how travellers engage with destinations, placing value on time, tranquillity, and cultural depth. Condé Nast Traveller has also named slow travel one of the defining travel trends of 2025. Sharjah is rapidly emerging as a regional hub for conscious tourism. Data from the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) reported an 11 per cent year-on-year growth in guest numbers for 2024, with international occupancy continuing to rise in Q1 2025 — highlighting the emirate's increasing appeal among experience-led, wellness-oriented travellers. Curated journeys across history, ecology, and luxury Among the highlights is Al Faya Retreat, set in the heart of Mleiha's desert. This destination repurposes two 1960s buildings — once a clinic and grocery store adjacent to the UAE's first fuel station — into a boutique retreat of five rooms with panoramic desert views. Guests enjoy contemporary dining and curated desert trails. In Kalba, Kingfisher Retreat is located within a coastal mangrove reserve managed in close collaboration with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), offering 40 sea-facing luxury tents in a nature-first setting that promotes conservation through low-impact design and sustainable materials. Within Mleiha National Park (MNP), Moon Retreat is celebrated as a leading glamping destination, offering 10 geodesic domes and six premium tents. Activities include stargazing, yoga, horse riding, and guided desert explorations through MNP's dedicated team. Al Badayer Retreat, located amid Sharjah's iconic red dunes, blends traditional caravanserai-style aesthetics with modern luxury, offering 46 units that deliver dune adventures, camel rides, and desert tranquillity. Najd Al Meqsar, in Khorfakkan's Wadi Wishi, features seven luxury heritage units built within restored homes over 100 years old, overlooking ancient mountains and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 BCE. Developed in collaboration with 'Mubadara,' the retreat includes access to a 300-year-old fort and scenic hiking trails leading to Al Rafisah Dam. In the nearby historic core of Khorfakkan, Al Rayaheen Retreat comprises 19 restored heritage homes redesigned in collaboration with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. Among them is the home of the Al Mushtaghil family, now transformed into a central guest facility with a traditional restaurant, palm-lined courtyards, and community spaces that blend historic preservation with modern comfort. Nomad: A new frontier for off-grid luxury Launching in Q4 2025, Nomad introduces a new eco-retreat concept to Sharjah's east coast. Situated in Kalba's mountainous valleys near the Kalba Nature Reserve, the retreat will feature 20 bespoke, solar-powered luxury trailers — designed and manufactured locally. In addition to promoting community enterprise, the off-grid design provides full immersion into nature while safeguarding local ecosystems. A no-wifi, lights-off approach enhances digital disconnection and night-sky visibility, encouraging mindfulness and environmental awareness. To preserve Kalba's biodiversity, Shurooq has implemented a suite of environmental protection measures, including impact mitigation protocols for rainfall, terrain, and wildlife movement — reinforcing its vision for sustainable development. A portfolio rooted in meaning and future resilience Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, said: 'Our hospitality projects are built on a vision that goes beyond traditional tourism, they serve as living bridges between the visitor and the place — preserving heritage while reintroducing local identity in a contemporary form. From the start, we have been intentional in designing each destination within the Sharjah Collection to reflect the unique environmental, geographical, and cultural character of its location, offering visitors an experience that is both authentic and immersive.' The Sharjah Collection, operated and developed by Shurooq, stands as a cornerstone of the Authority's Dh850 million+ hospitality portfolio and reflects the emirate's broader vision for sustainable development. The collection embodies the principles of slow travel and wellness, while showcasing Sharjah's natural beauty and timeless heritage. The impact of these projects extends beyond financial returns; they provide employment opportunities, strengthen the local community's connection to its surroundings, and contribute to environmental protection through sustainable architecture and low-carbon operational processes. As global preferences continue to favour immersive, responsible, and restorative experiences, Shurooq's visionary investment in these distinctive retreats firmly establishes Sharjah as a leader in the future of luxury tourism.
