A regional recipe for glamping

The Middle East has more opportunities for sophisticated luxury camping destinations than you might expect. Ivo van der Vlis, CEO, YALA luxury canvas lodges, explains why the region offers the ideal backdrop for modern glamping.

Destinations across the Middle East, from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Muscat and Jeddah, are renowned for housing some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Brands such as Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Six Senses, St. Regis and One&Only have flags in the region and for many, Jumeirah’s Burj Al Arab is the benchmark for Middle East hospitality. Holidays to the Middle East are synonymous with luxury, indulgence and pleasure.

Domestic travellers know a different story, however. The region’s residents have long been familiar with the wonder of the Arabian Desert. Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon have been well-marketed for their history and natural beauty, but the GCC states have lagged behind – until now.

With the luxury hotel market now maturing, tourism boards, resort developers and hotel operators are coming together to launch alternative travel experiences that capitalise on the desert, beach and mountain adventures possible in their ‘back yard’. Using luxury safari tents, stylish canvas lodges and ultra-modern trailers, these trendsetters are breaking the bounds of traditional tourist accommodation to create glamping destinations that – as you would expect – rival some of the best in the world.

Inspired local travel

Earlier this year, one of the consumer magazines in the Middle East identified 26 cool glamping spots in the UAE alone, signaling that not only is there plenty of choice, but that glamping is becoming increasingly popular. Most recently, Hatta has made eco-friendly headlines with its range of glamping experiences, from the new Hatta Dome Park to Hatta Sedr Trailers, with more than half a million visitors since the latter opened in 2018.

These destinations are now more relevant than ever, tapping into the current craving from families, couples and individuals for short breaks and quality time together, without having to worry about ever-changing travel restrictions. Guests typically want to escape from their hectic lives in the city and discover a unique location that offers privacy, peace and quiet to unwind, and the freedom to do as much or as little as they wish.

Highly versatile, glamping is the ideal choice. It offers lots of opportunities to provide valuable and memorable experiences, from adventurous treks to peaceful meditation, but also comfortably combines nature with luxury. Guests can stay in luxury air-conditioned tents, with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, toilets and kitchens, in designs tailored to the environment. They can even have wireless internet, their own private pool and access to a variety of custom-designed common areas, from lobbies and restaurants to yoga studios and event spaces.

Indeed, glamping destinations offer all the qualities of a hotel, but with more space, light and privacy.