Words by Yvonne C Mtengwa

It’s under a 90-minute drive from Downtown Dubai, making it a perfect escape even during the week. That was our quest; to see if it was in fact practical to steal a day away from the city by heading out to the border of Oman, where the reminder of the day could possibly be made up of virtual meetings and short breaks from screens for a little adventure. Possible it was! For those seeking a break from the dazzling urban landscape of Dubai, Hatta Resorts showed me that a refreshing escape into the heart of nature is something that every city dweller should add to their list of things to do often in a bid to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Nestled amidst the rugged mountains that separate Dubai emirate from the Sultanate of Oman, over the years the little town of Hatta has grown in popularityas a haven for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.My journey began with a scenic cruise, with the drive to Hatta itself a captivating experience. Leaving the city behind, the landscape gradually transformed, revealing the dramatic beauty of the region. The drive, typically anywhere from 60-90 minutes long from Dubai,winds through picturesque valleys and rocky terrains on a smooth, carpet-like roadway, offering glimpses of the stunning natural scenery that awaits.

A scenic drive tonatural beauty and perhaps adventure…

I arrived at the eco-friendly Hatta Resorts; a somewhat impromptu decision to head out during what felt like a never-ending, stress-infused week. Nature is my happy place, and so it was either going to be an early morning sunrise solo drive out to a neighbouring emirate with a return later in the day, or an overnighter at Hatta Resorts, a destination of which I highly anticipated seeing what the hype was about. With confirmed availability given how often it is fully booked, I joined other visitors arriving for check in, who were greeted by an enthusiastic team of staff at the Resort’s reception area. Upon a brief orientation and check-in procedures, the instruction was to leave my car in theparking lot, where I would be transported up to my abode for the night in a rugged outdoor terrain vehicle.

You’ll love Damani Lodges: A Sanctuary of Refinement

For those seeking respite after a day of exploration or like me, just a space to call “time-out” in the palms of the outdoors, Damani Lodges offer an unparalleled retreat. These are not mere accommodations; they are private sanctuariesthat deliver an unsurpassed glamping experience in the area,one seamlessly designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings.

My afternoon in was spent shifting between the comfort of my cozy space, and resting on a giant beanbag laid out onto my private terrace, which seemingly hung from the rocky terrain. I tried to work but felt having my eyes glued to my laptop screen was doing the environment and opportunity to get away for the night,an injustice! Panoramic mountain views washed over me, with the occasional exhilarating screams of enthusiastic adventurers conquering the elevated terrain by zipline.

Meals would be served for me at a time of my choosing at check in, with a barbeque dinner prepped for the night and an Arabic or international breakfast option to be delivered the next morning. I also learned that given the concept is glamping, guests also have the option to make their own meals should they choose, with raw prepped ingredients brought to your accommodations for you to try a hand at outdoor cooking as you would with traditional camping. As twilight descended, I had the option to pull my camp chair towards the edge of a crackling fire pit, enjoying the stars – a celestial canopy above, while indulging in my gourmet barbecueselection of tender lamb, beef, chicken skewers and wings. These were accompanied by a healthy serving of two salads, dips and Arabic breads. Being solo on this occasion meant that I wasn’t quite up for the admin of preparing my meals alone, and so I enjoyedmy culinary experience under the vast expanse of the night sky, with sultry music playing from my travel companion, my miniature JBL speaker, which is always readyto usher me into a quiet serenade after a long day.

An abundance of options.

Beyond the lodges, the exclusive charm of Hatta’s other offerings carries across the pristine terrain. The domes, with their private pools, redefine luxury glamping, offering a secluded oasis of indulgence. The caravans, meticulously appointed, provide a home away from home, while the vintage campers, lovingly restored, evoke a sense of nostalgic elegance. And for the purist, the campsites offer a return to the elemental, a communion with nature under the starlit sky.

Hatta Resorts offers a curated experience, a symphony of adventure, glamp-style luxury, and cultural immersion as you venture out beyond the compound’s periphery. It’s a place where the soul finds solace in the embrace of nature, where every moment is a treasured memory, and where the discerning travelleror busy city-dweller carves out moments to discovers a world of simple beauty that collides with refined adventure.

The destination boasts adiverse range of experiences, all designed to cater to various interests. Hatta Resorts and its Wadi Hub provide a plethora of activities, including:

1. Hiking and Biking Trails: Explore the rugged terrain with numerous trails catering to different skill levels.
2. Hatta Dam Kayaking: Paddle across the serene waters of the Hatta Dam, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
3. Adventure Activities at Wadi Hub: Engage in thrilling activities like ziplining, mountain biking, archery and more.
4. Cultural Experiences:You can visit the Hatta Heritage Village a short drive away to delve into the region’s rich history and traditions.

The Hatta district of Dubai Emirate continues to evolve, with ongoing developments aimed at enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the region’s natural beauty. With its diverse range of activities and accommodations, Hatta has solidified its position as a prime destination for those seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure in the comfort of stellar spaces.

To learn more about Hatta Resorts, visit https://www.visithatta.com/en/stay/damani-lodges-resort