Dunes by Al Nahda

Oman, with its diverse landscapes, offers a unique and captivating experience for travelers seeking a blend of luxury and natural beauty. Tucked away at the edge of the Hajar Mountains, the Wadi Al Abayad which roughly translates to ‘white sands’ in Arabic, is an oasis of idyllic Turquois blue and pearly white pools amidst golden dunes and rugged mountain landscape.  In the heart of this dramatic setting lies the Dunes by Al Nahda, a small and intimate resort with the charm of Bedouin-style tented accommodations and stunning views of the sand dunes.

Dunes by Al Nahda is the epitome of boutique desert luxury. Built atop a towering sand dune, the thirty sand-hued luxury tents blend beautifully with the secluded settings and the deep blue Al Hajar mountains form as the backdrop. Perfect for families or friends traveling together, the spacious tents house large bedrooms, and bathrooms with luxurious baths and showers. There are plenty of desert adventures like dune bashing, quad bikes, kite flying, and even a resident camel who willingly gives rides. Guests who yearn for relaxation can head to the spa where they have a special sand spa as well as other relaxing spa therapies for ultimate rejuvenation. There’s also a 9-hole bunker golf course at the resort for those who’d like a round of golf amid majestic sand valleys.

Location

Dunes by Al Nahda is located only 50 minutes from the capital Muscat’s airport.

 

Things to know

  • Oman is pleasant from October to April. June to August are summer months which can be scorching under the desert sun.
  • The resort is operational from October through March.
  • The sand dunes outside the property have Dune Bashing facilities over the weekend (Friday and Saturday). For guests looking for absolute tranquillity, it is recommended to book on weekdays.
  • There is a dedicated playroom for children.

Rooms & Suites

The circular tented accommodations at Dunes by Al Nahda are designed to immerse visitors in the desert experience without compromising on comfort. Whether it’s the well-appointed Luxury Tent or the luxurious Royal Tents with stunning panoramic views of the dunes, guests can expect a harmonious balance of traditional charm and contemporary elegance in the living spaces.

The free-standing tents start from 34 square meter floor space Luxury Tents as the base category to the 138 square meter Royal Tents with 360-degree spectacular views of the sand dunes featuring two bedrooms, spacious living and dining areas, and a private patio. The Tent Suites on the other hand are two tented accommodations with independent doors and private patios connected by a common foyer.  The tents have large en-suite bathrooms, and the well-equipped rooms come with flat-screen television, mini-bar, writing

Restaurants & Bars

The semi-outdoor restaurant, Fleur, serves international fare as well as Omani, Indian,  and global favorites. Guests also have the option to eat by the pool overlooking the soft mountains of gold or enjoy a barbeque on the sand. Breakfasts are made to order with a choice of American, Continental, or Arabian that includes local favorites including traditional flatbreads with a range of sides.

An Omani cooking experience is a must-try. The experience introduces guests to ‘shuwa’ a traditional meat dish that’s marinated in oils and spices and wrapped in palm leaves that are cooked in a fire pit for the most succulent tender meat.

Spa & Wellness

Among the many offerings at the resort that make this desert resort an oasis of indulgence is the URU Spa—an open-to-sky enclave of rejuvenation set against the backdrop of the expansive desert landscape. The spa also offers the Dunes Sand Spa where guests are cocooned in the relaxing warm sand to heal the body and relax the mind. There are also other carefully curated treatments, scrubs, and full-body massages to choose from crafted to harmonize mind, body, and spirit, drawing inspiration from both traditional Omani practices and modern spa techniques.

Experiences

Guests at the resort have the opportunity to explore the surrounding dunes and engage in a myriad of activities. From exhilarating dune-bashing adventures to serene camel rides during sunset, guests can tailor their experiences to suit their preferences.

At the resort, cool dips in the serene infinity swimming pool or a round of golf are great options for a relaxing time. Families can choose from a variety of options, such as bicycling, kite flying, underground oven cooking classes, and a range of activities specifically designed for both families and children.