About Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Sharjah is an emirate, part of the United Arab Emirates on the Arabian Gulf, considered the rich cultural capital of the Middle East. Traditionally more family-oriented than its southern neighbor Dubai, known for its tall skyscrapers, nightlife, and shop-till-you-drop malls. Sharjah takes a more subtle approach, concentrating on culture and history, and is widely considered the nation’s cultural capital.
Sharjah is home to some of the country’s best museums and art galleries, such as the restored Sharjah Heritage Area and the riveting vast history of the Mleiha Archaeological Site. Not to mention the adrenaline-fueled adventures at the heart of its deserts and rich wildlife. This Emirate is doing more than elsewhere in the UAE to preserve its heritage. This explains why UNESCO declared it the Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998, with recognition reaffirmed in 2014.
About Sharjah Collection
Shurooq launched the Sharjah Collection, a boutique hotel concept, as part of its ongoing strategy to promote the Emirate as one of the region’s leading cultural tourist spots. Mysk by Shaza is a bold and friendly theatre of life that highlights the ever-evolving Arabian Lifestyle. Shaza is named after a fragrance that travels on the Eastern winds – a dream made with the base note of musk. Mysk is a fresh breeze that carries the essence of Shaza’s fragrance. It adds a signature aroma to the theatrical experience of life. Mysk is the theatre of life, where culture and heritage take the guest on a festive journey filled with joviality and excitement. The Sharjah Collection unveils the soul of Sharjah. It reveals the essence of this Emirate through the balance of luxurious accommodation, heritage, Arabian culture and hospitality, adventure, and intimate encounters with the natural landscape. It is a group of distinctive boutique hotels and eco-retreats purposefully located in key locations throughout the Sharjah Emirate. It will take you on an exquisite journey through the Eastern wind and the sands of time. Kingfisher Retreat, Al Badayer Retreat, and Al Faya Retreat are hallmarks of Sharjah’s identity, each with distinctive allure. At any of the Sharjah Collection accommodations, you will enjoy an illustrious experience that will leave you breathless, nostalgic, and enchanted, bringing back cultural riches. Travel the mystical winds, adding an aroma of Mysk to your journey and capturing the Arabian enchantment.
Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah
“Doors to Dunes of Emirati Lifestyle.” Close your eyes and imagine a caravanserai coming from a long way along the Silk Road. That would be the perfect example of what the Al Badayer Retreat presents—a picturesque desert stop set against the sweeping dunes of central Sharjah.
Spend a night or two in a traditional Arabian castle from the past, decorated with the comforts of modernity. The rooms are adorned with Arabian culture and ornaments, leaving you with 1001 memories to reminisce about. Feel the attentive welcome evocative of an Emirati home.
Al Badayer Retreat offers specialty Emirati cuisine and an all-day dining restaurant. The 58-seater Nizwa is a specialty restaurant influenced by destinations on the Silk Route. The setting is contemporary and stylish, while food plating and service are traditional in taste and presentation.
Enjoy the site of the sun hanging lazily over you with the sight of dunes climbing to its horizon. Experience living like a sultan in an empire hemmed in by the golden sweeping dunes. Recharge your vibes as you sail across Al Badayer’s immense Emirati Lifestyle. Watch out that you might get accustomed to this living, which will leave you hooked on and wanting more. It is a great vacation getaway where you will carry back authentic cultural riches.
Enjoy the gym’s amenities to get your muscles ready and prepared to take on the desert’s adventures. Should you get urgent work, no sweats are needed since the oasis presents you with a meeting room that fits your caliber.
Accommodation
The general design of the room is reminiscent of caravanserais. It is an expression of traditional architecture, not cliché, yet maintaining elements of the Arabian culture. You can choose between staying in a fully equipped tent or a room, depending on the journey you would like to take.
Al Badayer Retreat has 21 Rooms and 10 tents
- 11 Deluxe Room King
- 10 Deluxe Room Twin
- 7 Tents – 1 Bedroom King
- 3 Tents – 2 Bedroom King / Twin
Hotel Facilities
- Specialty Restaurant
- All Day Dining
- Business Centre
- Meeting Rooms
- Indoor pool
- Health Club
- Direct Dial Phones / VoiceMail
- 7 One Bedroom Tent
- 3 Two-Bedroom Tent
- Air conditioning / Individual climate control
- LED TV and Cable Satellite TV channels
- Complimentary high-speed internet access
- In-room refreshment center
Experiences
Spend the day lounging as you enjoy the sun’s kisses on your skin, experience the art of Hena, or even go on an adrenaline-fueled adventure exploring the desert’s gems with desert safaris, sandboarding, dune bashing, stargazing, and falconry displays. Unmarked mountain routes and purpose-built trails mean both novice and experienced mountain bikers can explore Sharjah’s territories on two wheels. Stroll along the golden glistening sand as it mystically sets on you vibrant energy with every footprint engraved along its path.
The heart of the Caravanserai features a spacious amphitheater, which will host intimate, live events under the stars. Al Badayer Retreat will also be a popular destination for 4×4 trips, quad biking, horse riding, desert safaris, and camel tours.
Dining and Entertainment at Al Badayer Retreat
Al Badayer Retreat will offer a traditional culinary experience for in-house guests and non-residents.
Al Madam (International) $$
The All-Day Dining restaurant is a contemporary design and interpretation of a modern-day eatery with elements of local character. ‘Al Madam’ will offer buffet breakfast, either a buffet / prefixed menu for lunch/dinner or an a la carte menu including international and regional fare.
Nizwa (Middle Eastern) $$
Nizwa restaurant offers authentic and traditional dishes influenced by destinations from the Silk Route, served through an inspired Emirati theme and taste in a contemporary and stylish setting.
Kingfisher Retreat, Kalba, Sharjah
Kingfisher Retreat is the only one of its kind in the UAE, offering a gateway to a unique world of conservation. This natural retreat is the perfect place to slow down, breathe, and be.
Kingfisher is set on the east coast of Sharjah. The beauty of the pristine beach and Indian Ocean waters is matched perfectly by refined interiors of soft beiges, blues, and desert browns that dress the resort. Arrive on a private boat that will take you to your private island with a modern tent and private pool designed to provide comfort, privacy, and amazing views of the Indian Ocean.
Alongside its immense heritage, Sharjah highlights its artistic and cultural values with its Al Noor Island, a tranquil destination fashioned by art and nature. The island brings nature, art, and architecture together in one fascinating composition inspired by Austrian artist Andre Heller. Walk down the canal-side complex filled with cafés and experience Al Qasba as the premier family-friendly destination that engulfs your senses with art and culture and encourages complete relaxation. Savor exciting live performances, exceptional art centers, and a variety of delectable dining choices await you.
Experience at Kingfishers Retreat
With exclusive access to a pristine ecosystem, Kingfisher Retreat offers a gateway to a unique world of conservation and culture. Embracing its Arabian heritage, Kingfisher Retreat provides a world-class, luxurious experience.
Activities at Kingfishers Retreat
For those who like to stay active during your getaways and build on your exquisite experience, enjoy a list of activities that will keep your heart pumping and face smiling: Learn and practice an ancient craft at the archery range. Savor the tranquillity as you kayak through mangroves, Watch sea turtles hatch, nest, and swim, and catch a glimpse of many rare bird species and the wildlife that all define Khor Kalba as a globally significant wetlandIndulge in a panoramic ocean view of the Arabian Gulf while enjoying a healthy organic culinary experience for in-house guests and travel on the wings of extravagant beauty and change.
Refresh your soul with a host of activities ranging from water to land,, such as diving, kayak excursions, stand-up paddleboarding, nature walks along the Watchtowers trek, cycling Wadi Helo, cycling across Kalba culture,, and visiting Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre or Kalba Bird of Prey Centre.
Rooms at Kingfishers Retreat
Kingfisher Retreat consists of 20 luxurious tents. Each tent has its own private plunge pool and barbecue and is designed to provide comfort, privacy,, and amazing views of the Indian Ocean. The tents are all equipped with the best facilities for your utmost comfort.
Accommodation
20 tents located on the Arabian Sea coast:
- 13 One Bedroom Tent – Sea View (139 sqm including outside deck)
- 2 One Bedroom Tent – Mountain View (139 sqm including outside deck)
- 5 Three Bedroom Tent – Sea View (344 sqm including outside deck)
Dining at Kingfisher Retreat
Kingfisher Retreat offers a healthy organic culinary experience for all-day dining. You can also enjoy an open-space social dining facility. Al Korum restaurant provides a fresh and evolving menu of international and local foods.
Al Faya Retreat, Sharjah
Step away from the city noise and deep into the heart of the desert. Al Faya Retreat allows guests to explore the true beauty of the Mleiha region, which has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Embracing its heritage, the location was formerly occupied by a clinic and grocery store in the 1960s. Its contemporary feel masterfully combines aspects of its original features, featuring just five rooms with luxe modernity. Comprising a restaurant, library, viewing deck, and a one-of-a-kind hands-free spa with a saltwater pool system, Al Faya Retreat is a unique place.
Al Faya Retreat was designed by architect Jonathan Ashmore and his Dubai- and London-based practice, ANARCHITECT. It consists of two single-story, stone buildings from the 1960s. Previously, a clinic and grocery store occupied them, but the architects reimagined them as a contemporary boutique lodge and restaurant.
Location & Ambiance
Al Faya Retreat is set amid the Mleiha, which is home to several significant sites, including Bronze Age tombs, historic caves, and pre-Islamic forts. Many fascinating artifacts, from camel skeletons to pottery and iron tools, have been discovered here, and many are on display in the outstanding Mleiha Archaeological Centre. The foothills of sandy mountains host one of the region’s most unique hotels: Al Faya Lodge, which rises from the enchanting dunes surrounding it, offers a boutique experience.
Rooms at Al Fayal Retreat
With just five rooms, Al Faya Lodge offers a contemporary feel, masterfully combining aspects of originality with luxe modernity. Bedrooms feature a skylight for stargazing at night with a fire pit primed for recapping the day’s many adventures.
Dining at Al Faya Retreat
The roadhouse-style restaurant at Al Faya Lodge provides an intimate and private setting. It can seat approximately 40 guests and offers a contemporary à la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu.
However, I must admit that the menu options are very disappointing, especially for dinner. The restaurant only serves burgers and sandwiches for dinner. For breakfast and lunch, they serve a variety of Middle Eastern cuisine. Other than this restaurant, there are no restaurants nearby.
Spa at Al Faya Retreat
The spa at Al Faya Retreat offers an experience like no other. Inspired by the surrounding landscape, its tranquil atmosphere allows for complete relaxation.
The spa is located in its building. Privacy is key, with views gazing out across the dunes. The 118 sqm spa takes its inspiration from the surroundings to create thermal and relaxation experiences that touch on the five senses.
Facilities include a salt inhalation room, a shower walk, an herbal sauna, and a 128 sqm outdoor saltwater pool. You can embark on a wellness journey through the herbal and Himalayan salt rooms before heading to the tropical walk, where different shower pressures, lights, and sounds allow for a completely immersive experience. Promoting both physical and mental health, the rooms help to reduce inflammations, help those with respiratory issues, and improve overall well-being.
Leave a Reply