The Best Luxury Desert Experience in Dubai

The Nara Desert Escape delivered above and beyond all expectations. The camp setup was beautiful, with private tents with sofas and a table to sit at for each reservation. There were a number of activities to try, including sand-boarding, camel-riding around the camp and a falcon show, as well as food stands and a bar, which would also provide service to your tent. Then, in a large crater in the middle of the camp sat the dinner setup. In the center was a stage and around it were the dinner tables, positioned in a way so that each table would get a clear view of the stage. Soft music was playing in the background and the atmosphere was simply perfect. When you are booking your experience, you can also opt for extra activities. We decided to do the buggy ride, a one hour group ride with your private buggy through the desert, but they also had a one hour camel or horse riding experience, a wildlife safari and more. The camp is run by a hotel, The Nest by Sonara, which also offers, along with the desert escape the ability to book an overnight stay in one of their luxurious tents in the desert, perfect for a couples getaway.

Image 1: Sonara Dinner Setup | Image 2: Sandboarding

Image 1: Camel Riding | Image 2: Sonara Dinner Show

The service was really great. The staff spoke a number of languages and were really friendly and accommodating. The dinner service was also delicious. There were a number of traditional Middle Eastern appetizers, a buffet for the main course, a full barbecue with all different kinds of meat available, some amazing desserts and a fine wine list. A few minutes after we sat down for dinner, the lights were dimmed and the music was turned up to welcome the first performer, a belly dancer with a costume made of sparklers, which was mesmerizing. We literally couldn’t take our eyes off her! After the first show, came a breathtaking balancing act, which had us on the edge of our seats. I even screamed at one point, but the masterful showman kept his balance and returned to the ground safe and sound. Lastly, as we were eating dessert, the lights were once again dimmed and an ominous music began playing as dark figures walked down the long flight of stairs towards us holding torches. Fire breathers. The show itself was unbelievable, but what really made the whole thing exceed expectations was the dramatic ending where they lit on fire this large sculpture of the Sonara Camp logo while a shower of sparklers were dancing behind it! It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience and I have been telling everyone I know to go!

Image 1 & 2: Sonara Dinner Show

This is definitely the best desert experience you can book if you go to Dubai. It is curated to every last detail and run by a trustworthy hotel and staff. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes as you will be doing activities in the sand!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Dubai. In need of further inspiration? Check out Arlette Diederiks’s guide, Guide to Food, Luxury & Entertainment in Dubai.