This Boutique Stay in Dubai Lets You Sleep Inside Nests in the Desert

When one thinks of Dubai, the thoughts that immediately follow often bring forth visions of skyscrapers, sprawling mall complexes, and—if you’re anything like me—the Mac N Cheese stuffed burger from The Cheesecake Factory, but that’s besides the point. The truth is, Dubai has positioned itself as THE futuristic luxury metropolis of the Middle East. But what lies beyond the towering heights? 

Right in the middle of the largest protected nature reserve in the UAE, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, The Nest by Sonara offers far more than just luxury amenities or bonfire-lit fine-dining experiences—the boutique hotel lets you sleep in nests set amidst the enchanting Arabian Desert. Well, sort of. 

Eschewing run-of-the-mill glamping accommodation set-ups, this sand-dune-hidden boutique retreat is designed to echo the natural grandeur of the nests of the Arabian desert’s fauna. Designed by renowned Italian architect Gianni Ranaulo, each of the 14 ‘nests’ is built to resemble the towering dunes of the surrounding desertscape, with spacious interiors in earthy hues, wicker furniture, and a panoramic window that ushers the outside in. 

A quick barefooted walk outside your chosen nest envelops you in the stars dotting the night sky above, which—after some guided astrology and astronomy sessions at the hotel’s ‘Sky Safari’ experience—you can actually tell apart. 

When you’re done connecting with the cosmic forces above, you’ll likely yearn for some sustenance—an area in which Sonara has carved quite a niche for itself. While you may enjoy breakfast and sunset cocktails at The Nest’s lounge area, a true fine-dining experience can be found at Sonara Camp, just a short distance away. There, you can enjoy signature firewood rotisserie, locally-farmed mushroom risotto, and many more signature dishes made grander by their surroundings. 

Once at Sonara Camp, you can forget all about the quiet back at The Nest. 

From live music sessions, fire shows and hot air balloon rides to interactive hawk shows, archery training, camel riding, and movie screenings under the stars—Sonara Camp is where many would choose to spend the day before retiring to their nest. 

So, if you happen to find yourself searching for a one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve getaway, here’s a little insider info: Sonara Camp will be hosting a glamorous desert masquerade ball. Why? Because what’s a desert escape without one?