Sharjah’s Investment in Luxury Eco-Retreats: A New Era of Sustainable Travel
The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, commonly known as Shurooq, has made a significant investment of over AED 300 million (approximately US$81.7 million) to create the ‘Sharjah Collection.’ This impressive portfolio encompasses seven luxury eco-retreats, each designed to provide restorative experiences deeply rooted in nature, heritage, and sustainability.
The Retreats: A Diverse Range of Luxurious Accommodations
Spanning Sharjah’s most stunning landscapes, the Sharjah Collection offers a total of 154 high-end accommodation units. These retreats are strategically placed in breathtaking locations, including coastal mangroves, desert dunes, mountain valleys, and historical villages. This investment aligns with a growing global trend towards wellness tourism and meaningful travel experiences, catering to a clientele that values holistic experiences over conventional holidaying.
Transforming Tourism: A Vision for Sustainability
The Sharjah Collection goes beyond standard luxury offerings; it embodies the broader aim of Sharjah’s sustainable development. Each retreat serves as a haven of cultural authenticity and ecological harmony, encouraging visitors to temporarily step away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Shurooq’s CEO, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, emphasizes that the objective is not just to provide accommodations but also to create genuine connections between visitors and their environment.
A Thoughtful Design Philosophy
Al Qaseer states, “Our hospitality projects build a bridge between visitors and place, preserving heritage while reintroducing local identity in a contemporary form.” This careful approach is evident in how each retreat reflects its unique environmental and cultural characteristics, offering guests an immersive experience that honors the local landscape.
Highlighted Retreats: Unique Experiences Await
Among the standout properties in the Sharjah Collection is Al Faya Retreat, nested in Mleiha’s desert. This boutique retreat features two revamped 1960s buildings, originally a grocery store and clinic, transformed into a stylish getaway with five carefully designed rooms that provide sweeping views of the desert. Guests can indulge in contemporary dining options and guided desert trails for a truly immersive experience.
Coastal Luxury at Kingfisher Retreat
Located within a protected mangrove reserve in Kalba, the Kingfisher Retreat offers 40 luxury tents with stunning sea views. This retreat prioritizes eco-friendliness, integrating low-impact design and sustainable materials to foster conservation efforts in partnership with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority.
Glamping Under the Stars: Moon Retreat
Set within Mleiha National Park, the Moon Retreat has emerged as a premier glamping destination. It features 10 geodesic domes and six premium tents, facilitating stargazing, yoga, and guided desert excursions, allowing guests to explore the natural wonders of the area while experiencing the night sky in all its glory.
Heritage and Nature at Najd Al Meqsar
Najd Al Meqsar, situated in Khorfakkan’s Wadi Wishi, showcases seven luxury heritage units crafted within homes over a century old. This unique retreat offers breathtaking views of ancient mountains and archaeological petroglyphs, providing guests with access to a historic 300-year-old fort and scenic hiking trails.
Community-Focused Al Rayaheen Retreat
At the historic center of Khorfakkan, Al Rayaheen Retreat features 19 restored heritage homes, redesigned with a focus on preserving cultural heritage. This retreat includes the former home of the Al Mushtaghil family and features a restaurant and communal spaces that combine traditional architecture with modern comforts.
Nomad: A Groundbreaking Eco-Retreat
Set to launch in Q4 of 2025, Nomad will introduce a new eco-retreat concept to Sharjah’s eastern coast. Nestled in the mountainous valleys of Kalba, this retreat will consist of 20 bespoke, solar-powered luxury trailers designed and manufactured locally. The initiative promotes community enterprise while ensuring a low-impact footprint, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in nature without compromising local ecosystems. With a digital detox approach—no WiFi and lights-off at night—Nomad encourages mindfulness and an enhanced appreciation for the natural surroundings.
The Future of Travel: Embracing Wellness and Cultural Depth
As the Global Wellness Institute projects that wellness tourism will exceed US$1 trillion by 2025, the slow travel movement is set to redefine how individuals experience different locales. The trend, gaining traction at around 10 percent annually, emphasizes the importance of time, tranquility, and cultural immersion. Recognized by Condé Nast Traveller as a defining travel trend for 2025, Sharjah’s eco-retreats are perfectly poised to cater to this evolving demand in the travel landscape.
