Sonara Camp and The Nest have transformed the offer of exclusive tourism in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, turning the concept of glamping into an experience that goes beyond simple accommodation. Since 2020, these two proposals by Nara Desert Escapes have attracted travelers seeking to disconnect without giving up comfort, positioning Dubai as a benchmark destination in sustainable luxury tourism.
The competition between both alternatives has generated a debate: while Sonara specializes in daytime gastronomic experiences, The Nest focuses on full overnight stays that allow you to experience the desert from sunset to sunrise. The choice between one or the other depends on the type of getaway you are looking for and the available budget.
Daytime experience vs. full overnight escape
Sonara Camp operates mainly as a luxury restaurant in the desert, offering lunches and dinners in a natural setting with no overnight option. Bookings include transport from Dubai, camel experiences, falconry with hawks and Mediterranean-style menus adapted to the desert environment. The proposal is ideal for those who want a half-day experience without blocking their entire schedule.
The Nest, on the other hand, represents a greater investment of time and money by offering stays running from Friday during the high season months. Each “nest” is integrated directly into the dunes, creating semi-buried retreats with bedroom, private en-suite bathroom and an outdoor terrace with mattresses for stargazing. Packages vary according to orientation: dune-view from 2,300 dirhams, sunrise-view from 2,500 dirhams and sunset-view from 2,800 dirhams, accommodating up to four people.
The Nest’s tapas menu is charged separately: 380 dirhams per adult or 220 dirhams per child, and includes options such as Syrian olives, lobster rolls with spicy dressing and Spanish black rice with roasted vegetables. Sonara, by contrast, includes gastronomy in the package price, simplifying the booking experience.
Included services and differentiated activities
Sonara Camp’s offer is structured around complementary activities that enrich lunch or dinner:
✓ Camel rides with elegant saddles and Arabian horses
✓ Falconry shows with trained hawks
✓ Cookie decorating at themed events such as the “Witch Adventure” on Halloween
✓ Night-time campfires in a restricted area of the reserve
✓ Customizable menus according to dietary preferences
These experiences turn each visit into a cultural event that connects with Bedouin traditions, without the need to stay overnight.
The Nest prioritizes extended immersion in the natural environment through services designed for 24-hour stays. Each unit features a complimentary minibar, private outdoor area and, as part of the inaugural offer, a free Sky Safari for those who booked in September 2022. The semi-buried architectural structure keeps temperatures stable and offers absolute privacy, turning each “nest” into an autonomous refuge.
Location in the Conservation Reserve
Both experiences operate within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the first national park in the United Arab Emirates, which covers 225 square kilometres. This protected area since 2004 is home to more than 50 plant species, 120 birds and 43 mammals and reptiles, ensuring sightings of native wildlife such as the Arabian oryx.
Sonara Camp is located in a restricted area with controlled access, which limits visitor numbers and preserves the sense of exclusivity. The Nest distributes its units among the dunes with strategic orientations to maximize sunrise or sunset views depending on the package booked. The distance between Sonara Camp and other tourist spots within the reserve reinforces its isolated character, ideal for digital disconnection.
The environmental commitment of the reserve is reflected in the operations of both projects: use of renewable energy, waste minimization and research programs in collaboration with local universities. This approach turns the visit into a direct contribution to the conservation of the desert ecosystem.
Traveler profile and required budget
Sonara Camp attracts families and corporate groups looking for half-day experiences without logistical complications. The format works well with tight schedules and allows the visit to be combined with other activities in Dubai on the same day. Prices, although not detailed publicly, fall within the premium gastronomic experiences bracket in the emirate.
The Nest targets couples and small groups willing to invest in a full escape that includes an overnight stay. The higher initial outlay is offset by total immersion in the surroundings and the chance to experience the desert at its most photogenic moments: sunset and sunrise. The concept of glamping reaches its maximum expression here, blending luxury and nature without sacrificing five-star hotel services.
The final decision between the two options depends on the time available, budget and desired level of immersion: Sonara for high-impact, one-off gastronomic experiences, The Nest for getaways that prioritise absolute disconnection from urban noise.
