A new kind of UAE escape has just opened its doors — and it involves sleeping in a polished silver Airstream caravan rather than a glass tower hotel. Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas is the group's first property in the UAE and its fourth in the Middle East, set in the Hajar Mountains around 90 minutes' drive from Dubai International Airport.
The retreat has 50 bespoke Airstreams, each looking out over either the valley or Hatta Dam, and each with its own wooden deck for taking in the mountain scenery. Once the sun goes down, guests can head to a dedicated observatory deck — Hatta's distance from Dubai's glow means genuinely dark skies for stargazing.
The experience list leans into the setting. Think sound healing sessions, Arabic coffee rituals and guided wellness practices, plus a Thuraya Wellness space with a barrel sauna, outdoor cold plunge and hot tub, alongside yoga and meditation. There's an infinity pool on site too, if you'd rather just swim and stare at the rocks.
Beyond the resort, Hatta itself is the draw. The area is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, and the dam is popular for kayaking and paddleboarding — easy half-day add-ons without leaving the neighbourhood.
Food comes via Madar (Arabic for "orbit"), where the menu is Emirati-influenced and cooked over open fire and underground, techniques that suit the rugged surroundings. Poolside dining is on offer for lower-key evenings.
Our Habitas has form with this format: the group also runs two properties in AlUla, Saudi Arabia — one of which features Airstreams as well — and one at Ras Abrouq in Qatar.
For travellers, this is a notably different side of the UAE. Hatta offers cooler mountain air, rocky terrain and outdoor activity, a contrast to Dubai's malls and beaches that's only an hour and a half from the airport. It works as a weekend reset for Dubai residents and as an easy two-stop trip for visitors who want city and mountains in one holiday.
Story via Euronews Travel.
