In a corner of southeastern Qatar, nestled within the stunning Inland Sea nature reserve, the silence of the desert is broken by the gentle rustle of the wind and the sound of a convoy of 4X4s barreling over the dunes in the distance.
The resort has 21 tent-style suites. Photo: Dimitris Sideridis
It was in this serene setting that The Outpost Al Barari – a tented desert resort – opened a year ago as Qatar hosted the World Cup.
The luxury resort, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Doha, is among a number of high-end desert accommodations available in the Middle Eastern country that hope to capitalize on the upcoming world's biggest soccer tournament and encourage tourists to seek a sunny getaway.
Qatar has other places to stay in its majestic sea of sand, too. The Hilton Salwa Resort, one of the largest resort complexes in the Middle East, opened in 2021, complete with its own theme park, on a secluded stretch of beach near the border with Saudi Arabia.
However, while Salwa seems to be the size of a small town, the tiny tented camp of Al Barari resort feels more like an outpost.
Desert camping is a popular pastime in Qatar, with many locals seeing it as a chance to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle on weekends or during festivals. Of course, there are other luxury campsites like Al Barari for visitors to enjoy.
Seclusion and luxury
The campsite was described by one guest as “like an oasis”. Photo: Dimitris Sideridis
Entering the resort, guests will feel like they are lost in a small oasis in the middle of the wilderness. The 21 tented suites range in size from 38 square meters to 150 square meters, with prices typically starting at around $300 per night.
Modern and comfortable, each living space is designed to offer guests privacy and luxury – most typically feature a private pool.
The crown jewel here is The Emiri Villa, which boasts three bedrooms, a separate living room and dining room. Ideal for families, it has a large pool on a spacious terrace surrounded by sunbeds and swings. A night here will set you back around $1,500.
It took about two years to build the resort, located about 66 kilometers south of Hamad International Airport - Qatar's main entry point and tourism hub, said Mohammad Taha Nashwan, general manager of The Outpost Al Barari resort.
Mr Nashwan said the aim was to create an experience that would appeal to both locals and international visitors by combining “luxurious hospitality with the utmost privacy” to deliver a stay that “celebrates Qatar’s rich heritage and natural environment”.
Connect with nature
Guests can stretch out on the carpet to enjoy classic films at the resort's outdoor cinema. Photo: Dimitris Sideridis
Indeed, it is the opportunity to explore the spectacular surroundings nearby and reconnect with nature that is the main attraction of The Outpost Al Barari camping resort.
Visitors can enjoy a desert safari to the Inland Sea, a famous tidal bay located further south along the border with Saudi Arabia.
Alternatively, visitors can opt to take a guided hike up and down the dunes and beyond to learn more about the wildlife that roams the desert – from spiny-tailed lizards and desert foxes to falcons and long-distance migratory waterfowl.
Fitness enthusiasts can also sign up for yoga and personal training sessions on the sand, complemented by a three-day personalised nutrition and wellness plan.
Other options include sand surfing and camel riding. For the more adventurous, hot air balloon rides offer stunning views in all directions – a carpet of rippling sand stretching to the horizon, interspersed with turquoise seas.
During the winter months, the outpost's elegant and airy setting is also a popular hangout for Qatari campers looking to escape the bustle of Doha and return to the desert for a weekend getaway.
Watch movies under the stars
Traveler Hasan Al Naimi describes staying at Al Barari as an “adventure” that allows you to “experience the Arabian desert in a unique way. Or you can enjoy the view of the golden dunes surrounding the resort while swimming in your private pool.
Sometimes Al Barari has it all, making visitors forget they are in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by sand on all sides. There are cream pies, Arabic coffee and Cuban cigars on hand. There is also a spa tent offering invigorating massages and a large communal pool that feels a world away from the arid surroundings.
The resort’s main restaurant offers a four-course menu, featuring Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes with Indian influences. Diners can dine indoors or under the stars, with low lighting and a fireplace for a more romantic feel.
The ultimate highlight, however, may be the outdoor cinema screening classic films nearby, where guests can watch a favorite under the desert night sky while lounging by a fire in a cozy area covered with traditional rugs and handwoven pillows.
The Outpost Al Barari is approximately a one-hour drive from Doha by SUV. Guests can either reach the resort on their own or use the transfer and shuttle service from Al Meera, on Sealine Beach. Guests flying into the Qatari capital can also arrange airport transfers for an additional fee./.
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