Experience Luxury in the Heart of Qatar's Desert at The Outpost Al Barari
Discover the ultimate desert retreat at The Outpost Al Barari in Qatar, where luxurious tented villas boast private pools, exquisite dining by crackling fires, and enchanting outdoor cinema experiences under the starlit sky.
In this corner of southeastern Qatar, nestled within the stunning Inland Sea nature reserve, there are miles of desert and the burning blue of the sky. The silence is only broken by the soft rustling of the wind and maybe the hum of a pack of 4X4s bashing the dunes in the distance.
A little over a year ago, The Outpost Al Barari opened its doors in a serene desert setting. This tented villa retreat offers a luxury escape from the hustle of downtown Doha. It coincided with Qatar hosting the World Cup.
In the Middle Eastern country, there are several premium desert stays available. Qatar is hoping to capitalize on its global exposure during the world's biggest soccer tournament. The country aims to encourage tourists looking for a guaranteed sunshine destination.
Courtesy Dimitris Sideridis
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Qatar already offers various accommodation options in its vast desert landscape. The Hilton Salwa Resort, one of the biggest resort complexes in the Middle East, opened its doors in 2021. It is located on a secluded shoreline near the Saudi Arabian border and boasts its own theme park.
Despite Salwa's impressive size resembling a small town, the Al Barari tented camp is in stark contrast. As the name implies, Al Barari feels more like a remote outpost, providing a unique and intimate camping experience.
Desert camping is a favorite activity in Qatar, where locals often escape to canvas tents for weekends or special occasions. From basic setups to extravagant encampments, there is a wide range of options to choose from. Al Barari falls into the category of luxurious camping experiences.
At Al Barari, visitors can enjoy both seclusion and luxury. The camp offers a serene and private setting, allowing guests to relax and unwind in style. With top-notch amenities and services, guests can truly indulge in a lavish desert retreat.
The resort has 21 tented suites.
The resort has 21 tented suites.
Dimitris Sideridis
Stepping into the resort feels as if you have stumbled upon a little oasis in the wilderness.
There are 21 tented suites available, ranging in size from 38 square meters to 150 square meters. Rates usually start at around $300 per night. This is not your typical glamping experience.
Modern and comfortable, each living space is designed to offer guests seclusion and luxury – case in point, most come with their own private swimming pools.
Qatar Zekreet peninsula
Qatar Zekreet peninsula
Barry Neild/CNN
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The highlight of the resort is The Emiri Villa, featuring three bedrooms, a separate living and dining room, and a large pool on a spacious terrace surrounded by sunbeds and swings. Perfect for families, a night here costs around $1,500.
According to Mohammad Taha Nashwan, the general manager of The Outpost Al Barari, it took approximately two years to construct the resort. Situated 66 kilometers (41 miles) south of Hamad International Airport, Qatar's primary entry point and travel hub.
Nashwan aimed to create an experience that would attract both locals and foreign visitors by blending luxury hospitality with privacy. The goal was to provide a stay that highlights Qatar's natural environment and heritage.
Embracing the beauty of nature
The camp is described as "like an oasis," by one guest.
The camp is described as "like an oasis," by one guest.
Dimitris Sideridis
Indeed, it is this opportunity to explore the spectacular nearby surroundings and reconnect with nature that is a major drawing point for The Outpost Al Barari.
Guests have the opportunity to experience desert safaris to the Inland Sea, a tidal inlet located in the southern part of the country near the border with Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, visitors can choose to participate in a guided nature walk that takes them through the dunes and surrounding areas to discover more about the diverse wildlife inhabiting the desert, such as spiny-tailed lizards, desert foxes, ospreys, and long-distance migrant waterfowls.
Dimitris Sideridis
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Fitness enthusiasts can sign up for personalized yoga and workout sessions on the sandy slopes, along with a three-day nutrition and personal wellbeing plan.
For those seeking fun activities, there are options like sand surfing, fat biking, and camel riding. For the more daring individuals, hot air balloon rides offer breathtaking views of the vast sand dunes meeting the turquoise sea.
During the winter months, many Qatari campers escape the hustle and bustle of Doha by heading back to the desert for a weekend getaway. The outpost's elegant and airy setting is a favorite hangout spot for these campers.
One of the popular activities at the outpost is watching movies under the stars.
Guests can lie back on rugs to enjoy classic movies at the resort's open-air cinema.
Guests can lie back on rugs to enjoy classic movies at the resort's open-air cinema.
Dimitris Sideridis
Visitor Hasan Al Naimi described staying at Al Barari as an “adventure” that allows you to “experience the Arabic way in the desert” – but “in a fancy way.”
“You enjoy the golden dunes view around the resort while you are swimming in the private pool,” the 47-year-old tells CNN.
“It looks like an oasis,” he says.
Al Barari goes the extra mile to create a luxurious oasis for guests, making them feel far from the desert surroundings. They can enjoy cream scones, Arabic coffee, and Cuban cigars. The Spa Tent offers rejuvenating massages, while the communal pool provides a refreshing escape from the arid landscape.
Courtesy Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas
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Hilton Salwa is a massive luxury hotel located in a remote area. The resort's main restaurant serves a diverse four-course menu that combines Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes with Indian flavors. Guests have the option to dine indoors or outdoors under the stars. The ambience is set with soft lighting and an open fireplace, creating a romantic atmosphere.
The ultimate highlight at The Outpost Al Barari may be the outdoor cinema screening classic films. Guests can enjoy watching a favorite movie under the desert night sky, lounging by a fire pit in a cozy area filled with traditional rugs and handwoven pillows.
Getting to The Outpost Al Barari from Doha is an hour's drive in an SUV. Guests can choose to drive to the resort themselves or opt for its transport service, with pick-up available at Al Meera on Sealine Beach. Travelers arriving in Doha can also arrange an airport transfer for an extra fee.
Editor's P/S:
The Outpost Al Barari offers a unique and luxurious desert escape in Qatar. With its tented villas, private swimming pools, and top-notch amenities, guests can indulge in a lavish retreat while embracing the beauty of nature. The resort's proximity to the Inland Sea and other natural attractions provides ample opportunities for exploration and adventure, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a memorable and immersive desert experience.
Furthermore, The Outpost Al Barari goes beyond providing accommodation by offering a range of activities and experiences that cater to diverse interests. From desert safaris and guided nature walks to sand surfing, fat biking, and hot air balloon rides, guests can customize their stay to create a truly unforgettable journey. The resort's commitment to sustainability and preservation of the surrounding environment adds to its appeal, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the Qatari desert.
