Now, we love staying at a luxury hotel almost as much as we love eating out at Dubai’s best restaurants. But if that hotel is an eco-friendly resort at the same time, we’re head over heels.
From cutting-edge designs to significant investments in renewable energy, as well as putting wildlife conservation at the top of the agenda, we’ve uncovered the best eco-friendly resorts in the GCC.
These resorts are taking steps to reduce food waste, fostering growth within local communities and educating guests at the same time, paving the way when it comes to reducing their negative impact on the planet.
What’s more, they do so without compromising on guest enjoyment one jot. Read on for our round-up of the best eco-friendly resorts in the GCC.
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Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman
Perched on the edge of a deep gorge some 2000 metres above sea level, the gloriously remote, rustic-chic Alila Jabal Akhdar is a sight to behold and a joy to visit. From al fresco spa treatments to cliff side dining and mountain climbing, sublime star gazing and adrenalin-fueled high rope caving across rocky ravines, the memorable (read Instagrammable) moments keep on coming here.
The resort operates in harmony with the surrounding natural environment, with Omani construction techniques and traditional materials (local stone and wood) used in the build. Continuing the sustainable tourism theme, authentic design features as well as ornaments and pottery sourced from local suppliers feature heavily in the interiors resulting in a space that feels authentic yet luxe at the same time. Around the property, traditional aflaj water systems help to minimise environmental impact and guests are encouraged to learn about the local culture and customs during their visit.
Al Roose, Jabal Akhdar, Oman, www.alilahotels.com (+968 2 534 4200).
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, UAE
Not just a pretty face this one. In addition to the sense of romantic escapism and the tremendous, middle-of-the-desert views, Al Maha’s eco-friendly credentials befit its location at the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
A nod to preserving the heritage of the surrounding area is felt throughout, as is a commitment to reducing the resort’s environmental footprint with solar panels, sustainable water systems, LED lighting and battery-powered vehicles all in place.
In addition, over 6,000 indigenous trees, 75 species of native plants and both gazelles and Arabian oryx thrive here – if you’re really lucky a herd or two might just stroll by your private infinity pool (if not, you’re sure to spot animals aplenty out on your nightly sunset and bubbly camel ride).
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Dubai, al-maha.com (+971 4 832 9900).
Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia
If you’re not bowled over by Habitas AlUla, the new 96-room, luxury eco-resort sitting at the base of the ancient sandstone canyons of the Ashar Valley then frankly, we’re not sure what will impress you.
One of the first luxury resorts to open in the Al Ula area, the Habitas brand has a reputation for operating in a sustainable, eco-friendly fashion and this place follows suit. The hotel itself was conscientiously designed and built using ethically sourced, organic materials; not only that, all construction took place off-site and no natural resources were removed or destroyed during the process.
The result is pretty special. Stylish, single-story villas complete with private outdoor decks and al fresco showers seamlessly blur the boundaries between design and nature and sit happily amidst the swathes of sand and jutting canyon walls. A stunning central swimming pool meanwhile appears like a shimmering mirage in the middle of the resort.
Wellness and ‘human connection’ are prioritised from check in to check out. Upon arrival visitors are invited to embark on a two-minute vow of silence and encouraged to set a spiritual intention for their stay. Guest programme options include art and culture walks, yoga, meditation and breathwork. Ingredients sourced from local farmers are used where possible at on-site restaurant Tama and plans are in place to involve nearby schools and farms in future conservation efforts.
Ashar Valley, AlUla, www.ourhabitas.com/alula/
Kingfisher Retreat by Mysk, Sharjah, UAE
With a pristine island location just off the east coast of Sharjah, this conservation-minded glamping retreat provides the sort of environmentally-friendly, escape-the-city experience that every eco-tourist dreams of.
The Indian Ocean views go on for miles, the surrounding mangroves team with wildlife and are home to a turtle breeding area and the sugary white sand is unspoilt. A range of well designed, stylishly decorated one, two and three-bedroom modern tents complete with private pools meanwhile guarantee that a stay here is a far cry from a rough-and-ready camping trip.
Guests can choose to take a nature walk with a dedicated guide, observe sea turtles hatching and nesting or enjoy a sunset yoga class. The eco-tour beach clean-ups for children are a great way of getting kids involved in doing their bit to protect the environment in a fun, interactive fashion.
Khor Kalba, Sharjah. myskhotels.com (04 437 6460).
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
For all its swish, five-star feels, seamless service and fantastic amenities (excellent restaurants and a top-notch spa among them), at the core of the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi offering is a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of its spectacular Saadiyat Island surroundings. The resort has been recognised for its efforts in reducing water and energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, receiving a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certificate in 2017.
The hard work continues. Indigenous plants are dotted throughout the beautifully landscaped resort and an impressive Sand Dune Protection Programme ensures that the endangered Hawksbill turtles that call the area home are well looked after, with both conservation and nesting schemes in places (guests access the beach via specially designed floating decks so that the hatcheries remain undisturbed, for example).
They also place plenty of emphasis on education; visitors are invited to join the in-house marine biologist for wildlife talks, beach walks and boat tours where they can learn more about the ecosystems at work within the Emirates.
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, hyatt.com/park-hyatt/abu-dhabi (+971 2 407 1234).
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The remote locale. The infinite sand with its ethereal, almost otherworldly appearance. The majestic, castle-like exterior. The sublime stargazing and spellbinding sunsets. The sense that you’re stepping into an Arabia of yesteryear (albeit a sumptuous, all needs catered for one). As if that wasn’t enough, the Qasr Al Sarab scores highly in the environmentally-friendly, sustainability stakes, too.
Renewable energy systems operate across the resort, plastic bottles have been replaced with biodegradable ones and the property has been plastic straw-free since 2018. In the kitchens, a cyclical zero-waste goal is in place: excess food is turned into compost which is used as fertiliser in the on-site green house and organic herb gardens. The fruits (and vegetables) of these endeavors then appear in signature dishes on the restaurant menus. Impressive.
Qasr Al Sarab Road, www.anantara.com, infoqas@anantara.com (02 886 2088).
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Dibba, Oman
A sliver of paradise woven into the rugged Musandam Peninsula. Thanks to that powdery white sand beach, twinkling emerald sea, craggy mountain backdrop and deliberately understated yet stylish design, a stay at Six Senses Zighy Bay is, for want of a better word, blissful.
How brilliant then that a dedication to operating in an eco-friendly, sustainable, socially responsible way is at the very heart of what they do here. Renewable building materials have been used across the resort, organic fresh ingredients are sourced from the on-site garden (again food waste is used as compost in that very garden), energy efficiency has long been prioritised and all hotel transport is electric.
At the onsite Earth Lab guests can not only learn more about just how sustainable the resort is, but get in on the action themselves by having a go at making eco-shampoos, soap and traditional Omani candles, as well as doing a spot of glass recycling. Keen divers and snorkelers meanwhile are encouraged to join experienced dive teachers and the Six Senses sustainability manager (yes, they have a sustainability manger – we told you they took the issue seriously) on an underwater excursion, where amongst the rainbow coral and marine-life rich waters they learn all about local sea creatures and pick up any rubbish they come across on the way.
The resort is also dedicated to supporting the local community through both employment opportunities and educational initiatives and is intent of being entirely plastic free by the end of the year. Top marks.
Dibba, Oman, www.sixsenses.com/zighy-bay (00968 2673 5555).
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