Looking for a one of a kind destination? A beautiful setting in the sand dunes where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset and fine dinning in a casual-chic desert setting… This is it! Sonara Camp offers an unforgettable journey in the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the home of hundreds of oryxes and gazelles.

Located about 40 minutes drive from Downtown Dubai, driving east on the E66 Dubai Al Ain Road. To access the camp, you can either drive yourself to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve gate or upgrade to the private chauffeur service. We drove and parked at the entrance of the reserve where a Sonara host was waiting to take us into the camp, a relaxed 10 minutes drive into the dunes. The option to ride a camel into the camp is available, it would take about 30 minutes.

We arrived around 4pm and were welcome with cold fresh towels, mocktails and a stunning set up. We settled into our private lounge area with soft low sofas and comfortable chairs awaiting the sunset. Time to enjoy a drink and some snacks ( fresh guacamole, olives, cucumber bites and wood fired pizza) before exploring the rest of the camp.

I absolutely loved the design and interior decor, the easthetic is well integrated into nature. Sonara’s core belief is based on sustainability and sourcing ethical products and materials. You will noticed the use of solar energy as well as using mostly natural materials into the design.

Sonara is also about desert fun, we got to try out sand boarding which was a good family giggle, a camel ride into the dunes, some soft archery and a great falconry show. The entertainment is well executed in an exclusive way while the staff takes well care of all the details making sure the guests enjoy the experience fully. Live music creates a lounge atmosphere and happy vibes around the camp.

The Sonara experience continues after the sunset and the falconry show, as we took a walk down the fire lit stairs to another magical camp dinning area. Centre feature is stunning pyramid fire pit! There is lots of glittery fairy lights, casual seating areas and hammocks to just sit back and chill. The dinner tables are set up with white linen, fine table wear and fabulous lighting.

Sonara Camp’s restaurant is a unique culinary experience. Dinner is a sophisticated sharing concept for every taste while seating under the stars, surrounded by Dubai desert. We loved the East meet West inspired dishes prepared by French Chef Frank Sanna.

Everything was absolutely delicious. Dishes uses the freshest ingredients and are prepared in the open kitchen on site. Some of our favourites were the Beef tacos marinated in dark bulgogi, Fusion style fattoush–niçoise salad and the Grass-fed Angus beef Oyster blade steak served with arugula chimichurri sauce. It’s french cuisine with a middle easter twist, and truly a lovely three courses meal! Children are kept in mind with a special menu to satisfy the younger taste buds. Josefin loved the mini burgers, wood oven pizza and grilled corn on the cobbs.

After dinner we enjoyed a short but mesmerising fire show, adding a lovely surprise effect to the evening. We wrapped up the evening by the fire pit with the girls, roasting mashmallows, sipping coffee and chatting about our beautiful afternoon at Sonara Camp.

Their is also a “movie under the stars” option to keep the little ones entertained after hours of rolling into the sand. Screening of a classic film with pop corn would be a lovely way to end the night while parents enjoy the night listening to music and chilling in one of the numerous cosy seating ares.

Next time, we must also try The Observatory. Imaging gazing through a state-of-the-art telescope into the universe. Listening to tales about the cosmos…

We, as a family, soaked up all the beauty of the desert and the Sonara experience. Truly a beautiful destinations where every details are made to please guests, accommodates needs and bring the 5 stars experience into a remote desert location.

This is not your typical crowded, mass market desert safari so expect to pay for luxury standards. Dhs860 adults, Dhs380 children aged 5 to 12, complimentary for children under 5 years old. We loved it and would absolutely recommend it to guest visiting Dubai. They also host private events, Valentin’s Day dinner theme and overnight stay at near by Nara Camp.

Thank you Staphanie and the Sonara team for your hospitality and congratulation on your succesful desert venture - Nara Escape.

For all the details and booking visit

www.nara.ae/sonara

www.nara.ae/nara-escape

www.instagram.com/naraescape