Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas Review: A Nature-Focused Mountain Escape in the UAE

The journey towards Hatta offers a scenic transition as towering skyscrapers gradually give way to rugged mountains and winding roads. Nestled in the Hajar Mountains overlooking Hatta Dam, Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas serves as a luxury retreat that marks the hospitality brand’s UAE debut. The property features 50 Airstream caravans, each offering a private outdoor space with views of the surrounding landscape. Inspired by nomadic caravans that once traversed the region, the concept trades polished beach resorts and five-star hotels for hiking trails, open skies, and a stay centred on nature, adventure, and community.

After a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Abu Dhabi, guests arrive as the sun begins to set. Cars are left in the guest car park, where a 4x4 transports visitors the final stretch to reception. Check-in includes welcome drinks and a small ritual involving frankincense and bakhoor, where guests make a wish as the incense burns before receiving a bracelet to begin their stay.

Accommodations include 13 Ridge Caravans and 37 larger Peak Caravans. Each option features an exterior deck, while Peak Caravans also include a pergola with views toward the mountains or Hatta Dam. The interior of caravan 32 features a queen-sized bed, a compact living area, a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower, and glass doors leading to an outdoor living space overlooking the Hajar Mountains.

Dining is available at Madar, the on-site restaurant whose name derives from the Arabic word for "orbit". The Emirati-influenced menu utilizes traditional techniques such as open-fire and underground cooking. Highlights include the beet and halloumi salad, spinach and feta samboussek, fatah Khaleej lahm, lamb shoulder, and claypot chicken biryani, followed by desserts like toffee pudding and chocolate forest marquise.

For wellness, Thuraya Wellness offers massage treatments, while outside facilities include a barrel sauna, two cold plunges, sound healing, and restorative yoga. Hotel facilities also feature an outdoor jungle gym built with natural materials and an infinity pool overlooking the rugged peaks. An observatory deck near the restaurant provides a venue for stargazing.

Room rates at Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas start at Dh1,040 per night, offering a quiet, private environment designed for guests to disconnect and immerse themselves in the mountain scenery.