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The first time I stepped on the golden sands of the Mleiha area of Sharjah, I got the feeling that something interesting was about to happen. Al Faya Retreat is considerably more than simple lodging: it is a unique experience where people can enjoy the essence of the Arabian desert, but at the same time be provided with all the comfort they need in this remote getaway. The trip to this place is an expedition, driving through extended areas of pristine desert, where the colors of the scenery shift to the tone of the evening sky, and the voice of the sand is soothing. When I finally got to Al Faya, I felt like I was in a whole new realm—a realm where time thins down and everything becomes serene.
When I arrived at the location of the retreat, the exterior design of the building immediately grabbed my attention; it was a fusion of rugged rock and contemporary style in the middle of the desert. The site was a clinic and a grocery store in the 1960s and served the Bedouin population. Now, it has been converted carefully into a boutique hotel that reflects the history of the place as well as incorporates the modern style. With only five rooms available, Al Faya can be perceived as rather private, giving the guests a feeling of having a sanctuary to themselves. Of course, Al Faya Retreat began its enchantment immediately from the moment I met the staff at the arrival until my departure, but there is so much more to be explored in this beautiful utopia.
What Is Inside Al Faya Retreat?
When the guests enter Al Faya Retreat, they feel like they are in a secret garden that seems like it was designed for them to have the most relaxing time with nature. The design approach adopted at the retreat is that of simplicity with sleek lines, wooden finishes, and large windows through which the stunning desert scenery dominates the building. Every one of the five rooms is elegant and unpretentious and offers a perfect combination of a countryside house and a minimalist interior. The dark wood of the furniture, pastel-colored sheets, and warm natural light from actual skylights and conventional windows give the rooms a warm and elegant impression.
Common areas at Al Faya are also well-designed and meticulously maintained. They also offer a well-equipped small spa with a saltwater swimming pool, and herbal sauna that will be explained more in detail in this review. An on-site restaurant with stunning views over the dunes offers Middle Eastern cuisines where all dishes are prepared from fresh locally sourced produce. Another unique feature is the rooftop deck the best place for watching stars and the beautiful sky at the same time, or just simply reading a book. Each detail of the Al Faya Retreat is intended to provide guests with a perfectly comfortable and indulgent experience while introducing them to and immersing them in the environment and history of the surroundings.
Here’s the basic information to book your visit to Al Faya Retreat:
| Basic Information | Details |
| Price | Approx. AED 1,500 – AED 2,500 per night |
| Address | Al Faya Retreat, Mleiha, Sharjah, UAE |
| Google Map Location | Al Faya Retreat Location |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Phone Number | +971 50 654 1993 |
| Website | https://sharjahcollection.ae/al-faya-retreat/ |
Why Al Faya Retreat is Worth the Visit
No matter if you are seeking a tranquil destination, a cultural immersion adventure, or an opportunity to spend time surrounded by nature, Al Faya provides all these in abundance. The combination of the historical setting and luxurious accommodation provided by the retreat along with splendid natural surroundings allows visitors to have a unique UAE experience. It is clear that every aspect of the retreat – the design and architecture, the dining and the service – makes Al Faya an especially desirable destination for those who are in search of high-end, quality, and personalized service. So, business travelers, newlyweds, families, and friends will all find something to like about Al Faya.
The Arrival: A Warm Welcome in the Heart of the Desert
The drive through the desert of the Mleiha region in Sharjah takes one out of the city hustle and bustle and as I maneuvered the car over the golden sand, all the worries of the modern world gradually faded away. Everything around me changed into an enormous, silent Sahara, which could well symbolize what was yet to come. When I first entered Al Faya Retreat I was fascinated by the mixture of the local simplicity and glamorous design.
The 1960s stone-built original building of the retreat has been sympathetically renovated and converted into an exclusive five-roomed luxury boutique hotel. This culture of preserving history can be seen in every part of the building, from stone walls to the beautiful selection of antique furniture and accessories.
At the moment of arrival, the staff greeted me so friendly and hospitable like I was visiting a friend’s house instead of a hotel. The check-in process was smooth, and then I was escorted to my room which was the beginning of the magic of Al Faya.
The Rooms: A Sanctuary of Simple Elegance
Accommodations at Al Faya Retreat are not just places to sleep but very much like bedrooms built to help the guests develop a profound sense of comfort and affinity with the desert landscape. As soon as I stepped into my room, I saw how much effort was taken to create a beautiful space that combines the charm of a countryside cottage with the comfort of a contemporary home. The concept is quite simple, but comfortable, with shades that resemble the sand of the desert, and there are no unnecessary objects that might overfill the space and destroy its peacefulness.
One of the most appealing aspects of the room was the skylight located right above the bed. Laying on the bed and looking at the stars at night was a beautiful feeling that felt like I was sleeping right under the sky. The hazy moonlight coming from the ceiling enhanced the rather calming mood, which made it possible to completely ignore everything happening outside.
Room Features and Design
The layout of all the rooms is as simple as it can be but the amenities given to the guests are luxurious hence making their stay memorable. The nice combination of the wooden and stone structures shows harmony with the natural surroundings, whereas, enlarged windows and skylights bring the natural mysteries of the desert inside. The room was organized in such a way as to make guests as comfortable as possible: there were cozy armchairs to use for reading or just to look at the landscape. Amenities such as wi-fi, air conditioning, and a Bluetooth speaker were also incorporated and very pleasantly placed in such a manner that all my requirements were met without compromising the serenity of the room.
The Bathroom Experience
One cannot help but love the bathtub in the Al Faya Retreat, which gives the feeling of a luxurious spa. The stone walls and wooden touches maintain the natural design, giving a rich yet earthy atmosphere. The biggest fun was the rain shower, where water pours down like rain in the middle of the desert. The feeling of cool water on my skin after a day under the sun was very refreshing. The organic and locally produced amenities featured a gentle, natural scent that enhanced the spa atmosphere. Further, the design of the bathroom was excellent, making even the basic activities seem like therapies, which helped in creating a sense of refreshed and relaxed feeling.
The Spa: Rejuvenation in the Desert
Spa Facilities
The infrastructure of the spa is mainly designed and built within and around an exotic saltwater swimming pool which I fell in love with as soon as I saw it at the retreat. It was very relaxing to float in the cool water mixed with minerals and to soak up the rays in the desert. The swimming pool is nested into a private patio area with high walls to provide absolute privacy while the sunlight streams in. The touch of water was different from anything I had ever felt before, it was smooth like silk, rough as sand, and I felt my skin tighten as if from some fine natural soap.
The other eye-catching facility is the herbal sauna, which is situated right beside the saltwater pool. The sauna is filled with the scent of essential oils; it is so refreshing and excellent to relax after a tiring walk around the desert. The heat of the sauna along with the slight smell of the herbs made any tension fade away and allowed me to feel very comfortable. The showers with changing temperatures and pressure amused me after the sauna.
Spa Treatments
At Al Faya Retreat, guests can indulge in several spa therapies that are specifically designed to provide wellness and relaxation. I chose a classical massage therapy using locally sourced oils which I could describe as an extraordinary experience. The therapist was incredibly experienced and the blend of this professional massage with oils gave me an overall physical and psychological recharge. I must confess that the spa treatments at Al Faya are not just a pleasurable indulgence, but a few steps closer to the basics of the region using natural products, harmonizing very well with the surroundings.
Dining at Al Faya: A Culinary Journey
The Menu: A Taste of the Middle East
The food options available at Al Faya are inspired by the authenticity of Middle Eastern cuisine with an emphasis on the seasonality of its ingredients. Every dish is prepared meticulously, and the energy and zesty characteristics of the local food are evident in the dishes. To begin with, let me take you through a choice of appetizers and I went for the basic hummus, baba ghanoush, and the popular tabbouleh. The use of fresh ingredients came out immediately and the seasoning was done to satisfaction, thus coming up with a perfectly balanced taste.
As for the main meal I opted for lamb slow cooked with a combination of spices which well complemented the delicious taste of the meat. The lamb was cooked to perfection and could easily be cut with a fork. Served with saffron rice and roasted vegetables the meal was proving to be a sumptuous feast. An array of traditional sweets was available for dessert, such as baklavas and pastries flavored with rose water, making for an ideal conclusion to the meal.
The Dining Experience
The dining experience at Al Faya is not just limited to the masterfully baked food but it is much more than that. This restaurant is located in the middle of the desert with large glass windows running from the floor to the roof, making every diner feel like a fairy tale. Whether it is a classic breakfast while watching the sunrise over the dunes or a candlelight dinner under the stars, the ambiance turns every meal into a special event. The staff members were courteous and professional and almost invisible but not in a way that you felt like you lacked any kind of attention. They were also quite enthusiastic about the food and the region which was apparent in the way they explained the meals and what beverage should be consumed alongside the dishes.
Activities at Al Faya: Exploring Mleiha and Beyond
Guided Tours of Mleiha
During my stay in Sharjah, I had the great pleasure of visiting the Mleiha Archaeological Centre with an organized tour around the place. The site is full of ancient relics and helps one understand much about the area’s history. Walking through the heart and soul of the museum, I entered the time machine and went through more than centuries of history and culture in the Bronze Age. The guide was very knowledgeable and shared stories and facts with us which made the tour both informative and interesting. I was enthralled by lots of old implements, pots, and other artifacts, as well as fossils, all of which had a history of their own. We also visited the archeological sites nearby where one can locate the physical remains of ancient burial places and houses, giving me a better perspective of the history and culture of the region.
Outdoor Adventures
For those who love outdoor activities, Al Faya provides a list of services to ensure that visitors enjoy the desert space at its best. One of the many attractions was the hiking during sundown in the dunes. While climbing up the golden dunes, the surrounding scenery shifted with a view of the light, the shadows became softer and the hues of the rocks became deeper shades of oranges and red. After climbing a small hill I reached the top of the dune with one of the most stunning sights in front of me – a seemingly endless sea of sand. It was very quiet, the sound of the wind barely audible, which brought a feeling of peacefulness and unity with nature.
There are several other activities that visitors can engage in, including dune bashing which is an adventurous 4X4 ride on the dunes. What can be more thrilling than merely driving up and down the steep slopes and at the same time enjoying the magnificent scenery of nature? A more relaxed activity was stargazing, watching the stars at night with the desert-clear skies was enjoyable. Resting on the wooden rooftop deck, I felt the majesty of the universe.
Al Faya Retreat Reviews
Here, you can read the reviews of some other visitors of Al Faya Retreat from Tripadvisor
- A holiday feel with a local travel time, amazing staff, and beautiful facilities.
The 5 stars are kept purely by the staff members themselves, working so hard in the background to make the stay amazing! I booked this trip as a surprise getaway for my wife’s 30th birthday, we rented the place out and had friends join us. The management team, and the team on-site, were unbelievably helpful in making sure the stay was perfect!
- A dream of a place in the Sharjah Desert
Imagine quiet peaceful silence in the desert with a view of the Sharjah mountains and uplit olive trees. With innovative and stylish architecture and great service and hospitality by Aaliyah, Vanessa, and WaiWai you have a dream vacation. This is a resort that has been developed by someone who loves the desert and life and has created a vacation spot that needs to be repeated endlessly as a family or with friends.
- We went for 2 nights and the people working there were super kind and helpful, Vanessa and Waiwai helped us a lot and they had a very positive attitude they were very kind and polite and helped us around s lot. The security was very sweet too. I recommend coming to this place.
FAQs about Al Faya
Here are some questions you may have in mind with required answers:
What is the ideal time to go to Al Faya Retreat?
Regarding the climate and weather, the best time to visit the Al Faya Retreat is from October to April when it is cooler. The weather during this time is quite moderate and fine enough for activities like hiking, dune bashing, and night stargazing.
What is the distance of Al Faya Retreat from Dubai and Sharjah?
Al Faya Retreat is located about 55 km from Dubai and 40 km from Sharjah. The distance from Dubai is approximately one hour making the place ideal for a weekend break from the city.
Is Al Faya Retreat family-friendly?
Al Faya Retreat is mainly an adult resort focused on couples’ relaxed holidays, but it would be suitable for families with older children as well. Because of the quiet environment and different events favored at the retreat, it would be ideal for those who wish to relax in the tranquility of the desert.
Is it possible to host a private event at the Al Faya Retreat?
Al Faya Retreat has catering services, and it can be rented to be closed for a private event. The atmosphere and the number of services offered at the place make it appropriate to host small groups, corporation team building, or any special celebrations.
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