The hype
Guests are blown away by the design and private pools but often disappointed by the food quality and road noise.
Al Badayer Retreat by Sharjah Collection
$170-600/ night
Book this if You want a photogenic 'castle in the sand' escape with a private pool, and you don't mind being close to a highway.
Why People Love It
- Private temperature-controlled pools in the tent villas
- Stunning 'caravanserai' architecture that looks like a movie set
- Exceptional staff service (Jamal and Elvin are frequently praised)
Quick Take: A visually spectacular desert fortress that feels remote until you hear the trucks on the E44 highway right next door.
Reviewed by @mirkofreshner: I stayed in the One Bedroom Tent with Private Pool and it was unreal. Waking up, grabbing a coffee, and walking straight into the water while the desert was still cool felt magical. I didn't see another soul the whole morning. If you need to unplug, this is it.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'remote desert silence' is a myth here; you will hear cars unless you are inside your soundproofed room.
- You are an Instagrammer chasing the perfect 'Arabian Nights' aesthetic
- You want a private pool without flying to the Maldives
- You are traveling with family and want a safe, alcohol-free environment
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Staff is responsive to requests.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally spotless, but watch out for wet floors due to open shower designs.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition, though sand inevitably gets everywhere (it is a desert).
- Linens & towels: Fresh, high-quality, and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Fresh lobby scent; no musty complaints found, though desert dust is unavoidable.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Highway traffic (trucks/cars) from the adjacent E44 road
- Dune buggies buzzing in the nearby desert during the day
Before you book
Good to know
- This is a dry hotel in a dry emirate (Sharjah) — do not bring your own alcohol.
- The location is Al Madam, about 45-60 minutes from Dubai.
- Day passes are available, so the main pool can get busy with non-guests.
What to pack
- Modest swimwear (it's a family-friendly, conservative environment)
- Jackets for the evening (desert temps drop at night)
- Earplugs if you are a light sleeper sensitive to traffic drone
Room Genie
Best picks
- 1-Bedroom Tent with Private Pool (facing the dunes, furthest from the road)
- Deluxe Rooms in the main 'fortress' building for better sound insulation
Rooms to avoid
- Tents closest to the entrance/highway (maximum noise)
- Rooms near the main restaurant if you want to avoid foot traffic
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and kindly request a Tent Villa that is FURTHEST from the highway to minimize road noise. A sunset-facing dune view is preferred over the resort view.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is alcohol allowed in the rooms?
No. Sharjah is a dry emirate. Alcohol is neither served nor permitted to be consumed on the property.
Is it really noisy?
Yes, outside. The resort is built right next to a major highway. Inside the rooms is quiet, but the outdoor pool deck and balconies have audible traffic noise.
Do I need a 4x4 to get there?
No. The resort is accessible via a paved road directly off the highway. You only need a 4x4 if you plan to drive into the dunes yourself.
Are the private pools heated?
Yes, the private pools in the tents are temperature-controlled, making them usable even in cooler months.
Is food included?
Breakfast is usually included and highly rated. Lunch and dinner are a la carte or buffet and can be pricey for the quality provided.
Can I bring my pet?
No, pets are not allowed at Al Badayer Retreat.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Ghost Village' of Al Madam is only 8km away and free to enter — go at sunrise for the best photos.
- ✨
Request a 'dune view' specifically; otherwise, you might stare at the resort courtyard.
- ✨
If the main pool is crowded or under maintenance (it happens), the indoor pool is a quiet, heated sanctuary.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Visitor Fee' is steep (AED 300) if you invite a friend to your room.
💡The shower design in some rooms causes water to flood the entire bathroom floor.
💡You can hear the call to prayer clearly (which adds to the vibe, but wakes some people up).
💡There are fat-tire bikes available for free to ride around the property.
💡The 'desert' location is actually semi-urban; you can see power lines and the road from many spots.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Al Badayer Retreat by Sharjah Collection is located and what's nearby.