Review: Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas

Our Habitas is behind regional community- and wellness-driven resorts across Doha and AlUla. But its newest escape, sees the brand turn its attention to Hatta, bringing 50 Airstream trailers and a slew of curated amenities to a scenic enclave on the edge of the Hatta Dam. We drive 1 hour and 45 minutes from Dubai to reach the welcome area of Caravan Hatta, before hopping into one of the resort’s Nissan Patrols to ascend the steep mountain driveway, the resort dramatically revealing itself on the other side. The craggy mountain peaks encase the site like a warm hug, the calm waters of the Hatta Dam at low tide shimmering to the right. It’s wonderfully remote and alluringly peaceful for city dwellers seeking a bit of serenity, and we gulp down the mountain air. “Welcome to your home” is how we’re warmly greeted at reception. Check-in is relaxed and unhurried, instantly settling us into the slower pace of mountain life. We sip a Hatta Ruby: a welcome drink of hibiscus and Hatta honey, before setting intentions for our stay with an immersive welcome ritual that includes putting mastiha into a bakhoor burner. There are two types of airstreams: the entry-level ridge caravans and the slightly more spacious peak caravans, all spaced out for privacy and either overlooking the mountains or Hatta Dam. We check into a peak caravan that looks out to the mountains; a comfy double bed is built into one end, with reading lights and charging ports on either side, while the middle features a small seating area, kitchenette and wardrobe, with the bathroom – complete with a walk-in shower – at the other end. Inside, the metal and dark woods are naturally industrial-feeling, but it’s laced with lovely local touches that add welcome warmth: Sadu-patterned soft furnishings and artworks, a welcome plate featuring energy bites made from dates, and bathroom amenities exclusively made for the hotel made with Hatta honey. Out on the terrace, a reading nook and day bed are peaceful spots to curl up with a book, stay up late for stargazing, or return for coffee after a morning hike. The Lakehouse is the heart of Caravan Hatta, where you’ll find the infinity pool overlooking Hatta Dam, an outdoor jungle gym, and Madar restaurant, where all of the culinary action unfolds. Chefs prepare Middle Eastern dishes with a proud focus on local ingredients from the food trucks scattered in front of the dining room, ranging from spiced chicken shish with homemade pita, and chicken and halloumi on rye sourdough for lunch, to hearty ribeye steaks, grilled over open fire and seasoned with tamarind Hatta honey glaze. Beyond Madar, the team can arrange unique dining experiences for guests like group BBQs or zarb-cooked meats, for more immersive theatre with traditional Arabic flavours. They simply need to be pre-booked in advance. Our own dining by design experience unfolds just after sunrise, with a breakfast picnic basket of fresh fruits, pastries, Greek yoghurt and juices delivered to one of the retreat’s viewing decks, welcoming the day with coffee and continental delights overlooking the Dam.