Hotel Review: Hatta Lodges, Hatta Wadi Hub
This is THE trip to escape from the city in less than two hours and feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
Key Info:
● Travel Time: 1.5 hours from Dubai Marina
● In the words of La Creme: Rustic luxury
I have wanted to visit Hatta Lodges since I first saw them pop up on social media. They looked like nothing I had seen before in the UAE and having been to Hatta numerous times for hiking and kayaking and other staycations, I knew there would be lots of options for activities to keep me occupied.
The drive itself takes you through long winding roads with diverse landscapes and you pass what looks like a measured line of sand on one side to mountains on the other. I’m pretty sure no one took out a ruler out to measure it, but you’ll see what I mean!
Pictures and words will never do this staycation justice. The architecture of the property is beautiful, with the mountains set as an imposing backdrop and nothing but total peace and quiet to enjoy.
Why do I love it?
Not only is the resort absolutely stunning with plenty of room options but it’s so peaceful. When you go, make sure you take time to just sit on the terrace or balcony and just sit. Nothing else. It’s a wonderful experience!! I lost a couple of hours just sitting on the balcony, watching the little goats go out for their afternoon hike and then come back in.
The room options! Well… there’s definitely something for everyone! You can stay in a dome tent to star gaze, the Hatta Lodges (which are the ones I stayed in) which are like small cabins perched in the mountains, Hatta Caravans or Hatta Trailers which look like little silver spaceships (in my opinion!!) All of these come with a small terrace or balcony, all appear to be secluded and the Lodge had a small BBQ area, fire pit and picnic bench so you can really make the most of the outdoors.
When you stay in the lodge, you leave your car in the car park and take a little buggy up to your cabin. No cars allowed!
The little cabin itself is cosy and private. Very modern on the inside with enough space for a large double bed and a sofa bed. The terrace/balcony consisted of some very fancy camping-style chairs (I need to upgrade my own!) and a large bean bag so the perfect set-up for relaxing.
My view was out to the mountains, and I had the most wonderful sunset to enjoy as I did the very British thing of BBQing in any weather. +45 degrees, that’s fine!! Perfect!! (I did go at the beginning of September and although it’s cooler than the city, it was still quite warm!!)
Activities
So many activities!! It’s all part of the Hatta Wadi Activity Park. There isn’t enough room to list them all! Even as you enter the carpark, you’ll find a giant board with everything that is available. Mountain biking, horse riding, giant terrifying slide, zorbing, rope courses and so much more!!! You are close enough to get to Hatta Dam for kayaking and there are plenty of hiking trails at the Wadi Hub and all around.
I joined my friends who were hiking not too far away but there are lots of hiking options on-site at the Wadi Park and very clear routes for all ability levels.
As the weather cools, you will definitely find yourself outside all day and I believe (don’t quote me on this!) that you get two activities that are free and then charged for the others.
Food
There are food trucks placed in the park with a variety of options and a little café for that all-important pre or post-activity coffee!
However, you do have a private BBQ which is a decent size and a fire pit and a large fridge so my recommendation would be to BBQ as much as possible and enjoy the outdoors! You get a bag of coal and a small amount of wood as part of your stay and anything else will be chargeable. You can bring your own. The package I had provided a breakfast box which was delivered in the morning straight to your door. There are also some takeaway cups, a kettle & essential coffee all in the cabin to keep you going.
Overall
I felt revitalized and like I had a proper break even though it was just one night. A very wholesome activity weekend in a luxurious cabin set in the rustic beauty of the Hatta mountains. I didn’t want to leave!
Top Tips
Ask for cabin #14 – it has the best view of the sunset over the mountains
Take all of your BBQ essentials including tongs, oven gloves, trays, scissors, cutlery, plates, matches, fire lighters, and extra wood. Everything you would have to BBQ at home! There’s nothing other than a grill & tray for your coals!
The cabin has a decent-sized fridge but my advice is to prepare the food beforehand so you can place it straight onto the BBQ. There is no prep area, and the only sink is in the bathroom.
There aren’t any shops close by (that I could find) so pack everything you think you may need.
The winter will be cooler so jumpers for the evenings will be essential
Key Links
