Overnight Cultural Retreat with Hot Air Balloon Ride

Overnight Cultural Retreat with Hot Air Balloon Ride

Are you searching for a wholesome desert experience in Dubai? Well, your search ends here. The heritage cultural retreat is certainly the perfect desert safari, which will provide you with an all-inclusive experience. Starting from the warm Emirati welcome, going for a drive, witnessing sunset and sunrise, to enjoying the thrilling hot air balloon ride, experience the thrill. Additionally, in the platinum heritage cultural retreat, you will feast on a mouth-watering 4-course traditional dinner and gourmet breakfast as well. Hence, to live that go on an immersive desert cultural retreat in Dubai with Travel Saga Tourism. 

Tour Highlights

• Receive a warm welcome with Arabic headgear and a stainless steel bottle as you reach the camp.
• Explore the desert terrains, flora and fauna of the desert in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve as you go for the nature drive.
• Watch the dramatic sunset falcon show and experience this majestic bird sitting on your gloved hand.
• Feast on the 4-course traditional dinner and gourmet breakfast inspired by the 4 elements of the desert.
• Watch the live Arabic coffee making and bread making in the camp.
• Relax and enjoy the shisha smoking with low cushion seating.
• An overnight stay at the stone dwelling rooms made with natural materials.
• Enjoy a hot air balloon ride at dawn and watch the scenic views of the desert.

Things to Expect

The Platinum Heritage Cultural Retreat is an experience that includes a variety of desert activities. As you reach, expect a warm welcome with the gifts at the camp. Moreover, you will go on a nature drive in a 1950s vintage Land Rover to explore the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Furthermore, watch and enjoy the hypnotic desert terrains followed by the falconry show. Later, you will have a lip-smacking 4-course dinner with traditional flavours and fresh ingredients. 

Spend the post-dinner time to discover authentic Emirati traditions in the desert by watching the stars. The sky is clearer, and the professional astronomy guide will help you locate the constellations. Additionally, learn about the tales of the Emirates in the desert cultural retreat Dubai. Further, go to the stone-dwelling rooms to take a refreshing sleep and get ready for the next day. Early in the morning, you will go on a hot air balloon ride with dawn's first light. Next, enjoy a breakfast that takes inspiration from the 4 elements of the desert and enjoy your choice of eggs with it. Lastly, head back to the hotel with a bunch of memories.

Tour Itinerary

Here is an itinerary for the Platinum Heritage Cultural Retreat that you can prepare and pack for:

Day 1

• Pick-up from the hotels of Dubai/Ajman/Sharjah between 02:00 PM and 04:30 PM based on the season.
• Reach the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and get a warm welcome with Arabic headgear and a stainless steel water bottle.
• Later, go on a 60-minute nature safari drive in a vintage Land Rover or by camel.
• Enjoy a sunset falcon show and munch on refreshments like coffee and dates.
• Watch and indulge in live breadmaking, camel ride, shisha smoking and coffee making.
• Feast on the 4-course traditional dinner with live performances like drumming and Yola.
• Rest peacefully in the stone dwelling room with a breezy ambience.

Day 2

• Start early by travelling to the hot air balloon take-off site at dawn.
• Experience the balloon ride before sunrise and watch the mesmerising desert landscape.
• Next, head on to the serene oasis to have a gourmet breakfast.
• Lastly, return to the hotel between 09:00 and 10:00 AM.

Pick Up And Drop Off Details 

• Pickup location: Hotels of Dubai/Ajman/Sharjah
• Mode of Transfers: You can choose between the private and sharing transfer options. 
• Timings: Pickup- Between 02:00 PM - 04:30 PM | Dropoff- Between 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Camp Experience 

The luxury desert heritage cultural retreat with a hot air balloon ride  & overnight stay are all core parts of this desert safari. Further, to make it better, here is a list of all the camp facilities and the food menu for dinner and breakfast:

Facilities

• Bathrooms: The camps have shared bathrooms for a comfortable stay. Although there are no shower facilities on the site of the camp.
• Bedding: The stone dwelling rooms are equipped with a bed and comfortable bedding for a sound sleep. 
• Torch-lit Camps: The camp is torch-lit to provide the authentic Bedouin camp experience.
• Stone-dwelling Rooms: The rooms are made with natural materials and are built at the top of the dunes to keep the poisonous animals away from the camp. Moreover, the lights at the camps stay off from 11:00 PM-06:00 AM to avoid any disturbances to the guests.

Food Menu

Get to know about the variety of delicacies you will taste and enjoy on the Platinum Heritage Cultural Retreat before you take a tour yourself. Here is the list of a 4-course dinner and gourmet breakfast. 

Dinner Menu

• Soups and Starters: You will start the dinner with options like Shorbat Adas soup, Kibbeh and Sambousek. Taste the lentil soup filled with regional flavours, or try the crispy Middle Eastern pastry with sizzling mozzarella and halloumi cheese.
• Salads and Cold Mezze: For the second course, the options include refreshing and colourful dishes like Baba Ganoush, Hummus, Rocca and Fattoush salad. Moreover, these dishes are infused with regional and smoky flavours.  
• Main Course: For the main feast, you will have traditional Lamb Ouzi, Harees, Ouzi Rice with Spiced Vegetarian, Camel Meat Stew and Charcoal Grilled Chicken in the non-vegetarian section. Alternatively, in the vegetarian options, you can have vegetable tagine and Grilled Vegetable Kebab. Along with these dishes, you can have the classic rice.  
• Dessert: Complete the dinner with Luqaimat dessert and fresh fruits as the last course. The Luqaimat dessert is an Arabic bite-sized doughnut with date syrup.
• Beverages: Access the beverages with options like Arabic coffee, mineral water, fresh juices, Vimto, camel milk, and Karak Chai.

Breakfast Menu

• Table Regulars: Cheese, seasonal fruits, jam, butter, local honey, warm bread and nuts.
• Palate Cleanser: Refreshing turmeric and passionfruit shooter.
• Water Dish: It takes inspiration from the hidden oasis and is made with a blend of lobster and seaweed-poached crab, chopped mango, grapefruit, and creme fraiche, topped with green oil and caviar.
• Earth Dish: The sand of the desert is reflected in this dish with smashed carrots, avocado and sweet potatoes. These are served with crisp red radish, baby beets and desert truffle to represent the dune texture.
• Fire Dish: Curated with grilled chicken breast, chorizo, mint yoghurt, lemon olive oil and red pepper couscous to present the sun.
• Air Dish: Light vanilla lemon espuma with caramelised banana, fresh berries and date syrup are kept on the layers of puff pastry with the breezy texture.
• Eggs on Choice: You can choose between sunny-side, soft poached and soft scrambled eggs.

Note: Kindly inform us about your food preferences between vegetarian, vegan, kosher-style and gluten-free or about food allergies at the time of booking this tour.   

Entertainment Shows/Activities

• Live Performances: Enjoy the interactive shows like drumming and the famous Yola dance. This uplifts the mood with its origin in northwestern Oman. Watch the weapon dance and enjoy your time.
• Sunset Falcon Show: Watch the majestic falcon present you with tricks as it flies towards the sky and takes sharp swings. Enjoy as the falcon follows the instructions of the falconer.
• Stargazing: After the delicious dinner, you will go under the open skies to watch and trace the constellation with a professional astronomy guide.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride: As the dawn arrives, you will go for a hot air balloon ride and learn about the desert lore told by the storyteller.
• Live Cooking: You can watch the breadmaking and Arabic coffee-making by the artists live. Taste the delicious, freshly made coffee as you enjoy it at the camp. 

Know Before You Go

To make the platinum heritage cultural retreat safari an immersive experience in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, here are a few things you must carry and avoid to make the retreat smoother and comfortable:

Things to Carry

• Valid ID: You must carry a passport or an Emirates ID for the heritage cultural retreat.  
• Sun-protection: Wear and carry sun protection to keep yourself protected from the harsh day heat. Pack sunscreen, a hat, scarves and sunglasses. 
• Camera: Capture your moments with the phone or a camera to make the memories unforgettable. 
• Cash/Card: Keep some cash with you to tip the staff if you wish.
• Power Bank: Carry a power bank to back up the battery of your gadgets on the safari.
• Light Covers: Pack light layers with you as the evenings are colder in the desert.
  • Small Backpack: Keep all these essentials in a small backpack to keep them within reach.

Restrictions for the Desert Safari

• Avoid carrying large backpacks or luggage to keep the retreat smooth.
• Do not bring any pets to the heritage cultural retreat in the desert because of the possible risk.
• Glassware, sharp objects and weapons are not allowed in the camps.
• Children below the age of 5 years are not allowed on the hot air balloon ride.
• Women who are pregnant and are in 3rd trimester are asked to avoid the nature drive for any mishap.

People Who Can’t Join This Experience

Get to know about the tips and accessibility, which will tell you about the delicate details and how you can experience the safari better:

Accessibility 

• Children below the age of 5 years are not allowed on the balloon ride as it can be dangerous.
• The balloon ride is not accessible to people of determination.
• People who have undergone recent operations are advised not to go on the nature drive.
• Guests who are suffering from neck or back pain must consult a doctor before participating in the desert activities.

Safety Tips

• Listen to the guide as you go on the nature drive in the desert.
• Wear comfortable clothes and footwear to enjoy the desert experience better.
• Keep a water bottle with you and sip on water to avoid dehydration.
• Take a shade break in the middle to avoid the harsh sun rays on the retreat.
• Pack all the essentials in a small backpack to keep them accessible. 
• People with recent injuries or pain should consult with a doctor before the retreat.

Pro Tips For Visitors

• Book private transfers if you are 4 or more in the group, as the charges are negligible.
• Arrive at the pick-up a little early to avoid the chaos and relax for the desert activities.
• Talk to the guide to know about the desert stories on the retreat.
• Avoid wearing strong scents in the desert as the animals are sensitive towards them.
• Book your tour around the lunar phase to watch the new moon in the desert.

Related Tours

• Heritage Falconry & Nature Safari
• Bedouin Culture Safari – Morning
• Heritage Safari by Vintage G Class
• Heritage Dinner Desert Safari Dubai

Best Time To Go For Heritage Cultural Retreat

Best Months: Between November- March

With the pleasant weather from November to March, you will certainly be able to enjoy the platinum heritage cultural retreat much better. However, book in advance as the demand for this tour is very high around this time.  

Ways We Ensure Your Safety

A lot of preparation goes into making the Desert Cultural Retreat Dubai a successful experience for the guests. Here are some insights into these preparations:

• • Camp Preparations: The camps are prepared with all the necessities for the guests.
  • Pest Control: The stone dwelling rooms are pest-controlled regularly to keep the insects away.
  • Vehicle Maintenance: The vehicles that go for the pick-up are checked for cleanliness and working regularly for the safety of our guests. 
  • Animal Care: All the animals that are part of the activities are well-fed, have rest days and regular medical checkups. 
  • Food Ingredients: The food ingredients that are used in the cuisine are fresh and prepared with delicacy to sustain the flavours. 

Why Choose Travel Saga?

• Trusted travel agency with 3000+ TripAdvisor reviews. (see our guest reviews here)
• Winner of TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2023, 2024 & 2025
• Licensed by Dubai’s Department of Tourism
• 32+ travel desks across Dubai for customer support. Click to see our locations
• Own Operations for all types of Heritage desert safari tours
• Licensed tour guides and drivers
• In-house transportation available
• New fleet of 4×4 Land Cruisers (max 6 guests per vehicle)
• Genuine booking platform.
• Multiple options available for payment.
• Insured cars, on and off-road
• Flexible cancellation policy

How To Pay & Book?

Book your tour with an authorised travel partner like Travel Saga Tourism. Enjoy the easy booking and quick service on the desert safari tours. Moreover, you can directly get in touch with the sales team and make your reservation smoothly.

Contact Us

•  Phone: +971 4 268 4645
•  WhatsApp: +971 50 339 9740
• Email: booking@travelsaga.com

Payment Options

You can pay your desert safari Dubai price conveniently through:

• Cash at our office (Get Directions)
• POS credit/debit card machine
• Secure online payment link

We Accept

MasterCard | Visa | American Express | UnionPay

Location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve ( Get Directions )

Conclusion

Grab your opportunity to discover authentic Emirati traditions in the desert with the Platinum Heritage Cultural Retreat. An immersive heritage cultural retreat in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where you will get to meet the flora and fauna of the desert. In truth, you will live the life of a local with live entertainment and traditional dishes. Moreover, a professional astronomy guide will help you discover the constellations in the desert. Therefore, end your wait and book yourself a grand desert cultural retreat Dubai tour with Travel Saga Tourism now!  

FAQs 

Q. Are transfers included in the Platinum Heritage Cultural Retreat?

Yes, the shared transfers are included in the retreat. However, you can get more privacy with private transfers.  

Q. Can I bring pets to the Desert Cultural Retreat Dubai?

No, the pets are not allowed in the retreat as it is not curated for them. Hence, avoid bringing pets to the desert cultural retreat.

Q. What are the room facilities available in the Heritage Cultural Retreat? 

In the stone dwelling room, you will get the following facilities:

• Bed 
• Comfortable bedding
• Shared bathroom

Q. Will I get vegetarian food options in the Desert Cultural Retreat Dubai?

Yes, there are vegetarian options available in the Heritage Cultural Retreat. Although you must inform us about your food preferences and food allergies at the time of booking. 

Q. What are the essential things to carry for the Heritage Cultural Retreat?

Here is a list of essential things that you must carry to make it more convenient:

• Valid ID
• Camera
• Sun protection
• Clothes for the night
• Powerbank
• Small backpack

Q. Is breakfast included in the Platinum Heritage Cultural Retreat?

Yes, the breakfast is certainly included in the retreat with table regulars, eggs of your choice and 4-element inspired cuisine. 

Q. What are the restricted things for the Desert Cultural Retreat Dubai?

There are a few things that you must avoid bringing to the cultural retreat, which are mentioned below:

• Sharp objects
• Glassware
• Weapons
• Outside beverages

Q. What happens if the weather is bad on the Heritage Cultural Retreat? 

The decision to fly the balloon is in the hands of the pilot. So, in case the weather is not good, the pilot might cancel the flight to ensure the safety of the guests.

Q. What are the pick-up and drop-off timings for the Desert Cultural Retreat Dubai?

The pickup timings are between 02:00 PM and 04:30 PM, and the drop-off timings are between 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM. These timings might vary based on uncontrolled circumstances like traffic and weather. 

Q. Are showers available in the Heritage Cultural Retreat overnight camp?

No, the showers are not available in the retreat camp. As these camps are made with natural ingredients at the top of the dunes, and have the basic facilities to blend well with the desert ecosystem.