Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is gearing up to cross a brand new milestone in its journey of transforming Sharjah into a vibrant hub for sustainable eco-tourism in the region.
The authority has announced that the family-friendly Moon Retreat, which will be the fourth eco-luxury retreat to join Shurooq’s Sharjah Collection brand, managed by Mysk by Shaza, is all set to welcome overnight guests – desert adventurers and glampers alike – from around the world in Q1 of 2021, when the UAE’s weather is ideal for immersing in the flurry of outdoor activities and nature-inspired experiences that the archaeologically rich Mleiha region has on offer.
With the introduction of Moon Retreat, and Shurooq’s previously developed public attractions in close proximity, namely, Mysk Al Faya Retreat, operating under Shurooq’s “Sharjah Collection” brand managed by ‘Mysk by Shaza’, Shurooq’s Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism destination and the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, the Authority continues to create exciting new avenues for lovers of local history unprecedented access to Mleiha, whose intriguing history dating back thousands of years was left largely undiscovered until recently.
Designed to offer guests an authentic camping atmosphere with modern creature comforts, one of the biggest attractions of Moon Retreat will be epic stargazing opportunities, thanks to very little light pollution in the vast Mleiha desert.
Destination pushes forth Shurooq’s agenda of responsible and sustainable eco-tourism Moon Retreat embodies Shurooq’s pioneering approach to developing Sharjah’s eco-tourism landscape in compliance with the international sustainability standards. This new gem in their bouquet of luxurious eco-tourism offerings that enable travellers a never-before opportunity to experience the Emirate’s outstandingly diverse natural landscape, will also be seeped in authentic Emirati hospitality.
This will be Shurooq’s second boutique hospitality offering in the Mleiha region, the first one being Mysk Al Faya Retreat. It will conform to the sustainable heritage and ecotourism standards Shurooq has been implementing across its projects, with all structures being built ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
History, culture, adventure ana gastronomy in peaceful desert locale A unique way of desert glamping that combines resort-style services with traditional camping, Moon Retreat will feature 10 single-bed domes, 4 family tents and 2 single-bed tents. Each unit is selfsufficient, fitted with all amenities that guests would require on a day-to-day basis. Guests can pre-order ready-to-grill meals during their stay, which can be cooked on their private barbeque grills in their tents while enjoying Mleiha’s breath-taking landscape.
Most of the domes and tents will also feature private pools. In addition to a reception area were guest will be welcomed and a communal area, featuring a bonfire and BBQ experience will offer guests an opportunity to come together and socialise.
Guests will be advised on hiking route trails to allow them to create their own unique journeys of discovery and exploration of the vast Mleiha region. An entire day can be spent in the nearby Mleiha Archaeological Centre, which is home to a fascinating collection of artifacts and fossils discovered in massive archaeological excavations which have revealed the oldest evidence of human life outside of Africa, on the Mleiha site.
Guests at the Moon Retreat will be allowed access to activities offered by the other properties in the vicinity such as Mysk Al Faya Retreat and Mleiha Archaeological Centre, including Mysk Al Badayer Retreat in the nearby Al Badayer Desert.
