Umm Al Quwain to open new eco-friendly, glass-domed mangrove glamping retreat

Private saunas and plunge pools feature in the plans for the nature-positive site from Indian company Luxeglamp

The resort will be nestled among Umm Al Quwain's mangroves and is to offer guests views of the Arabian Gulf. Photo: Luxeglamp

Umm Al Quwain is pushing ahead with its investment in nature-positive tourism projects by announcing that a glass-domed mangrove glamping site will open next year.

Luxeglamp UAQ will be a retreat nestled among mangrove trees in the northern emirate. Guests will sleep inside bubble-shaped structures that reflect the sunlight and surrounding natural beauty, with the site aiming to offer an immersive experience.

Indian company Luxeglamp is behind the new destination, which is scheduled to open in early 2025. It is the company's third eco-glamping project, with resorts in Kodaikanal, in India's Tamil Nadu state, and Munnar, in Kerala.

“Several factors encouraged us to embark on this exciting endeavour,” Antony Thomas, chief executive and founder of Luxeglamp, told The National. “Firstly, the reserve's rich biodiversity and well-preserved ecosystem provide the perfect backdrop for our sustainable and eco-conscious glamping offering. Additionally, the reserve's strategic location nestled along the UAE's stunning coastline, offers unrivalled access to both land and water-based activities, this allows us to curate a diverse range of experiences that cater to the adventurous spirit of our guests."

With only 10 domes, the boutique resort will offer travellers views of Umm Al Quwain's mangroves and the Arabian Gulf. Each accommodation measures about 1,000 square feet, including a terrace with a wooden patio, plunge pool, hammock and private sauna.

Guests can reach their glass domes using a wooden walkway that winds through the mangroves. During their stay, visitors will be able to take part in activities including kayaking, nature walks and stargazing. Luxeglamp will also have its own spa and an on-site restaurant that will be open to the public.

Luxeglamp was founded in 2019 and launched its first eco-glamping project in the Poombarai in Kodaikanal. The village is surrounded by forest.

The company’s second resort opened in 2023 in Poopara, in the picturesque Munnar hill station. The retreat is known for its beautiful setting, where guests wake up in bubble-style tents to unrivalled views of the valleys and lakes.

Environmental conservation will be a key part of the retreat in the UAE, said Thomas, who is on a mission to make the project carbon neutral. Solar power and greywater treatments are part of the plans and there will be no single-use plastics at the site. The retreat is also designed to be minimally invasive to the environment, with no permanent construction.

This eco-friendly focus aligns with Umm Al Quwain's commitment to responsible tourism. The emirate is rich in marine and coastal biodiversity, with an abundance of mangrove trees and seagrass beds.

In 2022, Umm Al Quwain announced a tourism model that champions the preservation of coastal and desert ecosystems, while protecting its archaeological and heritage sites.