Dubai’s newest glamping retreat Terra Solis opens in the desert dunes

Dubai’s newest glamping experience has opened on the outskirts of the city.

Launched by the same people behind the world-famous electronic dance festival Tomorrowland, Terra Solis Dubai brings poolside beats, day-to-night parties and high profile DJs to the emirate.

Now open in soft launch for pool access and overnight stays, Terra Solis officially kicks off the season with a launch party on Friday that's being headed up by German DJ Paul Kalkbrenner, one of techno’s biggest global artists.

“The journey starts now. This opening night, with the incredible Paul Kalkbrenner, is just the tip of the iceberg. We can’t wait to welcome guests to this never-before-seen desert experience which encapsulates the very essence of Tomorrowland on a year-round basis,” said Terra Solis Hospitality chief executive Alexander Suski.

DJ Paul Kalkbrenner, one of techno’s biggest global artists, will host the official opening party at Terra Solis on Friday. Photo: Terra Solis

The adults only getaway spans more than 371,000 square metres at Dubai Heritage Vision on Lehbab Road.

Much of the action will be centred around the pool, where DJs will play daytime soundtracks and night-time party beats. Set under a Hollywood-style sign and surrounded by palm trees, sunbeds and private cabanas, the resort embraces the butterfly motif — which is the symbol of Tomorrowland festivals and linked to the freedom of nature and beauty of life.

Inspired by star constellations and set under the desert’s starlit night sky, the glamping site offers three levels of accommodation for those seeking a music-centric getaway.

Orion lodges at Terra Solis come with private plunge pools and can be a party pad for up to 10 guests, with rates starting from Dh4,124 in low season. Photo: Terra Solis

There are 48 Polaris bell tents where guests can bed down under a fabric canopy. Each air-conditioned tent has either a double or twin bed, a mini-fridge, towels and a small washbasin. Guests share showers and bathrooms with other Polaris dwellers and rates start from Dh1,054 in low season and include breakfast.

For a private bathroom and an elevated sense of luxury, 20 Perseid lodges offer boho style accommodation with macrame accents, wicker baskets and rattan rugs. Each has an en suite bathroom and shower, plus floor-to-ceiling windows for taking in the sunset views. Rates start from Dh1,868, including breakfast.

For the ultimate desert escape, the Orion lodges come with an outdoor terrace and al fresco dining area as well as a private plunge pool. Located around the main pool, they ensure guests are at the heart of the action. These lodges sleep up to two guests, but have space to accommodate 10 day guests. Bed and breakfast rates at the luxury cabins start from Dh4,124 in low season.

Poolside eatery Mesa is the resort's all-day dining space serving a Mediterranean menu, infused with flavours from all over the world. Tables are set up picnic-style and surrounded by twinkling fairy lights. There is also a huge bar near the central swimming pool, and the relaxing Sala lounge, billed as the place to go for sundowners and sunset sessions.

Tickets for the opening event start from Dh300 with doors opening at 6pm, and music running until 1am.

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro from Dh7,000 return including taxes. Avianca fliles from Rio to Cusco via Lima from $399 (Dhxx) return including taxes.

The trip

From US$1,830 per deluxe cabin, twin share, for the one-night Spirit of the Water itinerary and US$4,630 per deluxe cabin for the Peruvian Highlands itinerary, inclusive of meals, and beverages. Surcharges apply for some excursions.

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Kalra's feat

Becomes fifth batsman to score century in U19 final
Becomes second Indian to score century in U19 final after Unmukt Chand in 2012
Scored 122 in youth Test on tour of England
Bought by Delhi Daredevils for base price of two million Indian rupees (Dh115,000) in 2018 IPL auction

While you're here

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The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

While you're here

Aya Iskandarani: Why Hezbollah’s man in Iraq is now worth $10 million to the US

Khaled Yacoub Oweis: Hezbollah bids to control Lebanon’s financial system

National Editorial: Hezbollah's murky dealings in Iraq have been unveiled

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Sunday's fixtures

Bournemouth v Southampton, 5.30pm
Manchester City v West Ham United, 8pm

Getting there

The flights

Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.

The stay

Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net

Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama

Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com