If you’re planning a family holiday to Dubai and are looking for something truly special — beyond theme parks and city hotels — a night at Sonara Camp – The Nest is an experience not to be missed.
We visited over Christmas, and it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our entire trip, not just for us as parents, but especially for the kids.
This is not just a desert dinner. It’s an immersive, beautifully cu rated overnight experience that feels intimate, thoughtful, and genuinely magical.
A Private, Luxurious Desert Retreat
Set within its own private area of the Dubai desert, Sonara Camp – The Nest is intentionally small, with just 14 dune shaped suites all with ensuites, creating a calm, exclusive atmosphere that immediately sets it apart. All suites accommodate 2 adults and 2 kids but an extra bed or cot can be added.
Each tent blends rustic desert charm with understated luxury. The interiors are beautifully styled, and even the practical elements feel special — including the clever underground bathroom, which adds a unique and surprisingly luxurious touch.
From the moment we arrived, everything felt considered, calm and unrushed.
Thoughtful Details That Made It Extra Special
It happened to be unexpectedly cold on the night we visited, and this is where Sonara’s attention to detail really shone. When we arrived, the kids already had hot water bottles waiting for them, along with plenty of blankets to keep everyone warm throughout the evening and during the show later on.
The tents also included the sweetest child-friendly touches, such as binoculars placed on the kids’ beds, which they absolutely loved using to explore the desert surroundings. These small but meaningful details made the experience feel genuinely welcoming for families.
Sunset in the Desert: Camels, Canapés & Golden Light
As the sun began to dip, we headed to the main camp area for pre-dinner drinks and canapés. The setting was stunning — comfortable sofas arranged across the sand, overlooking endless dunes glowing in the evening light.
This part of the experience felt relaxed and unhurried, with plenty to enjoy:
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Camel riding across the desert
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The chance to hold a hawk, which was a huge highlight for the kids
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A professional photographer capturing sunset moments (and taking truly beautiful photos)
It was the perfect way to ease into the evening and soak up the atmosphere before dinner.
Dinner Under the Stars & an Unforgettable Show
After sunset, we made our way down the dunes to the dinner area, where private tables were arranged around a central stage, creating an intimate yet lively setting.
Dinner was a beautifully executed three-course set menu for adults, while the children were treated to their own buffet-style dinner, complete with a movie screen and a cosy, thoughtfully designed kids’ area. There were also lovely touches like roasting marshmallows over the fire, which the children adored.
As dinner progressed, the main show began — and it completely captivated everyone. From fire performances to daring acrobatics and gymnasts, the entertainment was thrilling, well-timed, and genuinely impressive. The kids sat mesmerised, and the adults were just as engaged.
At the end of the evening, we were comfortably transferred back to our tent, warm, happy, and already talking about how special the experience had been.
Christmas Magic in the Desert 🎄
Visiting over Christmas added an extra layer of magic. Sonara Camp had created a cosy Santa house, complete with a letter-writing station and festive photo opportunities.
Santa himself arrived — on a camel, no less — accompanied by elves, and the whole setup felt charming and thoughtfully done rather than over-the-top. The kids were absolutely delighted, and it was such a unique way to celebrate Christmas in the desert.
A Peaceful Desert Morning & Sunrise Camel Ride
The following morning was calm and serene, with the desert bathed in soft early light.
Breakfast was served outdoors, surrounded by dunes in every direction. A generous and beautifully presented selection was brought directly to the table, with plenty of options for both adults and children. It was relaxed, unhurried, and a wonderful way to start the day.
One of the loveliest surprises was that camel riding was offered again in the morning, allowing us to experience it both at sunset and at sunrise. Seeing the desert in two completely different lights made the experience feel wonderfully complete.
For the kids, there were also built-in trampolines hidden in the sand, giving them space to play while we enjoyed coffee and the stillness of the surroundings.
After breakfast, there was free time to relax and enjoy the setting before check-out.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience for Families
Sonara Camp – The Nest is one of those rare experiences that truly works for the whole family. It’s adventurous yet comfortable, exciting yet calm, and beautifully designed without feeling staged.
If you’re visiting Dubai with children and want to add something unforgettable to your itinerary — something that feels like a story rather than just an activity — this is absolutely worth doing.
From sunset to sunrise, it was an experience we’ll remember for years, and one we’d wholeheartedly recommend to families looking for something truly special.