Pictures: New luxury eco-hotel opens in Sharjah, two more set to open this year

A new luxury eco-hotel has opened in Sharjah’s Kalba, near the Omani border, as the emirate looks to expand its hospitality offering.

The boutique hotel, Kingfisher Lodge, offers a total of 25 tents for guests – each with a private pool.

The rooms include all the basic amenities and the main tent serves as a bespoke dining venue. There is also an onsite spa.

Surrounded by mangroves that have a turtle breeding area and rare bird species, the hotel also offers activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding through the waters, guided nature walks and bird watching expeditions.

Guests can also hike in the surrounding mountains or head to the nearby Kalba Absolute Adventure Camp.

The adjacent beach also offers fast bike riding and water sports activities such as fishing, diving and paragliding.

The hotel is part of the Sharjah Collection – a partnership between the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority and South African firm Mantis Hospitality.

The Collection will also see the opening of two more hotels in the emirate this year.

Located in Mleiha, Fossil Rock, a converted luxury lodge that was originally built in the 60s, will house up to 10 guests. Also offering private pools and a bespoke spa, the hotel will cater to guests looking to explore the archaeological site.

The largest of the three properties will be the Al Badayer Oasis Lodge, offering 19 rooms and 10 tents. Located within the desert, the hotel will target families and feature multiple restaurants and an open-air theatre.

Exact opening dates for both the properties have not yet been revealed.