Why go camping when you can go #glamping ? The hospitality industry has coined this new phrase by marrying the experience of the big outdoors with the convenience and luxury of resort-style living.
Bin Majid Beach Hotel launched the Longbeach Campground late last year, and my little family and I were one of the very first people to have the pleasure of spending the first night under the stars, in a beautifully setup tent (click here if you missed it). I absolutely loved the experience, and really didn’t think it could get any better.
But the team at Bin Majid Beach Hotel have outdone themselves with the launch of their second season last weekend. The entire campsite has been given a major facelift, complete with three very different styles of tent options, an infinity pool and an outdoor floating cinema. I could hardly recognize the place! This is #glamping at its best.
I had the absolute pleasure of spending a night with my girls in the Panoramic Dome suite tent. This futuristic-styled tent has an inbuilt toilet and shower, is air-conditioned and is furnished with a queen-sized bed, a bunk-bed, a sitting area to take in the views, a porch for having late-night drinks or early morning nibbles and… our favorite part of all, a jacuzzi hot tub all to ourselves!
The Panoramic Tent can easily fit a family of four, and I loved the special touches like a souvenir bag with campsite branded mugs, a decadent chocolate mousse cake and a basket of fruit.
The Safari Suite tents look very inviting too and have all the facilities of the Panoramic tent barring the jacuzzi.
If you want the a more authentic camping experience, you can opt for the regular tents that are furnished with mattresses, and have shared public toilets and showers.
Tent Pricing Per Night:
- AED 799++ per night for Deluxe tent ” 2 adults + 2 kids ” below 6 years old
- AED 899++ per night for Family tent ” 2 adults + 2 kids” below 6 years old
- AED 1199++ per night for Safari Suite tent
- AED 1399++ per night for Panoramic Dome suite tent
But camping at Longbeach means you won’t really be spending that much time in your tent. Signing up for a night here entitles you to a whole list of exciting activities:
But before I get into that, lets talk about the food! A very festively lit canopy was set up for dinner. Rows of tables lined with checked table-cloth seated guests from across the campsite. At one end is a bar, complete with soft-drinks and alcohol. And out on the sand, right by the sea is a lineup of live stations grilling seafood and special cuts of meat the way you want it. They also have pots of curries, a bread station and a little stand with fresh fruit and dessert.
Post dinner, we sat by the communal bonfire and enjoyed a live guitar performance. My little girl Farasha made her way to the floating cinema, complete with complimentary popcorn and comfy bean-bags. She watched Ice Age on big-screen.
By 10.30 pm, the next movie was on, this time for old romantics like me. They were playing Titanic! How very apt for a night under the stars, floating in the middle of the serene lull of the sea.
We went to bed with sweet dreams and satiated tummies, and woke up to an even more stunning view of the campsite.
The mornings start early on Longbeach, with breakfast being served from as early as 7 am. The communal dining area now serves up grilled sausages and eggs, fresh fruit and cereals.
Post-breakfast, we idled in the infinity pool, breathing in the stunning views of Ras Al Khaimah beach.
We then headed to the beach where my little girl got busy digging up a sandcastle.
Catchy tunes of trending songs played in the background as the morning Zumba class commenced.
Love water sports? Sign up for a round of kayaking, or try your hand at kite flying or outdoor bowling. They also have badminton courts set up on the beach for family fun.
My little girl also loved the kid’s pool, a shallow water-play area with timed splashes.
After our long lounging sessions by the pool and beach, we made good use of the warm, eucalyptus scented bubbling hot tub at our tent.
Checkout is at 12 noon, but you can continue using the facilities for the day.
I am still in awe with the upgrade of Longbeach Campground. Kudos to the vision and hard work of team Bin Majid Hotels & Resorts, this really is a unique experience you cannot afford to miss.
The Tezzy Files 