Tourism Breaking News
A homegrown Qatari brand with ambitions for international expansion, The Outpost Al Barari is designed to help preserve the natural heritage of its surroundings and is a self-proclaimed ode to the country’s history and culture. Recently opened, visitors can learn about local wildlife on a guided desert walk, or simply bask in the beautiful sunshine at one of the resort’s opulent tented villas.
Commenting on one of the country’s most exciting and newest luxury hospitality openings, Co-founder of The Outpost Al Barari, Dr. Peter Van de Bunt said: “The Outpost Al Barari brings an entirely new, one-of-a-kind luxury hospitality concept to Qatar by integrating immersive nature experiences, and sustainability into a close-to-nature resort concept. The resort is all about celebrating the rich natural heritage of Qatar and will be an inspiring place for the domestic, regional, and international traveller to get a well-deserved break from the hectic, overworked world and to learn about Qatar’s stunning natural environment.”
He added: “Beyond delivering high-end hospitality, our resort takes guests on an adventurous and thoughtful journey with insightful activities, signature wellness treatments and delectable gastronomic experiences. We are excited to welcome visitors and invite them to indulge in one-of-a-kind hospitality experience that they will love and will never forget.”
Reflecting on the expansion of the hospitality landscape in Qatar, Haya Al-Noaimi, Head of Marketing and Promotions Sector, Qatar Tourism, said: “The Outpost Al Barari is sure to become one of Qatar’s most prized luxury leisure destinations. In what has already been a banner year for new hotel and entertainment venue openings, this has been one of the country’s most highly awaited new launches. Sustainability is of paramount importance to the tourism sector and to add to our offerings a resort that embeds an innate respect for the natural surroundings and heritage is incredibly special.”
Conserve & Learn
At the heart of The Outpost Al Barari’s ethos is a desire to bring guests closer to nature, and to educate them on the area’s abundant wildlife.
This beautiful place offers plenty of options for the conservation conscious traveller, most notably the Al Barari Nature Walk. Expert tour guides will take guests on a curated walking trail of the rolling sand dunes that surround the venue, where they can learn in detail about the desert’s wildlife and search for their footprints in the glistening sand.
The venue is desirably situated at the mouth of the Inland Sea, one of just three places in the world where the graceful mountains of sand meet azure seawaters. Al Barari guests are offered an exclusive Inland Sea Safari experience, where they can take in the area’s inimitable majesty up close and learn about its geology and wildlife from one of the hotel’s expert tour guides. The tour is rounded off with an incredibly photogenic picnic at the shores of the sea.
Recline in Luxury
There are twenty-one private tented villas within the resort. Guests looking for the simplicity of spectacular desert views can opt for the one-bedroom, ensuite Explorer Tent, whilst the grand Emiri Villa boasts a living and dining room, several outdoor swings, and an exquisite infinity pool.
In an interesting twist, all the resort’s artisan accessories, décor, and furniture can be purchased on-site. So, visitors that have been admiring that beautifully hand-crafted deckchair on their villa balcony can make it their own.
Dining with a Difference
The Outpost Al Barari offers various delicious options for hungry travellers, from panoramic desert dining at The Al Barari restaurant to having a private barbeque personally prepared in their own villa. But perhaps the resort’s significant dining offering is the sheer range of novel experiences open to guests.
Enjoying a lovingly made mocktail whilst marvelling at the sights of the desert night sky on the Stargazing Deck will be a spellbinding sight, even for the most seasoned traveller. And diners can enjoy a most memorable tea and scones with High Tea at the Tea and Cigar Lounge, which directly overlooks the magnificent dune escape.
Lastly, honeymooners and holidaying couples can also experience dune dining, with an option to enjoy a romantic four-course meal in the thick of the desert vista.
Active Adventures
action lovers can find plenty of places to get their desert adrenaline fix. The hotel offers electrical Fat Bikes for rental, with several trails that will take guests for a bumpy ride to the shores of the Arabian Sea, or amongst the undulating sand dunes.
Camel Rides are appropriate for almost all ages and are widely available at the resort. Guides will explain in detail about the desert ecosystem, as guests ride in traditional Arabian style through the desert.
Lastly, the Al Barari Hot Air Balloon offers guests truly spectacular views of the dramatic landscape. The balloon is safely tethered to the ground, and raises up to 50 metres in the air, perfect for capturing striking photographs; creating lifetime memories for such wonderful experience.
Relish in the Stillness
One of Al Barari’s many attributes are its palpable stillness, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The resort offers various experiences for guests in search of serenity. Its Yoga on the Dunes program takes yogis of all abilities to the top of the stunning Al Barari Dune, where they can experience the bliss of the desert’s consummate stillness.
There are also various sumptuous treatments open to guests in the Spa Tent, or in the privacy of their villas. One of the hotel’s signature massage ingredients is desert dune sand, which is said to stimulate the skin’s firmness.
Finally, spending an evening under the stars by the resort’s Fire Pit is a wonderful way to round off the day, whether it’s been spent avidly dune bashing, or simply relaxing in the stillness of the Inland Sea.
The Outpost Al Barari is one of many leisure and hospitality developments taking place across the country. The expanding pipeline of hotels and resorts supports Qatar Tourism’s longer-term goal of attracting six million visitors a year by 2030.
