Greetings globetrotters! I hope you all are having a happy holidays. I most recently did a stay at the Starry Domes Desert Camp in Sharqiya Sands (i.e. Wahiba Desert) here in Oman. I enjoyed a stay during Oman’s 55th National Day holiday weekend. They were fully booked and busy. There were definitely pros and cons of my stay but overall I had a good experience.
First, the desert camp owner texted me at 12pm saying that he forgot to send someone to pick me up from my hotel in Muscat. I requested a transfer to the resort three days prior. I gave him 30 minutes to find someone to get me for the transfer to Bidiya. I was close to canceling then but he found a friend based in Muscat to collect me. This was strike number 1.
Secondly, upon arrival I expected a dome room type which we agreed upon. Nevertheless, upon check-in I was given a standard tent room. I obviously complained because the only reason I came was to have the experience of staying in a dome. Next, the manager pulled a huge wade of cash out of his pocket to give me a refund back immediately (even though I had just paid by card). There were no other rooms available to rectify the matter.
Accomodation
From what I’ve seen, the domes and regular tents are beautifully designed and well-appointed. They feature private bathrooms (with hot water and complimentary toiletries), comfortable king-size beds, and essential amenities like air conditioning/heating and small fridges stocked with complimentary water and snacks.
A major highlight is the clear paneling at the front of the domes and tents, allowing guests to watch the sunrise and sunset directly from their bed, and, of course, enjoy the spectacular stargazing that gives the camp its name. This was surely a highlight of the stay for me the stunning views during the day and at night. Additionally, the domes are situated high on the dunes and well-distanced from one another, ensuring a quiet, private, and exclusive experience.
Dining and Hospitality
I really enjoyed the dinner which consisted of a delicious barbecue and buffet of grilled chicken, beef skewers, rice, and a yummy chicken and vegetable curried dish. Breakfast was included in the rate and was equally tasty offering Omani karak tea, coffee, eggs upon request, vegetables and the like. Vegetarian options are also available upon request.
The owners (often mentioned by name, such as Mohammed, Hammed who I dealt with, and Salman) and staff are consistently described as incredibly kind, hospitable, and knowledgeable. They often share insights into Arab culture and lead communal activities like the nightly stargazing session. Note that it can get a bit chilly in the evening so bring a lightweight jacket. I was actually ill-equipped for this so didn’t stay out for the entire session.
Activities and Location
The camp’s elevated location and the available activities enhance the overall desert adventure. Situated high on the dunes, the camp offers superior views for sunset, sunrise, and stargazing compared to other camps located lower down. The secluded position ensures zero light pollution, making the night sky views truly unreal (even the Milky Way was visible).
Popular activities include dune bashing (highly recommended for a thrilling sunset view), camel riding, and a guided desert safari. The camp also offers unique, Instagrammable elements like a free zipline over the dunes and reflective mirrors.
Overall, Starry Domes Desert Camp offers an unforgettable blend of luxury, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. If you are looking for a unique, comfortable, and intimate desert stay with phenomenal stargazing and warm Omani hospitality, this camp is a great choice. Just ensure that your transfers are booked 24 hours before your stay ;-).
Would you do a luxury desert camp experience globetrotters? Have you done one before in the past? Feel free to share below in the comments.
