Discover different side to Dubai at JA Hatta Fort Hotel

Surrounded by craggy mountains as far as the eye can see, and nestled within a beautiful oasis of lush greenery and rare birds, one would never guess that JA Hatta Fort Hotel is actually part of Dubai.

 

Free from skyscrapers and traffic-jammed roads, the mountainous region of Hatta presents a complete contrast to what most visitors expect from the UAE.

 

For many, JA Hatta Fort Hotel stands out as one of the most special and unique resorts in the country.

 

After all, where else could guests swim laps in a pool while admiring views of the towering Hajar mountains? Or enjoy incredible hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities right from their front door? The hotel provides the perfect location for nature lovers and active types, combining high levels of luxury with rugged wilderness and authentic UAE culture.

 

Opened in 1981, it became one of the first resorts in Hatta, an area often likened to Dubai’s version of the Scottish highlands. Filled with character, it has maintained its original stone walls and 1980s architecture, spanning over 80 acres. Home to 79 rooms and suites, the accommodation caters to every kind of traveler, and furry friends are welcome to stay in the pet-friendly rooms as well. The plush mountain-view rooms are adorned with modern wooden furnishings, vaulted ceilings, and private terraces or balconies, while the Terra Cabins (opened in 2023) offer a fun and quirky glamping-style experience.

 

Guests have the opportunity to stay in one of the newly opened three-bedroom Terra Villas, which promises an extraordinary experience in every sense. Cozy yet chic and stylish, it features walled private gardens, an outdoor hot tub, table tennis, spacious comfortable rooms, a dining area, living room, and kitchen.

 

RESTAURANTS

 

While dining in the remotest corners of the UAE often involves rustic cafeteria snacks, JA Hatta Fort Hotel brings a touch of gourmet dining to the great outdoors. Guests can start their day with a lavish breakfast spread on the breezy Gazebo restaurant balcony. Set under the iconic Hatta sign, the breakfast includes eggs made to order, excellent home-baked pastries, fresh fruits, and more. Lunch is also served here, either à la carte or buffet-style (including Arabic, Indian, Mediterranean, and other cuisines), while dinner is a sophisticated affair in Jeema restaurant.

 

Taking in delicious soups, fresh seafood, homemade pastas, premium meats, and decadent desserts such as cheesecakes and tarts, guests savor excellent evening meals paired with a vast choice of wines. Sports fans can catch all the big games at the bar, while drinks and snacks are served poolside as well. A popular spot for outside guests visiting Hatta, it stands out as the best mountain dining experience in Dubai.

 

MEETINGS AND CELEBRATIONS

 

For those seeking a memorable location for team-building or corporate outings, it doesn’t get any better than JA Hatta Fort Hotel. The conference rooms can be adapted to suit all requirements, while the palm garden provides a lovely shaded space for outdoor meetings and dining. Important guests can even arrive via the resort’s private helipad, and by road, it is less than an hour and a half from Dubai International Airport. This spot serves as the perfect place to show business partners, colleagues, and overseas clients a different side to Dubai that they might not know exists, with the mountainous backdrop providing extra 'wow factor' for every talk and presentation.

 

FACILITIES

 

Looped by a five-kilometre running and hiking track, there is so much to do within the vast hotel grounds. The petting zoo, home to friendly deer, tortoises, and fluffy rabbits, delights visitors of all ages, while younger guests can burn off energy with pony rides, human-sized table football, climbing walls, a dedicated kids pool, and other activities.

 

With paddle and tennis courts, mini golf, a driving range, archery, a 24-hour gym, spa, a mini mountain, and a lovely pool, it is easy for guests to fill a few action-packed days without straying out of the hotel gates.

 

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

 

While it may be tempting to remain within the lovely hotel complex, guests are encouraged to explore some of the many marked hiking trails of Hatta. After all, it is only by striding through these majestic peaks that they can truly appreciate their surreal beauty and get up close to the amazing wildlife and heritage sites.

 

Hatta Wadi Hub is the starting point for Hatta’s marked trails, just a five-minute drive from the hotel. The concierge can arrange private transfers there for a small cost, offering trails for all abilities – ranging from green (flat and easy) to black (steep and challenging).

 

Like most visitors to Hatta, many are determined to hike up to the Hollywood-esque Hatta sign. With directions from amiable staff members and a thorough signage system that has improved in recent years, they can complete the loop to the sign and back in around two and a half hours.

 

Taking guests past Bronze Age tombs that date back more than 3,000 years, dams filled with clear blue water, native flora and fauna, and charming local settlements, the views are absolutely tremendous throughout. If any guests are in the mood for more adrenaline-fueled thrills, they can also redeem decent discounts on mountain bike hire, zorbing (rolling down a hill in a plastic ball), and other thrilling pursuits.

 

Alternatively, for those wanting to experience a morning jog that stretches beyond the hotel perimeter, the pristine paths of Leem Lake and Al Wadi Park lie just across the road.

 

By Harriet Shephard