Far from the glitz and glamour of the big city lies this secluded desert oasis of peace and tranquility called the Bassata Village. Modelled on a traditional bedouin village, this desert camp has all the ingredients that makes for an authentic Arabian experience – right from the typical bedouin tents, natural desert surroundings and a healthy dose of the famous Arab hospitality.
Managed by Red Sea Tourism, Bassata Village is one of the largest and oldest desert camps in Ras Al Khaimah and has been attracting tourists from the local, regional and international markets since its inception in 2014. With a capacity to host large gatherings of upto 2,500 people, Bassata Village is also a popular venue for corporate events, marriages and parties.
We stayed overnight at the Bassata village to experience the true flavour of traditional Arabic lifestyle. It took us just over an hour from Dubai to drive to our destination. The approach road to the Bassata Village takes you through very interesting twists and turns, wadis, sand-draped rural tarmac roads and a mesh of off-road tracks before you finally reach the ‘back of beyond’ where this idyllic nature retreat is located.
Tranquility and a sense of glorious isolation are the feelings you find yourself immersed in as soon as you enter the Bassata Village complex. The sense of space, both physical and mental, is what drives people to travel to such far-out places in search of solitude and serenity.
The entire property has a very minimalist and simple design. Bedouin style majlis tents line the central courtyard around which you can spot a number of Arabic Ghaf trees (Prosopis Cineraria) that make this place a natural oasis in the middle of the desert. We were welcomed by a cacophony of birds chirping in the trees as we walked the carpeted walkways towards the main entertainment and dining area which is located in the middle of the campsite.
Traditional Arabic Design
This typical desert campsite features a simple yet classy layout, with a central courtyard with communal facilities from where flagstone pathways lead to the surrounding bedouin tents. The main communal area comprises of a central drinks stall located next to the open buffet area and a curio shop. The decor of the common area reflects the rustic feel of a typical bedouin village, with a basic but attractive design that blends seamlessly with the spectacular natural desert surroundings.
Although Bassata Village provides camping tents for those wanting to stay overnight, the place is mostly filled with foreign tourists who come here to spend a few hours of the evening to enjoy the sumptuous buffet dinner and the evening entertainment shows – belly dance, fire eating show and a tanoura dance performance.
However the highlight of a visit to Bassata Village is the sunset drive through the desert on a guided quad bike or dune buggy tour. Driving through the undulating sand dunes on high speed was an experience that will remain etched in my memory for a long time indeed. You feel the adrenaline rush as the well-trained guide leads you on a roller coaster ride through the desert and takes you on the high dunes for a photo stop. Watching the sunset from atop the high dunes across the horizon is an experience that will surely remain with you for a long time.
The management is very particular about your comfort and safety and a safety briefing is provided before the tour begins. Each dune buggy comes equipped with a safety roller cage, bucket seats and a safety harness. You can embark on this exciting ride either as a solo passenger or as a couple.
Taste of Arabia
The evening entertainment bonanza starts just after sunset and goes on for over an hour. A well laid out buffet is served as you enjoy the performances on stage while munching on the delicious barbecue buffet dinner on offer. Adding to the atmosphere of the night was the talented belly dancer who was dancing to the upbeat rhythms of Arabic music. As I sat there on an oversized pillow, puffing on my apple-flavoured shisha and watching the seductive moves of the belly dancer, I couldn’t help feeling like Lawrence of Arabia!
After an eventful evening of riding a dune buggy through the desert, watching a series of enthralling performances and enjoying a three-course dinner, it was finally time to retire for the night in our respective tents. However, there was one more surprise on the menu before we could hit the sack. A big campfire awaited us just outside our sleeping tents. We sat around the bonfire on comfortable pillows and enjoyed the sound of crackling wood in the fire in front of us and the star-studded desert sky above us. A few camels watched us in intrigue from a safe distance as we gave them company till late in the night. Before falling asleep though, I took time off to gaze up at the star-filled sky above and enjoyed my time under the open night sky.
The next morning we woke up to the sound of chirping birds that had gathered on the nearby ghaf trees to sing their morning songs. As we were lazily basking in the morning sun, I spotted a pair of blue-winged birds chasing each other in the blue skies above – and reminded myself of the importance of enjoying the small pleasures of life.
After a fulfilling breakfast, we checked out early to explore the nearby areas on our drive back and take in the sights and sounds of the all-encompassing desert around us.
All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Bassata Village and would surely come back to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the city life and rejuvenate and recharge.
What I Liked:
Special mention here must be made about the courteous and friendly staff of Bassata Village. The ever-helpful and knowledgable staff – including members from the senior management – are there to welcome you upon arrival and to wave you goodbye when you’re ready to leave. A butler is appointed for overnight campers to ensure that your holiday exceeds your expectations. he takes good care of you – from delivering water to your tent to bringing drinks and snacks as you sit around your campfire.
Amenities and Activities
- 30-60 Minutes dune-bashing tour
- Sand Boarding
- Watch the Desert Sunset
- Arabic Sweets & Fresh Fruits
- Sheesha
- Henna Painting
- Arabic Dress Photo Op
- Arabic Style Dinner
- Free flowing Soft Drinks, Water & Tea
- Live BBQ
- Buffet Dinner (Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian)
- Live Fire Eating Show
- Tanoura Dance – With Colorful Lighting
- Live Belly Dance
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Winter months in the UAE (October to April) is the best time to visit Bassata Village beacuse of obvious reasons. However, adventure seekers go for quad bike tours even in summer months, mostly at sunset time.
While you are there, do take time out to do some bird watching. The ghaf trees within the property attract a wide variety of migratory birds during the winter months and you might be lucky to spot some rare species.
HOW TO GET THERE
You can reach Bassata Village in a saloon car and do not necessarily need a 4×4 to reach there. As mentioned above, the drive to the Bassata Village is an enjoyable journey and an experience in itself.
The Bassata Village campsite is located approximately 35 minutes (40 Kms / 25 Miles) drive from the RAK International airport and 65 minutes from Dubai International Airport (83 kms / 52 miles).
If you’re driving from Dubai, take Exit 119 on the 311 highway and follow the sign posts for The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah. From the entrance gate of The Ritz Carlton, take left and follow the sign posts.
Editor's Ratings
Pictorial Tour
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