In the heart of the Omani desert, where tradition meets luxury, Desert Nights Resort has been redefining the glamping experience. The resort has garnered attention and accolades as a premier destination for travelers seeking opulence amidst the dunes. Today, we have the privilege of delving into the inner workings of this desert oasis and understanding its success story. 

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Srinith De Silva, the Chief Executive Officer – Aitken Spence Hotels Middle East. With his insights, we will explore the resort’s fusion of tradition and luxury, its commitment to preserving the environment, and the exceptional experiences it offers to its guests. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Can you share with us the inspiration behind Desert Nights Resort and its unique blend of tradition and luxury in the world of glamping? 

Srinith De Silva: Desert Nights Camp, located in Oman’s Wahiba Sands desert, is a remarkable example of a glamping destination that seamlessly combines tradition and luxury. The inspiration behind this unique resort lies in the desire to offer travelers an authentic desert experience while providing modern comforts and amenities.  

LLA: Desert Nights Resort has received significant recognition, including the Luxury Lifestyle Awards. What do you believe sets the resort apart from other luxury desert destinations in Oman? 

Srinith De Silva: What makes our resort special is the immersive experience that we provide to all our guests and how the resort narrates a story of the rich local heritage, culture, and traditions. 

Moreover, the specific location of the resort within the Omani desert greatly influences the resort’s appeal. The resort’s picturesque desert landscapes, including dunes, wadis, or mountain backdrops, make the resort stand out. 

LLA: Could you describe some of the most unforgettable experiences that guests can enjoy at Desert Nights Resort, and how do these experiences capture the essence of the Omani desert? 

Srinith De Silva: Desert Nights Resort is committed to providing a truly unique and immersive experience to capture the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Omani desert. Some of the unforgettable experiences include: 

Desert Safari: Guests can go on thrilling desert safaris, usually in 4×4 vehicles, to explore the vast sand dunes and rocky terrain of the Omani desert. This offers an opportunity to witness the stunning landscapes and perhaps even spot desert wildlife. 

Camel Riding: Riding a camel is a quintessential desert experience. Many resorts offer camel treks, allowing guests to take in the peaceful surroundings and connect with the traditional way of traversing the desert. 

Stargazing: The Omani desert is known for its clear, unpolluted skies, making it an ideal location for stargazing. Resorts often arrange stargazing sessions with expert astronomers to help guests explore the wonders of the night sky. 

Bedouin-style Camping: Some resorts offer the chance to spend a night in a traditional Bedouin-style camp. This experience provides a glimpse into the desert nomadic lifestyle and usually involves a bonfire, storytelling, and traditional Omani cuisine. 

Desert Walks: Guided desert walks give guests the opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna and gain a deeper understanding of the desert’s unique ecosystem. 

Dune Bashing: For the adventurous traveler, dune bashing is a thrilling activity. It involves driving at high speeds over the sand dunes, providing an adrenaline rush and a unique perspective of the desert. 

Cultural Experiences: Resorts often host cultural activities, such as Omani music and dance performances, henna painting, and workshops on traditional Omani crafts. 

Desert Dining: Dining under the stars or in a traditional desert setting is a highlight of the experience. Guests can savor Omani cuisine and international dishes while enjoying the tranquil desert surroundings. 

These experiences collectively capture the essence of the Omani desert by immersing guests in its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the sense of tranquility and wonder that this unique environment provides. Desert resorts in Oman often aim to offer a balance between adventure and relaxation, allowing guests to create unforgettable memories while connecting with the desert’s timeless allure. 

LLA: Preserving the environment is of paramount importance. Can you tell us about the sustainable practices and initiatives that the resort has adopted to ensure that luxury doesn’t come at the cost of the environment? 

Srinith De Silva: Sustainability lies at the heart of our resort, guiding every aspect of our operations. From the moment you arrive, you will notice our commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint and supporting the local community. Our eco-friendly architecture seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, and our renewable energy sources power the resort while preserving the pristine beauty of the area. We prioritize responsible sourcing in our restaurants, offer nature-based activities that educate and inspire, and actively engage in conservation efforts. By choosing to stay with us, you’re not just enjoying a luxurious experience – you’re actively contributing to a more sustainable and responsible future. 

Eco-tourism: we continuously encourage sustainable tourism practices to minimize the impact on the desert and the surrounding environment. To create awareness of the importance of desert conservation, we promote educational tours. 

Energy monitoring and management: the resort uses smart energy management systems to monitor energy usage as well as to identify areas for improvement. We encourage guests to participate in energy-saving initiatives, such as turning off lights and electronics when not in use. 

Composting: The resort has introduced a composting system to recycle organic waste, which can then be used as fertilizer for the desert garden. 

Locally Sourced: The resort sources ingredients from local farmers and suppliers. The main objective of this initiative is to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and support the local economy. 

Food Waste Management: The resort has implemented several strategies to minimize food waste. These initiatives include offering smaller portion sizes and composting food scraps. 

Farm-to-Plate Experience: We organize farm visits or collaborate with local farmers to offer farm-to-plat experiences, connecting customers with the source of their food. 

Menu optimization: The F&B team has designed menus to make use of seasonal and locally available ingredients reducing the environmental impact of transportation and storage. 

LLA: Cultural immersion is a key aspect of the Desert Nights Resort experience. How does the resort facilitate guests’ connections with the rich local culture and heritage of Oman? 

Srinith De Silva: Desert Night Resort is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich local culture and heritage of Oman through a myriad of immersive initiatives. From the moment our guests step onto our property, they will be welcomed by the warm hospitality of our staff, who are passionate about sharing their Omani heritage.  

Our design and architecture are inspired by Omani traditions, creating an ambiance that reflects the country’s history and artistry. Our commitment to preserving and promoting these traditions is an integral part of the exceptional experience we offer. Here are some of the resort’s immersive experiences: 

Cultural Performances: The resort hosts cultural performances and events, such as traditional Omani music and dance shows, henna painting, and storytelling sessions. These activities allow guests to experience and appreciate the local arts and traditions. 

Culinary Experiences: Offering traditional Omani cuisine in the resort’s restaurants is a common practice. Guests can savor authentic Omani dishes and flavors, which are often prepared using locally sourced ingredients. 

Cultural Workshops: The resort may organize workshops and classes where guests can learn about Omani traditions, like cooking, pottery, or weaving. These hands-on experiences enable visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. 

Local Guides: The resort can arrange local guides to take guests on cultural excursions to nearby villages, historical sites, and markets. These guides can provide insights into the region’s history, customs, and way of life. 

Nature and Wildlife Activities: Oman’s culture is closely intertwined with its natural environment. The resort offers activities such as guided desert safaris, stargazing, or bird watching, which can help guests appreciate the natural aspects of Omani culture. 

Local Art and Crafts: The resort might have on-site boutiques or markets where guests can purchase local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs, directly supporting local artisans and preserving traditional crafts 

Festivals and Events: If there are local festivals or events taking place during a guest’s stay, the resort can provide information, transportation, or even host special celebrations in line with these occasions. 

Traditional Architecture: The resort’s architecture and design often reflect traditional Omani styles, such as mud-brick buildings, Arabian-style decor, and local craftsmanship. This can immediately immerse guests in the local culture and heritage. 

LLA: In your role as Chief Executive Officer, what do you consider to be the resort’s greatest achievement, and what future developments or plans can guests look forward to at Desert Nights Resort? 

Srinith De Silva:  

Guest Satisfaction: The resort has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing guest satisfaction, ensuring that every aspect of the stay is thoughtfully crafted to exceed the expectations of all our guests in terms of guest satisfaction. 

Awards and Recognitions: Our resort has earned numerous awards and recognitions for its commitment to excellence in hospitality and sustainability, including the Best Luxury Hotel by Luxury Lifestyle Awards in 2021. 

Sustainability Initiatives: Our Oman resort is at the forefront of sustainability, implementing eco-friendly practices and supporting local conservation efforts to minimize our environmental impact and protect the region’s natural beauty. 

Upgrades and Renovations: We have recently completed extensive upgrades and renovations, enhancing our resort’s facilities to provide an even more luxurious and enjoyable experience for our guests. Some of these include private infinity pool rooms, premier villa rooms, and Spa. 

Special Events and Activities: Desert Night Resort offers unique and exciting experiences for guests, including themed events, workshops, and adventure packages. 

Partnerships and Collaborations: The resort has joined hands with other local businesses to provide guests with a broader range of experiences. 

LLA: Glamping has gained immense popularity in recent years. What trends do you see shaping the future of luxury glamping, and how is Desert Nights Resort poised to meet the evolving expectations of travelers? 

Srinith De Silva: Nestled in the heart of nature, our resort redefines luxury with a distinctive focus on glamping, catering to the evolving needs and expectations of modern travelers. The opulent tents at Desert Night Resort seamlessly blend the comforts of a luxury resort with the thrill of the great outdoors. Each accommodation offers a harmonious escape, complete with plush furnishings and private facilities.  

We’ve carefully curated bespoke experiences, from stargazing under the desert night sky to gourmet dining amidst picturesque landscapes. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, our resort ensures that every escape is not only comfortable but unforgettable, meeting the desires of the contemporary traveler seeking a unique, eco-friendly, and luxurious experience. 

LLA: Could you share some insights into the challenges and rewards of managing a luxury desert resort like Desert Nights? 

Srinith De Silva: Managing a resort such as Desert Nights is extremely rewarding but has its own set of challenges. Some of the main challenges include: 

Extreme Weather Conditions: Desert regions often experience extreme temperature variations, from scorching heat during the day to chilly nights. Managing the resort’s infrastructure and ensuring guest comfort in such conditions can be challenging. 

Water Management: Water is a precious resource in the desert. Ensuring a sustainable and responsible approach to water usage, such as efficient irrigation and wastewater treatment, is crucial. It can be challenging to strike a balance between luxury amenities and environmental conservation. 

Isolation: Many desert resorts are located in remote areas, which can be challenging for logistics, sourcing supplies, and providing access to medical facilities in case of emergencies. 

Energy Supply: Generating and storing energy in a remote desert location, especially if the resort aims to be eco-friendly, can be difficult. Solar power and other renewable energy sources are often used, but their reliability can be a challenge. 

LLA: As a destination that caters to both adventure seekers and those seeking relaxation, how does Desert Nights Resort strike a balance between offering traditional activities and modern adventures? 

Srinith De Silva: Our desert resort is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, where guests can immerse themselves in the timeless allure of the desert’s heritage while indulging in contemporary adventures. From camel rides and traditional desert feasts under starry skies to exhilarating activities like dune bashing and stargazing, our resort caters to those seeking both authentic experiences and exciting modern adventures, ensuring a well-rounded and unforgettable stay for all.  

In order to strike the perfect balance, the team continuously collects feedback from guests to understand their preferences, needs, and feedback to improve the resort’s offerings. 

LLA: Finally, what message or invitation would you like to extend to travelers who are considering Desert Nights Resort as their next luxurious getaway destination in Oman? 

Srinith De Silva: Oman’s desert is a land of unspoiled beauty, from its vast sand dunes to its star-studded skies, and we have carefully designed every aspect of our resort, Desert Nights to help travelers savor these wonders. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that your experience is not only luxurious but also respectful of the environment and local communities. 

We invite travelers to become a part of our resort’s story, where culture and innovation intersect. It would be an honor to welcome travelers to our desert sanctuary, where every guest becomes a cherished member of our extended family. Join us for a journey into the heart of Oman’s desert, where traditions meet modernity and unforgettable memories are born. 

We look forward to gaining deeper insights into the world of Desert Nights Resort and the exceptional experiences it offers under Srinith De Silva’s guidance.