Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was on my bucket list for years because of its larger-than-life glamour and architecture. And my first few days in the capital of the Emirate of Dubai did not disappoint.
There were exquisite meals at destination restaurants such as Riviera by Jean Imbert at The LANA and Fi’lia Dubai at SLS Dubai, a stay at the stylish but surprisingly affordable Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, shopping at the Dubai Gold Souk and Dubai Mall and viewing the Burj Khalifa and other gravity-defying structures just outside my hotel.
Hero Experiences Group set up the bulk of my Dubai itinerary. Founders Adam McEwan and Bassam Chamoun channeled their respective stints as destination manager for Oceania Cruises and safari operation supervisor for Emirates into reinventing guided city and desert tours.
Unfortunately, plans to take Hero’s city tours were washed away when a one-day storm brought a year’s worth of rain into the region. Once the highways out of the city were safe to drive on again, I moved forward with Hero’s Platinum Heritage journey one hour outside of the city to take in the Emirati region’s origin story.
Understanding Platinum Heritage
Platinum Heritage’s Platinum Collection packages its activities in an exclusive luxury context with extra creature comforts.
The Heritage tier, meanwhile, is informal, family-friendly and rooted in the natural setting and everyday lives of locals. Both present a Dubai that contrasts sharply with the glamorous urban cityscape most are familiar with. This Dubai is about fresh air, an unhurried pace and a scientific and ecological narrative that stirs genuine appreciation for the landscape, wildlife and nighttime stargazing.
As a protective scarf was fitted on my head before I boarded a vintage Land Rover for an afternoon Heritage safari, founder McEwan told me about how the company’s sustainability practices are part of the appeal of the Heritage and Platinum sites and activities.
“Campsites run completely on solar power and some profits fund programs benefiting surrounding communities,” he said. “However, ‘dune bashing’ is off the table, as it compromises plant and wildlife habitats. Alcohol is not served out of respect for the Bedouins' religious practices.”
Guides leading the activities wove into their discourse information on conservation practices and protection of the centuries-old Emirati culture. Their stories about what brought them to Hero from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina and other places added extra dimension. Riding in 1950s Land Rovers during the Heritage safaris was fun, but I found it more meaningful when our guides explained how renovating the vehicles left a smaller carbon footprint than sending them to the junkyard.
Review: Dubai, the Platinum Heritage Way
As our vintage Land Rovers rolled into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, we encountered native birds, rabbits, oryx, gazelles and other endangered Arabian species. Bedouin residents were going about their day as my group’s guide respectfully pointed out community mosques, housing and shops. We periodically stopped to admire the gentle curves of the sand dunes as the guide discussed soil composition and beneficial plants that have served generations of Bedouin populations.
A lively falconry demonstration followed the drive, accompanied by hot chai, Arabic black tea or cold vimto (a blend of grapes, berries, herbs and spices). At dusk, we arrived at the Heritage camp, which was adorned with bright textiles that were used in seating cushions and tents outfitted with communal tables and low benches, where dinner was served family-style.
Tour clients will see how ragag bread is made.
Credit: 2024 Elyse GlickmanCamel rides and henna tattooing were included with our package, but I found the preparation of our Emirati meal one of the most inspiring parts of the adventure. The lively aromas of paper-thin ragag bread baking, lamb and chicken skewers grilling and chicken harees stew and shorbat adas lentil soup simmering completed the sensory picture.
The evening concluded with Emirati entertainment, including yola dancing and ayala drumming. After the day-trippers left, we headed to simple stone cabins built with traditional Bedouin techniques. A clean communal restroom was a short walk from the dwellings, though I heeded advice to have extra clothing, toiletries and my refilled souvenir water bottle (given to all guests as part of the sustainability initiative) on the ready.
I woke just before 5 a.m. to participate in a dawn balloon safari. Rising 4,000 feet above the ground provided breathtaking sunrise views, a bigger picture of the desert landscape and an exciting twist on the terrestrial falconry demonstration. Once the balloon hit its peak height, the falconer released his feathered companion to take flight in his true element.
Desert Chic With the Platinum Tier
The Platinum tier presents many of the same activities offered in the Heritage tier, but with extra exclusive add-ons and fewer guests. For example, we visited a bird sanctuary situated around a remote lake and received exclusive access to a Conservation Reserve area where we glimpsed more examples of Emirati wildlife. The terrestrial falconry show was staged in a beautifully decorated area where sparkling juice, canapes and snacks were served.
A “desert to table” dinner developed by Michelin Star chef Claudio Filippone was served in a setting where white tablecloth dining met the earthy desert surroundings. With knowledge of my preselected choice of three different six-course menus — Vegan, Mediterranean Treasures and Modern Middle Eastern Flavors (I went the Modern route) — the culinary team spun local ingredients into precisely portioned, artfully plated dishes.
My Platinum camp lodging, though similarly built to the Heritage accommodations, was more lavishly appointed with higher-end bedding, more decorative elements and easier-to-access bathrooms. At daybreak, traditional Bedouin breakfast items such as balaleet, sweet and savory noodles with eggs and chebab pancakes were accompanied with fresh-squeezed juices, Western egg dishes or shakshuka and non-alcoholic champagne (which read like a French sauterne on my palate).
Platinum guests can opt into breakfast at the five-star Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, one of the first luxury properties opened in the Emirates.
Whether the journey takes place in a humble, authentic setting or a glamping setup, Hero's Platinum Heritage offers ultimate luxuries that just can’t be found in the city — including serene desert views, absolute quiet under moonlight and the subtle sounds of birds and rustling trees at dawn.
