Abu Dhabi’s first luxury eco-retreat is now open for visitors

A 15-minute journey from the capital, the five-star eco-retreat offers an escape to Jubail Island’s natural surroundings.

Minutes away from the city centre, Pura Eco Retreat provides a picture-perfect backdrop of abundant mangroves and turquoise waters and a glance of life on Jubail Island. Nestled among abundant flora, fauna and marine life, upon a sandy stretch of private beach, Pura Eco Retreat is an island-inspired wellness retreat focusing on the connection between the mind and body to ensure guests feel fully restored and rejuvenated.

The adult-only Pura Eco Retreat is an exclusive hideaway, built with sustainable practices in mind and a holistic approach while offering every conceivable luxury leaving guests feeling pampered from head to toe. Pura Eco Retreat offers a unique and authentic wildlife experience and is a perfect escape where guests can slow down, disconnect, and experience a slower pace of life. 

The Eco Retreat takes its name from the popular Costa Rican phrase “Pura Vida” – translating from Spanish to “pure life” and home to luxurious and unique accommodations. 

Five spacious and comfortable domes adorned with locally sourced pieces and hand-crafted artworks are available to immerse yourself in the islands natural surroundings. The domes feature a king-sized bed, bespoke toiletries, a chic en-suite bathroom and five-star amenities, providing a refined glamping experience. With a minimalist theme and neutral tones, the domes offer scenic views of the mangroves and wilderness. Stay packages at the Dome currently start from AED 1,700.

Pura offers a rustic accommodation offer with three tents set up on a tranquil lagoon to stargaze the skies surrounded by the mangroves. The tents feature a full-size bed, along with lazy seating and fire pits perfect to gather a group of friends around a bonfire in the serene environment. The tents also provide access to luxurious guest bathrooms and shower facilities. Stay packages at the Dome currently start from AED 700.

While a digital detox ensures complete peace, punctuated by the harmonious sounds of the mangrove’s rich wildlife, there are also plenty of activities designed for all – from cycling, fat biking, kayaking, yoga, stargazing, bird watching and even a private beach exclusively available for overnight guests.

The retreat also offers a holistic and high-end dining experience. Setting a precedent for other dining options that will soon be available on Jubail Island, Pura offers an extensive wholesome menu blending local elements and skilful cooking techniques with fresh home-grown produce is available to serve hearty feasts with well-rounded nutrition in mind. The menu offers everything from tasty salads to grilled meats. Minimum spend of AED 225 per person on weekdays and AED 275 per person on weekends. 

Guests can pre-order a BBQ experience and make use of custom build fire pits for an interactive dining experience available on demand. With this option, guests will receive full support from Pura’s Chef to create a bespoke dining experience. The self-grilling option is intended for a group of four people. A minimum spend applies at 325 AED per person with the option to pre-order your selection of meats and marination. 

A High Tea spread offers guests a chance to take the afternoon off and enjoy the mangroves’ stunning sunset views while indulging in exquisite sandwiches, small bites, and pastries. The afternoon tea is available at the retreat for AED 265 per person with soft beverages.

The landscape has been explicitly designed to preserve the unspoilt native flora and fauna, with each hideaway constructed using ethically sourced materials that blend in effortlessly with the natural surroundings.

Nestled next to the tranquillity of the verdant mangroves, guests at Pura will experience a spiritual island vibe whilst they get the chance to explore the UAE capital’s iconic natural heritage and spot the birds or folia native to Abu Dhabi – having the closest snapshot of the spectacular nature reserve – all the while relaxing in one of the most luxurious beauty spots in the emirate. 

With sustainability at its core, Pura Eco Retreat has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint by implementing a strictly car-free zone. Guests can only access the retreat with a confirmed booking, park in the dedicated parking area at the Jubail Mangrove Park, and are transported via golf-buggies. The resort also prides itself on the re-using and recycling materials, zero use of motorized activities policy, and applying sustainable practices across the retreat that preserve nature and promote environmental awareness. Attempting to raise awareness about sea pollution, the retreat has installed fishing pods to gather litter thrown in the mangroves water.

GO: Visit www.staypura.com for reservations and more information.