Kalba, a scenic coastal city on the eastern edge of Sharjah, UAE, is a haven for nature lovers and eco-tourism enthusiasts. Nestled along the Gulf of Oman, it’s known for its mangrove reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and peaceful outdoor escapes.
Whether you’re seeking a luxury glamping retreat, a desert hideaway, or a family-friendly beachfront resort, Kalba and its nearby areas offer a variety of accommodation options for every type of traveller.
In this guide, we’ve covered the top-rated hotels in Kalba and the surrounding area, complete with average prices, key features, and booking tips. You’ll also find insider travel advice and must-see attractions like the Kalba Mangrove Reserve, Hanging Gardens, and Mountain Conservation Centre to help you plan a memorable getaway.
- Best hotels in Kalba or nearby
- Top-rated hotels in Kalba: Comparison table
- Pricing and booking information
- Key factors to consider when choosing a hotel in Kalba
- Travel tips for staying in Kalba
- Popular Kalba attractions
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Best hotels in Kalba or nearby
Listed here are some of the best hotels in this region.
1. Kingfisher Retreat by Sharjah Collection, Kalba
Rating: 9.1/10
The Kingfisher Retreat is a luxury hotel in Sharjah. It is famous for its luxury glamping tents, private pools, and wildlife experiences. This resort is located in a mangrove setting on an island off the coast of Kalba. The retreat’s on-site conservation centre houses rare birds, turtles, gazelles, and crabs.
Kingfisher Retreat by Sharjah Collection is renowned for its exceptional service, luxurious comfort, and fantastic food. There are about 40 luxury tents at the retreat, each offering beautiful ocean views. The average room rate here is around AED 974 per night. This includes private parking, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary cycle rentals.
The Kingfisher Retreat’s activities are suitable for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts. While at this hotel in Kalba, you can enjoy nature walks, kayaking, birdwatching, canoeing, and spa treatments. You will also have access to a private beach, kid-friendly activities, and authentic camping-style experiences.
Location
It’s located on Corniche Road, Kalba (Sharjah)
Contact Information
- Phone: 054 701 9375
- Email: reservations@sharjahcollection.ae
2. Al Bahar Hotel & Resort, Fujairah
Rating: 8.0/10
Al Bahar Hotel and Resort offers stunning sea views and excellent leisure facilities. The latter includes outdoor pools, private beaches, a kids’ club, gym, and spa. This luxurious, five-star, beachfront hotel has spacious rooms. The room categories include a mix of deluxe and suites.
A few attractions located in the vicinity of this resort include the Fujairah Fort, the UAE’s oldest, Al Bidya Mosque, and Dibba Rock, which has beautiful coral reefs. You can also find hiking trails and beaches in the surrounding area.
Location
It’s located on Al Ghurfa – Corniche – Fujairah – United Arab Emirates
Contact Information
- Phone: +971 9 202 7000
- Email: reservations@albaharresort.com
3. Al Faya Retreat by Sharjah Collection, Mleiha
Rating: 7.9/10
Al Faya Retreat by Sharjah Collection offers a desert wellness spa experience. You can enjoy exclusive Bedouin hospitality in a luxurious glamping setting here. Besides the premium accommodation facilities, this retreat also has a salt pool and its spa features include a herbal room and a tropical shower walk.
This spectacular setting offers traditional Arabian hospitality with modern comforts. The Al Faya Retreat offers five private rooms with personalised, exclusive services.
Location
It’s located in Milehah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Contact Information
- Phone: +97165387857
- Email: reservations@sharjahcollection.ae
4. Moon Retreat by Sharjah Collection, Mleiha
Rating: 9.5/10
The Moon Retreat provides a luxury glamping experience. Its domes and tents are equipped with the required amenities. This desert eco-glamping retreat is sustainably designed and perfect for a family or couple getaway. It gives you the chance to explore the Mleiha desert during the day and spend the evenings stargazing.
This retreat has six tents and ten domes with amazing desert views. Guests here have access to private swimming pools and terraces. Barbeque equipment for outdoor dining is also available.
Location
It’s located on Umm Al Quwain Rd – Al Ruwaida – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Contact Information
- Phone: +97168012020
- Email: reservations@sharjahcollection.ae
5. Palace Beach Resort, Fujairah
Rating: 9.0/10
Located along the coast and a short drive from Kalba, the Palace Beach Resort in Fujairah. It offers stunning views and elegant rooms. This premium beachfront property with family amenities is perfect for those looking to relax in the sun during a serene coastal getaway.
The mountains surrounding the resort are picturesque and offer scenic views. At the hotel’s multiple restaurants, you can feast on international cuisines. Fujairah is approximately a 90-minute drive from Dubai. So, you can visit other nearby attractions while you are here.
The Palace Beach Resort has a private beach where you can relax, as well as a spa offering a range of treatments and massages. There are other great amenities at this resort, too, like a well-equipped fitness centre and outdoor swimming pools.
Location
It’s located on Al Faseel – Fujairah – United Arab Emirates
Contact Information
- Phone: +97192038899
- Email: reservations.PAFUH@palacehotels.com
6. Nour Arjaan by Rotana, Fujairah
Rating: 8.7/10
Nour Arjaan by Rotana in Fujairah overlooks the Hajar mountains and is near the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This hotel has 225 rooms, each with a kitchen equipped with a microwave, countertop stove, fridge, and freezer. Nour Arjaan offers amenities such as relaxed dining options, a gym, and a rooftop pool.
You can enjoy upscale accommodation with modern facilities at this hotel. While based at Nour Arjaan, you can explore Fujairah’s beaches, souks, and cultural landmarks. Also check out the fitness centre and child-friendly outdoor swimming pool while you are there.
Location
It’s located on Hamad Bin Abdulla Rd, Fujairah City Centre, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
Contact Information
- Phone: +97192025555
- Email: nour.arjaan@rotana.com
7. Fortis Hotel, Fujairah
Rating: 7.5/10
Fortis Hotel in Fujairah is centrally located and considered budget-friendly. It offers amenities such as Wi-Fi, a gym, a spa, and a rooftop pool. This hotel is near the Fujairah Museum, and guests can enjoy decent dining options during their stay.
Location
It’s located on Al Gurfa Road – near Fish Market – Al ‘Uwaid – Fujairah – United Arab Emirates.
Contact Information
- Phone: +97192244666
- Email: reception@fortishotel.net
Top-rated hotels in Kalba: Comparison table
| Hotel Name | Type | Key Features | User Rating on Booking.com |
| Kingfisher Retreat | Luxury eco-resort | Glamping, private pools, wildlife, beachfront | 9.1 |
| Moon Retreat | Eco retreat | Desert experience, nature-focused amenities | 9.5 |
| Palace Beach Resort | Beach resort | Sea-views, family-friendly | 9.0 |
Pricing and booking information
The typical price range for hotels in Kalba is 942 AED to 1,011 AED per night on weekends. This works out to approximately $255-$275. Prices will vary across seasons. December to February are peak months when hotel rates can exceed 1,540 AED.
You can find the best deals on hotel booking platforms, year-round. Remember to apply your loyalty points and avail yourself of first-time user promotions when making a hotel reservation. Most Kalba hotel properties offer full refunds on advance bookings.
Key factors to consider when choosing a hotel in Kalba
To make the most of your Kalba trip, you need to choose a good hotel. Keep the following factors in mind when choosing your accommodation:
- Ensure proximity to nature reserves, wildlife, and eco-activities.
- Look for private facilities, such as pools and beachfront access, for a memorable stay.
- Decide whether you need family-friendly amenities or couple-friendly amenities before you book.
- Prioritise hotels with on-site dining and wellness options.
- Assess the hotel’s proximity to Kalba’s main attractions like Al Hafiya Mountain, Kalba Mangroves, and Kalba Hanging Gardens.
If you seriously consider the above suggestions, you can optimise your stay in Kalba.
Travel tips for staying in Kalba
- You need to book hotels in Kalba early, especially during the peak season (December to February).
- Consider staying at an eco-retreat for a sustainable, private experience.
- Evaluate hotels in nearby Fujairah to compare prices and amenities.
- Rent a car to ease your commute when travelling in and around Kalba. Having your own transportation offers desirable flexibility.
- Consider weather conditions and wildlife exposure when planning outdoor eco-activities.
Kalba is mainly known for its eco-tourism, so focus on exploring this aspect. Activities such as mangrove kayaking, wildlife spotting, and visits to the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre and the Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre will make your trip worthwhile.
This city is approximately a two-hour drive from Dubai. Keep yourself hydrated when travelling, as the UAE generally has a hot, dry climate.
Popular Kalba attractions
Here are some of the best attractions to visit in Kalba.
Kalba Mangrove Reserve
The Kalba Mangrove Reserve is an interesting and extensive ecological site. As a visitor, you can access this reserve only through the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre. Once at the centre, you can view the estuary and walk along the trail of mangroves. This popular eco-tourism destination attracts nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers. Here, you can spot local wildlife that have made this peaceful location their habitat.
Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre
Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre is perfect for wildlife viewing. It is located at the base of the Hajar Mountains and is home to endangered wildlife. Visitors get to view informative displays with interactive elements. These exhibits aim to promote the importance of conservation and biodiversity.
Kalba Hanging Gardens
Kalba Hanging Gardens is a large green expanse with flowers and cascading waterfalls. The garden area stretches over 1.6 million square feet. There is a fantastic restaurant in the garden which can seat 215 people. These hanging gardens feature three distinct play areas for toddlers, pre-teens, and teenagers. It even has mountain-climbing routes with varying difficulty levels.
Al Hafiya Picnic Park
The Al Hafiya Picnic Park is located within the Al Hafiya Nature Reserve. This park opened in 2015 and is located at the base of the Hajar Mountains. There are many natural green spaces against a backdrop of mountainous terrain. These features make this park ideal for relaxing, photography, and family bonding.
Key takeaways
Kingfisher Retreat by Sharjah Collection is an outstanding hotel choice for luxury, eco-friendly glamping and wildlife experiences. Kalba focuses on nature-inspired travel and offers unique accommodations, such as the Moon Retreat, for those seeking privacy and a desert setting. The peak season, from December to February, sees price hikes.
Book in advance for the best rates and room availability. Fujairah, which is nearby, offers a range of five-star hotel accommodation options. Hotels in Kalba provide natural beauty with a comfortable stay. Here you will have ample opportunities to relax and indulge in exciting adventures.
FAQs
Kingfisher Retreat by Sharjah Collection is highly recommended for its private villas, glamping, and luxury experiences.
Kalba focuses on eco-tourism through its sustainable, nature-focused accommodation options.
Kingfisher Retreat offers direct access to beaches, mangroves, and wildlife spots. The Palace Beach Resort in Fujairah is about a 30-minute drive away.
Travel during the off-season (June–August) for better hotel rates. Book in advance during the peak season (December–February) for room availability.
Yes, most eco-resorts and Kalba hotels offer family-friendly amenities, such as playgrounds. They also organise guided activities suitable for children.
