Hospitality // The Floating Retreat
“The absence of stress; serenity. The quality of calm such as the experienced in places with mainly natural features and activities, free from dieturbance from manmade ones.”
Probing models //
We were exploring new potential architectural spaces that morphed with no boundaries—scheming design to start new imagination from kids to adults. We explore many themes to bring them forward, test them, evaluate them and then work with one to its full potential until it fails. Repeat this exercise till the results make sense.
The Floating Retreat is a one-of-a-kind lodging facility that offers a thrilling and unique camping experience in the midst of the beautiful Sharjah mountains. The project, developed in partnership with Shurooq, a Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, is inspired by the practice of cliff camping and aims to make this exciting adventure more accessible to the general public.
Upon arriving at the Floating Retreat, guests are welcomed by the operator and directed to their assigned hangers, which are designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious experience while still offering the excitement of camping in nature. The hangers are equipped with all the necessary amenities, including comfortable beds, electricity, and heating, to ensure that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
In addition to the unique lodging experience, the Floating Retreat also offers a variety of activities for guests to enjoy during their stay. These activities include mountain climbing and wadi treks, which offer guests the opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Sharjah mountains and to experience the thrill of outdoor adventure. The Floating Retreat is programmed to operate between November and May, avoiding the summer heat, to ensure that guests can enjoy their stay in comfort and safety.
The Floating Retreat project has several key values at its core. One of the main goals of the project is to re-energize the local community through tourism, by providing a space for people to connect with the natural beauty of the region and to learn about its rich culture and heritage. The facility is designed to be family-friendly, with the aim of promoting environmental awareness and appreciation of the local environment among guests. The tranquil and serene atmosphere of the Floating Retreat also provides guests with the opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and to enjoy a sense of calmness and peace.
Overall, the Floating Retreat is an ambitious project that seeks to combine the excitement of outdoor adventure with the comfort and luxury of modern lodging. By offering a unique and thrilling experience in the midst of the beautiful Sharjah mountains, the project aims to promote the local culture, heritage, and history, and to provide a space for people to connect with nature and to enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the natural world.
