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JA Hatta Fort Hotel | Serenity and Adventure

JA Hatta Fort Hotel combines serenity and adventure. The resort sits snugly into the stunning mountainous region of Hajar in the United Arab Emirates, less than an hour from Dubai and ten minutes from the border with Oman. Returning guests, and we know there are many, will be happy to learn that the recent renovation offering beautiful, contemporary accommodation hasn’t meant the loss of its old-school charm, warm ambiance, and friendly staff.

JA Hatta Fort Hotel sign on the mountain side
JA Hatta Fort Hotel sign

Review Of JA Hatta Fort Resort

Low-level buildings, chalet-style rooms, and extensive activities give it the feel of a rather lovely holiday camp and this is the beauty of the place. Guests can escape from the glitz and noise of the big city into a resort that allows them to do as much or as little as they like in a fresh, modern environment that still holds dear its Arabian roots and style. Hatta itself has lots to offer hotel guests looking for adventure.

The serenity of the hotel may be all the sweeter after spending the day kayaking at nearby Hatta Dam and hiking in the mountains, there are many adventures to be had in Hatta such as trekking, mountain biking, and kayaking.

Mountain views from the chalets at Hatta Fort Hotel
Mountain views from the chalets at Hatta Fort Hotel

Homely Chalet-Style Hotel Rooms

The renovation of the hotel was completed a few years ago and they have done a wonderful job. The 51 chalet-style rooms are spacious with relaxing colours, modern furniture, monochrome rugs on slate floors, and touches of Arabian design in the traditional fretwork.

We stayed in a Deluxe Chalet Room which was all so elegantly and carefully presented that the décor could have been cold but the old-fashioned sliding doors and huge, comfy king-sized beds give the bedrooms a homely feel too. You even get chocolates on your pillow at turn down, that really made me smile.

The Elemis toiletries are an absolute treat and I loved the recycling bins, it shows a real effort to try and preserve the beauty of gardens and mountains guests can enjoy from their private balconies. 

The room also includes tea and coffee-making facilities, a safety deposit locker, mini-bar, telephone, hairdryer, satellite TV, DVD player, walk-in shower, and fluffy bathrobes. Free WiFi is available in all guest rooms and breakfast was included in the price.

Stunning Grounds At JA Hatta Fort Resort

The location of the Hatta Fort is perfect. The craggy Hajar mountains are a dramatic backdrop throughout the year and the lush gardens of colourful plants and trees feel like a million miles away from Dubai. They even have grass! Each of the rooms has a private balcony which will have views over either the gardens or the mountains and are perfect spot to spend an hour or two sipping a glass of something delicious.

Entrances to the chalet rooms at JA Hatta Fort Hotel
Entrances to the chalet rooms at JA Hatta Fort Hotel

Welcoming Staff

The staff are super friendly and relaxed but also calm, professional, and efficient when you need them to be. As soon as we stepped into reception the smiles and warmth made us feel like we were part of the family. The Hatta Fort Hotel is a real institution, some of the staff have worked there since opening and the affection and pride they have for their hotel is clear.

From the lovely ladies on the phone booking our rooms to the personal recommendations from the chef to the hand-written welcome note from the manager, the personal touch is everywhere. In some hotels, this can feel forced but at the Hatta Fort, I truly believe it is genuine. 

JA Hatta Fort Hotel nestled into the Hajar mountains | UAE
JA Hatta Fort Hotel nestled in the Hajar mountains

Dining At JA Hatta Fort Hotel

Café Gazebo

Guests can enjoy breakfast and lunch at Café Gazebo. The café is next to the adult swimming pool which gives it a relaxed atmosphere and views into the lush gardens and out over the mountains. A breakfast buffet will make or break a hotel for me, a massive leisurely meal in the morning is a fantastic luxury, and Café Gazebo was the perfect setting for that. The food itself was tasty, and plentiful, with lots of choices. Fresh fruit, cereal, pastries, pancakes, eggs, and even a full English option were all lovingly laid out and it didn’t feel too crowded or busy.

Jeema

Jeema is the only restaurant but we were happy with that. A chilled weekend away requires making as few decisions as possible. Relaxed happy hour drinks on the terrace while watching the sunset over the Hajar mountains were very special.

The Jeema is more refined than Café Gazebo oozing old-world charm and the retro touches of Crepe Suzette or Caesar Salad prepared at your table looked like fun choices. The menu offers something for everyone with dishes from the Mediterranean, curries, and steaks all on offer. My food was delicious and all the other plates being brought out to other guests looked lovely too.

Activities At JA Hatta Fort Hotel

One of my favourite things about this hotel was the range of activities on offer. It’s great to find so much to try out. There is, of course, no pressure to get involved in any of it but for those guests wanting to do more than soak up the sun by reading a book or wander the gorgeous grounds then there are lots of choices. It’s all very good value in comparison to Dubai, they are well managed and taught by knowledgeable friendly staff.

Adult swimming pool at JA Hatta Fort Hotel
Adult swimming pool at JA Hatta Fort Hotel

Two Outdoor Swimming Pools 

The Hatta Fort has two swimming pools. The adults-only pool is overlooked by Café Gazebo. As someone without children, I was happy with the concept of really unwinding in the sun. The family pool is more attractive with a pretty, well-maintained sun deck, palm trees, and a waterfall. The hotel is very family-friendly which is great but this can lead to this pool is a little bit bonkers during busy times.

Archery

There are 6 target ranges to practice on and experienced instructors are on hand between 9 am-6 pm to help you become an Olympic standard archer, or at least hit the target! It costs 30AED for 30 minutes and all equipment is included.

Air Gun Shooting Range

I loved this! It’s a great adrenalin rush and a perfect energy boost after a long swim. It cost 25 AED for 25 pellets and they are open from 9 am-6 pm

Tennis Courts

Playing a civilised game of tennis in such fantastic surroundings is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Use of the courts is complimentary but as they are outside it’s an activity perhaps not best suited to the summer months. 

Six-Hole Mini Golf Course

This family favourite is free to use and is great fun, especially for kids but as with the tennis courts, the fact it is outside means it may be too hot to play in summer.

Wellness Spa

The spa experience is gorgeous. The spa itself is beautiful and the staff makes every guest feel at ease and ready for some pampering. They use Elemis products and offer every type of face and body treatment you could wish for. They are open from 10 am till 8 pm.

Gymnasium

For some exercise is the best way to unwind and de-stress and the fully equipped gym is open from 6 am-10 pm. The early morning and late-night times are perfect for parents who want to train while also having quality time with the kids.

Mountain-Biking

Modern, well-maintained bikes are available to hire through Adventure HQ located at JA Hatta Fort Hotel The mountain trails near the hotel are exhilarating and you’ll see some stunning scenery.

Hatta Fort Hotel Is Family-Friendly

I visited JA Hatta Fort Hotel with a friend but I could see the resort is a brilliant place for families looking for a friendly hotel to enjoy spending time together.

  • Interconnecting rooms are available, great for teenagers.
  • Friendly, patient staff.
  • Family pool.
  • Child-orientated activities.
  • Kids’ play areas are set in natural surroundings with loads of fresh air.
  • Children’s menu and flexibility for fussy eaters.

 How Green Is JA Hatta Fort Hotel?

JA Hatta Fort Hotel is committed to driving change with its eco-conscious efforts. 

  • Recycling facilities
  • Water cooler/dispenser
  • Refillable shampoo, conditioner and body wash bottles
  • Single-use plastic cutlery/plates/cups, straws, stirrers and beverage bottles not used
  • Energy-efficient LED bulbs
  • Electric car charging station
  • Invests in community and sustainability projects such as beach cleanups
  • Extensive green spaces on the property
  • Bio-garden inspiring ‘farm-to-table’ dining
  • Supports tour guides and activities

Would I Recommend JA Hatta Fort Hotel?

This is a wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of Dubai where you can relax by the pool or get stuck into the activities at the resort or have fun-filled days trekking or kayaking in Hatta. Thumbs up from me!

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