How to Pura: Guide to living on Abu Dhabis Jubail Island

Pura Eco Retreat, Abu Dhabi’s very first luxury eco retreat, is now open for visitors to experience the magnificent unspoilt nature that the Jubail Island has to offer.

Minutes away from the hustle bustle of Abu Dhabi city centre, Pura Eco Retreat provides the picture-perfect backdrop to nature’s wonders over Abu Dhabi’s abundant mangroves and turquoise waters and a glance of life on Jubail Island as the master development materialises.

Nestled among abundant fauna, flora and marine life, a private sandy stretch of beach and the sublime emirate’s wildlife, Pura Eco Retreat - Abu Dhabi’s first 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.

A 15-minute journey from Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, 22-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and a 60-minute drive from Dubai Marina, 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 retreat is immersed in lush natural habitat on Jubail Island, which is home to the delicate ecosystem and rich biodiversity of the capital’s famed mangroves.

Stay at Pura

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

Five spacious and comfortable domes adorned with exceptional and locally sourced pieces and hand-crafted artwork are on offer to fully immerse in natural surroundings. The domes feature a king-sized bed, bespoke toiletries, a chic en-suite bathroom and 5-star amenities which provides a refined glamping experience.

With a minimalist theme and neutral tones, the domes offer scenic views of the mangroves and wilderness, and a colourful cabana offers guests a secluded spot to relax al fresco in unspoilt nature of the island.

For guests with a taste of adventure, a BBQ kit is available to start a fire pit. The self-grilling experience offers a BBQ kit which includes a selection of meats based on the menu such as burger patties, chicken on skewers, or shrimps, for the dome guests. The BBQ kit also includes chestnuts that can be toasted in the fire pit to end a warm, hearty, and nutritious feast under the stargaze.

To stargaze the skies surrounded by the mangroves in a more hands-on experience, Pura offers a rustic accommodation offer with three tents set up on a tranquil lagoon. 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.

While a digital detox ensures complete peace and quiet, 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 is designed in such a manner to allow guests to pause from hectic life, kick off their shoes and walk around exploring and appreciating the abundant beauty that Jubail Island has to offer.

Stay packages at the Dome currently start from AED 1700 ($462) onward while stay at tents are set to start from AED 700 onward and varies depending upon the package.

Dining experiences at Pura

The retreat also offers a holistic and high-end dining experience unlike anywhere else in the capital. Setting a precedent for other dining options that will be available on Jubail Island, Pura offers an extensive wholesome menu blending local elements and skilful cooking techniques with fresh home-grown local produce is available to serve hearty feasts with well-rounded nutrition in mind.

The menu offers guest scrumptious salads, grilled meats – all freshly prepared in the Pura kitchen. Dining at Pura can be availed with a 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 stunning sunset views of the mangrove while munching on treats of exquisite sandwiches, small bites, and pastries. The afternoon tea is available at the retreat for AED 265 per person with soft beverages and AED 295 per person for alcoholic options.

Wakeup with Pura

For the early birds, hoping to start their day with the majestic sunrise views that the Jubail Island has to offer, Pura’s breakfast menu offers a wholesome beginning to the day. Included in the menu are Freshly Baked Shakshuka; Egg White Avocado Frittata; wholesome treats that are freshly prepared in the kitchen along with refreshing juices, coffees and teas.

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

Ibrahim Al Mannaee, the Emirati owner of Pura Eco Retreat commented: “Pura’s philosophy of ‘Pure Life’ led us to the unspoilt nature at Jubail Island. In complete harmony with its surroundings, the eco retreat complements Jubail Island’s vision of co-habiting within the nature with minimum impact on the surrounding environment.

“There was a need within the market for a secluded hide-away, away from the hustle bustle of the city, where guests can appreciate the nature without giving up on the necessary comforts of life – living on Jubail Island offers just that. Pura Eco Retreat provides a window to the future of island life that will soon be realised. We also wanted to complement the Department of Tourism and Culture’s vision for ecotourism and hope that we are on the path to contributing the emirate’s tourism offering. "

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.

“Escaping to the true beauty of Jubail Island will allow guests to enjoy a bespoke wellness retreat, where they connect with nature, relax and rejuvenate among their loved ones and switch off from daily life a peaceful island setting.

“While sustainability and a sensitive approach to local culture and environment is at our core, this does not have to mean scrimping on luxuries, at Pura Eco Retreat, guests can have an authentic camping experience – all the while having their comforts taken care of. Pura offers a glimpse of what living on Jubail Island will be like when the development is completed, where guests and residents alike will get a glimpse of the perfect harmony between the world’s natural wonders and the combination of eco-friendly and luxurious wellness regimes,” added Ibrahim. – TradeArabia News Service