Three hours from Muscat to Bidiyah melted away as we were greeted by a desert-master: the formidable Land Cruiser. That’s pretty much only way to reach camp which is settled deep inside the desert.

After another 30 minutes of ride with fascinating scenery of desert full of camels and bedouin tents, we finally greeted by elegantly laid out camp composed of 10 pair of relatively small tents made of 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom.

Some places may seem special in photos, but when you actually go there, it's a whole different experience. Magic Camp is one of those places.

After spending couple of hours, I realized that this camp was all about sustainability providing an authentic local experience. You stay there with same simplicity as bedouin people would in their tent.. in a very purposefully designed and elevated way that does not interfere with simple, naked and plain fashion.. So task was very clear at that moment for me. Conveying that feeling of exclusivity and unique experience yet emphasize - in a way - “luxury” aspect of the camp.

I wanted to really convey the feeling how special and magical it’s to be there standing in the middle of emptiness in pure silence then little sound of desert wind with touch of sand grains carried over with wind touching to your ears.. Formidable heat of desert in noon and freezing cold in the night. Stars that like you never seen before. How could possibly you can show this in the photos ? Trick is to take the time to understand the place. Shooting a place without understanding is a wasted attempt.

Magic Camp is so exclusive that you can’t simply book it online through a regular channel. It’s a well-guarded secret, accessible only through an exclusive travel agent as part of a comprehensive itinerary. This level of exclusivity sets the tone for your entire experience at the camp. Its exclusivity is not just about limited access but also the sense of being part of something truly exceptional. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with warm hospitality that makes you feel like an honored guest. The attentive staff is there to cater to your every need, ensuring that your stay is comfortable and memorable.

After spending couple of hours, I realized that this camp was all about sustainability providing an authentic local experience. You stay there with same simplicity as bedouin people would in their tent.. in a very purposefully designed and elevated way that does not interfere with simple, naked and plain fashion.. So task was very clear at that moment for me. Conveying that feeling of exclusivity and unique experience yet emphasize - in a way - “luxury” aspect of the camp.

This may be a surprise to most that 82% of total land of Oman is basically desert and as you may expect desert camps are very popular touristic experiences in Oman but magic camp is different than all.

The tents at Magic Camp are a design that blends seamlessly with the desert’s natural beauty. Each pair of tents offers a private space with a bedroom and a bathroom, allowing you to connect with the surroundings while enjoying the comforts of "relative" luxury. The camp’s design is a testament to its commitment to sustainability and authenticity, providing a unique experience that reflects the Bedouin way of life. When camp is closed during summer, no one would ever find a clue there was a settlement there. As a hotel photographer based in Muscat, this camp was holding many nice surprises even for me considering I taught I have been into almost all unique attractions and what country has to offer.

Camp also offers a wide range of activities that allow you to explore the desert’s hidden treasures. You can embark on a camel trek, guided by experienced Bedouin guides who share their knowledge of the desert’s secrets. You can also try sandboarding on the dunes or simply relax by the campfire as you watch the desert come alive with the warm glow of the flames. Those activities were real highlights of the camp and main subject to shoot rather than relatively small tents. As much as I enjoy shooting architecture, I knew I would spend minimum time shooting the tents itself but rather focus on experiences that makes this place really special and worth coming all the way here.

One more important aspect to make this a successful photoshoot was also talking to camp manager and others running this organization to get more information. how guests coming here spend most of their time in camp and surroundings, what they enjoy most, what is their feedback, where they come from etc..

When I first arrived the camp, I was surprised to see there was no cell phone coverage in entire camp. Camp manager is using a satellite phone to communicate with base of the camp in Bidiyah where food is prepared and all logistics are organized. but what is more surprising than not having cellular coverage is guests coming here being totally fine with being disconnected during their stay in camp. This was a big hint for me about guest profile of the camp as well as atmosphere that I need to show. Words that came to mind was tranquilty, disconnection, remoteness, unplug..

having all this information and experiencing the camp first hand myself, I was sure to emphasise purely experience in my photos rather than physical elements. of course I had to shoot tents, furniture and other goods that makes this place a camp but they make up only very small portion what makes this place what really is.

Most fascinating part of this project was time we spent in bedouin tent. this is part of regular itinerary for anyone visiting the camp. Coming from 20 years of hospitality background myself and staying in so many hotels, I immediately understand a touristic local pretentious show when I see one. And this one was 100% genuine. We literally visited bedouin people in their original environment and had their food, talked to them and witnessed their simple yet just enough elevated life. One very striking observation for me was I never see that much happy kids in my life anywhere else. they were happy with just playing with each other. no tablets, no smart phones no fancy toys. simple old style play and they never stopped laughing and enjoying during our time there.

I had chance to shoot some amazing photos but more importantly came back with so many good memories in bedouin village in desert.

As the day turns into night, Camp reveals another one of its enchanting secrets. The night sky here is a spectacle like no other. With minimal light pollution, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the stars. The camp provides telescopes for stargazing, allowing you to get a closer look at the celestial wonders above.

One of the most profound experiences at any desert camp is the silence of the desert. In the stillness of the night, you can hear the whisper of the wind and the soft rustle of the sand. It’s a moment of absolute tranquility that transports you to a different realm, far away from the noise and distractions of the modern world.

Oman is already an amazing country with it's natural beauty, untouched rural areas and modern country accessibilities without hassle of big crowds and busy roads. Just 3 hours away from capital, Muscat, Magic camp is the perfect treat for ones looking for curated, original and genuine experiences. Here you can witness the golden dunes come alive with the first light of dawn and watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sands.