Set amidst the sand dunes of a 225 square kilometer reserve, a secluded oasis of luxury resides. The Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa is where tradition meets modernity and where lavishness intertwines with unspoiled nature, creating a ubiquitous harmonious balance. Experience the true beauty of the desert, observe indigenous wildlife, and luxe living during your stay at the Al Maha. It is undoubtedly an epic adventure that must be experienced at least once.
Location
Why is the Al Maha Desert Resort the best place to stay to experience the desert around Dubai?
Situated just 45 minutes outside of the cosmopolitan city of Dubai, the Al Maha Resort and Spa rests on the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Your experience will begin as soon as your driver pulls up to the oasis-like resort planted in the shifting dunes of the Dubai desert. You can trust your eyes, it’s not an illusion. Wild oryx and grazing gazelles will greet you, as you enter their natural habitat. Bedouin-style tents dot the desert offering a luxurious respite from the desert heat.
Key Facts
- a 45-minute drive from Dubai, in the heart of the Dubai Desert nature reserve
- the resort protects one of the UAE’s largest and last underground reservoirs
- buggies available for pick ups and drop offs at your room that will drive you around the resort
What is special?
- a breathtaking location, surrounded by beautiful dunes offering your own natural oasis in the middle of the desert
- enjoy the sightings of Arabian wildlife from your private pool or sundeck seating area of your villa
- from the resort’s gates you will be taken another three miles into the desert to truly give you a sense of remoteness and exclusivity
What do the guests say?
- guests love that the resort is not too far from Dubai, yet feels like an entirely different world
- travelers from around the world rave that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should experience at least once
- well-traveled guests say that Al Maha is one of the most unique resorts they’ve stayed at and it tops their favorites list
Accommodation
How are the suites at the Al Mahar? Will I be able to see wildlife from my room?
Retreat to a lavish suite, ornately decorated with handcrafted Arabian furnishings, antiques and artifacts. Each suite is designed to bring you ultimate sophistication and utmost privacy, where your only nearby neighbor spotting will likely be the various wildlife strolling about the property. Its Arabian canopies blend in effortlessly with the surrounding desert, bringing a calming ambiance throughout. Experience hospitality at its finest with attentive staff members going above and beyond to ensure no need goes unmet.
Key Facts
- tent-style suites comprised of 37 Bedouin Suites, two Royal Suites, two Emirates Suites, and one Presidential Suite
- each room is equipped with binoculars for guests to get a close-up look of the endangered scimitar-horned oryx and other wildlife
- all rooms include personalized butler service to ensure guests’ every need is met
What is special?
- step out of your canopied suite and take a refreshing dip in your private temperature-controlled plunge pool
- soak up the sun in a comfy lounger, while watching animals wander across the desert from your very own private deck
- channel your inner artist and capture your interpretation of the scenery that surrounds you with watercolor paints and easel provided in your tent
What do the guests say?
- the down-to-earth friendliness that the staff possesses, makes guests feel like they are amongst family
- guests loved how secluded and private the tents are, typically only encountering the occasionally visiting oryx
- the luxurious bathroom with its oversized spa bath, walk-in shower, and sweeping views of the desert was a huge hit amongst vacationers
Pools & Spa
What’s the best way to relax during my stay at the Al Maha?
Set discreetly among the dunes and integrated with the main swimming pool, the Al Maha’s “Timeless” Spa combines Arabian traditions with proven methodologies for relaxation. The spa focuses on total body and mind rejuvenation with a range of therapies on offer. From hot stones to hydrotherapy, the healing work of a Hawaiian massage and comforting contortions of a Thai massage – the range of services truly represents Dubai’s cosmopolitan nature. Outside the spa, guests can take a leisurely dip in the main pool as free-roaming gazelles grace your presence right along the edge, and keep up their workout routine with the Al Maha’s state-of-the-art workout facility.
Key Facts
- laze away your days, along the palm-fringed poolside, where you will be able to enjoy the sightings of an assortment of wildlife
- retreat into one of the five serene spa rooms overlooking the gardens and dunes and indulge in therapies that will undoubtedly restore a sense of harmony to your mind, body, and spirit
- enjoy therapeutic sessions in the privacy of your own quarters, with in-suite massage services
What do the guests say?
- couples loved spending intimate and relaxing moments with their significant other during couples’ massages
- the staff and therapists going above and beyond to create a tranquil experience are the highlight of spa-goers
- guests loved the variety of treatments to choose from, and boast the spa is not to be missed during your stay
Culinary
What are my dining options at the Al Maha? What types of cuisine can I expect?
Savor the moment with authentic Arabian Nights dining experiences, where international chefs ensure you enjoy the highest culinary standard. A wide variety of options is available, from Mediterranean and the Middle East to special theme menus featuring Japanese, Sri Lankan, and Indian cuisine. Your toughest decision will be choosing what exotic cuisine from which corner of the Earth you would like to indulge in. Dine al fresco on the veranda or on the dunes in the desert, no matter where you choose to feast, it will be a magical experience to remember.
Key Facts
- the Al Diwaan Restaurant offers an extensive all-day menu from 11am until 11pm
- the resort offers full board, consisting of breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
- purchase a cocktail, aperitif, wine or beer from the Hajar Terrace Bar and enjoy a complimentary one
What is special?
- indulge in a romantic, lantern-lit dinner in the Arabian desert, under a blanket of stars
- enjoy a sumptuous tailor-made meal, catered to your desires and served on your private deck outside your suite
- experience the essence of the Dubai desert with a traditional BBQ, paired with an adventurous desert safari
What do the guests say?
- travelers loved the extensive menu provided for in-room dining
- with the staff exceeding all expectations, guests felt like they received the royal treatment at every meal
- guests loved sipping sundowners at the Hajar Terrace Bar while taking in the breathtaking views of the reserve
Activities
What types of activities can I enjoy during my stay at the Al Maha?
The Al Maha offers a wide range of activities catered to both families and couples. If you are into low impact adventures, discover the various flora and fauna throughout the desert with a guided safari tour or via horseback. For the thrill seekers, strap on a sandboard and saunter down the endless slopes of sand for an adrenaline-pumping experience. Relax by the majestic pool or stay active at the state-of-the-art fitness center – the Al Maha provides all you need to enjoy a wondrous stay in the Dubai desert.
Key Facts
- guest can enjoy two complimentary activities each day
- the resort houses the largest art collection in the Middle East
- many activities are held early in the morning or at sunset, during the cooler hours of the day
What is special?
- buckle up and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as an experienced driver tackles the desert dunes on an exhilarating 4×4 ride
- marvel at magnificent birds as you witness the true showmanship of a traditional Arabian falconry show
- experience the beauty of the Arabian desert, via camelback, where you will trek to a traditional campsite and enjoy incredible sunsets and a glass of bubbly
What do the guests say?
- guests boast that the resort is a rare gem where you get relaxation and exhilaration all in one setting
- an undisputed highlight for many guests is the wildlife drive
- guests highly recommend the falcon experience, as you are able to hold and feed one of the majestic birds
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Find out more about Al Maha Desert Resort…
- Take a look at: The 10 Best Luxury Adventure Hotels
- Take a look at: The 10 best Luxury Hotels in Dubai
- See all our luxury hotels in the United Arab Emirates
- Visit the official website of Al Maha Desert Resort