Al Maha Desert Resort, Dubai

The Al Maha desert resort is unique amongst Dubai's luxury hotel offerings. Combining nature reserve, luxury hotel and Arabian hospitality the resort is highly recommended by this reviewer!

The resort is set in the desert about 40 minutes drive (by hotel provided 4x4) from Dubai's International airport. It provides peace and quiet with first class luxury and service to match the best that Dubai has to offer.

The chief ...
...the top as the Burj Al Arab with its more human scale and relaxation. This hotel and resort is owned by the Emirates Airline group - I understand that the Jumeriah International (the owners of the Burj) now have their own alternative - I look forward to trying that one day!

I've just checked the current rates (Feb 2005) and the costs to stay here is approx £800 per person per night including all meals and 2 activities each day - its ... more

The Al Maha desert resort is unique amongst Dubai's luxury hotel offerings. Combining nature reserve, luxury hotel and Arabian hospitality the resort is highly recommended by this reviewer!

The resort is set in the desert about 40 minutes drive (by hotel provided 4x4) from Dubai's International airport. It provides peace and quiet with first class luxury and service to match the best that Dubai has to offer.

The chief attractions of this hotel are

Peace and quiet
Your own private pool
Tasteful Luxury
Nature Reserve
Peace and quiet

An ideal place to relax after the hustle and bustle of city living.

The hotel has a meet and greet service at the airport which will welcome you to Dubai and arrange your transport to the hotel. As the hotel is set in its own 225 square kilometre private estate you must use the hotel transport, you cannot use private vehicles to reach the hotel. The hotel uses the services of one of the airport hire services ensuring that your driver and car won't keep you waiting long on your arrival.

Our driver was very helpful and courteous. He allowed us to make a stop in the city to obtain cash (the airport cash machine was out of order). The 40 minute air conditioned ride to the hotel was over in no time. The journey includes some unmade roads - the hotel uses four by four vehicles for this but do not be worried about rollercoaster journeys, the journey does not cross any desert dunes etc.

The hotel is built in the style of a Bedouin encampment. All of the hotel buildings use a tented roof style and are set "lo rise" into the desert hills. Arriving at dawn or early evening you will see the building lights twinkling at you as you approach from the empty desert.

You will be met at from your car by your hotel activity guide. Each guest is assigned an activity guide and a guest liaison officer. The staff worked to provide excellent service at all times. They are drawn from a truly international background and you will be assigned someone who is fluent in your language. We were checked in in no time (despite our flight arriving 4 hours before check in time - this service isn't guaranteed if the hotel is full).

The activity guide will familiarise you with all of the activities the hotel has to offer. These include camel rides, sunset picnics, private desert dining, archery, falconry and nature walks. Most activities take place early morning or early evening to avoid the desert heat. I recommend a nature walk. The guides are very experienced and will introduce you to the desert flora and fauna. You will certainly see Arabian Oryx as they are protected on the reserve and other interesting animals and plants.

The hotel features private individual villas, each one set far enough apart to offer complete privacy - especially from your own private pool. When we visited the pools had just been upgraded and were approx 12ft by 6ft wide with a all over depth of approx 4ft. The water is chilled against the desert heat - we found ours a little too cold at first but the hotel staff soon fixed that for us. This became our favourite place; I read one of my novels from the comfort of the private pool overlooking the desert.

The villas are furnished beautifully with comfortable king size bed and at least two sofas. The bathrooms are superbly furnished with a large bath and walk in shower. His and hers wash stands are also included.
You will also have a desk and coffee table. Coffee Tea and Water are provided within the standard room rate. Our room was equipped with pencils and pastels so that we could make a personal record of our experience.

All meals are included in the hotel room rate - alcoholic drinks are extra and as is typical for Dubai they will attract a premium over prices you may be used to in the UK.

Breakfast is served in the hotel's main building; you can eat on the terrace or in the air-conditioned breakfast room. We found the terrace a little too hot (We travelled in Sept) but this may cool later in the year. The breakfast buffet provides an excellent selection of cereals, fruit and cold meats as well as the British/American breakfast offerings of Bacon, Sausage, Eggs and hash browns. We ate so much each morning that we didn't get to experience the lunch service.

Meals may be taken in the restaurant or you may prefer to take room service. The same service offerings are available in each location. When taking evening dinner on the hotel terrace the waiter/waitress service will ensure you wait for nothing. The meals are excellent European selections as well as Arabic favourites. You may find the food a little to elaborate if you prefer simpler food. We found ourselves wishing for a simple sandwich after so much fine food. We mentioned this to our waiter and a bespoke meal was rustled up at no extra charge.

Dining on your private terrace is an essential activity for at least one night of your stay. Your own private dining under the moon and the desert stars on your suite's terrace - fantastic. Each course is served by your waiter for the evening - he disappears between each course to ensure you get privacy.

Transfer back to the airport at the end of your stay is equally simple. If you prefer to take a break in two centres between the desert and the city your driver will drop you at your city hotel at no extra charge (although the initial charge is actually a little steep).

The hotel offers a range of rooms, Standard (as described by me) are called Bedouin Suites. There are also, Emirate Suites (offering two bedrooms and a little more space) and two Royal Suites. Each room type has its own private pool although the pools get larger in the larger suites.

This hotel comes with the mfhome recommendation - it's not as over the top as the Burj Al Arab with its more human scale and relaxation. This hotel and resort is owned by the Emirates Airline group - I understand that the Jumeriah International (the owners of the Burj) now have their own alternative - I look forward to trying that one day!

I've just checked the current rates (Feb 2005) and the costs to stay here is approx £800 per person per night including all meals and 2 activities each day - its expensive, even though we enjoyed our stay we think the price is too high - however, they are always fully booked so I guess the market sets the rate! Shop around for rates, at the start of the season you might get the room for <£500 per night as we did.

 

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