Hotel Al Maha Resort

In the middle of the desert, 28 miles south of Dubai. Allow 1 hour for airport transfer.

The Al Maha has no equivalent hotel to be found in Dubai or even in the world. Located in the middle of the desert, the complex owns 9.6 square miles of land which is a nature reserve. Watering places where you can watch gazelles, foxes and lynx are situated close to the buildings. The activities offered allow you to discover all aspects of life in the desert : safari in the dunes, horse or camel trekking, falconry, dinners at sunset. There is also an outstanding service provided. Each suite has its own butler, who is at your disposal. Room service is provided, and you can order your favourite dishes ! This is a great place for couples. To maintain the peacefulness of the hotel, children younger than 12 are not accepted as guests and the older ones are housed ?n private suites.

Constructed in 1999, the Al Maha consists of a main building and 42 suites on the street level ( including 37 Bedouin suites.) The architecture was inspired by the nomadic culture. The walls are in concrete and the roofs are made of thick cloth supported by varnished wood pillars. In keeping with the Arab tradition, the lobby has two reception spaces : one for ladies, the other one for men. Both are sumptuously decorated with Arabic objects carefully chosenl: chests of studded wood, daggers, traditional coffee-pots and tiny pedestal tables. If you fall in love with one of these objects, they are for sale! In addition to the private swimming pools of each suite, the hotel also has a common swimming pool with a view of the desert. It is bordered by a solarium perfectly appointed with teak deck chairs, cloth sunshades, mattresses and towels. The small capacity of the hotel ensures that there is never overcrowding around the pool. To reach the rooms, a 5-minute walk takes you through paved paths . There is a golf buggy available to take you to your suite's door.

The 42 suites are composed of 37 Bedouin suites, 2 royal suites , 2 Emirates suits and 1 presidential suite. The Bedouin suites spread over an area of 75 m². They are lavishly furnished with : two sofa decorated with cushions, bordering a low table, facing the window. The 4 poster bed is also covered with cushions and a huge carpet decorates the floor. The very large bathrooms are equipped with everything you need, and even Neutrogena products. Painters are provided with an easel, drawing paper and a box of pastel colours. There is a desk equipped with writing materials for those who enjoy writing . If you like to watch b?rds, there is a pair of binoculars available in your room. The suites all offer exceptional comfort. air-conditioning, a minibar, large-screen TV and DVD player, direct telephone for international calls. Your own private pool ( jacuzzi size) is on a teak sun deck . Relax in the garden lounge, facing the desert and enjoy the view.. The dawn is magical and so is the sunset, when the sun causes the dunes to glow.

The Al Maha has only one restaurant, but you could eat there amazingly well ! Seafood, salads with palmhearts, pepper steak, various curries, cheese, pastries......... All the recipes are brilliantly done and served buffet-style. With its small tables and wooden armchairs, the lounge offers an intimate and modest decoration, illuminated by the white walls decorated with traditional objects. You can also eat on the large sundeck facing the desert. And to celebrate a very special occasion, you could ask as well to have your table prepared in the dunes ! Ideal to celebrate a honeymoon or a marriage anniversary. Discreet and attentive, the service is absolutely perfect. If you desire to take your meal in your room, no problem : you will be treated as a king ! Residence is on an all-inclusive basis, only the drinks are extra. A range of wines, beers and liquors are also on the menu.