Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai

Very peaceful, theatrical, colonial style resort in the desert. The architecture evokes a desert outpost and all the staff have tastefully appropriate costumes. A table in the bar terrace overlooking the “watering hole” where the gazelle and thriving Arabian oryx (“Maha”) congregate is an ideal first stop after the arrival drive through the desert and hotel greeting. Regarding activities, the 20 minute camel walk to watch the sunset from the desert was outstanding more than justifying it’s cheesiness. We also did the morning walk which normally stays on property but it was just us at 530 am so our charming young guide accommodated our preference for an actual walk and took us out to the watering hole and for a lovely stroll in the desert around the property. All the guides are South African and have worked at Safari Lodges in Africa. After the walk, we went for a surprisingly fun drive as passengers in a Land Cruiser over the desert dunes including a stop to play on top of a high dune for 20 minutes and take photos. Surprisingly enjoyable. If we had a second day we should have contracted with a third party (Arabian adventures) to rent a private dune buggy and go driving ourselves but that required a little more time and advanced planning. We did also squeeze in a workout and swim at the nice albeit compact health club and a few strolls around the gazelle filled property (the gazelle are everywhere and walking is recommended). You can do nearly everything in one night but I could see spending two nights to enjoy the lovely villas, beautiful desert views, animal life, delicious meals and friendly service. If you do stay an extra night consider one of the off property experiences offered through Arabian adventures or such. Really outstanding in all regards and strongly recommended as part of a visit to the UAE.

Loved our 5 night stay at the beginning of May - we added it on coming back from they Seychelles. I don't think 5 nights is too long.. was just great to relax. Our Field Guide Carel was awesome. We did sundowners 3x via vehicle and 1x via camel. We did the wildlife drive 2x, archery 1x, nature walk 1x, falconry 1x. All of the activities we're well done and worth it. Archery was a lot of fun! All of the meals were excellent for breakfast, lunch and dinner - got to try a ton of different menu items. On our last night, the chef prepared 3 random extra courses and they gave us a bottle of champagne for our 10yr anniversary. The surprise scallop course was exceptional. The floating lunch was a lot of fun and they subbed in some of our food requests like the caesar salad, sorbet and chicken tikka (which is really good - get extra gravy) We did a couples hot stone massage at the Spa and was really well done and enjoyable. The spa facilities were nice as well - we did some Yoga along with some steam & sauna. Occupancy was 98%, only the presidential villa was not occupied, yet it didn't appear busy nor was any of the service slow. We stayed in Villa 6 right at the end of the main row from the reception / restaurant. Excellent location and privacy. Staff were all amazing - lots the restaurant staff were from Nepal and Kenya and so friendly and engaging. We organized our roundtrip transportation from Abu Dhabi Airport through the resort as we got in late and left early. Nice cars and the drivers were on time and efficient. Highly recommended for a nice mix of relaxation, activity and serenity.

This is a great place to get away from the city and connect with nature and wildlife. Every room is well sized and has its own generously sized swimming pool with a temperature which can be managed. There are regular visits from the numerous gazelles which are located within the nature reserve on which the resort sits. There is one restaurant, which serves the breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is plenty of variety on the menu and all of our meals were delicious. There is also a licensed bar which serves afternoon tea and shisha and has a balcony with a great view over the desert. There is a separate main swimming pool, gym and spa within the resort. Two activities are included within the room rate - a sunset camel ride and drinks, falcon show, archery, nature drive, with dune bashing and horse riding also available as optional extras. The staff were brilliant - particular mention to the front office manager Mansour who looked after us very well. A sensational experience all round.