Al Maha desert resort and spa

This place is a poke in the eye for all the people who think that Dubai only commits ecological excesses. A 30 minute drive from downtown Dubai (it would really be best to book a transfer through the hotel for the journey – it’s very easy to miss the detour if you’re in a taxi or self-driving, and the driveway could be very loosely called a road), is remarkably low-key, rising out of the desert like a luxury Bedouin camp.

The villa complex is really one for couples – children under 12 are not even allowed.

Each villa has its own secluded private pool (heated or chilled as the season requires), so the only prying eyes you might see will belong to the rare and endangered Arabian oryx. Al Maha actually has a total of 225 square kilometers (86.9 square miles) of designated desert nature reserve to itself and it never feels crowded as outside guests are not allowed to use the facilities.

There is only one restaurant and to be honest the breakfast and lunch buffets are not particularly inspiring. However, he ups his game in the evening, with a five-course menu packed with foie gras and Wagyu. You can also dine on your own private terrace, or be driven out into the desert, where your food will be served and you’ll be left to lounge on cushions under the stars, complete with a phone to call a jeep when you’re done.

The special offers the hotel offers during the summer season are often a significant reduction in the standard rate, and the desert is surprisingly bearable in the heat, given that it has its own pool, shady patio, and spacious air-conditioned room. to dive. A large spa with treatment rooms overlooking the dunes and sun loungers surround a large communal pool. An impressive collection of Gulf architecture and antiques is featured in the guest rooms and public areas, and also, for those with an artistic bent, a chaise lounge, easel, and cake set is provided in each suite. The bathrooms, all with double sinks, large corner jetted tubs, and a walk-in shower, are huge, as are the purpose-built king-size beds.

This is the top end of all-inclusive, with all meals (though no alcohol) and two add-on activities per day included – there’s a full programme, from nature walks to ATV desert safaris to falconry displays. Many of these take place in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.

Horse-riding fans will be especially interested in riding the Arabian horses from Sheikh Mohammed’s stables, but be warned: don’t lie, because if you’re not a very proficient horseman, you’ll be sent back to the hotel. Even sunset camel rides here are a cut above – it might just be us, but the camels here seem a little more inviting than the spitting dromedaries you’re usually expected to sit on.

Address: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, PO Box 7632;

Phone: 04-832-9900;

cost AED 3200, includes meals and activities

Rent Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Number of rooms 42 rooms

room m2 75-530

Conference facilities Yeah

pool/sauna Yeah

beach access No

exercise facilities Yeah

Spa Yeah

parking/valet Yeah

licensed bar Yeah

on-site dining Good dinner

Additional services tea/coffee facilities, hair dryer

business services bussiness center

shuttle nozzles None

wheelchair facilities Yeah