A Night in the Desert at Al Maha Desert Resort

During my trip to the United Arab Emirates last March, I couldn’t resist the chance to spend a night in the desert! After two nights in Dubai at the Address Boulevard hotel, it was time for a change of scenery: we left the skyscrapers behind for a more authentic ambience in the heart of the desert, only one hour by car from downtown Dubai. Details on this extraordinary experience below!

A Unique Place to Disconnect

Al Maha Desert Resort is the perfect place to disconnect from the chaos of daily life and to give in to the latest luxury trend: glamping! A more authentic brand of tourism in harmony with nature, an element which is so often missing from our urban lives. After an hour-long drive from Dubai, we discovered a private and peaceful location, allowing us to disconnect completely from our busy schedules.

Surrounded by the remarkable beauty of the Arabian Desert, Al Maha offers unequalled serenity in a natural reserve where you can observe wild animals such as Arabian oryx and gazelles, a few of whom ventured very close to our accommodation (much to our delight)! A member of the Luxury Collection hotel group (which includes the Andaman hotel in Langkawi), Al Maha is an extraordinary resort, one of only a few to offer the chance to spend a luxury evening in the desert.

My Gorgeous Suite Facing the Desert

Against a backdrop of sand dunes as far as the eye can see, 42 separate suites blend in perfectly with their surroundings, lending an air of intimacy which made me feel like I was the only person in the world! The highly exclusive suites, which attract the most demanding luxury clients from across the globe, feature between one and three rooms (the largest being the very luxurious Presidential Suite). We stayed in the Bedouin Suite, already impressive at 115 m², which displays locally-inspired décor for a more luxurious and authentic look. But the best part is the private pool facing the desert, a fantastic addition to our suite!

And Exclusive Experiences

A stay at the Al Maha promises inspiring moments and original experiences. Between dips in our private pool, we decided to explore the surrounding area through one of a fabulous array of activities offered by the resort. You can choose up to two activities per day depending on your preferences: a camel or horseback ride, falconry, a jaunt in a 4×4 to explore local flora and fauna, archery… there’s something for everyone! If you’re looking for relaxation, head to the spa. It features a variety of treatments in a truly gorgeous setting.

In the evening, we were delighted to discover the restaurant Al Diwaan, which serves Mediterranean specialties and Arabian fare on its enormous panoramic terrace. Looking out into the desert, I was struck by the peacefulness of the place and our closeness to nature. A magical experience for just one night during our stay in the Emirates!

I loved:

• Easily accessible desert experience, only one hour away from Dubai!
• Magnificent Bedouin Suite with a fantastic private pool in a breathtaking setting!
• Numerous activities for exploring the desert nearby

I disliked:

• Organizational problems: Transfers, activities… for the price, I expect much better organization!

Practical Information

• More information available on their website
• Bedouin Suite starting at € 1600 per night in March 2019, including the suite, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and activities

Thank you Al Maha for the invitation to explore their establishment.Of course, the content of this blogpost was left entirely up to me!

Do you know Al Maha? Feel free to send me your comments or questions by posting them on social media.

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