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

This is a stunning desert resort about 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai. The resort is set within an enormous nature reserve and each room is a standalone suite with a small private swimming pool. We were very lucky to be upgraded to the Emirates suite on this occasion which had...

This is a stunning desert resort about 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai. The resort is set within an enormous nature reserve and each room is a standalone suite with a small private swimming pool. We were very lucky to be upgraded to the Emirates suite on this occasion which had two bedrooms and separate kitchenette, living room and dining room. The room was lovely, complete with all the amenities and incredible views over the pool to the desert and mountains beyond. We had regular wildlife passing in front of our suite, including gazelles, oryx and a wide variety of birds. Our stay included three meals - all excellent and enjoyed at the on site restaurant - and two activities of our choice. We were able to pick from a camel trek, dune bashing, nature walk, archery and more. There was also complimentary afternoon tea in the main building, which also houses a very good gift shop. There is also a communal swimming pool, gym and spa within the resort. The staff were exceptional throughout. A magical stay all round.

This review will come across as nit picky to some but let's keep in mind that cash rates here for this season are $1,200 minimum (excluding taxes). With that kind of cost comes very high expectations and I just feel like Al Maha is missing the mark, unfortunately. So let's...

This review will come across as nit picky to some but let's keep in mind that cash rates here for this season are $1,200 minimum (excluding taxes). With that kind of cost comes very high expectations and I just feel like Al Maha is missing the mark, unfortunately. So let's start with the check-in. A few days ahead of checking in, I emailed the hotel with my desired list of activities. The hotel responded that they made a notation of my requests. At check-in, nobody was prepared with the list of what I had already sent in. They just showed me a sheet with activities and said I could choose 2 per day. Yes, I already knew that, hence why I emailed. So the personal touch is missing here. After completing the checkin process, we went to lunch. Couple things: 1) The butter given to us was completely frozen. I then asked the waitress for a new one that was regular temp and she seemed confused. She presented with us another frozen butter. I resolved by just placing them under the sun for a few minutes until they melted to my desired level. 2) On the main dish, I ordered a Lobster Roll. This came with sweet potato fries and I asked for that to be switched to regular fries. Waitress said sure. The order came with sweet potato fries. Now let's get to the room: I am a Marriott Gold Member. I understand that's not Platinum but it's still Gold and certainly higher than many guests currently staying at the property. As a reward for me being Gold, I was given one of the villas with the absolute worst views, all the way at the left end. Disappointed! As far as the room goes, I found 2 HUGE wasps in the room within an hour of arrival. One bit my partner on her thumb and actually drew blood. I reported this at the front and there didn't seem to be much concern. They did send a few people to spray for wasps later and they actually found 2 more wasps. So a total of 4 HUGE wasps were in the room. Not great! Now let's get to potentially my biggest gripe, the activities. Listen, when you're spending $1,200/night, you expect a certain level of exclusivity. Unfortunately, that is not being given on the activities. They are all shared activities. What does this mean? They are using large vehicles that have only 4 seats.. almost everyone here is a couple. So one couple is crammed into the back with one guests, while that couple is split up (one in front, one in back). I'm sorry but couples are coming here to spend quality time together, not to be split up, and awkwardly seated next to other guests. Even on the paid activities, you'll notice the hotel is charging per person, rather than per vehicle. So if you want to pay for dune bashing, and another couple also books, you'll be placed together. Imagine being 3 in the back row for dune bashing, sliding all around on each other through the desert dunes. Romantic eh? Tonight, I went for sundowners. The snacks included nuts, dried apricots, dates, and strawberries. The drinks were either sparkling wine or water. No beers! No other options. Folks that is absolutely mad! People are paying $1,200+/night and this resort can't provide a cooler with some beers. I've had way better snacks and drinks on African Safaris. Again, if I was staying at a Holiday Inn Express in the middle of nowhere, would I complain about the above, no! But this is a luxury collection resort that is a bucket list item for many people, at least it has been for me. I've been wanting to stay here for years and I'm disappointed with what I've received so far. So, in conclusion, while the above may sound overly critical to some, I feel it necessary to lay out what folks should and shouldn't expect from Al Maha. For me, it's a definite miss the next time around.

My wife and I had an incredible 3 days here during February. Beautiful, well appointed accommodation with excellent attention to detail. The trip started with staff kindly greeting us and helping check us in, we arrived slightly early so initially used the main pool and facilities whilst our villa was...

My wife and I had an incredible 3 days here during February. Beautiful, well appointed accommodation with excellent attention to detail. The trip started with staff kindly greeting us and helping check us in, we arrived slightly early so initially used the main pool and facilities whilst our villa was made ready. The villas are large with private pools and plenty of space. We enjoyed the various activities offered including morning walks, a falcon show and sunset drive. We have lived in Dubai a number of years however were stunned at what a world away this beautiful conservation zone is just an hour from downtown. The food was top notch and we were completely full throughout, even having to skip dinner one day since we were still recovering from a delicious lunch! Happy hour drinks are fairly priced which made for an enjoyable afternoon reading and relaxing together. Special mention to Eva who made us feel particularly welcome however the team there were universally very impressive. Great holiday and would thoroughly recommend!

Our stay at this luxurious resort was absolutely magical! Winnie greeted us warmly, and all the staff we met were incredibly friendly and helpful. We had a birthday celebration during our one night visit and I was surprised to find a delicious birthday cake waiting for me. The safari and...

Our stay at this luxurious resort was absolutely magical! Winnie greeted us warmly, and all the staff we met were incredibly friendly and helpful. We had a birthday celebration during our one night visit and I was surprised to find a delicious birthday cake waiting for me. The safari and sunset drive activities were both fabulous, and the guides were very knowledgeable about the conservation area and all about the wildlife. Our room was luxurious and had the most amazing private views of the desert with a clear view of all the stars at night we have never seen the sky so clear! This experience will definitely be one we’ll cherish forever!

Visited Al Maha again recently. This trip was very much better than the last one (see earlier review). They recognized my Titanium Elite status and gave me a very nice room. Did the sunset tour in the jeep. The South African guide was very friendly and well informed. Really enjoyed...

Visited Al Maha again recently. This trip was very much better than the last one (see earlier review). They recognized my Titanium Elite status and gave me a very nice room. Did the sunset tour in the jeep. The South African guide was very friendly and well informed. Really enjoyed the candlelight dinner and morning breakfast. I had made a special request for breakfast the night before and they honoured it. Unfortunately the lunch on the next day left much to be desired. The mahi mahi fish was tasteless and the pizza soggy. We barely touched it. While most of the staff were simply amazing, Joel at lunch apparently didn’t get the memo on being friendly and had a bit of an attitude. Unfortunately the lunch was our last experience at the hotel before we checked out soon after, and that was the lasting impression of this otherwise wonderful trip.

We had the pleasure of staying at this wonderful resort for three days between Christmas and New Year's Eve. The stay was absolutely fantastic. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The activities were very nice and lovely. The food was very good. The rooms were very clean and spacious....

We had the pleasure of staying at this wonderful resort for three days between Christmas and New Year's Eve. The stay was absolutely fantastic. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The activities were very nice and lovely. The food was very good. The rooms were very clean and spacious. The view and atmosphere were a dream. Yes, not quite cheap, but a unique experience. We would come back at any time and can absolutely recommend the Al Maha.

Situated a 45 minute drive from the heart of Dubai, this oasis in the desert provided the most memorable 24 hours that I have ever spent in any hotel in the world. The food, service, hotel pool/spa, and desert activities are all first class, but it is the extraordinary suites...

Situated a 45 minute drive from the heart of Dubai, this oasis in the desert provided the most memorable 24 hours that I have ever spent in any hotel in the world. The food, service, hotel pool/spa, and desert activities are all first class, but it is the extraordinary suites (all with good sized pools) and the abundant wildlife that make this an unforgettable experience. I have attached a few photos with the first few showing the breathtaking views across our private pool to the desert beyond. Arabian Oryx are an endangered species with only a 1000 or so left in the wild, but at Al Maha they seem to be numerous and tame enough to forage close to the suite. Mountain Gazelles are even more abundant and appear around every corner of the estate, with frequent visits to the immediate areas around the suites. A magical 24 hours.

Been here 3 times over the years , it’s becoming a bit outdated - and needs a redesign 😃the staff , food and rooms are wanderful ! But nowadays u can probably find something better ! Perfect for solitude and peace and quite . The pool is heavenly !

Dear Al-Maha team, I would like to thank you for yet another wonderful stay that I experienced with my wife at the end of last October. Every moment was magical; you assigned us the room we requested and pampered us as always! I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks...

Dear Al-Maha team, I would like to thank you for yet another wonderful stay that I experienced with my wife at the end of last October. Every moment was magical; you assigned us the room we requested and pampered us as always! I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the front desk and housekeeping staff for their dedication and flexibility in accommodating every request, and to the entire kitchen team, masterfully led by Chef Piotr and his deputy Peter: they turned every dinner into a delicious symphony of flavors and aromas. Infinite gratitude to Prakash, who runs the restaurant with great skill, and to all the service staff, including Tracy, Chandru, Rémy, Anold, Joel, and Swandeli: you are fantastic! To all of you, our best wishes for a 2025 full of health, success and joy. See you soon! Marco & Sarah

Spending three nights at Al Maha was a tranquil interlude of outstanding hospitality and service. One addition would have made it an impeccable experience - heating in the dining room. One of the days was really cold and we had foolishly forgotten that in December and January the local weather...

Spending three nights at Al Maha was a tranquil interlude of outstanding hospitality and service. One addition would have made it an impeccable experience - heating in the dining room. One of the days was really cold and we had foolishly forgotten that in December and January the local weather can be very cold in the daytime, let alone the remainder of the year when the desert cools rapidly at night. That one dinner was a frigid experience, without heat, and speculation as to whether it was colder inside than outside. Other than that all was as close to perfect as one can imagine. The ever-smiling staff were efficient and friendly, offering the highest standard of service. The cuisine was exemplary with a broad menu of well sourced, tastefully prepared and artfully presented choices. The suites were equipped with every imaginable amenity and the beds were comfortable and sleep-promoting. The activity schedule was fun, enjoyable and educational - although one should carefully assess any mobility limitations when planning. As might be expected the price of wine and beverages was on the very high end but the cocktails prepared by the award-winning senior bartender were creative and a unique experience. Maybe that is the word - Al Maha is a unique experience combining locality, ambiance, a well-trained staff, and tranquility.

not my first time but glad that hotel is aging gracefully BUT service and quality NOT, was best weekend stay with horseriding experience , always will be happy to return! too much food offered :)) The villa and communal areas beautiful , we had great stay and certainly will retun again

we dined in the desert under candlelight it was amazing we were visited by a wild gazelle..the food and service were excellent .we needed some physical assistance and the staff were terrific fellow diners looked very happy it was about drive from Jumeirah beach a unique experience....try it

Once again thank you so much to the special people in a special place with special animals. Too many people to mention, but lovely to see Dushan has changed departments and is now a great asset to the field guide team. You all make us feel so special, and oh...

Once again thank you so much to the special people in a special place with special animals. Too many people to mention, but lovely to see Dushan has changed departments and is now a great asset to the field guide team. You all make us feel so special, and oh that amazing food. We cannot wait to return and would recommend this property to everyone.

Most of the staff are dedicated and attentive. The food was exceptional, except for dinner, as the fish and lobster were overcooked. We really enjoyed the excursion to watch the sunset, which was very beautiful. Check-in and check-out hours are from 3 p.m. to 1 p.m. Each stay includes breakfast,...

Most of the staff are dedicated and attentive. The food was exceptional, except for dinner, as the fish and lobster were overcooked. We really enjoyed the excursion to watch the sunset, which was very beautiful. Check-in and check-out hours are from 3 p.m. to 1 p.m. Each stay includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lunch can be taken either on the day of arrival or the next day. It’s worth noting that if you arrive before 3 p.m., you’ll be able to have lunch (the restaurant is open from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and enjoy the facilities until your room is ready. Afternoon tea with small bites is served from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that dinner is only served from 7:30 p.m. No beverage included Menu here. https://qr.mydigimenu.com/717703cd-a94b-457b-bbe5-198989172daf/menu-page?menuID=8586 Getting to the hotel from the airport, and back, can be challenging due to the hotel’s remote location. We booked a transfer with Emirates Transfer for 51 USD per trip. The service was excellent, and the hotel can also arrange a transfer if needed. Thank you to all the staff for this unforgettable stay.

The staff and food are spectacular. The bread and quality of the food is second to none. My wife and I make an effort to travel at high-end resorts, and the quality of service and amenities, and the facilities, are right there or better than any Ritz or four seasons...

The staff and food are spectacular. The bread and quality of the food is second to none. My wife and I make an effort to travel at high-end resorts, and the quality of service and amenities, and the facilities, are right there or better than any Ritz or four seasons we have visited. If you have a couple of days in Dubai for a Vacation that does not involve the city, this is definitely the best of the bunch!

We recently stayed at Al Maha for the first part of our honeymoon and it was absolutely incredible!! The accommodations are amazing and the staff are so wonderful! We took the sunset camel ride, did the dune driving, and the advanced horseback ridding. While my husband had the time of...

We recently stayed at Al Maha for the first part of our honeymoon and it was absolutely incredible!! The accommodations are amazing and the staff are so wonderful! We took the sunset camel ride, did the dune driving, and the advanced horseback ridding. While my husband had the time of his life dune driving, I had the same experience on horseback. Truly the best sunrise desert ride I could have asked for. The food was also INCREDIBLE. We can't wait to come back again!!

This is a stunning resort within a desert wildlife conservation area about one hour from the centre of Dubai. Each room is a private permanent tent style with a large bedroom, bathroom (including bath and shower) and large outdoor terrace with well sized private pool. There is a gym, spa...

This is a stunning resort within a desert wildlife conservation area about one hour from the centre of Dubai. Each room is a private permanent tent style with a large bedroom, bathroom (including bath and shower) and large outdoor terrace with well sized private pool. There is a gym, spa and resort swimming pool in the resort and one restaurant, which serves each meal of the day. Activities are included within the stay and there is a choice of archery, a hawk display, wildlife walk, camel ride or drive to sundowners and more. There is wildlife everywhere, with oryx and gazelle regularly walking through the outdoor area at our room. It is a truly unique and fantastic experience and the staff were amazing throughout.