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The Cranley Report®: Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa
Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai
Hotel Address
Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa
P.O. Box 7631
Dubai
United Arab Emirates.
Contact Details
Telephone: +971 4 303 4222
Fax: +971 4 343 9696
E-mail
Email hotel's reservation Desk
Cranley Rating

Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa: Click to magnify
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Hotel Summary
Category Resort Hotel
Awards Won Conde Nast Travelllers UK Gold list 2006
Hotel Opened
 1999
Refurbishment In 2004, ten new Bedouin Suites were added.
Cranley Summary
The Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa is an exclusive oasis set in a two hundred and twenty-five square kilometre desert nature conservation reserve. The area is a unique place of contrast with indigenous flora and fauna and unobstructed views of the distant Hajar Mountains, the surrounding red dunes and the dramatic desert terrain. Desert wildlife abounds with Arabian Oryx and Gazelles all wandering freely. The resort is a forty-five minute drive from Dubai, designed to resemble a Bedouin encampment and epitomises the true spirit of Arabia by offering a unique experience of the desert way of life. Forty secluded and individually designed suites have modern amenities and are decorated with handcrafted furnishings and antiques. Each suite has its own private plunge pool and a wooden veranda. International chefs ensure guests enjoy the highest culinary standards. Guests may choose to dine in the relaxed informality of Al Diwaan restaurant and its alfresco veranda or a full three course dinner of the guest’s choice, served on their own private veranda. All meals are included in the package price. Staying in-touch with the outside world is simple with the Business Centre and Al Majlis Boardroom with its state-of-the-art facilities. The resorts oasis style pool is discreetly concealed amidst the dunes near the main building. The Timeless Spa and Leisure Centre offers a fully equipped gym, an array of relaxation and beauty treatments and mixed sauna and steam rooms. Complimentary activities are available for guests to experience the desert way of life and enjoy a number of traditional Arab pursuits under the instruction of a fully trained personal guide. The most popular are falconry, camel treks, horse riding, and archery and four-wheel-drive safaris. A falcon show gives guests the opportunity to watch the falcon in flight and to gain an understanding of how falcons are cared for and survive in their habitat. Of particular interest are the desert walks, led by qualified conservationists and provide guests with a hands-on understanding of the delicate balance of the desert’s ecosystem. Potential guests should note that children under 12 are not allowed.
Location & Layout
Location Description
The Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa is set in the heart of a two hundred and twenty-five square kilometre desert nature conservation reserve framed by the distant Hajar Mountains. The ecotourism resort offers guests a unique heritage desert experience with its wide open plains filled with indigenous flora and fauna and is refuge to endangered wildlife such as the Desert Lark and Arabian Oryx. Located off the Dubai-Al Ain highway, the resort lies sixty-five kilometres southeast of Dubai and is approximately a forty-five minute drive from the city.
Airports
Distance
 70 km
Airport Transfers
 The hotel will arrange private transfers on request from any point in Dubai to Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa at a charge. (Maximum of three persons per four by four vehicle.) Transfers are complimentary from Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa security gate to the hotel. Taxis can be arranged at a cost of approximately dhs 175 from Dubai to the resort.
Cities and Sights
Distance
 65 km
City/Sight Transfers
 Taxi.
The hotel will arrange private transfers on request at a charge with a maximum of three persons per four by four vehicle.
Transfers are complimentary from the hotel to the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa security gate.
Layout Description
Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa sits amidst the red and gold sand dunes of the Nature Desert Conservation Reserve and stretches over a one kilometre area from one end of the resort to the other. The resort has views to the distant Hajar Mountains on a clear day. Guests enter the two storey main building through large wooden doors. This leads into the main lobby area with its high carved wooden-beamed ceilings and marble and stone clad floors. Walking to the centre of the lobby lounge and to the left, guests check in with a dedicated guest relations co-ordinator in one of the two Majlis (meeting lounges). On the opposite side, the resort's shop and library are found. At the far end of the lounge, on the right hand side, several steps lead down to the lobby bar and its outside terrace which overlooks the waterhole. On the left of the lobby bar entrance is a door leading outside onto another terrace with steps leading down to Al Diwaan Restaurant and several furnished terrace areas. The forty intimate suites are individually arranged over the central part of the resort around the main building. Guests can either walk down paved paths or be transported by open-sided buggies to the suites and the surrounding facilities of the complex
Lobby and Guest Relations
Open Hours
 Twenty-four hours.
Languages Spoken English, Arabic, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Afrikaans.
Payment Methods All major credit cards.
Foreign Exchange Twenty-four hours. All major currencies exchanged.
Taxis Arranged Guest's Relations Co-ordinator will arrange taxis.
Tours Arranged A variety of activities can be arranged including: tours of "The Garden City of Al Ain"; a visit to Hatta, a two hundred year old village at the foot of the Hajar range; a mountain safari to the jagged peaks of the Hajar Mountains; sand-skiing and quad bike riding.
Guest Relations Standard services.
Concierge Services
 Standard services. Each guest at the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa has a dedicated Guest Relations Co-ordinator offering a personalised service.
Medical Facilities Staff are all first aid trained. Doctor on call from Dubai with an approximate call out time of forty minutes according to the hotel. The hotel has a helicopter pad which takes approximately ten minutes for a helicopter to arrive from Dubai according to the hotel.
Parking All cars have to be left undercover at the security gate. Transport is then provided to the main building of the resort. Presidential and Emirate Suite guests are able to come into the resort through a separate entrance with parking facilities outside the suites. For guests with special needs, car parking is allocated outside the main building of the hotel.
Cranley Comment
The lobby, with its cool stone-clad floors and natural light is at the centre of the main building. On entering the main building through large wooden doors, there is a Guest Relations Desk to the left and just past are the ladies’ and men’s majlis areas (lounge/meeting areas). To the right on entering, there is the Gallery shop, library and steps leading down to a bar with a terrace. The central part of the lobby is furnished with tables and comfortable chairs and at the far end, a door leads out to a terrace area leading down to the restaurant and more terrace areas with uninterrupted views out to the desert and the distant Hajar mountains.
Shops & Amenities
Description
The Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa has The Gallery shop which is located adjacent to the lobby in the main building and is open from 09:00 to 21:00 daily.
Cranley Comment
The Gallery is the only shop in the resort and sells gifts to take home including handcrafted furniture, local antiques, Arabian artefacts, rugs, jewellery and resort-branded goods. Also included are the "Timeless Spa" range of face and body treatment products, Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa bathrobes, baseball caps, Islamic art and traditional khanjars. Many of the antiques displayed throughout Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa's public areas and private suites can be purchased through The Gallery which also takes care of worldwide shipping arrangements for products bought at the resort.
Rooms, Suites & Villas
Number of Floors 1
Total Rooms 42
Total Staff 160 Permanent + 40 Casual
Staff per Room 3.8
Check-in Time 14:00
Check-out Time 12:00
Late Checkout Subject to availability.
Smoking Rooms There are no designated non-smoking rooms.
Room Service Twenty-four hours serving light meals from the menu.
Laundry Service Laundry collected before 10:00 will be returned on the same day. After 10:00 laundry will be returned on the following day. Dry cleaning will be returned the next day, provided that collection is before 09:00.
Unique Features Pillow selection - The standard pillows used in suites are allergy-resistant "Mulhdorfer" goose-down filled pillows. Guests also have the following selection to choose from:
Orthopaedic diamond spring
Natural curled feather
Orthopaedic spinal support
Synthetic amicor pure (non-allergenic)
Dunlop latex hard foam (non-allergenic)
Cranley Comment
The Bedouin-inspired all suite accommodation is a sanctuary amid the desert dunes and overlooks the Hajar Mountains in the far distance. Each suite is exceptionally private and stands in its own space with a large wooden veranda and private temperature controlled pool. The suites are decorated in pastel and earthy shades, have tented ceilings and are furnished with hand-crafted furniture, traditional textiles and authentic Arabian and Bedouin ornaments. Light is abundant in all the suites and all have floor-to-ceiling windows with doors leading out to the wooden veranda surrounding the suite and the private swimming pool area.
Type of Room, Views & Facilities
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Bedouin Suites 37

Desert

Temperature-controlled pool 7.5 x 6.5 metres
Wooden deck/veranda
Handcrafted furnishings
Antiques and artefacts
King-size bed
His and hers vanity area
Bvlgari amenities
Minibar
Complimentary water
Tea and coffee making facilities
Satellite television
DVD player
Selection of DVDs available from Guest Relations Co-ordinator
Data ports
Bluetooth
In-room safe
Desk and chair
Wi-Fi (chargeable)
Binoculars
Easel, paper and pastels for drawing
Veranda sun loungers, table and umbrella

 2 adults 75
Cranley Comment
Each Bedouin Suite stands in its own space with a large surrounding wooden veranda, a private temperature controlled pool and offers the utmost in privacy. The entrance hallway leads through to a spacious light and airy bedroom with a comfortable lounge area. All the suites have a tented roof, cool marble floors decorated with richly coloured scatter rugs, floor-to-ceiling windows and doors leading out to the wooden veranda and private pool. From the veranda there are unhindered views across the desert to the distant Hajar Mountains. Each suite is decorated in pastel and earthy shades and has a custom-made king-size bed. The rooms are adorned with handcrafted wooden furnishings, two sofas, a desk and chair, traditional textiles and authentic Arabian and Bedouin ornaments. The spacious en-suite bathroom features a walk-in shower, king-size bath and a "his and hers" vanity area.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Royal Suites 2

Desert

As per Bedouin Suites with the added benefit of:
Larger temperature-controlled pool 13.5 x 7 metres
Two bedrooms
Two bathrooms
Three televisions
Lounge

 4 adults 175
Cranley Comment
Royal Suites have two bedrooms and bathrooms which are decorated and furnished in the same way as the Bedouin Suites. The Royal Suites have a separate lounge area located between the two bedrooms which has comfortable sofas and chairs, a coffee table, handcrafted wooden furnishings, television, desk and chairs. The lounge has a tented roof and is decorated in cool pastel earthy shades. Floor-to-ceiling windows have doors leading out to the furnished wooden veranda surrounding the entire suite and a private swimming pool. The spacious en-suite bathrooms feature a walk-in shower, king-size bath and a "his and hers" vanity area.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Emirate Suite 2

Desert

As per Royal Suites with the added benefit of:
Larger temperature-controlled pool 14 x 6 metres
Lounge with dining facilities
Residential quarters for guests' private staff
Spacious courtyard
Spacious kitchen
Private parking

 6 adults 375
Cranley Comment
The entrance to each Emirate Suite is through a private courtyard with the cool, soothing sound of a water feature. On entering the main suite, there is a spacious dining area with a large table and chairs. Steps lead down to a light and airy lounge which is decorated in cool pastel shades with a wooden ceiling and marble floors and furnished with sofas and chairs in blue and cream shades. Floor-to-ceiling windows have doors leading out to the swimming pool and furnished wooden deck area. The bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms are located at each end of the lounge and dining area. The spacious Emirate Suites have two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms which are decorated and furnished in a similar way to the bedrooms in the Bedouin and Royal Suites. The first bedroom has a king-size bed and the second has twin beds. All the rooms are furnished and decorated to a very high standard and all with the latest up-to-date modern amenities. There is an en-suite bedroom which will sleep two located off the courtyard area and opposite the main suite. This is available for guests' members of staff. Next to the staff bedroom is a fully equipped kitchen which allows for one of the resort's chefs to prepare a meal for private dining or functions held in the suite.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Presidential Suite 1

Desert

As per Emirate Suite with the added benefit of:
Barbecue set-up
Water features in the majlis (lounge area)
Three bedrooms
Two minibars
Plasma television screen in the majlis
Wireless telephone

 8 adults 530
Cranley Comment
The Presidential Suite sits in seclusion with panoramic views over the desert and distant Hajar Mountains. The suite is approached through a private courtyard area. On entering, there is a long wide passageway with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the courtyard seating area. This leads into a dining room decorated with marble floors, a carved wooden ceiling and a large dining table and chairs. One side of the room has arabesque carved wooden screens decorating the walls and looking through to the lounge area. Steps lead down to the spacious lounge which is furnished with comfortable sofas and chairs in cool light coloured fabrics. The lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows with doors leading out onto the large terrace and pool area. Leading off the lounge area, the suite has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master bedroom has a king-size bed, a dressing room and large en-suite bathroom. The two other bedrooms have twin beds and share a bathroom. The bedrooms are all decorated in a similar style to the other suite bedrooms. All the bedrooms have doors leading out to the terrace and pool areas. There is an en-suite single bedroom located off the courtyard area and opposite the main suite. This is available for guests' members of staff. Next to the staff bedroom is a fully equipped kitchen which allows for one of the resort's chefs to prepare a meal for private dining or functions held in the suite.
Restaurants & Cafés
Number of Restaurants
 1
Restaurant Comments
Guests can enjoy the highest culinary standards from international chefs, wherever they choose to dine, from the relaxed informality of Al Diwaan restaurant and its alfresco veranda in the main building, to the intimacy of a meal on the private deck of a guest suite. Private deck dining is subject to availability and does require booking before 15:00. Al Diwaan Restaurant offers a variety of culinary choices ranging from Middle Eastern to Mediterranean. Theme evenings are occasionally arranged including dune dinners and seafood barbecues, featuring Middle Eastern Mezze, Asian specialities and a variety of barbecued meats and seafood. The lounge and its veranda are also an option to enjoy an informal snack or meal. Dune dinners are set in an authentically-styled Bedouin encampment in the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa reserve and offers traditional dishes and live cooking over charcoal fires Arabic coffee and sweet mint tea all enjoyed to the sound of traditional Arabic music. For an evening with a distinct difference the hotel offers a basket of picnic items and a selection of beverages. Set amongst the dunes, your picnic-site, comfortably appointed with carpets and cushions and lit by torches, is a perfect spot from which to absorb the tranquillity of the desert. Your personal field guide will drive you to the site and collect you again at your chosen time. The hotel also offers a twenty-four hour full room service menu.
  Al Diwaan  
     
Restaurant Type Middle Eastern/International
Restaurant Capacity 80 (of which 60 inside and 20 outside)
Opening Times Breakfast 07:00 to 10:00
Lunch 13:00 to 14:30
Dinner 19:30 to 22:00
Dress Codes Casual for breakfast and lunch. Smart/casual for dinner. Gentlemen are requested to wear long trousers, collared shirts and closed shoes at dinner.
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy There are no designated smoking tables in the restaurant. Guests can smoke on the terrace outside.
Children’s Facilities Children under the age of twelve are not permitted in the resort.
Breakfast Options There is a full international buffet breakfast with egg dishes being freshly cooked.
Cranley Comment
Al Diwaan Restaurant meaning "a gathering", is located on the ground floor of the main building. This is the only restaurant in the resort and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The elegant restaurant is decorated with sand coloured walls and pillars throughout and high wooden ceilings. At the far end of the dining room is a small private room seating twelve people which is used for special events such as a private dinner or party. The dining room opens onto a veranda where fine dining is enhanced by the surrounding open landscape. In the informal elegance of Al Diwaan during the evening, guests can choose from a five course table d'hote menu featuring Middle Eastern and international fare as well as developing one's own menu with the restaurant's chefs for a special occasion.
Bars
Number of Bars
 1
  Al Maha Bar and Deck  
     
Bar Type Arabian Bar
Bar Capacity 30 (of which 20 inside and 10 outside)
Opening Times 12:00 until late
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Smoking permitted on the outside deck area.
Admissions Policy Children not allowed.