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

Dubai Desert, Dubai

Virgin rating

The hotel

Set deep in Dubai’s magical dunes and desert landscapes, this luxurious hotel offers Bedouin tent-style suites with first-class facilities and individual swimming pools. It has won numerous awards for its conservation and commitment to its surrounding environment, and guests are given the chance to try traditional activities such as camel trekking, dune drives, horse riding, falconry, archery and guided nature walks to view the stark, beautiful scenery. View the endemic wildlife from the lounge’s outdoor decking while enjoying a cool drink, or simply enjoy a treatment in the state-of-the-art spa.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa

Where is it

Set in 225 km of pristine desert landscape, within an award-winning conservation area. Transfer time from Dubai International Airport: 45 minutes.

Hotel information

42 bedouin-inspired suites, each decorated and furnished in a wonderfully traditional style with quirky touches including authentic regional antiques, and local artefacts. Suites are spacious with air-conditioning, satellite TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-bar*, safe, custom-made king-size beds or twin beds, seating area overlooking the views, roomy bathrooms with walk-in showers, king-size baths and 'his and hers' vanity area. Best of all for absorbing the desert tranquillity and inspirational landscape are the private outdoor decks with deck chairs and temperature controlled pool. Bedouin Suites sleep maximum 3 adults. Full Board includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner inclusive of still water, tea and coffee) at Al Diwaan.

Royal Suites have a private temperature-controlled pool surrounded by a wooden deck, handcrafted furnishings, antiques and artefacts, 2 large bedrooms, custom-made super king-size beds and twin beds, spacious bathrooms featuring a walk-in shower, king-size bath, a 'his and hers' vanity area, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Emirate Suites have a large temperature-controlled pool surrounded by a wooden deck, spacious lounge with dining facilities, residential quarters for guests' private staff (housekeeper, security or chef), spacious courtyard, roomy kitchen, a bottle of champagne and fruit basket on arrival, and a complimentary private deck dining or dune picnic experience per booking per stay, sleeping maximum 5 adults.

Presidential Suites have a large 10x8 meter temperature-controlled pool surrounded by a wooden deck, 3 large bedrooms, 1 with custom-made super king-size bed and 2 with twin beds, extensive kitchen, mini-bar*, champagne and fruits on arrival, private activities including camel trek and sundowners and a complimentary private deck dining and desert picnic experience per booking per stay, sleeping maximum 7 adults.

Larger Royal, Emirates and Presidential Suites with added facilities are available on request.

Al Diwaan restaurant with al fresco veranda. Private dune dinner* (experience for 2 adults). Floating breakfast experience*.

Two  included activities per person per night stay featuring: falconry, archery, wildlife drive, camel trekking, sundowner, nature walk. Horse riding*. Dune drive*. Timeless Spa*.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: Al Maha welcomes guests 10 years old and above.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1991)
  • Very good (135)
  • Average (34)
  • Poor (14)
  • Terrible (23)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Tranquility

Dec 19, 2024 22club58 San Diego, California

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… Read more
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. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating beautiful experience

Dec 10, 2024 MalikaEp Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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
Image of the Tripadvisor rating dine in the desert under the stars

Dec 6, 2024 joe s Altrincham, United Kingdom

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
Image of the Tripadvisor rating SPECIAL,SPECIAL,SPECIAL

Nov 29, 2024 craigf428 Scotland, United Kingdom

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.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Extraordinary stay in a peaceful, relaxing environment, ideal for unwinding.

Nov 14, 2024 Scotchandwhisky Sherbrooke, Canada

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… Read more
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. Read less