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The Living Desert:

Al Maha is a sanctuary for man and beast alike, a nature reserve rekindling the surprising life of the desert. The main resort itself takes up less than two per cent of the wild expanse in which it is cradled. Here, as part of the conservation initiative, endangered indigenous animals are being carefully reintroduced into the wild.

Hence you will find yourself part of a unique population: domani and rheem gazelle, scimitar - horned Oryx, the beautiful Arabian Oryx, the rare Arabian fox, the tiny desert hare. It is this diversity of fauna, and the richness of the flora on which it depends, that so surprises visitors, and changes their notions of what the word "desert" entails.

Animals are elusive of course, but the knowledgeable Field Guides will seek them with you on safari, traveling the sands as the Bedouin did, in the long shadows of dawn or dusk. Al Maha promises new experiences for even the most seasoned traveler. Have you ridden high on a camel across haunting desert plains? Have you experienced the solitude of the dunes at sunset? Have you held a falcon and later watched it soar, circle, then fall in a flash for its prey?

You will, at Al Maha. The Hotel's Field Guides will help you with their expert understanding of the terrain, and the techniques they use to master it. How they drive the dunes in a four - wheel drive vehicle how, to get close to shy animals.

Adventure And Discovery:

At Al Maha you'll discover a disappearing way of life. You'll discover the weave of the sands. You'll discover ancient pursuits like archery and ancient places like Hatta and Oman. And, so long as your sense of adventure is alive, you'll discover a little more about yourself.

To stand on the quay of Dubai's famous Creek is to straddle two worlds. Look up at the defiant architecture of the soaring towers, and you know that you know that you are standing in one of the most progressive cities on the planet. Yet reflected, quite literally, in their walls of gleaming glass, rare the sublime wooden dhows that line the Creek - unloading textiles, spics, rice - trading as they have traded for a thousand years.

Al Maha, also, embraces two worlds: the world of comfort, indulgent dinning and private temperature - controlled swimming pools. And, at the same time, a simpler world rooted in the ethics of the Bedouin ways: hospitality, balance and respect for life. This is a world that calls to you from across the centuries. Experience the legend that is Al Maha.

World Legacy Award 2004

Emirates' Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa added to its list of prestigious awards recently by beating off fierce international competition to take the World Legacy Award 2004 (Nature Travel), one of the world's premier conservation accolades.

History

The Legend Of Al Maha:

Old men told of this place where water flowed from a rock, the perpetual spring fed by ancient underground lakes. Birds gathered in the dense trees, gazelle hid from the shimmering heat under matted palms, and occasionally even the hardened, elusive Arabian leopard was seen in the distant mountains.

The place took its name from the proudest of all dune dwellers - the Arabian Oryx. Herds of these spear - horned antelope would appear out of the heat haze - nomadic bands seeking this place of shelter and respite. The people named the oasis after them and "Al Maha" came to be known far and wide. But even amongst the tribes of the desert, the selfishness of one man prevailed. Wishing to control the life around him he built his camp around the water, used it selfishly, and diverted its course.

The desert is an unforgiving place to those who cannot read its signs or understand its subtle warnings. Without the grasses or the palms, the vengeful sands first covered the dry rock pools, then smothered the trees, and finally buried the encampment which had strangled the flow of water from the rock.

Through generations, young adventures were lost in the shifting sea of sand as they searched for signs of Al Maha. many trekked over the buried place, only to fall next to their exhausted camels, a noble fate at the end of a fruitless journey.

Confounded by the disobedience of his hunting falcon, a young man followed his bird's movements over the dunes, only to see it perched on a thin branch protruding through the sand. Approaching the bird, anger turned to curiosity at seeing small green leaves sprouting from a slender twig. Knowing this as a sure sign of water below, the youth and his brothers returned to the same place and dug the layers of time away. Finally, removing a stout wedge from a crack in a rocky ledge, water bubbled out and the brothers watched as the thin stream washed the sands away, revealing the ancient walls of the camp. 

The brothers settled alongside the pools, vowing that never again would any man or animal of the desert be denied the source of all life. Palms and once - lost wild vegetation flourished around the ancient walls and rocky pools. The wild animals returned and the surest sign of the rebirth of this fabled place, was the return of the Arabian Oryx, after which the oasis had always be named.

The Al Maha Desert resort, Dubai is an idyllic, exclusive oasis set within a 25-square kilometre conservation wildlife reserve.

AL DIWAAN
Dine in sophisticated style at our signature Al Diwaan Fine Dining Restaurant, alfresco on the veranda with breathtaking views of the reserve, or in the privacy of your Suite. The choice is yours. Al Diwaan offers international and indegenous delicacies from breakfast, lunch and dinner.

HAJAR TERRACE BAR
Just a level above Al Diwaan Restaurant, is the Hajar Terrace Bar with loungers and cocktail tables. Enjoy exciting cocktails and beverages at the bar while enjoying breathtaking views of the reserve.

Hours: Daily 12:30 PM - 10:00 PM

DUNE DINING
A magical experience of fine dining under the Arabian sky at night. This is a “picnic” on a very grand scale!

The food and the ambience, created by flame torches, Persian carpets and starched white linen, combine to present you with breathtaking memories.

DECK & IN SUITE DINING
Deck Dining
Relax in the intimacy of a romantic meal, tailor made exactly to your requirements and served on your private deck outside your Suite. We will happily prepare any special meal requests that you may have.

In Suite Dining
Recharge in the comfort of your own secluded space and unwind with a romantic meal, freshly prepared to suit your own distinctive tastes and served in privacy.

So Good To Arrive:

Arriving at Al Maha is an experience rooted in the traditions of Arab hospitality, and as far away as you can get from the concept of "checking in".

You will be greeted personally by your own dedicated hostess in the cool of the spacious central building's maze of delightful books, daily magazines and newspapers, antiques and informated artworks, the ladies and men's majlis (traditional Arabic meeting place), with their fascinating antiques. The lounge and veranda, where you can take tea in the afternoon, or sit and watch the animals at the nearby waterhole through field glasses at dusk.

But your arrival is just a beginning, and or warm hospitality extends beyond a welcome. Al Maha's hand - picked service team is drawn from over 15 countries, speaks a total of over 20 languages but is focused on just a single objective: to ensure that your stay is everything you wish it to be - and more.

• Bar
• Lounge
• Concierge service
• Staff / suite ratio 3:1
• Fax, internet, e-mail service
• Currency exchange facilities
• Library (converts to a boardroom)
• Two majlis (traditional Arabic meeting area)
• Complimentary laundry and pressing service
• In - room private check - in and personal check - out
• The Gallery offering accessories, local antiques, artefacts
• Main dining room (combination of Mediterranean / Arabic cuisine) with private dining annex

Sports & Leisure Facilities:

• Falconry
• Archery
• Horse riding
• Camel trekking 
• Swimming pool
• Guided desert safaris
• Shopping - "The Gallery" - branded clothing, handmade crafts, original Arabian jewellery, locally sourced antiques and art with shipment to anywhere easily arranged

BEDOUIN SUITE

The Bedouin Suites are lavishly decorated with authentic and rare handcrafted Arabian furnishings, antiques and artefacts. There are thoughtful touches such as binoculars, an easel with art materials and a writing desk, should your creative instincts be inspired by the landscape and the wildlife you spot.  

Bedouin jars for water and dates can be found at most doorways and in the beds that line the tiny road between the suites; chests sit at the end of every bed and ornate Omani doors in heavy wood are framed in glass tables.

Each private deck with sun loungers provides a secluded area for relaxing quietly or as an intimate setting for a personalised dining experience (simply select from the in-Suite menu and staff will appear to prepare your table for breakfast, lunch or dinner).  The private infinity pool spills out into a never ending vista of dramatic desert views. The Suites key features are:

Private temperature-controlled swimming pool (5 x 4 metres) surrounded by a wooden deck
Handcrafted furnishings, antiques and artefacts
Custom-made super king-size bed
Spacious bathroom featuring a walk-in shower, king-size bath, a 'his and hers' vanity area

ROYAL SUITE

The Royal Suite combines some of the richest living experiences with an authentic ambience that is inspired by the many Arabian artefacts and antiques.

A spacious lounge and two luxurious bedrooms, each with a custom-made super king-size bed and handcrafted furnishings, offer a relaxing experience in total comfort.   The wide terrace with sun loungers, private deck dining area and sizeable pool present expansive views onto the open desert. Indigenous wildlife, such as gazelle or Arabian oryx, will frequently be seen grazing near the Suites.  

Together with exemplary facilities, attentive service and delightfully quiet surroundings, the Royal Suites offer an exclusive experience and a place of restful solace. The key Royal Suite features are:

Private temperature-controlled swimming pool (7x 5 metres) surrounded by a wooden deck
Handcrafted furnishings, antiques and artefacts
Two large bedrooms
Custom-made super king-size beds
Spacious bathrooms featuring a walk-in shower, king-size bath, a 'his and hers' vanity area

EMIRATES SUITE

The Emirates Suite is set in a secluded spot away from the main part of the Resort, offering luxurious comfort and privacy in equal measures.  

Emirates Suites each have two large bedrooms, with custom-made super king-size beds and handcrafted furnishings.  A spacious lounge incorporates a dining area and outside there is a courtyard and deck around the pool for alfresco dining and relaxation.

Residential quarters for your private staff and a kitchen of generous proportions allow a degree of autonomy away from the main Resort. The Emirates Suites provide a stylish haven to relax in the company of friends and family or for luxurious entertaining. The key Emirates Suite features are:

Large temperature-controlled swimming pool (12 x 4 metres) surrounded by a wooden deck
Two large bedrooms
Spacious bathrooms featuring a walk-in shower, king-size bath, a 'his and hers' vanity area
Spacious lounge with dining facilities
Residential quarters for guests' private staff (housekeeper, security or chef)
Spacious courtyard
Roomy kitchen

 

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

The Presidential Suite is the finest of all Suites at Al Maha. This Suite has three large bedrooms, each with a custom-made super king-size bed, handcrafted furnishings and an opulent bathroom.  This Suite is designed for guests who want to experience the ultimate in sophistication and personalised service.

The sound of gently running water from the decorative features in the inviting majlis creates a calming ambience throughout, enhanced by the beautiful Arabian antiques and artefacts on display. With every luxury and extravagance catered for, including quarters for your own staff, the Presidential Suite is the perfect place to relax or entertain in splendour. The key feature of the Presidential Suite are:

Large temperature-controlled swimming pool (10 x 8 metres) surrounded by a wooden deck
Three large bedrooms, two with custom-made super king-size beds and one with twin beds
Spacious bathrooms featuring a walk-in shower, king-size bath, a 'his and hers' vanity area
Spacious lounge with dining facilities & residential quarters for guests' private staff (housekeeper, security or chef)
Spacious courtyard & extensive kitchen
Complimentary Minibar, Champagne, fruits 60 mins Spa treament per guest, private activities including Camel Trek & Sundowners, Private Deck Dining &  Desert Picnic
Barbecue Setup

Amenities:

• WiFi
• Breakfast
• Spa/Fitness
• Family room
• Butler service
• Flat Screen Television
• In-room safe