You’d be surprised that there is a desert oasis near Dubai where you can be pampered but still enjoy watching wildlife against a desert landscape. Book a visit to the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai. DDCR is for short. The resort is located on Al Ain Road in Dubai. This is a natural reserve and resort hotel in the emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It was established in 2002 and covers 5% of the landmass of the country.
It may seem surprising that you can be pampered out in the desert. The main building, which contains both check-in desk and a restaurant, is built like a large tent structure but is actually a permanent building. The building lights up beautifully at night among the orange sand dunes. 
This resort is the perfect place to stay for newlyweds, singles, wedding parties or other groups.
Al Maha Desert Resort, a Sanctuary Away from Home
This resort is hidden away in a desert palm oasis. It’s located within a wildlife and plant conservation area, but you’re still allowed to get out and explore. Many species are preserved and bred here, including the oryx, which seems to be a mythological creature, as not many are left in the wild today. Do borrow those binoculars from the desk of your room, as you’ll be able to watch them from a distance. You’ll also see many gazelles.
The Al Maha Desert Resort aims to provide you with a brief experience of what life was like for the ancient Bedouin people.
The Conservation Land
The Dubai Desert Reserve was the first created in Dubai. With Dubai being rapidly built up, the government recognized the need to conserve the original habitat here. Thus, the Reserve was formed. The Al Maha Resort and Spa is the only resort in the Reserve. The best way to experience the Reserve and the Resort is to book a stay here.
The conservation officers are dedicated to guarding the flora and fauna of the region, as well as the culture and heritage of the Arabian Desert. The people of this region were known as Bedouins.
The tourist flow is controlled, so not just anyone can come here for a visit. This is to protect the delicate ecosystem here. That’s why your best opportunity to see the region is by booking your stay at the resort, which means guaranteed day trips for the guests. (Read ahead about those.)
National Geographic has awarded The World Legacy Award to the Reserve and resort for the best Architecture and environmental design.
Reviews & Awards of Al Maha Desert Resort Dubai
Reviews are excellent for this resort and spa. On their site, they have 96% of guests recommending this hotel, with 4.8 out of 5-star reviews. Guests say that the hotel is a unique and amazing property, and the staff does their best to make you comfortable. You’ll have an excellent sleep and meals, and enjoy excellent facilities in Bedouin-style.
This hotel has won dozens of awards over the years. They remain in the Top 25 Luxury Hotels of the World and the Middle East. They are also one of the Top 25 Hotels for Romance and Service.
The Al Maha Desert Resort has also been Certified by Eco-Luxury. This means that they follow guidelines that protect the environment, by reducing waste and lessening their impact on it.
Getting to Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa
To get to the hotel, it’s a 50-minute drive from downtown Dubai. If you’re traveling from Dubai directly to the resort, follow these instructions. You can take Exit 39 or Interchange 2 from Sheikh Zayed Road. Then follow the signs to the E66 Highway.
Best Accommodations at the Al Maha Desert Resort
Hotel renovations were completed at the end of September 2017, so now is the perfect time to book your room.
Many of the ground floor villas at the back of the hotel open onto a large blue colored pool, with the sand dunes in the distance. You’ll get your own private patios where you can relax after a long day of exploration. The pool is also temperature-controlled for the comfort of the guests.
There are four main types of rooms and suites that you can book here. There is the Bedouin Suite which is smaller and that suits two people. The Royal Suite is perfect for families of 4. The Emirates Suite is larger and fits four people. The Presidential Suite is perfect for honeymooners. It can sleep up to 6 people if you have a larger family.
If you’re not certain which type of room to book, you can choose your room based on a desert view or a private pool and deck view.
Activities at the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa
Each day at the resort there are two daily activities planned. You can join them or do your own thing. They are included in the price of your stay and are available from morning to afternoon, which are the cooler parts of the day. You’ll be accompanied by a field guide who will ensure your safety and enjoyment.
During the cooler parts of the morning, you can enjoy falconry. Handlers will show you these amazing birds, and you may even have the opportunity to hold one too. You can also ride an Arabian horse for a one-hour exploratory activity around the desert. If that’s not to your liking, you can simply take a nature walk in the Arabian desert. Don’t forget to grab those binoculars that Concierge leaves in each room. There are also one hour long fast-paced dune drives that will take you up close to the wildlife.
For afternoon activities you can take a slow-pace wildlife safari drive in an air-conditioned vehicle. You can also take a camel ride, which goes at a leisurely pace for 1.5 hours long. There is an archery course where you can learn this ancient art by a qualified archer. There is also horseback riding in the afternoon.
You can spend the rest of the day at the Timeless Spa for a relaxing experience. The most gifted international spa therapists work here. You can choose from a wide range of wellness, rejuvenation, and beauty therapies. There are different packages based on different cultural practices too.
If you’re visiting with your spouse, you can choose a private massage room for couples. At the spa, there is a hydrotherapy bath, a Rasoul chamber (a type of middle eastern steam room), a jacuzzi, regular steam room, cold plunge pool, sauna, swimming pool, and a fitness center. A massage therapist can also be sent to your room for an in-suite massage. This spa offers the best holistic treatments. It’s open from 8 am to 8 pm.
Events Planning at the Al Maha Desert Resort
The resort has an event site located in a separate building away from the main hotel. This can be booked for weddings, anniversaries, and other special celebrations and group functions.
Essential Hotel Information
There are free parking facilities at the resort. Hotel check-in times start at 2 pm, with checkouts at 12 pm. There is a 24-hour concierge service in case you need something.
Note that only older children over age 10 are allowed at the resort. If you have younger kids you’ll have to choose another resort to stay at.
Note that while alcoholic beverages are allowed to be served at hotels in Dubai that it’s an offense to display public drunkenness. There are also severe penalties for drinking and driving. If you choose to enjoy a drink at the bar, ensure that it’s your lost stop on your itinerary before bedtime.
Dining at the Al Maha Desert Resort
Some guests may choose to spend their entire time at the resort and spa, while others may venture out into the city of Dubai during the day. Whatever you do, you can spend your meals at the Al Diwaan Organic Fine Dining Restaurant.
You can dine on a patio that overlooks the desert. The best time is to do this is while you watch the sunset. You can also order food to be delivered to your suite. You can dine here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are choices from international cuisine, or from indigenous cuisine.
If you’re seeking to have a drink after dinner, you can head to the Terrace Bar that’s just above the restaurant. They have comfortable lounge chairs and cocktail tables. Here you can also enjoy breathtaking views of the reserve.
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Book Your Stay Now
The Al Maha Desert Resort is a popular location for guests who visit Dubai. To avoid disappointment, book your trip as soon as you have your vacation schedule ready. Not only is this a popular destination for wedding parties, but also for anniversaries and other family celebrations.
There is so much to see and do here that you’ll be tempted to just stick around the resort, but you really should get out and see what Dubai is all about too!
