Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai (Day 1: Part 1)

As mentioned previously, we had 2 nights and 3 days in Dubai and contemplated on whether spending time in the city or Al Maha. Since this was my wife’s first time in Dubai and/or Middle East – we decided to try Al Maha and I don’t regret it one bit! At the time of booking Al Maha was a Category 7 hotel but now it’s a Category 8 hotel and a standard booking costs 85,000 points. Prior to booking there were some conversations in regards to the points booking excluding benefits such as dining and activities. Luckily when I booked the hotel, points reservation included all meals (including room service – with the exception of alcoholic beverage) as well as two activities per day.

With quick immigration and luggage arriving at carousal earlier than expected (I have no clue why AA/BA or other Western carriers can’t perfect this) but we met our driver at the meeting spot. We booked a hotel car for 300 AED and Monday morning drive was pleasant with no traffic.

It took about an hour from Dubai Airport to the resort. Arriving at Al Maha was a grand sight with almost 20 minute drive on the dirt road into the Dubai Desert Conservation Centre. This is what makes Al Maha so special.

Entrance to the Al Maha Conversation

Upon arriving and entering the main entrance of the resort you are welcomed by the beautiful Bedouin décor and I was welcomed with a fresh smoothie. They tried their best to accommodate my early arrival – however they stated that all the rooms were fully occupied and they will try to give me a room by 11:30AM.


Main entrance with a Marriott "Bonvoy" Welcome

• Room booked: Bedouin Suite, 1 Bedroom Suite, 1 King Private Pool
• Room received: Bedouin Suite, 1 Bedroom Suite, 1 King Private Pool

The check-in was very efficient with a dedicated Elite Member check-in desk at the right corner of the main lobby. The staff recognized my Ambassador benefit and presented me to choose one of the welcome amenities:

• 1,000 Points
• Welcome Gift (Dates)
• Drink Coupons

The main lobby contained a small gift shop, library, bar area with snacks (e.g. coffee, water and etc) as well as seating area overlooking the desert/resort. The Al Diwaan restaurant was downstairs and the spa/main pool was a short ride away.


Peaceful tranquility - at night, the resort lights up the small patch of forest in the middle of conversation

The only restaurant in the resort




Since my room wasn’t ready, my wife and I headed to the main pool to take a quick shower and relax by the pool.


The pool area



A refreshing dip after a long 9 hour flight from HKG

During my golf cart ride to the spa and the pool, I noticed many small gazelles roaming around the property. The drive stated that they are “harmless” but please close your patio/pool door at night since they have a tendency to search for food.

After a much needed shower, refreshment and a quick dip in the pool – it was finally time to check in to my room. All of the 42 rooms in the Al Maha were suites and I got the most basic suite (Bedouin Suite) – which was still a fantastic room.





From the entrance, there is a small hallway that also serve as a desk/storage area for mini-bar snacks, free wine made from dates, table chair, water as well as an espresso machine (well stocked I might add).



Bottled Water plus a abundant supply of Nespresso Capsules

Once you immediately turn right from the small hallway lies the bathroom – its extremely well stocked with Bvlgari bath amenities. The shower pressure was firm and the drain worked perfectly – even in desert weather and conditions





The bed was comfortable King Size bed and was extremely plush – which made sleeping a whole lot easier. Additionally three large closets and a small TV inside one (which we didn’t actually use due to the activity).



Lastly, there as an easel with a proper paper, pastel, and drawing pencil for anyone interested (my wife left a drawing for them before checking out).



My wife's attempt to draw me...

From the bedroom you have a perfect view of the conservation. The patio has a plenty of seating (including a table with 4 chairs as well as 2 lounge chairs) as well as a pool that can be heated.