Dec 12, 2018, 6:51 am
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai [Master Thread]
Jan 27, 2017, 11:57 pm
#121
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: AUH
Posts: 8,267
Uber is banned in Abu Dhabi so you will not be able to get a car when you arrive at AUH. There is another app alternative called Careem which works in Abu Dhabi, but haven't tried it.
You are certainly unlikely to be able to call an Uber from Al Maha.
Let me know if anyone needs a driver recommendation. I have a chap who I have used a number of times (and recommended to other FTers) and has been very reliable.
You are certainly unlikely to be able to call an Uber from Al Maha.
Let me know if anyone needs a driver recommendation. I have a chap who I have used a number of times (and recommended to other FTers) and has been very reliable.
Jan 29, 2017, 5:21 am
#123
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: AUH
Posts: 8,267
PM Sent.
Car rental - well, it just depends on what sort of fellow drivers' driving standard you're used to. A busy evening on the highway up to Dubai can be a real eye-opening experience, if you normally drive in a sensible country!
Car rental - well, it just depends on what sort of fellow drivers' driving standard you're used to. A busy evening on the highway up to Dubai can be a real eye-opening experience, if you normally drive in a sensible country!
Feb 20, 2017, 8:18 am
#124
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Malibu, CA
Programs: AA CK / Marriott Worthless Ambassador
Posts: 1,158
Trip Report
This is certainly a unique place. You wont find anything else like it in the SPG portfolio. This is kind of an African Safari without the animals, which of course is a big miss, but you go here for the natural privacy -- and if peace and quiet is what you're seeking than this is the place.
Prepare for a rugged drive out into the desert. It is on a natural land preserve with a few local animals that just wander around, which is cool. The bungalows are Bedouin style and while trying to be authentic, they do seem a bit dated and musty. Feels more B&B than hotel, for better or worse. Everything just seemed old and worn down. It is nice to have a private patio with a plunge pool. Again, you can sit on your patio and have true quiet and nature, which can be a nice escape.
Our biggest disappointment were the guides/rangers. Upon check in you are assigned a guide and it seems like a personal park ranger - which is cool. But for the most part all of the guides seemed bored and uninterested. They didn't do much guiding at all. Having enthusiastic guides probably would have made a big difference.
You are promised your rate includes two activities, and we booked Horseback Riding and Desert Jeep Tour both of which, surprise, have additional $70 charges a person??? This certainly felt like a bait and switch. My SPG Ambasador eventually sorted this out.
Our activities:
Camel Treck: Very cool, a slow walk through the dunes. What was disappointing is you go with the guides, but they dont say a word or tell you anything about the local area. Our guides just looked bored the whole time-- like they didn't even want to be there.
Falconry: This was actually very cool. You can hold and feed a falcon -- and watch them fly up close. Again, pretty indifferent guide staff, but if you ask them questions they have to talk.
Horseback Ride: You must have some experience, but a fun ride through the desert.
The food was surprisingly good for an all-inclusive resort. Many items to choose from and the staff was willing to accommodate any needs. Alcohol is available for a charge.
The spa was very old and disappointing. When we got there they told us the Spa was all booked for two days (one of us got in because of a cancellation). But seems to me they should contact us ahead of time and let us know we need to book a spa for our stay. Better for them to be proactive and let guests know to plan ahead. Though facilities were old.
Overall this is a very unique place. A cool respite from the everyday. But not sure how i could spend more than two days here without getting very bored.
Prepare for a rugged drive out into the desert. It is on a natural land preserve with a few local animals that just wander around, which is cool. The bungalows are Bedouin style and while trying to be authentic, they do seem a bit dated and musty. Feels more B&B than hotel, for better or worse. Everything just seemed old and worn down. It is nice to have a private patio with a plunge pool. Again, you can sit on your patio and have true quiet and nature, which can be a nice escape.
Our biggest disappointment were the guides/rangers. Upon check in you are assigned a guide and it seems like a personal park ranger - which is cool. But for the most part all of the guides seemed bored and uninterested. They didn't do much guiding at all. Having enthusiastic guides probably would have made a big difference.
You are promised your rate includes two activities, and we booked Horseback Riding and Desert Jeep Tour both of which, surprise, have additional $70 charges a person??? This certainly felt like a bait and switch. My SPG Ambasador eventually sorted this out.
Our activities:
Camel Treck: Very cool, a slow walk through the dunes. What was disappointing is you go with the guides, but they dont say a word or tell you anything about the local area. Our guides just looked bored the whole time-- like they didn't even want to be there.
Falconry: This was actually very cool. You can hold and feed a falcon -- and watch them fly up close. Again, pretty indifferent guide staff, but if you ask them questions they have to talk.
Horseback Ride: You must have some experience, but a fun ride through the desert.
The food was surprisingly good for an all-inclusive resort. Many items to choose from and the staff was willing to accommodate any needs. Alcohol is available for a charge.
The spa was very old and disappointing. When we got there they told us the Spa was all booked for two days (one of us got in because of a cancellation). But seems to me they should contact us ahead of time and let us know we need to book a spa for our stay. Better for them to be proactive and let guests know to plan ahead. Though facilities were old.
Overall this is a very unique place. A cool respite from the everyday. But not sure how i could spend more than two days here without getting very bored.
Mar 13, 2017, 5:08 pm
#125
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LTG, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,921
Sorry to bump;
Am I crazy to want to visit in late July/early August when the temperatures will feel like living on Mars?! Thinking of staying for three nights. I am sure the morning activities are do-able but anything else, or even the desert dinner might be a bit too warm.
Am I crazy to want to visit in late July/early August when the temperatures will feel like living on Mars?! Thinking of staying for three nights. I am sure the morning activities are do-able but anything else, or even the desert dinner might be a bit too warm.
Mar 13, 2017, 10:47 pm
#126
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,753
Honestly, I'd say yes. IIn the summer it is just too hot to enjoy sitting outside on the deck of your villa. I remember my first introduction to the heat of the UAE. All I needed to do was exit the terminal and reenter it. I felt as though my lungs were seared with the heat.
Mar 14, 2017, 5:17 am
#127
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LTG, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,921
Honestly, I'd say yes. IIn the summer it is just too hot to enjoy sitting outside on the deck of your villa. I remember my first introduction to the heat of the UAE. All I needed to do was exit the terminal and reenter it. I felt as though my lungs were seared with the heat.
Hope it's better than the one in The Bahamas
Mar 14, 2017, 5:52 am
#128
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
Sorry to bump;
Am I crazy to want to visit in late July/early August when the temperatures will feel like living on Mars?! Thinking of staying for three nights. I am sure the morning activities are do-able but anything else, or even the desert dinner might be a bit too warm.
Am I crazy to want to visit in late July/early August when the temperatures will feel like living on Mars?! Thinking of staying for three nights. I am sure the morning activities are do-able but anything else, or even the desert dinner might be a bit too warm.
Mar 14, 2017, 8:00 am
#129
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Sorry to bump;
Am I crazy to want to visit in late July/early August when the temperatures will feel like living on Mars?! Thinking of staying for three nights. I am sure the morning activities are do-able but anything else, or even the desert dinner might be a bit too warm.
Am I crazy to want to visit in late July/early August when the temperatures will feel like living on Mars?! Thinking of staying for three nights. I am sure the morning activities are do-able but anything else, or even the desert dinner might be a bit too warm.
Our Al Maha host remarked that while summer is indeed very hot, weekends are surprisingly busy with a lot of Dubai residents coming to escape the humidity of the city. LOL. How about leaving the country in the summer?
Mar 14, 2017, 4:57 pm
#130
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LTG, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,921
Thank you all for your consensus that we should avoid going there during the hottest months of the year. For some reason we gravitate towards the UAE as our layover when we travel between Australia and Europe (and I blame either EY F or EK F )
Thanks for the link to your review SFO777 - the dune bashing looks fun and falconry seemed very close up and personal.
)Thanks for the link to your review SFO777 - the dune bashing looks fun and falconry seemed very close up and personal.
Mar 17, 2017, 2:54 pm
#132
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Mar 17, 2017, 3:32 pm
#133
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plt
Posts: 2,607
Oh renting a car is fine. It's no harder than driving in Boston
May 18, 2017, 2:38 am
#135
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Kuwait (KW)
Programs: Qatar Airways, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 2,715
Good news - renovation coming this summer with completion planned by September 2017. Full details in the press blast below. Checked the resort's website and it says the renovations started the first week of this month.
Finally; this place was looking well-worn and dated! Let's see what awaits...
khabah
***
Al Maha, A Luxury Collection to undergo summer refurb
May 18, 2017 - A Luxury Collection, Desert Resort & Spa will undergo a comprehensive renovation and reconstruction programme scheduled for the summer.
Extensive renovation of the resort will begin in May with the uplifting and refurbishing of its 42 private suites. New fabrics and designs will be incorporated for the re-upholstering of furniture and drapes. Bathroom fittings and tiles as well as technical and lighting features will be upgraded, along with a completely refurbished pool deck area of each suite.
The restaurant, main building and spa will remain fully operational during the refurbishment, and the newly done up areas will be ready to receive guests by September 2017.
The work will be carried out in phases and most of the work will take place inside the suites. All desert activities will remain ongoing as per the original timings.
"Our focus has always been to heighten the guest experience in all areas of the resort. As we undergo the refurbishment, we are extremely mindful not to cause any inconvenience to our in-house guests. We’re confident that our guests will enjoy the updated look and feel of Al Maha when we’re ready in September," said Patrick Antaki, complex general manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah, Fujairah and Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, in a statement.
Source: http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/30...summer-refurb/
Finally; this place was looking well-worn and dated! Let's see what awaits...
khabah
***
Al Maha, A Luxury Collection to undergo summer refurb
May 18, 2017 - A Luxury Collection, Desert Resort & Spa will undergo a comprehensive renovation and reconstruction programme scheduled for the summer.
Extensive renovation of the resort will begin in May with the uplifting and refurbishing of its 42 private suites. New fabrics and designs will be incorporated for the re-upholstering of furniture and drapes. Bathroom fittings and tiles as well as technical and lighting features will be upgraded, along with a completely refurbished pool deck area of each suite.
The restaurant, main building and spa will remain fully operational during the refurbishment, and the newly done up areas will be ready to receive guests by September 2017.
The work will be carried out in phases and most of the work will take place inside the suites. All desert activities will remain ongoing as per the original timings.
"Our focus has always been to heighten the guest experience in all areas of the resort. As we undergo the refurbishment, we are extremely mindful not to cause any inconvenience to our in-house guests. We’re confident that our guests will enjoy the updated look and feel of Al Maha when we’re ready in September," said Patrick Antaki, complex general manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah, Fujairah and Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, in a statement.
Source: http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/30...summer-refurb/