markis10

I was lucky enough to visit for dinner with Mr Clark and Joyce a few years back as part of the initial Emirates/Qantas tie up celebrations and saw a fair bit of animal life, specifically a lot of Oryx and a few Caracal as well as some Sand Gazelles.

schley

I wouldn't say this property was in dire need of a facelift, but at it's price point always good to refresh. The food and service are outstanding and being only 42 villas and a main building / spa they can do this work quickly and not have to shut down like some of the large hotels. I look forward to seeing what it becomes after.... great hotel.

yerffej201

Does the hotel have any transportation options, or is a private driver a better deal? Also, how long should I stay? 5 nights with fifth night free seems like a good deal, but kinda long for a desert resort.

yerffej201

Bumping. Read the whole thread again and there are (older) mixed reports of bumpy roads / certain rental cars not allowed in the resort / etc.
From what i understand the regular road only goes so far into the reservation at which point a 4x4 is better. The entrance gate is also somewhere in the middle. Anything sound right?

stargold

Upon arrival at the gate house, we were invited to park at the parking lot next door, and a Land Cruiser took us up to the resort.

Once inside, I didn't think that the roads were so rough that ordinary cars couldn't go in (and certainly saw a number of normal cars parked in front of the resort). But it's really not a big deal one way or the other.

You should call the resort when you set off from Dubai, and they will give you the correct driving instructions. There is a signboard showing the correct exit. Don't follow Google Maps because it will lead you to the wrong exit (or rather, remember to take the next exit from what Google tells you).

I was only there for one night last time and thought it was too short. Five nights will be good if you don't get bored too easily (i.e. happy with a long beach holiday) - otherwise I would recommend 2-3 nights.

Planning to stay for another 1 night in 3 weeks and looking forward to it.

Epicura

Either way to transfer will work out indeed. A 4x4 is not really necessary. Just make sure when driving yourself or taking a regular taxi you have the hotel's driving instructions at hand. Also be aware that most taxi drivers don't know so they also need instructions. IMHO the private transfer is the most convenient and comfortable.

1 night is too short. I am more than happy to spend 5 nights at Al Maha but that's entirely subjective and depends on your personal preferences. If you like to relax, watch the scenery and enjoy the silence, 5 nights is not even enough

stargold

That was the one of the things I found the most remarkable about the resort. I have rarely experienced this kind of silent serenity before, and could just feel myself unwind completely. Absolute bliss.

SeeTheLights

We are heading here in March. For people who have gone before, did you reserve activities in activities in advance or just handle it when you arrived? Thanks

schley

1 night is NOT enough for sure. I think the sweet spot is 3-4 IMO. The activities can be reserved in advance, but many times they have room for whatever overages they experience. The staff is very nice and accomodating. If you are there for a romantic time, it won't be the resorts fault if you don't have romance, for it is awesome for just that.

Like to look at shoulder season to catch a "reasonable rate" which IMO are in the 750-850 range cash price using some of their promos. Also with the points reduction for cat 7's (i think it is still going) at I believe 39k that is a good redemption during high season.

tylerc

Looking at going to this property in February, but it's not super hot weather...are the pools heated??

Starwood Lurker III

Hi tylerc,

The outdoor pool is not heated.

Best Regards,

Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

Epicura

Sorry but this is wrong info. All pools are heated and can achieve up to 30 C.

If you would have specific preferences I would suggest to reach out to Al Maha before your trip. The pools are not covered so it might take some time to attain a certain temperature.

I never had issues regarding a cold pool during my stays anyway.

GUWonder

Delet ed. Wrong prop.

joelfreak

I would say 5 nights is probably pushing it for someone in todays ADD world, but 1 night isn't enough. 3 nights sounds just about right...but trust me when I say that the service and food are beyond amazing. We plan on going back on our next DXB visit.

Epicura

No pun intented but especially people with ADD shoudl consider to stay at least for 5 nights. This is really the kind of resort to make certain people feel reborn.