Travel Log: Al Maha Desert Resort, Dubai
17 October
33 years. What a lovely birthday surprise! I would have never thought to land such a big pressie! Al Maha is one of the most prestigious hotels/ resorts in the UAE. It is secluded in the middle of the desert with a view of the Hatta mountains in the distance. I belive there are around 60 chalets, each quite private with own infinity pool and excellent amenities.
The drive started off lovely, until Vincent decided to listen to Bridget (the BMW’s navigation system) instead of his wife and took the wrong turn. Not to worry, as with the 6 star hotel service, we were met at the highway and guided into the reserve. We leave our car at the main gate, then we are transported in 4x4’s to the hotel. Met at the door, with a fruit cocktail and a wet towel, our own guest relations manager and our personal guide to satisfy every need. No desperate need for credit cards and passports like everywhere else- just a drivers license and off we go for a quick tour of the main building.
The hotel has their own taxi service, little golf carts, to take you everywhere. Arriving at the chalet, we were shown around as to all the goodies in the room, then headed straight for lunch (1-is pm). Lovely 3 course buffet (4 if you include soup- which I don’t). After my array of different calamari salads, duck a l’orange and raspberry & white chocolate bread & butter pudding with home made vanilla ice cream, we headed back to the room. We immediately got comfortable, burst open the bubbly and the beer, got into our suits and day-robes and onto the lovely wooden deck by the pool. The water was perfect temperature, the view spectacular. After a relaxing afternoon, we had showers – huge shower heads!- and went to the hotel for our sunset activity: falconry. It was quite interesting and the first time after 8 years in UAE that we learned how they fly the falcons. There was also a huge eagle named Hannibal which seemed to be rather dangerous as we were asked to remain still for the flying display. Whilst all this, we enjoyed the sunset with, off course, more bubbly.
We then headed back to our room, for another quick swim, shower and back to the hotel for dinner. We first had drinks in the bar- upon meeting the executive chef, we got our first round on the house..more bubbly! We were then met by an old friend Cynthia who works there. I had some cosmopolitans before dinner, as a birthday girl should! Dinner was lovely- 5 courses- salad, soup, sorbet..I had quinea fowl and Vince had scallops. Then I got a chocolate birthday cake. We ate on the outside deck, under the stars! It was wonderful!
It was close to 11 pm when we were back in the heated pool, back in the shower..and finally fell asleep (ok, passed out).
18th October
The sunrise was amazing from the view from the bed, over the desert with the back drop of the Hatta mountains. I did open my eyes for a few minutes to enjoy it, but couldn’t get up to take a picture! We got our wake up call at 7am, ready for the next excursion- dune bashing. Well, that was fun, though not recommended on a sensitive tummy and a hung-over head. We got back in time for a huge breakfast..then off to the spa at 10 am for my sea salt full body ( and I mean FULL body) scrub and massage. Vinnie lazed by the pool while the oryx was drinking by him- unfortunately no-one was there to take the classic photo! Then, back to the room again for a swim and shower..and unfortunately it was time for check out and back to reality.
Al Maha is another must in Dubai, though very pricey, it was full board inclusive of room, lunch, brekkie and 5 course dinner (with different options of location). Everything was 5- 6 star class, amazing staff and wonderful experience, especially when unexpected!
