Versão em português aqui.
Picture yourself driving thru a road in the middle of the desert. No one but you and the dunes. There in the horizon, as far as your eyes can see, you start to sight something like an oasis. Beautiful palm trees and lush greenery mixed with stylish tented camps with their own private pools. Is it a mirage? It could be, but then you realize you are arriving at Al Maha, the most luxurious desert resort of Dubai.
In our recent passage thru the United Emirates, in our trip to Singapore and Bali, with Emirates, we were invited to visit one of the most prestigious hotels of the region. Al Maha is a luxury desert hotel nestled in the middle of Dubai’s desert, about 45 minutes from the city centre. From the main entrance to the pool, you literally feel you are in a peaceful oasis, all surrounded by dunes, palm trees and wild animals.
We arrived at afternoon tea time, enriched with fine canapes and red-velvet-like profiteroles. The ambience feels more like an Hernest Hemingway expedition. Old 20’s gives a charming touch to the modern resort with high technology facilities.
We took a quick tour through the beautiful spa and then refreshed by the infinity pool overlooking the desert. Enjoying the sunlight and a warm breeze, we could barely believe what our eyes were seeing: a dozen of camels came by the pool, lying there in front of us.
When the sun slowly started to set by, it was time to ride the camels and begin our gentle ride into the desert, where they were waiting us for a champagne toast. We’ve been to the desert before, but riding a camel was much more genuine and authentic experience. Something we will never forget!
When we returned to the hotel, cold towels and fresh water was gentle given to refresh from the warm summer night in Dubai. We were then leaded to the main restaurant, Al Diwaan. There we experienced a candle-lighted delightful 3-course-menu with the best of international cuisine. Arabic music in the backdrop and bonfire in the terrace gives a magical touch to the ambience, that has kind of a “one thousand nights” atmosphere.
The service is absolutely outstanding. Everyone call you by the name and guests are treated like royalty. Imagine yourself waking up in a place like this. We imagine it so much that we were almost staying for the night.
On our way back to Dubai we were talking about the wonderful experience we had and wondering wether it was a dream or not. Al Maha, we are definitely coming back soon.