Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai

Dubai Desert, Dubai

Virgin rating

The hotel

Set deep in Dubai’s magical dunes and desert landscapes, this luxurious hotel offers Bedouin tent-style suites with first-class facilities and individual swimming pools. It has won numerous awards for its conservation and commitment to its surrounding environment, and guests are given the chance to try traditional activities such as camel trekking, dune drives, horse riding, falconry, archery and guided nature walks to view the stark, beautiful scenery. View the endemic wildlife from the lounge’s outdoor decking while enjoying a cool drink, or simply enjoy a treatment in the state-of-the-art spa.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa

Where is it

Set in 225 km of pristine desert landscape, within an award-winning conservation area. Transfer time from Dubai International Airport: 45 minutes.

Hotel information

42 bedouin-inspired suites, each decorated and furnished in a wonderfully traditional style with quirky touches including authentic regional antiques, and local artefacts. Suites are spacious with air-conditioning, satellite TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-bar*, safe, custom-made king-size beds or twin beds, seating area overlooking the views, roomy bathrooms with walk-in showers, king-size baths and 'his and hers' vanity area. Best of all for absorbing the desert tranquillity and inspirational landscape are the private outdoor decks with deck chairs and temperature controlled pool. Bedouin Suites sleep maximum 3 adults. Full Board includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner inclusive of still water, tea and coffee) at Al Diwaan.

Royal Suites have a private temperature-controlled pool surrounded by a wooden deck, handcrafted furnishings, antiques and artefacts, 2 large bedrooms, custom-made super king-size beds and twin beds, spacious bathrooms featuring a walk-in shower, king-size bath, a 'his and hers' vanity area, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Emirate Suites have a large temperature-controlled pool surrounded by a wooden deck, spacious lounge with dining facilities, residential quarters for guests' private staff (housekeeper, security or chef), spacious courtyard, roomy kitchen, a bottle of champagne and fruit basket on arrival, and a complimentary private deck dining or dune picnic experience per booking per stay, sleeping maximum 5 adults.

Presidential Suites have a large 10x8 meter temperature-controlled pool surrounded by a wooden deck, 3 large bedrooms, 1 with custom-made super king-size bed and 2 with twin beds, extensive kitchen, mini-bar*, champagne and fruits on arrival, private activities including camel trek and sundowners and a complimentary private deck dining and desert picnic experience per booking per stay, sleeping maximum 7 adults.

Larger Royal, Emirates and Presidential Suites with added facilities are available on request.

Al Diwaan restaurant with al fresco veranda. Private dune dinner* (experience for 2 adults). Floating breakfast experience*.

Two  included activities per person per night stay featuring: falconry, archery, wildlife drive, camel trekking, sundowner, nature walk. Horse riding*. Dune drive*. Timeless Spa*.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: Al Maha welcomes guests 10 years old and above.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1999)
  • Very good (136)
  • Average (34)
  • Poor (14)
  • Terrible (23)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful with an asterisk

Jan 23, 2025 T1307MNstevenw

Visited Al Maha again recently. This trip was very much better than the last one (see earlier review). They recognized my Titanium Elite status and gave me a very nice room. Did the sunset tour in the jeep. The South African guide was very friendly and well informed. Really enjoyed the candlelight dinner and morning breakfast. I had made a special… Read more
Visited Al Maha again recently. This trip was very much better than the last one (see earlier review). They recognized my Titanium Elite status and gave me a very nice room. Did the sunset tour in the jeep. The South African guide was very friendly and well informed. Really enjoyed the candlelight dinner and morning breakfast. I had made a special request for breakfast the night before and they honoured it. Unfortunately the lunch on the next day left much to be desired. The mahi mahi fish was tasteless and the pizza soggy. We barely touched it. While most of the staff were simply amazing, Joel at lunch apparently didn’t get the memo on being friendly and had a bit of an attitude. Unfortunately the lunch was our last experience at the hotel before we checked out soon after, and that was the lasting impression of this otherwise wonderful trip. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Like a Fairytale…

Jan 10, 2025 Chiimori

I spend 5 unforgettable nights at this magical desert resort. If you seek peace for your body mind and soul, Al Maha will be your place where you forget everything but maybe find your self. It’s nestled in the middle of the desert, an oasis like it’s written in books, such a peaceful atmosphere combined with the highest and extraordinary… Read more
I spend 5 unforgettable nights at this magical desert resort. If you seek peace for your body mind and soul, Al Maha will be your place where you forget everything but maybe find your self. It’s nestled in the middle of the desert, an oasis like it’s written in books, such a peaceful atmosphere combined with the highest and extraordinary standards. Every moment felt like a dream, from the impeccable service that went above and beyond to the exceptional cuisine who gives you a taste of a symphony of flavors and aromas combined with a views which is simply unmatched, and the experiences offered are truly one of a kind. This destination has redefined luxury. Our morning rides through the desert area, gazing the Mahas and animals around from a horseback will give you a sense of 1001nights… Highly recommend the SPA which offers a wonderful variety to pamper yourself and really feel in harmony. The rooms are unique. To enjoy your breakfast at your terrace facing some cute gezels coming by to join or having a refreshing jump into your private pool… This place is pure magic. Thank you the whole team, who did made this stay so unforgettable. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A truly 5 star experience

Jan 7, 2025 Q5209ILsarahn

We had the most wonderful family Christmas at the incredible Al Maha Resort. The attention to detail was exceptional—from the stunning secluded rooms overlooking the serene desert to the luxurious touches like a huge, comfortable bed and an abundance of fresh towels too many to mention. It was truly a “pinch me” moment! The restaurant offered… Read more
We had the most wonderful family Christmas at the incredible Al Maha Resort. The attention to detail was exceptional—from the stunning secluded rooms overlooking the serene desert to the luxurious touches like a huge, comfortable bed and an abundance of fresh towels too many to mention. It was truly a “pinch me” moment! The restaurant offered some of the best food we’ve ever had—fresh, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. Every member of the team was a credit to the hotel. The staff were friendly, the restaurant team professional and hardworking, and the rooms immaculately maintained. We enjoyed a camel ride at sunset on Christmas Day, which was such a fun and memorable experience. Another highlight was the sunrise horse riding adventure I shared with my daughter. Anais, who looked after us, was fantastic. The horses were exceptional, and riding over the sand dunes as the sun rose was simply breathtaking and unforgettable. We hope to return one day, but in the meantime, I’ll treasure the memories and enjoy my photos! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An extraordinary experience. Everything perfect.

Jan 7, 2025 KNJK978 Konstanz, Germany

We had the pleasure of staying at this wonderful resort for three days between Christmas and New Year's Eve. The stay was absolutely fantastic. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The activities were very nice and lovely. The food was very good. The rooms were very clean and spacious. The view and atmosphere were a dream. Yes, not… Read more
We had the pleasure of staying at this wonderful resort for three days between Christmas and New Year's Eve. The stay was absolutely fantastic. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The activities were very nice and lovely. The food was very good. The rooms were very clean and spacious. The view and atmosphere were a dream. Yes, not quite cheap, but a unique experience. We would come back at any time and can absolutely recommend the Al Maha. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Memorable stay, worth a visit

Jan 5, 2025 meelaravi Bengaluru, India

We stayed for a night in our trip to Dubai. A secluded place in the midst of conservation land, but it’s surely an oasis in the desert once you are in. Spacious room with a compact pool, nice vegetarian options in dinner and breakfast, and enough activities to keep us entertained. Special thanks to Chandru for the hospitality and taking… Read more
We stayed for a night in our trip to Dubai. A secluded place in the midst of conservation land, but it’s surely an oasis in the desert once you are in. Spacious room with a compact pool, nice vegetarian options in dinner and breakfast, and enough activities to keep us entertained. Special thanks to Chandru for the hospitality and taking care of dietary needs. Read less