It needs little introduction because its greatest ambassadors are those who have already had the pleasure of enjoying Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa - a unique, desert experience, and a true gem of the Dubai-based Emirates Group.
Some 35 per cent of its guests are repeat visitors or referrals, exploring service on a higher plane in this environmentally-sensitive desert paradise, which now features among Condé Nast Traveller's leading list of hotels.
The resort's accolades extend far beyond its product offerings to include the design of the sanctuary itself and efforts to preserve and protect the intriguing desert eco-system.
Al Maha nestles within the 225-square-kilometre Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), one of the largest formally protected conservation reserves in the Gulf, but just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport.
Approaching the low-lying retreat in four-wheel drive vehicles, there is a true sense of escapism and earthiness in this therapeutic, remote settlement - where time stands still as the rest of the world scurries between deadlines and appointments.
To help preserve that timeless feel, the resort does not accept day visitors, so in-house guests can be the sole focus of the staff - three of whom look after each of the Bedouin-themed suites. Each suite comes with a private swimming pool, a touch that speaks volumes about the exclusivity of Emirates Hotels & Resorts' flagship project.
Dubai's conservation
Dubai's wildlife conservation efforts started way back in the 1960s, but the concept of desert conservation took off in 1997, when Emirates Airline embarked on a journey to create a truly resort destination and Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa was born.
The aim was to create a facility of the highest standards that opened up the experiences of Arabia and the desert.
In collaboration with the government of Dubai, Emirates conducted detailed research which led to the discovery of a site that encompassed the full range of desert habitats indigenous to the region.
Based on the expansive and the diversity of habitat, the 27-kilometre area on which Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa stands today, was officially allocated to Emirates by the government.
In 1999, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa opened its doors to its first guests, receiving almost immediate worldwide acclaim.
In September the same year, 6,200 indigenous trees, shrubs, and grasses were planted within Al Maha's reserve area - creating national assets for future generations.
Supported by continuous irrigation, these plants have now been established, providing food and shelter for a wide variety of animals, from gazelles to hedgehogs.
The area has also attracted many more migratory birds, like the Lappet-faced vulture, and Saker Falcons, helping wildlife to truly flourish.
The DDCR, which operates as a national park, currently has the largest, free-roaming herd of Arabian Oryx and a small group of the highly endangered Scimitar-horned Oryx.
In the nine years since it was formed, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa has succeeded in creating an awesome example of how the hotel industry can positively impact its environment, while promoting the highest environmental management standards.
The re-introduction of endangered wildlife and flora has enhanced the tourist experience, as the demand for nature-conscious tourism increases.
Visitors can go on fascinating tours to experience Arabian wildlife and feast on traditional Middle Eastern dinners in a relaxing Bedouin encampment.
Arabic music, Arabic coffee, Moroccan sweet mint tea and shisha pipes complete a truly memorable experience.
The boutique settlement
The 42-Suite Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is among Condé Nast Traveller's leading list of hotels.
The resort's individually designed suites reflect conventional Bedouin architecture with a contemporary feel. They incorporate modern-day comforts, but house their own unique artwork, hand-crafted furniture, rugs and carpets. Well separated to guarantee privacy, each suite has the delight of its own temperature-controlled swimming pool and outdoor deck, offering panoramic views of the Hajar mountains and the surrounding nature reserve.
Guests can enjoy dining in the resort's gourmet restaurant, which offers a mix of Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine.
If guests prefer they can be served privately in their suite. Another alternative is to have a romantic dinner at an elegantly set table amid the magical atmosphere of the dunes.
Guests enjoy top quality personalised service, a world-class Spa - increasingly recognised for its unique product and treatment ranges and numerous desert activities that explore one of the world's most romantic and striking landscapes.
Falconry, camel treks, archery, horse riding, four-wheel drive safaris and desert walks, led by qualified field guides are among the favourite activities.
Emirates Hotels & Resorts is investing in similar projects including the Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in Australia, and Cap Ternay Resort & Spa on the island of Mahe in the Seychelles. The Emirates Group strongly believes that investment in preserving the location and surroundings add a greater asset value to the hotel business.
How to get there
From Malta, travellers can fly to Dubai on Emirates Airline. Emirates operates five flights a week to Dubai with a stop-over in Cyprus, using a Boeing 777-300. Premium Class passengers can also benefit from the chauffeur-drive service in Malta and in Dubai.
• Further information or reservations at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa can be made at Emirates Sales Office at Malta International Airport, by phone on 2557 7255 or from Emirates Holidays: www.emiratesholidays.com
Some 35 per cent of its guests are repeat visitors or referrals, exploring service on a higher plane in this environmentally-sensitive desert paradise, which now features among Condé Nast Traveller's leading list of hotels.
The resort's accolades extend far beyond its product offerings to include the design of the sanctuary itself and efforts to preserve and protect the intriguing desert eco-system.
Al Maha nestles within the 225-square-kilometre Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), one of the largest formally protected conservation reserves in the Gulf, but just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport.
Approaching the low-lying retreat in four-wheel drive vehicles, there is a true sense of escapism and earthiness in this therapeutic, remote settlement - where time stands still as the rest of the world scurries between deadlines and appointments.
To help preserve that timeless feel, the resort does not accept day visitors, so in-house guests can be the sole focus of the staff - three of whom look after each of the Bedouin-themed suites. Each suite comes with a private swimming pool, a touch that speaks volumes about the exclusivity of Emirates Hotels & Resorts' flagship project.
Dubai's conservation
Dubai's wildlife conservation efforts started way back in the 1960s, but the concept of desert conservation took off in 1997, when Emirates Airline embarked on a journey to create a truly resort destination and Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa was born.
The aim was to create a facility of the highest standards that opened up the experiences of Arabia and the desert.
In collaboration with the government of Dubai, Emirates conducted detailed research which led to the discovery of a site that encompassed the full range of desert habitats indigenous to the region.
Based on the expansive and the diversity of habitat, the 27-kilometre area on which Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa stands today, was officially allocated to Emirates by the government.
In 1999, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa opened its doors to its first guests, receiving almost immediate worldwide acclaim.
In September the same year, 6,200 indigenous trees, shrubs, and grasses were planted within Al Maha's reserve area - creating national assets for future generations.
Supported by continuous irrigation, these plants have now been established, providing food and shelter for a wide variety of animals, from gazelles to hedgehogs.
The area has also attracted many more migratory birds, like the Lappet-faced vulture, and Saker Falcons, helping wildlife to truly flourish.
The DDCR, which operates as a national park, currently has the largest, free-roaming herd of Arabian Oryx and a small group of the highly endangered Scimitar-horned Oryx.
In the nine years since it was formed, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa has succeeded in creating an awesome example of how the hotel industry can positively impact its environment, while promoting the highest environmental management standards.
The re-introduction of endangered wildlife and flora has enhanced the tourist experience, as the demand for nature-conscious tourism increases.
Visitors can go on fascinating tours to experience Arabian wildlife and feast on traditional Middle Eastern dinners in a relaxing Bedouin encampment.
Arabic music, Arabic coffee, Moroccan sweet mint tea and shisha pipes complete a truly memorable experience.
The boutique settlement
The 42-Suite Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is among Condé Nast Traveller's leading list of hotels.
The resort's individually designed suites reflect conventional Bedouin architecture with a contemporary feel. They incorporate modern-day comforts, but house their own unique artwork, hand-crafted furniture, rugs and carpets. Well separated to guarantee privacy, each suite has the delight of its own temperature-controlled swimming pool and outdoor deck, offering panoramic views of the Hajar mountains and the surrounding nature reserve.
Guests can enjoy dining in the resort's gourmet restaurant, which offers a mix of Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine.
If guests prefer they can be served privately in their suite. Another alternative is to have a romantic dinner at an elegantly set table amid the magical atmosphere of the dunes.
Guests enjoy top quality personalised service, a world-class Spa - increasingly recognised for its unique product and treatment ranges and numerous desert activities that explore one of the world's most romantic and striking landscapes.
Falconry, camel treks, archery, horse riding, four-wheel drive safaris and desert walks, led by qualified field guides are among the favourite activities.
Emirates Hotels & Resorts is investing in similar projects including the Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in Australia, and Cap Ternay Resort & Spa on the island of Mahe in the Seychelles. The Emirates Group strongly believes that investment in preserving the location and surroundings add a greater asset value to the hotel business.
How to get there
From Malta, travellers can fly to Dubai on Emirates Airline. Emirates operates five flights a week to Dubai with a stop-over in Cyprus, using a Boeing 777-300. Premium Class passengers can also benefit from the chauffeur-drive service in Malta and in Dubai.
• Further information or reservations at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa can be made at Emirates Sales Office at Malta International Airport, by phone on 2557 7255 or from Emirates Holidays: www.emiratesholidays.com