Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai is a private, guest-only oasis nestled among the lush palm groves, emerald canopies and iconic sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Our 5 star hotel offers secluded tranquility and iconic vistas of the sweeping plains and Hajar Mountain massif. Embark on a thrilling 4x4 drive through the dunes or experience the magic of the desert on horseback, enjoy a leisurely camel trek or nature walk. Join a signature desert safari or practice the distinguished arts of archery and falconry. Our luxury hotel offers 42 private villas with swimming pools and stunning views, combining understated elegance with authentic regional antiques, local artifacts, and thoughtful touches.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
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Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai, garners accolades for its exceptional service and tranquil atmosphere, with staff who are frequently commended for their attentiveness. The secluded location offers a peaceful desert escape, celebrated for its immaculate cleanliness and elegant decor.
While some guests mention that the rooms could benefit from updates, the luxurious accommodations with private pools and breathtaking views are admired by many. Although the experience comes with a high price tag, most travelers consider it justified by the resort's amenities and unique offerings.
Location
Secluded
Atmosphere
Tranquil
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Opulent
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I recently had the most amazing stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort. This is an incredible resort with villas spread out amongst the trees overlooking the desert. The villas are cleverly arranged to ensure that none are overlooked and that everyone has privacy. My 1-bedroom villa was beautiful and spacious, with a lovely temperature-controlled pool that just begged to be used. A large number of gazelles graze around the property and were frequently seen around my villa, even coming up to the pool occasionally to drink from it.
Housekeeping was excellent, and on one particularly windy day the maintenance team proactively came round to clean the pool to ensure it could be used.
The food was fantastic, from really lovely breakfasts to three course lunches and dinners. All meals are included in the all inclusive rate, and you can choose to have these in either the restaurant or your villa (note it is a different menu in the restaurant vs room service for dinner).
Staying for three nights I was entitled to up to six complimentary activities. I chose four. The Falcon demonstration was excellent if you don’t mind an early start, and is done just out the back of the restaurant. The Wildlife Drive was very simple and relaxed experience - a drive around to see what animals are about - but was elevated by a very knowledgable guide. The Desert Dune Drive (which was an up charge) was so much fun, providing a wild ride and magnificent views of the dunes, but definitely have breakfast after the drive rather than before it. And finally the Camel Ride was great, ending up at a nice spot to watch the sunset with a drink in hand. Other than the activities - which are mostly early morning or later afternoon - days tend to rotate around meals and relaxing by the pool in your private villa. They also have a large spa (which unfortunately I ran out of time to use) with a larger swimming pool, but I think most people choose to swim in the privacy of their own villa.
The staff, without fail, were amazing - from the restaurant staff, to check in, housekeeping, buggy drivers and guides. They were friendly but very professional, they remembered your name, and couldn’t do enough for you. I was visiting alone - which could have felt slightly awkward in what is an ideal honeymoon destination - but the staff were great, even bringing me an electronic newspaper to read at breakfast which was a thoughtful touch. Whilst there were lots of couples, there were some families too - however young kids are not allowed for safety reasons so it maintains a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
All in all it was an amazing experience and highly recommended if you want to experience the desert whilst also relaxing. I would recommend staying an absolute minimum of 2 nights, ideally 3 or more. I was so sad to leave and could happily have stayed a couple more.
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Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Most of the staff are dedicated and attentive. The food was exceptional, except for dinner, as the fish and lobster were overcooked.
We really enjoyed the excursion to watch the sunset, which was very beautiful.
Check-in and check-out hours are from 3 p.m. to 1 p.m. Each stay includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lunch can be taken either on the day of arrival or the next day. It’s worth noting that if you arrive before 3 p.m., you’ll be able to have lunch (the restaurant is open from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and enjoy the facilities until your room is ready. Afternoon tea with small bites is served from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that dinner is only served from 7:30 p.m. No beverage included Menu here. https://qr.mydigimenu.com/717703cd-a94b-457b-bbe5-198989172daf/menu-page?menuID=8586
Getting to the hotel from the airport, and back, can be challenging due to the hotel’s remote location. We booked a transfer with Emirates Transfer for 51 USD per trip. The service was excellent, and the hotel can also arrange a transfer if needed.
Thank you to all the staff for this unforgettable stay.
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Book your transfer in advance. Due to the remote location, it can be difficult to get an Uber....
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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This is a stunning desert resort about 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai.
The resort is set within an enormous nature reserve and each room is a standalone suite with a small private swimming pool. We were very lucky to be upgraded to the Emirates suite on this occasion which had two bedrooms and separate kitchenette, living room and dining room. The room was lovely, complete with all the amenities and incredible views over the pool to the desert and mountains beyond.
We had regular wildlife passing in front of our suite, including gazelles, oryx and a wide variety of birds.
Our stay included three meals - all excellent and enjoyed at the on site restaurant - and two activities of our choice. We were able to pick from a camel trek, dune bashing, nature walk, archery and more. There was also complimentary afternoon tea in the main building, which also houses a very good gift shop.
There is also a communal swimming pool, gym and spa within the resort.
The staff were exceptional throughout. A magical stay all round.
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Date of stay: March 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:It’s well worth getting up early to enjoy sunrise over the mountains.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is truly a special hotel that offers a complete different experience in Dubai. You are out in the desert about an hour from the city. It is extremely remote, so make sure you line up some transportation ahead of time. The staff was very friendly and check in went very smoothly. I had been communicating with the hotel days in advance and had requested and an early check in. When we arrived, our room was ready for us, that is ALWAYS a great way to start. The one bedroom villas are beautiful inside with each one having a very private pool. Make sure you ask them to turn up the heater in the pool to your desired temperature before you arrive at the hotel. We used the pool a great deal. We would highly recommend doing the nightly sunset with champagne out in the dunes each night, you can go by comfortable SUV or on the back of a camel. They have numerous other activities depending on how active you want your stay to be.
Two things we were very disappointed in were:
We were celebrating our 40th Wedding Anniversary on this trip, we had asked if we could bring up a special bottle of wine we had brought along to open up with our dinner. When I asked before our trip, they said that would be fine, there may be a corkage fee, but they weren't sure. Before going to dinner, we asked again, they told us it would be $160 US corkage fee! That was absolutely crazy! You can order your full dinner to your room at no extra charge.....there would not be a corkage fee in your room. We were EXTREMELY disappointed by this.
The second thing we were disappointed in; was on the 2nd night we decided to go up to their restaurant and try their 5 Course dinner that was included in our meal plan package. It took horribly long, the service was average at best. We finally had to complain after waiting for 40 minutes for our last course, we were one of the last couples in the restaurant. It wasn't worth the 3 hour experience.
Next time we will just order our dinners to enjoy in the beautiful villa or if the weather is great, on the villa patio, by the pool under the stars.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:We would recommend just enjoying your meals in the Villa. There isn't much going on up in the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Al Maha staff takes good care of us as soon as we arrive, first by valeting our car, unload our luggage, then welcomes us to an isolated room of the main reception for the check in process. We selected our included activities, enjoyed our welcome drinks, then went on our way to our suite.
The suite is unique in the sense that it has a tent-like ceiling, and perhaps the largest oversized king size bed I've ever slept in. Unfortunately the bed although comfortable, is too soft for my personal preference. We loved the chaise in front of the bed for us to sit and take in the view. The bathroom is quite roomy and comfortable. I loved the aesthetic design of the private pool, but there were a lot of bugs inside the pool so we didn't use it at all. It served well as a water source for nearby birds though.
The camel ride was really nice. the guides planned the tour well so by the time we arrived at the spot, the sun is just about to set, and they had a nice reception set up with refreshment and snacks. Back in the reception area during high tea, we tried the camel milk, let's just say it's an aquired taste.
The dining at this property was just out of this world. All the meals we had were amazing, with the dinner under the moonlight, breakfast in the air-conditioned restaurant, and lunch in the suite. Some of my favorites include the Omani Prawn, Al Maha Um Ali, and the Lamb Chops. All 3 locations are extremely romantic, I highly recommend for honeymooners.
Contrary to other reviewers, I personally felt a 1 night stay at Al Maha should suffice, since you really can't do anything outside from 9am to 5pm due to the extreme heat. For most of the day, we stayed in the suite and just relaxed and enjoyed the view, watching the animals come and go. It is a surreal experience to be in the middle of a desert with all the first world luxury available to us.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spending three nights at Al Maha was a tranquil interlude of outstanding hospitality and service. One addition would have made it an impeccable experience - heating in the dining room. One of the days was really cold and we had foolishly forgotten that in December and January the local weather can be very cold in the daytime, let alone the remainder of the year when the desert cools rapidly at night. That one dinner was a frigid experience, without heat, and speculation as to whether it was colder inside than outside. Other than that all was as close to perfect as one can imagine. The ever-smiling staff were efficient and friendly, offering the highest standard of service. The cuisine was exemplary with a broad menu of well sourced, tastefully prepared and artfully presented choices. The suites were equipped with every imaginable amenity and the beds were comfortable and sleep-promoting. The activity schedule was fun, enjoyable and educational - although one should carefully assess any mobility limitations when planning. As might be expected the price of wine and beverages was on the very high end but the cocktails prepared by the award-winning senior bartender were creative and a unique experience. Maybe that is the word - Al Maha is a unique experience combining locality, ambiance, a well-trained staff, and tranquility.
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn 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!
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at this gorgeous place for the first time for two days in May 2024. And we will definitely come again!
We had Suite 6, with a beautiful, open, unobstructed view of the surrounding area. The room and bathroom are big.
We particularly loved the quiet and very private atmosphere.
It is impressive that the staff remembers the guests' names, food preferences and wishes very quickly.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included and the food is very good. Dinner and lunch have several courses, like in a Michelin restaurant.
We really enjoyed dinner at Al Diwaan Restaurant under the stars and surrounded by lanterns and torches. There are several free activities. We enjoyed the camel trip with sundowners so much that we did it twice. We booked the adventurous trip to the dunes soon in the morning (charges apply), we really enjoyed it.
The staff is extremely friendly and accommodating. We would especially like to thank Mansour for his helpfulness on the late checkout. All in all, a luxurious and fantastic stay for people looking for peace and Arabian magic. We are really looking forward to the next visit. Thank you
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Looking for that special place for the perfect getaway? This is it! And it keeps getting better every time! Upon arrival the most hospitable and helpful guest Experience expert Yassmine greeted us with revitalizing welcome cocktails and took efforts care of any reservations and planning we desired. The suite was unbelievably beautiful and perfectly appointed, a big thank you to Illago from housekeeping and his team, during our wildlife excursions Khaya was a treasure trove of fascinating facts and dinner with Dushan was most entertaining with immaculate service. We can’t wait for our next stay to come around, thank you all and everyone at Al Maha!
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:You will receive a phone call in advance of your stay, this is a great opportunity to discuss...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Al Maha is a spectacular property that everyone should experience in their lifetime. This is our third time staying here over the last few years staying in aggregate about 30 nights. Everything about this place is special including the remote property location, the beautiful rooms each with their own pool, the food, the service, the activities, and most importantly the incredible Associates! The rooms are nicely decorated with wonderful amenities and the housekeeping team were efficient and did a very good job everyday. They have a nice choice of activities that should appeal to anyone's interests. The food is the best food at any hotel I have stayed in ever (which includes spending close to 2,000 nights in hotels during my life. Some of the highlights include the best eggs Benedict ever, the best lasagna ever, incredible seafood, and Indian and Sri Lankan food. The restaurant service team including Dushan, Remy, Rochek, Clement, Tracy. Yogi (to name a few) is hands down the best service team ever at a hotel as many of them have been here for years. The activity guide leaders are fantastic. Our guide was excellent and even spoke some Chinese which was nice as my wife's parents only speak Chinese. The management team is probably the longest tenured managed team of any Marriott property collectively including Mr. Silvis, the GM, and Mr. Showcketh, the Director of Operations. Both gentleman know how to manage this unique property very well. Prakash, the F & B manager, and Dushan, a senior server, always do a spectacular job being thoughtful and creative with the food and drinks. Again, this is a one of kind property and overall impeccable hospitality experience that everyone should try to experience. You will regret it if you don't try this resort out.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates467 contributions171 helpful votes
I would say do the drive, you see a lot of Oryx around your villa and common areas anyway. But , honestly, i wouldn't pay extra unless is included.. If you decide still do, do only one
We only saw flies no other insects or lizards... just gazelles by the pool .. It will be VERY HOT ....unpleasant and 1 night is not enough there. Just my opinion. Activities will he running but remember the heat !!
Dear Laura C,
Let me quickly answer your question regarding the horse-riding activity. Yes, you have to take your own riding clothes with you - you need at least a pair of long trousers. Furthermore, you have to be an experienced rider and have to weight below 85 kgs to join the activity.
Best regards!
There are more places to choose from in the Murqquab area.
PRICE RANGE
RM 4,694 - RM 8,027 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
al maha desert hotel dubai, al maha desert dubai, al maha desert resort, al maha resort
LOCATION
United Arab EmiratesEmirate of DubaiDubaiMurqquab
NUMBER OF ROOMS
42
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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AL MAHA, A LUXURY COLLECTION DESERT RESORT & SPA, DUBAI (R̶M̶ ̶7̶,̶7̶1̶7̶) RM 6,604: UPDATED 2025 Hotel Reviews, Price Comparison and 4,426 Photos (Murqquab, United Arab Emirates) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai
Which popular attractions are close to Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai?
Nearby attractions include Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (5.4 km) and Comicave (4.8 km).
