By Peter and Michelle Wright

When those of us living in Arabia think of visiting a wildlife lodge set in the wildness and offering exclusive luxury, we resign ourselves to a flight to east or southern Africa followed by perhaps a long journey to a reserve off the beaten track. For those who have only a few days spare or don’t want to fly, the experience is now available right here on our doorstep.

Emirates Airlines are the first in the Middle East who realised and reacted upon the popularity of this type of unforgettable and relaxing experience. Hiring a management team to carefully research the African eco-lodge concept, they faithfully recreated this unique blend of adventure, tranquillity and indulgence that such resorts have become famous for, only on this occasion in the wild desert of Arabia.


Exceeding imagination

Armed with exemplary reviews and information gleaned from their excellent website, we arrived at Al Maha Desert Resort’s gate with some reservations as to whether it could live up to its reputation. We were met by our personal Field Guide, Stephen, who was to be our host for all outdoor activities and the source of all the wildlife knowledge of the desert environment that we would care to know, and more. Drawing up to the lodge itself, brought our Guest Relations Coordinator, Tilly, instantly to hand, to assist our check-in and to help familiarise us with the extensive resort facilities. As with the Field Guide, Tilly was assigned to us for the duration of our stay. This personalised service is very much a trademark of Al Maha and one of the outstanding points of the visit.

After settling in the choice was now upon us; do we relax in the intimacy of our private suite, with its sumptuous fittings, private deck and personal swimming pool? Very tempting indeed! But the reserve and all its attractions beckoned and so we chose the desert drive to get closer acquainted with the oryx and the other inhabitants. During your stay here there are a number of scheduled complimentary activities to choose from; camel and horse riding, desert drives, nature walks, archery, falconry demonstrations and even dune-bashing (the latter option taking place outside the reserve). To try everything, you certainly need more than a couple of days!

To round off the experience, the food and service is elegant and exquisite. Upon our arrival we were introduced to the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager, who made it clear that the kitchen was there to produce anything we desired. The only condition was we gave enough warning so as to enable them to cater for these whims! For those who want to take their relaxation to the point of not having to choose their own menu, a carefully selected a la carte menu is provided for the evening meal. Breakfast and lunch is served buffet-style.

Arabian wilderness

As most people are aware, al maha is Arabic for oryx, and the resort is aptly named. We have never before seen such a concentration of this animal in a semi-wild or wild environment. Combined with the picturesque landscape and the variety of other animals makes Al Maha the perfect place for that ultimate Arabian nature photograph, whether it be an oryx, gazelle, spiny-tailed lizard or even the golden wind-swept dunes framed by a clear blue sky and the distant Hajar Mountains. This alone makes the resort a unique destination.

The tranquillity and natural surrounds all blend to give a brief glimpse of life in Arabia before the rapid development of the 60's. You could play the role of the famous British explorer, Sir Wilfred Thesiger, as some of the sights and experiences reflect the account of his travels in this area in the 1950's.

Such a magical and luxurious experience does not come cheap, although the old adage - you pay for what you get - holds true. Al Maha could be your extravagant, once in a lifetime, ultimate Arabian experience, or your regular, revitalising and exclusive hideaway.

Resort information

Location:
Al Maha Desert Resort is less than 45 minutes drive from Dubai, providing the ideal setting for that exclusive weekend getaway.
Reserve size: 25 square kilometres

Suites:
Three staff to every one of only: 27 Bedouin Suites, two Royal Suites and one Owner’s Suite

Contact details:
Victoria Alde, Central Reservations Officer
Tel: +971 4 303 4223
Fax: +971 4 343 9696
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.al-maha.com