Discover the Dubai Desert

by Lloyd Collier at Scott's Travel

Dubai’s year-round sunshine, sandy beaches, bold architecture, spectacular skylines and world class leisure developments are amongst the many reasons why it has such wide-ranging appeal. What people may not realise is that Dubai has a rich culture rooted in Bedouin heritage and traditions of storytelling, poetry, song, dance, and falconry. My wife and I took the opportunity to experience it first hand on a three night stay at the world class Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa followed by a four night city break.

Al Maha is set around an oasis within the large Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offering the ultimate sanctuary and a privileged glimpse into the heritage and romance of Arabia. After a short 40-minute drive south of Dubai's airport you quite literally take a slip road into the desert. 10km further on and this incredible Bedouin-style community appears like a mirage from behind the sand dunes.

There are a total of 42 suites all with a private temperature-controlled infinity swimming pool. The suites offer traditional architecture and antique furnishings, each with a spacious bathroom and panoramic views across the sand dunes to the distant Hajar Mountains. The resort does not allow children under the age of 10 which allows you to relax and take in the spectacular tranquility of the resort.



Two complimentary activities per day are included as part of the package, designed to provide first-hand experiences of the landscape. We chose falconry, a desert safari, camel trekking and a thrill seeking 4x4 sand dune safari. Other activities on offer included archery, horse riding, nature walks and a number of off-site activities under the direction and supervision of an Al Maha Field Guide.

Dining at Al Maha is an international experience embracing the culinary cultures of the East and West. The food manages to excite whilst remaining relatively simple, honest and 'homemade'. Using the finest ingredients sourced from around the world, guests are offered dune, deck or in-suite dining experiences at the signature Al Diwaan restaurant. We took the opportunity to dine in the desert by candle light, a truly magical experience where we were able to watch the beautiful sunset against the back drop of the sand dunes.

We concluded our 7 night stay with 4 nights at the Luxury Waldorf Astoria located on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, an incredible man-made island. My wife enjoyed the excellent variety of shops and we took the opportunity to charter our own boat for the afternoon to enjoy the city vista from the water. At £250 per hour for up to 18 people you don’t have to be a King to experience sheer luxury in this fabulous country.

Prices start from as little at £1,625 per person.

Please contact Lloyd at Scott's Travel for the most up to date offers on trips to Dubai, and why not consider combining a trip with an additional destination?. Take the stress out of booking and contact a trusted, knowledgeable travel agent. Your luxury holiday is only a phone call away 020 8882 0141.