Al Maha Resort & Spa, Dubai All-Inclusive Reviewed in 2025

What to Do

Desert activities are probably unlike anything you’ve done before. Most of the fun here is arranged by the resort as part of your stay, and they generally take place in the cooler, earlier parts of the day.

Take one of the guided walks through the desert to get a more active and up-close view of the landscape. Trails can be challenging, and the heat can be intense, but adventurers love this type of activity.

Falconry and archery, two local sports, are also available as activities, and you’ll get lessons if it’s your first time (and it probably is for falconry!). At sunset, you can take a camel trek into the dunes and toast with a drink and your animal partner.

A favorite is the Wildlife Drive, during which you’ll be taken into the sandy hills of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in search of animals like the famous Arabian Onyx. Your guide will point out much more indigenous flora and fauna than you probably thought inhabited the desert. This activity has a small surcharge.

After your fun in the sand, it’s back to your private pool, or perhaps the resort’s luxurious spa. Don’t forget that cosmopolitan Dubai and all its shopping malls, fancy buildings, and other attractions are just 40 minutes away for loads of additional fun, too.

What to Eat & Drink

There are two restaurants at which your meals can be enjoyed, along with room service at no additional cost. However, keep in mind that no alcoholic beverages are included.

Al Diwaan is an elegant Arabic but international dining experience on a beautiful deck overlooking the vast desert. This is where you’ll have breakfast, and the restaurant re-opens for lunch and dinner. While it’s a lovely atmosphere, there’s no reason to dress up if you don’t prefer to – it’s still casual.

Hajar Terrace Bar is the other option for lunch and dinner, remaining open all day. Also, with an expansive view, its bar serves creative cocktails and beverages, as well as tasty barbecue dishes.

There is also in-room dining, along with a few fantastic special arrangements for meals – more on those below.

Room Guide

There are just a handful of suite types at Al Maha, and each of them are nothing short of spectacular, with private pools and local architecture. We’ll cover each of them.

Bedouin Suite: Entry-level villas available with one king bed or two twins. The large, 807-square foot (75 square-meter) space is decorated with Arab artifacts and unique touches like a set of binoculars and art equipment.

Royal Suite: This villa more than doubles the space with a second bedroom along with a larger living room and pool deck. You can often spot Arabian Onyx grazing just beyond your private pool.

Emirates Suite: Also with two bedrooms, this suite is in a secluded spot away from the rest of the resort, and includes a dining area and courtyard outside. It’s especially great for a group of friends or family who wants an exclusive getaway for just themselves.

Presidential Suite: Vacation like a Sheikh with this three-bedroom villa equipped for up to six guests. There’s even private staff that will care for you with their own quarters nearby. Water features, Arabian antiques, and 5700 square feet (530 square meters) make this as luxurious as the desert gets.

Special Experiences

As unique as Al Maha is, there are a few ideas that go even further to make your trip special. In particular, the resort suggests a few exclusive dining ideas that will exceed expectations.

You can request a Dune Dining experience for a magical meal under the Arabian night sky, surrounded by torches and lanterns, and on a Persian carpet. Or, take advantage of your magnificent terrace, and have a private Deck Dining experience set up by your pool.

This next one is an Instagram favorite: Floating Breakfast in your suite’s pool! Also available for lunch, enjoy the sun, water, desert views, and delectable food all at once. While tropical ocean views may have made this idea famous, doing it in the desert is like no other.

View all of the experiences available at Al Maha, Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa here, and the dining options here.