Hotel Review: Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai
- Points and Places
- Feb 5
- 5 min read
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai
During a recent March Break trip to Dubai, we had the privilege of spending a few nights at Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa. We kicked off our kids' March Break with a flight from Toronto to Dubai on Emirates in business class aboard their A380. The highlight of flying Emirates on the A380 is the onboard bar located at the rear of business class on the upper level. We booked this flight using Aeroplan points and were fortunate enough to find availability in business class for four, aligning with our kids' break. For the return trip, we routed through Paris, flying Emirates business class from Dubai to Paris and then Air Canada business class from Paris to Toronto.
Before heading to Al Maha, we spent a few nights in Dubai at the newly opened Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah. Al Maha resort is part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection and is often considered one of the best-value Bonvoy redemptions available. Although our time at the resort was short, it was an unforgettable experience, and I would love to return.
Booking
We booked our stay at Al Maha using Marriott Bonvoy points. Award rates at this hotel start at 98,000 Bonvoy points per night and increase based on the season. The 98,000-point nights tend to be available in the summer when temperatures are extreme. During the shoulder season, you can find rates starting from 110,000 points per night. Cash rates are around $2,500 CAD per night. One of the great perks of staying at Al Maha is that both cash and points bookings include meals and two activities per day, making it an excellent redemption value.
One important thing to note is that the property has a two-week cancellation policy, which differs from most points bookings. Be sure to review the cancellation terms before making your reservation.
Location
Al Maha is set deep within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, about an hour's drive from downtown Dubai. This protected area spans over 225 square kilometers and is home to a variety of native wildlife, including the Arabian Oryx and gazelles. Unlike the bustling city, the reserve offers an entirely different side of the UAE—one of tranquility, wide-open dunes, and unspoiled nature. The drive to Al Maha transitions from modern highways to winding desert roads, setting the stage for an escape into the vast wilderness.
The resort itself is designed to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Staying here provides a rare opportunity to experience the desert while enjoying luxurious accommodations and curated experiences.
We arranged a transfer from our hotel in Dubai through the resort. There were two options: a Mercedes for 700 AED each way or a Suburban for 450 AED each way. For those renting a car, driving to Al Maha is straightforward, though a higher-clearance vehicle is probably best for the last stretch of desert terrain.
Check-In
Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a refreshing drink in the beautifully designed reception area, which overlooks the desert landscape. The check-in process was seamless, with the staff providing a warm welcome and an introduction to the resort’s unique offerings. Our personal guide walked us through the various experiences available and helped us plan and book our daily activities.
Each guest at Al Maha is assigned a dedicated field guide who assists in curating their stay. The guide explained the selection of included activities, from camel trekking at sunset to wildlife drives and falconry demonstrations. We were able to schedule our two complimentary daily activities right at check-in, ensuring we made the most of our stay. Any additional activities, such as horseback riding or a desert drive, could also be arranged for an extra fee.
After check-in, we were transported to our private villa in a resort buggy. Along the way, we were provided insights about the property and the surrounding conservation reserve, pointing out gazelles freely roaming the desert. This personalized service set the tone for the luxurious and immersive experience that awaited us.
Room
The private villas at Al Maha are spectacular, offering a perfect blend of luxury and seclusion. Each villa features a spacious bedroom with traditional Arabian decor, a comfortable seating area, and a well-appointed bathroom with a large soaking tub and separate rain shower. The highlight, however, is the private pool on the villa's deck, providing breathtaking views of the desert landscape and gazelles that loved to spend time hanging around the pool. Whether enjoying a morning coffee as the sun rises over the dunes or an evening dip under the stars, the pool quickly became our favorite place to relax.
The villa also included an art easel for anyone wishing to channel their inner artist! As a family of four, we had two private villas located next to each other. The only issue we ran into was that one of the villas had an ant problem. A small inconvenience, but expected when staying in the middle of the desert.
Meals
All meals are included at Al Maha, and the dining experience is truly exceptional. The resort's restaurant offers a mix of local and international cuisine, with ingredients carefully sourced to reflect both Middle Eastern and global flavors.
Breakfast is a delightful spread featuring fresh juices, pastries, eggs made to order. My family was intrigued by the camel milk, but the taste left them wishing they had made a better choice.
Lunch and dinner feature an impressive three-course menu with an array of choices. The dessert selection was equally impressive, with the tiramisu being a standout—our favorite treat of the trip.
Activities
Guests can choose two complimentary activities per day. Here is a list of the available activites -
Falconry: A guided display of traditional Arabic falconry. (06:30 AM, Duration: 1 hour)
Nature Walk: Learn about the diverse desert ecosystem with an expert guide. (06:30 AM, Duration: 1 hour)
Wildlife Drive: A chance to see Arabian Oryx and other native wildlife. (4:15 PM, Duration: 1 hour)
Camel Trek: A 25-minute camel trek to the dunes for a sunset toast. (5:30 PM, Duration: 1.5 hours)
Sundowners: A short drive into the dunes to watch the sunset with a drink. (5:45 PM, Duration: 1 hour)
Archery: Private archery sessions throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Additional activities available for 270 AED per person (excluding 5% VAT):
Horse Riding: A sunrise ride for experienced riders (max weight 85kg). (6:30 AM, Duration: 1 hour)
Desert Drive: A more extreme 4x4 dune adventure. (8:00 AM, Duration: 1.5 hours)
We opted for the camel trek, the wildlife drive, and paid for the desert drive. The camel trek was a fun, if bumpy, experience—worth trying once! Smashing through the sand dunes in a 4x4 was a blast and definitely a favorite for our teenage kids. The wildlife drive was more relaxing, and our guide provided a fascinating overview of the local wildlife, including an in-depth discussion about snakes that had our teens captivated.
Final Thoughts
Al Maha is an incredible resort and one of the best uses of Marriott Bonvoy points. The combination of luxury, privacy, and immersive desert experiences makes it a truly special destination. Next time, I would plan for a longer stay—four days would be ideal to fully enjoy everything Al Maha has to offer.
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