Day Trip To Al Maha

[Princess Fiona]

I did a 3 night stopover in DXB recently, very much inspired by some of the Trip Reports here, especially Pushka's. Al Maha has been on my bucket list for a while but being as I was A. Solo and B. Budget conscious I decided that I would do a day trip there. There are various day trips and tours which go to Al Maha as part of the tour, most run by third parties. One of my registrars who'd stayed there told me that the hotel itself did day packages and I came across a review on Trip Advisor of one of those packages. I decided that I'd book the Leica Package. Organised it by emailing the hotel the weekend before and they responded very quickly confirming my booking. I will admit that its not particularly cheap at 950 Dh but nothing is in DXB and for the inclusions I thought it was acceptable. I used a meter taxi to get there (120Dh) and a private car organised by the hotel (220Dh) to get back. I probably could have got the transfers a little cheaper if I'd shopped around and pre-booked but alas did not.
This TR will be mainly pictorial, apologies in advance if I have some trouble as some of the outside images are very large

 

[Princess Fiona]

Relatively unexciting taxi trip on the way, except for seeing the Camel strappers at the Dubai Camel racing club

The entrance to Al Maha


The first (of many sightings) of the Oryx

 

[Princess Fiona]

The hotel reception is beautifully appointed. Greeted like a valued guest "Welcome Miss Fiona" and seated at the desk while formalities are completed after being given a hot towel and chilled juice



More interior reception shots
The library

Reception

 

[Pushka]

Pictures look great on the Iphone App. Please continue.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Guests don't seem to need to walk anywhere here. It's a bit like being in TG F
After check-in I was whisked off to the Timeless Spa and Pool area


I wish you could post smells in TR !!! The only thing I can say is that this smell was amazing !! More hot towels and shown to the Ladies changing room after being given a key to my locker for the day. Inside was a robe, slippers, water etc and padded hangers for my own clothing.

 

[LadyC]

Will be interested in reading your experience at the spa. I stayed at Al Maha back in 2013. I really enjoyed the hotel but was disappointed with the spa.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Will be interested in reading your experience at the spa. I stayed at Al Maha back in 2013. I really enjoyed the hotel but was disappointed with the spa.

Sorry I didn't have any treatments !! Only R &R poolside

 

[LadyC]

Well as long as you enjoyed that!

 

[Princess Fiona]

Well as long as you enjoyed that!

I certainly did

 

[Princess Fiona]

The day package is the same basic plan as residents. Two activities of your choosing along with a three course lunch in the resort's restaurant Al Diwaan.
I had chosen the Wildlife and Camel Trek activities which both took place in the afternoon so this left the remainder of the day for lounging at the pool and eating lunch. Given that everyone staying has their own private pool, it was only right that I had the resort pool to myself

 

[Princess Fiona]

Well not quite to myself

 

[Princess Fiona]

After a leisurely swim and read of my book it was time to summon the buggy and head up for lunch.
Included with the package is a three course a la Carte meal with unlimited soft drinks, tea and coffee.
I chose a table on the outside terrace

Menu

Drinks

 

[Princess Fiona]

The view


I decided to stick with the Arabian theme

 

[Princess Fiona]

Washed it all down with some Arabian coffee and dates of course and then descended into a food coma. Time to head back to the pool

 

[Princess Fiona]

Mid afternoon it was time to head back up to reception to meet my guide for the Wildlife drive. As I mentioned earlier I had booked the limited time Leica package. This included the use of a Leica SLR with SD included to take home the pics. Time to put away the iPhone
All of the guides are young South Africans who come out to Dubai for a years working holiday. They were all very enthusiastic and polite.
The drive took place in the sand dunes in a Land Cruiser

 

[Princess Fiona]

The drive wasn't quite dune bashing but a very gentle way to get around. Plenty of stops to get out and admire the views.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Some of the wildlife

More sand dunes

The Arabian Oryx from which Al Maha takes its name

 

[pagingjoan]

Great report, PF.

As I posted in another thread, we included a short stay at Al Maha on one of our early QF transits through DXB. Re-posting here, in case it is useful for someone, as we were able to use the EK CD for our airport-resort transfer, which made the package even more attractive. I had not expected that it would work, given the distance from the airport but there was no quibble at all.

I agree that the prices are not cheap but the experience of accommodation, service and facilities was brilliant and faultless. Many thoughtful little add ons to an already benefit-laden deal, too.

Good to see that you extracted such excellent value from your day trip.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Great report, PF.

As I posted in another thread, we included a short stay at Al Maha on one of our early QF transits through DXB. Re-posting here, in case it is useful for someone, as we were able to use the EK CD for our airport-resort transfer, which made the package even more attractive. I had not expected that it would work, given the distance from the airport but there was no quibble at all.

I agree that the prices are not cheap but the experience of accommodation, service and facilities was brilliant and faultless. Many thoughtful little add ons to an already benefit-laden deal, too.

Good to see that you extracted such excellent value from your day trip.

Thank you
Great to know that the Chauffeur drive extends to there !!

 

[pagingjoan]

Thank you
Great to know that the Chauffeur drive extends to there !!

Not sure that it should. But it did!
Worth a try for anyone heading that way, certainly.