# Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai Al Maha is a desert resort of 42 private-pool villas in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, about 70 minutes from the airport. Rates include full board and two activities per person per night, making it the most complete option for a peaceful stay in the dunes. Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/hotels/al-maha/ Al Maha is the luxury address for a night in the Dubai desert: 42 villas, each with its own temperature-controlled pool, inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, home to oryx and gazelles. Rates include full board and two desert activities per person per night. The hotel belongs to the Luxury Collection, one of Marriott's luxury brands. ## What the rate includes This is what sets Al Maha apart from other Dubai hotels: - **full board**: breakfast, lunch and dinner; - **two activities per person per night**, chosen from a wildlife drive, a camel trek, falconry, archery, horse riding and a nature walk; - **a villa with a private pool**, temperature-controlled. In October 2026, for a stay in March 2027, the cheapest villa was offered at around €1,880 a night for two adults, non-refundable, including taxes and fees, with a possible per-night tourism fee on top. That high figure therefore covers meals and outings. Extras: a private dinner in the dunes (AED 1,250, in UAE dirhams, per couple for hotel guests), a sundowner in the dunes with a falconry show (AED 1,200 for two, to book 24 hours ahead) and spa treatments. ## Inside a nature reserve The hotel stands in the DDCR (Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve), the UAE's first national park and a member of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). It is reached via the Dubai to Al Ain road, about 70 minutes by taxi from Dubai International Airport (DXB). To explore the rest of the desert, see our [desert](/en/dubai/desert/) page. The included activities take place on foot, on horseback, by camel or by vehicle, with a guide. ## A day at Al Maha In the morning, a first outing, on horseback or on a wildlife drive to approach the oryx. Then breakfast, which the hotel can serve on a floating tray in your villa pool. Spend the hottest hours at the villa or the spa. In late afternoon, a second activity: falconry, a camel trek or archery. In the evening, dinner at **Al Diwaan**, on its veranda overlooking the reserve, or on your villa deck. For more desert experiences, see our [desert](/en/themes/desert/) theme page. ## The villas The villas differ in size and number of bedrooms, and each comes with an easel and painting materials. Of the 42 villas, 37 are **Bedouin Villas**: most guests stay in one, and it is the honeymoon choice (see [honeymoon](/en/themes/honeymoon/)), with its pool and wooden deck facing the desert. The two-bedroom Royal and Emirates Villas suit a family or two couples; the three-bedroom Presidential Villa suits a group. ## Dining, bar and spa - **Al Diwaan**, the main restaurant, serves international cuisine: breakfast 7 to 10.30 am, lunch 12.30 to 2.30 pm, dinner 7.30 to 10 pm. Smart casual dress. - **Hajar Terrace Bar**: cocktails facing the desert, from 12.30 pm. Times are local. **Al Maha Spa** uses products from the skincare brand Sodashi and has an infinity pool, a gym, a sauna, a steam room, a jacuzzi and a cold plunge pool. See also [spa and wellness](/en/themes/spa-and-wellness/). ## With children Al Maha is not a hotel for young children. Several tour operators state a minimum age of 8 since September 2024; Marriott only mentions a child supplement payable at check-in. Check the rule before booking. For a family desert stay, [Bab Al Shams](/en/hotels/bab-al-shams/) has a kids' club and a family pool. ## New Year On 31 December 2026, the gala dinner is compulsory for guests staying that night. The hotel offers a special package from 29 December 2026 to 4 January 2027. ## Sabaro's view **Who it's for**: couples, honeymooners and travellers who want to experience the desert quietly, with its wildlife, without organising anything. **Strengths**: a private pool facing the dunes; full board and activities included; the nature reserve; a 9.4 out of 10 rating on Booking.com (225 reviews). **Good to know**: the highest price in our Dubai selection; over an hour from the city; the minimum age for children needs confirming; two or three nights are often enough, combined with a beach hotel. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does a night at Al Maha include? The villa with its private pool, full board and two desert activities per person per night. A private dune dinner, the falconry sundowner and spa treatments cost extra. ### Are children accepted? From age 8 according to several tour operators, with a child supplement paid at check-in according to Marriott. Check before booking. ### How far is Al Maha from Dubai? About 70 minutes by taxi from Dubai International Airport, via the Dubai to Al Ain road. ### How many nights should I book? Two nights give you four activities each; three nights leave time to try every outing. The stay combines well with a few nights at a beach hotel, for example on [Palm Jumeirah](/en/dubai/palm-jumeirah/). ### When is the best time to go? From November to March, when desert temperatures are at their mildest. In summer, highs climb above 40 °C (see [Dubai in summer](/en/guides/chaleur-ete-dubai/)).