Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa sets the gold standard

The official verdict is out. And it comes from none other than the ultimate guide to the world's finest establishments.

Beating off fierce international rivalry, the resort which is tucked within the 225 square kilometre Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and which embraces the indigenous culture, wildlife, desert habitat and environment of the region, bears the distinction of being the sole Dubai representative in the exclusive 20-hotels Condé Nast Traveller 2007 Gold List for Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean Islands.

Condé Nast Traveller, UK, among the world's leading travel magazines is a source of authentic information and inspiration for the sophisticated and discerning traveller. The Gold List is compiled from direct customer feedback in the Annual Readers' Travel Awards.

Al Maha - Arabic for Oryx, a once threatened species, re-introduced in keeping with the resort's conservation drive - was favoured by whopping 79.6 percent respondents who rated the traditional Bedouin oasis encampment on numerous criteria. These included Ambience and Design; Location; Facilities; Food; Rooms; and Service.

Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa rubs shoulders with the world's leading properties in Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius, South Africa, and East Africa in receiving recognition from the internationally renowned travel publication.

Tony Williams, Vice President, Emirates Hotels & Resort said: "We are honoured to represent Dubai in this prestigious list comprising the best of worldwide hospitality. We are also delighted that our meticulous attention to maintaining the highest possible standards of guest accommodation, comfort and personal service has once again been rewarded by the readers of Condé Nast."

"We have created a traditional Arabian home environment that is entirely in balance with the surroundings, while offering guests an intimate, romantic and private experience of luxury in the desert."

The resort's individually designed suites that echo conventional Bedouin architecture, contemporised to incorporate modern day comforts, have their own unique artwork, antiquities, hand crafted furniture, rugs and carpets. Widely-spaced to guarantee privacy, the suites, each with their own temperature-controlled swimming pools and outdoor deck, offer panoramic views of the Hajar mountains and the surrounding nature reserve.

Guests enjoy top quality personalised service, a world-class Spa increasingly recognised for its unique product and treatment ranges, and numerous desert activities that explore one of the worlds most romantic and striking landscapes. The resort has a staff to room ratio of three to one.

Condé Nast Traveller's recognition adds to the resort's portfolio of awards, including the World Legacy Award from National Geographic and Conservation International presented by Queen Noor of Jordan in Washington DC, and the 8th Arab Cities Award for Architecture from the Arab Cities Organisation.