Return to the Al Maha Desert Resort

For those who have never heard of the Al Maha Desert Resort, a word of introduction. This hotel has won many awards for its architecture which comprises 40 bedouin-tent shaped villas and two suites nestled in a striking hillside about seven kilometers into the desert, a matching restaurant complex and full spa.

Owned by the Emirates Group the hotel is a byword for luxury standards in a country that aspires to the very best in hospitality.

Each villa is sumptuous and redolent of the inside of a tent with a canvas ceiling, albeit with whisper-quiet air-conditioning, a giant bed and twin chaise-longues. In the film 'Lawrence of Arabia' one scene is set in the interior of a sheikh's tent, and this is the next best thing, although the bathroom facilities would have been more primitive then.

Fit for a sheikh

Al Maha guests have the ultimate in five-star ensuite bathrooms with a bath for two, rainfall shower and gold taps. There is also a small infinity pool in the front of each villa for cooling off and a deck for individual dining.

Staying in the desert might be expected to be laid-back, relaxing and even boring. But Emirates thought of that long ago, and a posse of South African rangers is on hand for leisure activities that range from a desert drive to see the rare Arabian oryx in their natural habitat or the popular camel ride with sundowners.

If you have time the resort has a full spa complex with a large infinity pool and gym. And in the evening the resort restaurant presently offers dining under the stars and a five-course meal with a choice of main course and desert; and a generous breakfast is provided in the same complex.

Returning guests automatically qualify for a free bottle of champagne which is a good way to be welcomed back to any hotel. It was also a nice touch to be welcomed back and not to have a repeat of the original introductory speech. The ranger said the hotel was unchanged apart from a few new faces but it was gratifying to see that there were still some old faces too.

Motivated staff

Part of the secret to Emirates success in motivating its bright young staff is the travel perks. Any job where you work six weeks and then get two weeks off to travel the world at tickets discounted by 90% is clearly highly prized, and this makes for excellent service at Al Maha.

On a second visit the splendid architectural and interior detailing of the resort is also more notable. It has a wealth of features which repay careful viewing, both within the villas and around the resort itself.

For example, there is a water spring at the hotel entrance that runs away in gullies around the resort, and the traditional majlis is easily overlooked. The whole hotel is also full of interesting Arabian artifacts and objets d'art.

Indeed, the whole concept of a tranquil adults-only resort in the middle of the desert with exceptional levels of privacy and luxury is better appreciated on the second visit. Would it be the same a third time around: well watch this space!