Against the backdrop of a cheerful mood when everyone is familiar AROUND congratulate each other on Valentine's Day, 8 March and other spring holidays, DO marriage proposal, to recover a romantic trip ... also wanted somewhere to escape from the metropolis, at least for a couple of days .
In order not to waste time on tiresome flights, we chose the hotel closest to Dubai and, at the same time, a hotel remote from the city bustle, rightfully considered one of the most romantic eco-couriers in the world - Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa.
They searched for the road on the navigator and at first they “missed” a bit, having got into a natural desert reserve with a similar name, but, having turned around and following the indicated direction, they arrived at the place 10 minutes later. Having safely passed face control (entering the territory of this resort strictly according to the lists), we parked our car under a wicker awning and transferred to the guide's SUV, which took us through the sands to the main hotel building. In total, the entire journey from Dubai took no more than an hour, which is important for busy people who do not have much time to relax.
Bedouin romance with royal luxury
Initially, the resort was conceived as a traditional Bedouin camp in a desert oasis. The stylization preserved the original design of the villa rooms, which were built in the form of nomad tents using eco-materials, the natural reserve surrounding the hotel, which is endangered by wild animals such as desert foxes, gazelles and, of course, the same antelope. in whose honor the resort is named - "Mach". But ... can you imagine a nomadic tent, even belonging to the leader of the tribe, with its own pool? This is the main "feature" of the complex - to be closer to nature, getting acquainted with the hunting aspects of the Arabian culture, and, at the same time, enjoy the amenities of a five-star suite.
Our room turned out to be the most standard - a small one-room "Bedouin tent", from the panoramic windows of which opens
pacific views of the desert dunes, with a swimming pool with a private terrace. There is everything for a comfortable stay: first of all, as a coffee lover, I was impressed with the set for making expresso, with a huge selection of varieties, which includes Arabic sweets and, of course, drinking water - all for free. With a king-size bed and other luxurious furniture made of heavy wood, with direct Internet connection, now, probably, you will not surprise anyone .... But you can hardly find an easel with all the other accessories for natural sketches! And binoculars to watch the desert animals directly from the edge of their own pool. The bathroom was also pleasantly surprised by its scope and a good set of bath accessories from BVLGARI.
For those who do not have enough standard luxury - the hotel has two more “royal” suites, each of which has two bedrooms, its own kitchen and dining room, and a private swimming pool and terrace are much larger.
Peculiarities of the National Hunt
Well, what am I all about numbers? You might think that there is nothing more to do in Al Makh but to meditate, lying on a bed or in the pool, admiring the vast expanses of the desert.
The resort complex itself occupies less than one percent of the total area of the property, and the rest of it is reserved for a nature reserve, tours of which are included in the free "entertainment package" for guests. The evening is perfect for walking along the dunes with a caravan of camels to feel like a real nomad. To complete the picture, at the end of the trip, guests are invited to drink champagne against the background of a bewitching sunset - probably this is a common thing among the Bedouins, to brighten up the hard way with a sip of sparkling wine.
In the early morning there is a "hunt" for choice: on horseback on loose sand or on foot, with a falcon in hand. Horse riding, for me, seemed too risky - local horses recognized only experienced, confident riders. But the friend raised her self-esteem, received a boost of vivacity and a surge of adrenaline, trying to transfer the frisky horse from a gallop to a trot. I chose a quiet study tour with a story about the habits of birds of prey, watching the falcons learn how to hunt and the process of absorbing their "prey." After some fascinating, useful morning hours, we set off for our own breakfast.
Silence and birds sing
Al-Maha is worth mentioning separately. Breakfast, lunch or dinner can also be ordered to your veranda, but even if you go to a restaurant, which, by the way, is the only one here, you will feel a warm homely atmosphere. Chef David Morris from France offers guests a wide selection of dishes, with styles ranging from Mediterranean and Arabic to Indian cuisine.
In the evening, on the restaurant’s terrace, under the crackling fire of torches, you can enjoy juicy steaks with a glass of wine, and a view of the night sky when the stars in the desert are so close. ... In the morning, fragrant coffee and scrambled eggs in Florentine style, with a play of sunlight on silver instruments, under the twittering of birds.
After a measured lunch, we settled down on a fiesta by the main pool at Spa Jamilah, where I managed to get a massage the previous day. By the way, the use of a swimming pool, a steam room saturated with herbs, and a sauna is included in the price, not including services. But we did not meet any of the spa visitors during our stay, enjoying peace and quiet - apparently, the system of preliminary reservation of procedures is very well set up so that guests do not interfere with each other's relaxation, although there is a drawback in those who wish to use the spa services not. I tried the relaxing massage procedure on myself, and was satisfied - muscle tension and fatigue were relieved safely.
We can say that the resort "Al Maha" - all about this: just a couple of days of "renunciation" of the outside world, and you are full of fresh strength and energy. Just relax and enjoy communicating with nature!
