Al Maha is a favorite desert destination of KDHamptons and my sister Kim Hopkins, above.

Dubai is unequivocally one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world – laced with luxury, perfect weather, incredible service, exotic experiences, gourmet international cuisine, fabulous fashion, and exciting nightlife. To get the most out of an unforgettable trip to Dubai, travelers should plan a “Sea & Sand” experience. I typically spend the “Sea” portion on beautiful Jumeriah beach at the One and Only Royal Mirage, followed by an extreme desert adventure about 50 minutes outside the city at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, which evokes an authentic Bedouin encampment combined with all the amenities of an internationally awarded sanctuary.

The design of the suites incorporate a traditional Bedouin tented roof.

Set within the 6,700 acre Dubai desert, and offering 42 opulent suites nestled against the majestic dune landscape, Al Maha is a protected haven for the many species of mammal and birds of Arabia, including: oryx [below], sand gazelles, Arabian red fox, hares, ospreys, falcons, owls and eagles which can be seen soaring over the resort most days.

Al Maha’s desert guides take guests out in a 4×4 to explore the property and surrounding wildlife.

Al Maha’s tented Bedouin Suites are lavishly decorated and offer private infinity pools overlooking the verdant palm oasis. Authentic and rare handcrafted Arabian furnishings, antiques and artifacts decorate the suite, as well as thoughtful touches such as binoculars, an easel with art materials and a writing desk, should creative instincts be inspired by your close up encounters with Arabian wildlife.

Theodora & Callum make my favorite pareos, which can be worn in so many different ways.

Each suite has a private pool looking out over the Dubai desert and its wildlife.

Oryx and gazelle gather at the desert lagoon in the late afternoon for a refreshing drink.

The Timeless Spa at Al Maha offers a wide range of healing and beauty practices drawn from cultures around the world, and signature treatments based on the wisdom of Middle Eastern and South East Asian aromatherapy traditions. The spa offers beauty and relaxation treatments, private massage rooms for couples, in-suite massage, a private Rasoul chamber, Hydrotherapy bath, a sauna and steam room including a cold plunge pool, Jacuzzi, swimming pool and a fully equipped fitness centre.

The Timeless Spa at Al Maha

Every dish at the award-winning Al Diwaan restaurant is hand-made by Executive Chef David Miras and his culinary team, from the warm apricot croissants at breakfast to my favorite traditional Middle Eastern dessert called Um Ali. Dine alfresco on the veranda with breathtaking views of the reserve, wildlife, and peaks of Hajar mountains, of which Oman lies on the other side.

Traditional Arabic Mezze is served on the veranda.

Um Ali is made up of layers of pastry and nuts and smothered in a sweet, creamy mixture before being baked in the oven.

Ready for some Arabian adventure? Hop in the back of a 4X4 with Al Maha’s team of Field Guides who offer camel safaris, falconry, pure bred Arabian horse back riding, archery, dune bashing showcasing the dramatic backdrop of the Dubai desert. Travel Tip: Don’t miss the sunset camel trek. After a riding high on a Dromedary [one hump] camel for about an hour, what seems to be a desert mirage slowly appears…..it’s actually the Al Maha team, waiting for guests with chilled champagne and strawberries. This is the photo opp of the week at Al Maha, offering a pink and gold sky as the sun disappears into the desert sand.

Dune bashing is not for the faint of heart or those with a weak stomach, but the South African desert guides at Al Maha tear up the dunes with total confidence.

Falconry is a wild sport to try, be sure to book a lesson at Al Maha.

This combination of exclusive privacy, one-of-a-kind activities, and the romance of the desert environment combine to make Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa an unforgettable “jewel of the desert” destination. Ma’a salama! [goodbye & see you again].  

Whenever I travel to the desert I pack lots of my favorite kaftans by Jeannie McQueeny.