Al Maha Resort is on an idyllic oasis in the desert of UAE, set inside a 2S-square-kilometre (S,SOO-acre) desert conservation reserve. Framed by the distant Hajar Mountains and designed to suggest a Bedouin encampment, AI Maha is a resort of contrasts. On the one hand it offers a lifestyle of luxury, lavish suites, your own private pool, fine food and wine, and sincere, friendly personal service, with a 3: 1 staff-to-suite ratio; on the other, even more precious in today's world, a rare sanctuary of tranquillity and peace. Here, you can discover the living desert: its flora and fauna, its colours and scents. You can utterly relax, regain your energies and enjoy active days retracing the ancient traditional lifestyle of the desert nomads.

Location: Close to Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Accommodation: Each suite stands in its own space with a large veranda and its own temperature­controlled swimming pool. It also has a large walk-in shower, king-size bath, and "his and hers" vanity area. Furnishings include traditional textiles and local artifacts.

. Owner's Suite (375 sqm) is particularly sumptuous, with two large bedrooms and bathrooms, spacious lounge with dining facilities, kitchen, ample courtyard, pool, and quarters for' guests' private staff.

. Two Royal Suites (175 sqm), with a large lounge, two bedrooms and bathrooms, and pool.

. 27 Bedouin Suites (75 sqm), bedroom with sitting area and ensuite bathroom, and pool.

Dining: Al Maha's elegant dining room, with its high palm-frond ceiling and lovely views, perfectly sets off the five-star cuisine.

Activities: Here, Mediterranean dishes such as bucca, sea bass and gnocchi fiorentina compete for your palate with traditionall Middle Eastern delights such as tabouleh, khofta, felafel and tagines. Fine wines froml around the world add to the pleasure. Guided desert safaris, falconry, archery!; camel trekking, horse riding, 4x4 duneli driving, sand-skiing, and historical andl architectural tours in the Hajar Mountains.

Best time to travel: Year-round destination.

Getting there: 45 minutes' drive from Dubai Internation Airport, accessible from the main Dubaih Ain highway by four-wheel-drive vehicle.