THE
SANCTUARY IN THE SANDS
The desert has held a romantic allure from ttime immemorial so,
it should be no surprise to learn that many visits are in celebration
of an important occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary.
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After passing through the high gates of the reserve, there, in
the distance, was the resort, its suites nestling amid a high
ridge of dunes, which overlook an undulating plain, where indigenous
wildlife was grazing. The suites themselves are ideal for a romantic
interlude: three days is an average length of stay at Al Maha,
however, several guests, arranging their return visit, have booked
far a week, or even longer. |
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Truly a desert experience, but it also
has flat open pockets that are extremely fertile and which will
support the wildlife population in a free-roaming environment.
There is no zoo element here, so when the animals are released
into the wild they will fend for themselves.
The
animal reintroduction programme is expected to cover five years
and will involve a diverse range of indigenous and endangered
species.
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Al
Maha heightens this romantic aura by its setting from the moment
we were collected for our journey over the dunes to Al Maha, our
senses were aroused by the vastness of the landscape. |
As befitting a country retreat, the furniture is antique-style,
in rich, warm colours. The decor includes a matching pair of
chaises, longue, a wide, comfortable handcrafted bed and numerous
local & regional artefacts. |
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Herbivores
such as the endangered Arabian oryx, desert and mountain gazelle
and smaller game animals have been reintroduced in the first
phase of the programme. |
At
a later stage, Ostrich, Arabian fox and caracal will be brought
in. Domesticated animals, such as horses and camels, will be
used for in-house activities. |
FOR
YOUR PREVIEW
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The
sanctuary in the sands
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