Dubai’s very own Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa – a 42-suite luxurious cameo hideaway located in the heart of the desert – is among Condé Nast Traveller’s leading list of hotels.

Beating off fierce international rivalry, the resort which is tucked within the 225 square kilometre Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and which embraces the indigenous culture, wildlife, desert habitat and environment of the region, bears the distinction of being the sole Dubai representative in the exclusive 20-hotels Condé Nast Traveller 2007 Top 20-Hotel List for Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean Islands.

Al Maha – Arabic for Oryx, a once threatened species re-introduced in keeping with the resort’s conservation drive – was favoured by whopping 79.6 per cent respondents who rated the traditional Bedouin oasis encampment on numerous criteria. These included Ambience and Design; Location; Facilities; Food; Rooms; and Service.

Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa rubs shoulders with the world’s leading properties in Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius, South Africa, and East Africa in receiving recognition from the internationally renowned travel publication.

Tony Williams, vice-president, Emirates Hotels & Resort said: “We have created a traditional Arabian home environment that is entirely in balance with the surroundings, while offering guests an intimate, romantic and private experience of luxury in the desert.”

The resort’s individually designed suites that echo conventional Bedouin architecture, contemporised to incorporate modern day comforts, have their own unique artwork, antiquities, hand crafted furniture, rugs and carpets. Widely-spaced to guarantee privacy, the suites, each with their own temperature-controlled swimming pools and outdoor deck, offer panoramic views of the Hajar mountains and the surrounding nature reserve.

Guests enjoy top quality personalised service, a world-class Spa – increasingly recognised for its unique product and treatment ranges, and numerous desert activities that explore one of the worlds most romantic and striking landscapes.

Condé Nast Traveller’s recognition adds to the resort’s portfolio of awards, including the World Legacy Award from National Geographic and Conservation International presented by Queen Noor of Jordan in Washington, DC, and the 8th Arab Cities Award for Architecture from the Arab Cities Organisation.

Emirates flies five times weekly from Dubai to Malta via Larnaca in Cyprus, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on the Boeing 777-200.