Telal Resort Al Ain is a luxurious retreat in the Remah Desert that famously merges Emirati heritage with the Arabian wilderness. Offering an immersive and luxe experience, the resort has considered every detail – from pristine accommodations with stunning desert views and opportunities to spot rare wildlife, to various dining options, and activities and facilities for every type of traveler. 

Ideal for both relaxation and adventure, located near the historic and lush city of Al Ain, the resort enhances the cultural and natural experience, making every stay unforgettable. With numerous accolades, including multiple World Travel Awards, Telal Resort Al Ain is waiting for you to experience its splendor. 

We sat down with the enveloping Hotel General Manager, Mr. Elie Farhat, and got special behind-the-scenes access to the secrets of this award-winning resort. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Telal Resort Al Ain has recently won the Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Best Luxury Wildlife Resort in the UAE. Can you share some insights into what sets your resort apart from others in the region and how you’ve managed to achieve this recognition? 

Elie Farhat: We are honored to be recognized as the Best Luxury Wildlife Resort in the UAE by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards. What sets us apart is our commitment to sustainable, immersive experiences that celebrate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Emiratis. 

Our resort is nestled within a private nature reserve, allowing guests to connect with native Arabian wildlife through activities like desert safaris. We have also invested heavily in ensuring our luxury accommodations, dining venues, and amenities meet the highest standards. 

This award reflects our team’s dedication to redefining the luxury resort experience in the UAE. We will continue innovating to solidify Telal Resort’s position as the premier luxury wildlife resort destination in the Emirates. 

LLA: Your resort combines traditional Emirati design with modern luxury. How do you ensure that guests receive an authentic cultural experience while still enjoying the comforts of contemporary accommodations? 

EF: At Telal Resort, we take great pride in striking the perfect balance between traditional Emirati design and contemporary luxury. Our accommodations seamlessly blend timeless architectural elements like carved wood & stones, bespoke chandeliers, and artisanal furniture, combined with modern amenities that cater to the discerning tastes of today’s travelers. 

We believe our guests must have an immersive cultural experience during their stay. That’s why we’ve incorporated traditional Emirati furnishings with intricately wood-carved beds, we also incorporate dried palms as ceiling and plastered walls in all rooms and suites, transporting visitors to the heart of Emirati heritage. Our staff are also extensively trained in local customs and history, serving as knowledgeable guides who can share the rich stories behind every aspect of the resort. 

LLA: Wildlife is a significant aspect of Telal Resort Al Ain, with rare species like the Arabian Oryx and Reem antelope present in the area. Can you tell us more about your conservation efforts and how guests can engage with the local wildlife during their stay?  

EF: As an oasis nestled in the heart of Al Ain’s stunning natural landscape, Telal Resort is proud to be a steward of the region’s remarkable wildlife. Protecting these local species and their habitats is of the utmost importance to us, and our parent company, Mawarid Holding. Through partnerships with our subsidiary, Barari Natural Resources, a leading wildlife conservation and forest management in Abu Dhabi, we have implemented comprehensive programs to monitor and safeguard the local wildlife populations. This includes maintaining specialized habitats within our grounds, as well as collaborating on research initiatives that deepen our understanding of these unique animals. 

We are equally committed to fostering a deep appreciation for this natural wonder among our guests. During their stay, visitors can embark on a guided wildlife safari to observe the Arabian Oryxes and Gazelles in their natural environments, learning about their behaviors and the critical role they play in the delicate desert ecosystem.  

By offering these experiences, we hope to inspire our guests to become advocates for conservation, taking home a newfound respect and admiration for the remarkable biodiversity of the region. 

LLA: Dining at Telal Resort offers a variety of experiences, from gourmet international cuisine to traditional Arabic dishes. How do you incorporate local flavors and culinary traditions into your menus, and what can guests expect from your dining options? 

EF: Dining at Telal Resort is a celebration of Emirati culinary traditions, expertly blended with international flavors to delight the modern palate. 

One of our most unique and immersive dining options is the private BBQ experience, where guests can indulge in a bespoke culinary journey in the comfort of an intimate, Arabic-inspired setting. 

Guests can also savor authentic Emirati specialties like tender Machboos (rice dish with meat or seafood), fragrant Lamb Rogan Josh, and the iconic Luqaimat (sweet fritters) – all prepared using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and time-honored recipes passed down through generations. 

At the same time, our chefs have created a selection of international dishes that seamlessly integrate Emirati flavors, allowing our guests to embark on a truly global culinary journey during their stay.  

LLA: The resort provides a wide range of recreational activities, from adventurous pursuits like quad biking to relaxing spa treatments. What are some of the most popular activities among your guests? 

EF: We want to ensure that our guests have the best stay possible, thus, we created a range of experiences for them. From Heritage & Cultural activities to adventurous experiences such as ATV, Zipline, and Sand Boarding.  

Of all the experiences, the most popular for our guests are the Heritage & Cultural experience and the Wildlife Safari. These allow them to be transported back in time and learn about local animals such as the Sand Gazelle and Arabian Oryx. 

LLA: With state-of-the-art facilities and the ability to host up to 1000 guests, Telal Resort is an ideal venue for meetings and events. What unique experiences do you offer for corporate events and private functions? 

EF: Telal Resort’s outdoor area is like a blank canvas; it can be dressed up according to our client’s visions. One of the unique arrangements we’ve made is setting up outdoor boardrooms and meeting rooms. Imagine conducting a meeting outdoors, in the middle of the oasis. It’s a truly refreshing and one-of-a-kind experience for our clients and their participants. Another notable arrangement was for a luxury car company, where one of our VIP villas was converted into a welcome lounge for their special guests for seven days. They also embarked on a guided wildlife safari to observe the Arabian Oryxes and Gazelles in their natural environments, learning about their behaviors and the critical role they play in the delicate desert ecosystem, followed by a sumptuous dinner in the desert. 

LLA: Telal Resort offers bespoke packages tailored to individual needs, such as the Adventure Getaway and Romantic Desert Escape. Can you discuss how these packages are designed to enhance the guest experience and what feedback you have received from those who have enjoyed them? 

EF: Telal Resort is dedicated to providing guests with truly personalized experiences tailored to their unique interests. Two of our most popular packages are the Adventure Getaway and the Romantic Desert Escape.  

The Adventure Getaway offers guests an immersive natural desert experience where they can enjoy a range of activities, including camel riding, sandboarding, horse riding, and archery. They can also add a dune bashing, zipline, and wildlife safari. All of these experiences are led by our knowledgeable guides, ensuring guests can safely explore and connect with the power of the desert. 

In contrast, the Romantic Desert Escape provides couples with an intimate and indulgent retreat, with luxurious accommodations, private candlelit dinners, and rejuvenating spa treatments – all designed to help them unwind and rekindle their connection. 

Whether seeking adventure or romance, we meticulously craft each element of our bespoke packages to ensure guests create lasting memories during their stay with us. 

LLA: Given the increasing importance of wellness tourism, how does Telal Resort Al Ain cater to guests seeking wellness and relaxation, and what unique wellness experiences do you offer? 

EF: Given the growing demand for wellness-focused travel, Telal Resort is proud to offer a range of experiences catered to guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. At the heart of our wellness offerings is our boutique spa, Desertology Spa, which provides an oasis of tranquility amidst the stunning desert landscape. 

Guests can indulge in soothing massage treatments and relax by our stunning semi-covered pool with a waterfall feature. 

Beyond the spa, we provide ample opportunities for guests to disconnect and recharge. We also continue to add to our current wellness offerings to ensure that we remain at the forefront of the growing wellness tourism market. 

Thank you for your time today, Mr. Farhat, we look forward to seeing what the future holds for your award-winning retreat. 

To find out more, and to book your next stay, please visit https://www.telalresort.ae/.