Newmarket and Ely Living Dec 2019 - Jan 2020

“IT WAS SPECIAL
INDEED TO SIP MY
MORNING COFFEE
WHILST GAZING
OUT ACROSS THE
VASTNESS OF THE
SURROUNDINGS”
Other than the opulent accommodation, what makes
Dunes unique is the swimming pool - unlike many desert
camps, Dunes is unique in having a spectacular infinity
pool, with views stretching out for miles over undulating
terrain. This immersion in the landscape is important, and
it is emphasised at every opportunity - each tent enjoys
similarly spectacular view of the dunes or the distant Al
Hajar mountains, so, if like me you have a little jet lag, you
can watch the sunrise over the sands from your bed!
The resort offers a whole host of amazing experiences
- from riding on Abdul the resident camel, guided quad
biking on the dunes and even a most spectacular Arabian
feast served under the stars. Just as in Sahab, Dunes
prides itself on an excellent menu of Indian and Omani
dishes. These are served in the Fleur Restaurant, open
on all sides to the panoramic mountain views. Fleur’s
head chef is somewhat of a local celebrity, having won
the Omani equivalent of MasterChef. He was also a part
of Rick Stein’s series on India - showing the calibre of the
cookery on offer.
It is clear with both resorts that the work is collaborative
and dependent upon excellent staff. The chefs, both
Indian, are adept and dexterous in the kitchen, creating
different takes on classic Omani dishes and elevating
them to fine dining - of course with some spice and curry
flavours thrown in. The spas too are what the group are
known for; Dr Mary Ann is one of those brought in at the
conception of the hotel group, with the owners seeking
out her health and wellbeing expertise to set up the
medi-spa in the original Al Nadha Hotel. Her ethos and
whole-body approach to wellbeing is echoed in each
resort and she has designed a treatment menu for each
that reflects its setting.
In Sahab, perched as it is high in the mountains, the
signature scent is called ‘Clouds’ - an uplifting fragrance
which pairs with the Signature massage. In Dunes, the
scent is a more musky ‘Arabian Nights’ and the signature
treatment is quite extraordinary. Called the ‘Sand Spa’,
clients take to an open air treatment room are immersed
in sand which has been heated by the sun. It is said that
a sand bath provides relief for people suffering from a
range of muscular disorders as well as helping to ease
the symptoms and heal various skin conditions too -
the gentle heat is also supremely relaxing, bringing a
soothing warmth to the body without becoming overly
hot. After the sand, which exfoliates the skin too, a
moisturising coating of natural yoghurt is applied to the
skin. Quite unique and almost elemental in its approach,
this is a treatment unlike any you might find elsewhere.
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Dr Mary, originally from Scotland, was certain she would
return home after setting up the spas - but she fell in