The Best Giveaway I’ve Ever Done, Comment Here for Chance to Win 2 Nights at Al Maha!

by Gary Leff

I’m going to visit Al Maha Desert Resort next month. Lucky called it his favorite Starwood Starpoints redemption ever. It’s an all-inclusive with standalone villas and infinity pools in the desert outside Dubai where rates can exceed $1700 per night and is consistently deemed one of the world’s best properties on TripAdvisor.

For bookings made by March 8 Starwood is offering awards there for ‘only’ 39,000 points a night instead of the usual 60,000. And I’m going to use some of my points there.

And I’m going to give away a couple of nights there, too! And it’s thanks to Luxury Travel Diary.

Luxury Travel Diary is a high-end travel blog with great reviews based in the UK that has a bunch of travel auctions with real bargains.

I suppose that folks who already know about these auctions don’t like this added attention, because frankly there aren’t enough bidders relative to the value of the offerings and some of these items go too cheap.

Luxury Travel Diary wanted to highlight some of their deals, and offered to help organize a giveaway of a 2 night hotel stay at Al Maha Desert Resort. As I said, it’s an inclusive resort. So you get breakfast, lunch and dinner. That even includes room service. And you even get two desert activities per night stay at the property. This is a giveaway worth ~ $3000 or 78,000 – 120,000 Starwood points.

To enter: leave a comment on this post with your favorite item up for auction at Luxury Travel Diary, or why you would choose to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort. You may enter two times if you wish and answer those two questions one time each in separate comments.

Contest deadline and drawing winner: Entries close Friday, January 29 at Noon eastern. I will draw winner with the assistance of random.org.

The fine print: The winner will be able to pick when to redeem the nights within 6 months. It’s not available on public holidays, Eid, Christmas and New Years (both of which are beyond 6 months anyway, but in the terms I was given). Advance booking is required and it’s subject to availability.

For avoidance of doubt, my own stay next month is paid for with my points. I have no affiliation with Luxury Travel Diary or Al Maha Desert Resort. I am not getting anything in exchange for running this giveaway other than an opportunity to share the place with readers.

I will put the winner in touch with the hotel for booking. They are solely responsible for providing prize to winner. All decisions made in the course of running this giveaway are final and unappealable and your entry signifies your acceptance. The goal here is to make readers aware of a pretty cool auction opportunity, and to give away a stay. So please don’t make it hard on me for doing so!

You probably won’t fly to Dubai and back for a 2 night stay, though you might add onto it and do other things in the region (great opportunity to spend American AAdvantage miles and fly Etihad first class at 90,000 miles each way before the March 22 devaluation, and Etihad even provides a car service anywhere in the UAE… or to spend Alaska miles and fly Emirates).

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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Comments

  2. I would choose to stay at Al Maha because it is so romantic. I would get major wife points for taking my wife to stay there.

  6. I’ve been wanting to go to Al Maha since the first time I heard about the resort. My wife and I love traveling to off-beat destinations, and if the destination also happens to offer falconing as an activity, all the better!

  8. My favorite auction from Luxury Travel Diary is the 2 night stay at the William Hotel in New York. My wife and I visit NY often, and we love trying new hotels. Combined with a few nights at a Hyatt (have to use those Diamond Suite Upgrades!) and our trip is covered!

  9. I am booked to go to Dubai in April. I would take my partner there for the amazing desert experience. The chance to try out some of their excursions would be amazing. The room with pool would be icing on the cake. Thanks for such a great giveaway!!

  11. I was thinking of using my Alaska miles to go to Dubai and staying at a high end resort is icing on the cake!

  18. Would choose to stay at Al Maha because I’m heading to Dubai next December and would love to get out of the city and see the desert and nature, and take a breather from the hustle!

  20. heck yeah. Thanks for doing this Gary.

    After reading all the reviews, I want to visit Al Maha just to share breakfast with my wife and a gazelle.

  21. I would choose to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort for the ambiance, the desert experience, the private pool, the animal viewing, the food and the activities.

  23. My favorite item that’s on auction are the “2 Nights In A Park Suite At Park Hyatt Buenos Aires”, mainly because I love staying at Park Hyatts! Any discounts on this hotel chain is much appreciated.

  25. I’d pick 3 Nights In A Villa At Loama Resort Maldives At Maamigili since we adore the Maldives and that looks like a wonderful way to return.

  31. Additionally, I’ll be bidding on the Villa Le Maschere near Florence for an upcoming Italian anniversary trip. Such a steal!

  32. I’d love to stay at this property for it’s amazing service and easy access to desert activities!

  33. I’d love to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort–it’s about as close to camping as I’d like to get. Plus, Dubai is fabulous.

  44. Al Maha Desert Resort looks like a lot of fun. Not the typical all-inclusive. Lots of interesting activities.

  45. Wow! Al Maha Desert resort sounds amazing! I’ll be in Dubai for first time ever in June. What an incredible award!

  47. I would love to stay here for the unique experience. Plus it would give me an excuse to travel to Dubai to see the sights!

  49. Why wouldn’t you want to stay here??!!! To stay here and enjoy the beautiful desert and the hotel sounds like a wonderful way to spend 2 nights!!! The included activities include falconry! WOW!

  51. I’ve always been intrigued by the rather cheap minute suites packages they have for DFW/ATL. I find myself sitting in those airports a lot and that sounds like it would be fantastic.

  53. 4 Nights At The Vintage Luxury Yacht Hotel, Myanmar would fit our travel plans nicely and make a stop at the Al Maha not too far away.

  54. I’ve always wanted to go Dune Bashing in Dubai and Ride a camel. I believe both of those are activities at the Al Maha!

  58. Why to stay in Dubai: always wanted to explore this city! Was there only once for a short connection on Emirates but think it will be a nice place to see and explore. Like everything new and unusual! 🙂

  64. I’d definitely use the $200 voucher for Stoned Crab Key West for my upcoming Valentine’s day trip!

  65. I would love to stay at the Al-Maha. The activities, including the falconry, seem incredible. And two nights seems a perfect length of time to experience the resort, and then go on to some other activities in the Middle East.

  67. I’d like to stay at the Grand Hyatt in Singapore. A friend recently traveled to that country and found it intriguing, so now I’m interested. Honestly though, there are so many other places I want to see that I don’t know when I’d go to Singapore…so winning this contest would be the impetus I need to get me there sooner than later!

  74. I would stay at the Al Maha for the private residence. Getting to stay at such a high-end, unique hotel in an exotic locale – who would say no?!? Not me!

  75. Some of the auctions look pretty interesting, but I would choose Al Maha after reading Ben’s trip review. Anyone who’s traveled as much as he has and gives a resort that strong a praise must be worth a visit.

    I’ve never been to the UAE but would love to fly one of the ME3 and check it out on a stopover to South Africa. Would gladly do a guestpost as well if I’m selected. Who wouldn’t want a “view from the wing” of a falcon?

  76. Why Al Maha: been wanting to go back to use ever since living there 6 years ago. I can’t wait to see how much has changed!

  78. 2 Nights At Villa Le Maschere, Near Florence, Italy since I’ll be there next month and don’t have a hotel booked yet!

  92. Wow! My in-laws have stayed there and I never thought we’d be able to afford it. My wife and I will be in Dubai next week and it would be awesome to have a little side trip!

  94. I’m already heading to Dubai for my wife’s birthday (in EK and EY first!) and I’d looked at staying here until I saw the price. Would love to win this and be able to stay there!

  96. 4 Nights For 6 Guests At Villa Sungai, Cepaka, Bali would be my choice. I’ve never been to Bali, but heard how amazing it is. I want to stay at the Al Maha for a similar reason: I’ve heard and read how amazing it is and would love to experience it. Also, it will be *by far* the nicest hotel in which I’ve stayed!

  97. I would love to stay at the resort in Al Maha because two activities are included! And the food in reviews look amazing.

  119. Wanna go to Al Maha because I think it would be AWESOME to stay in the desert and it would give me an excuse to go to Dubai where I have never been before!

  122. I would like to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort becuase of all the desert activities that are included!

  125. I had a whole trip booked – first class to Dubai and back from Abu Dhabi, with a planned night or two at Al Maha – that fell through. Would absolutely love to have it back on the calendar.

  126. 3 NIGHTS FOR 12 PEOPLE IN SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK, WALES
    Would be a fantastic award! I’ll be there in June for the first time.

  128. I’d love to stay at the Al Maha because I love the desert and the activities seem like a blast.

  129. I would love to stay at Al Maha because even at 39,000 starpoints/night that’s like shelling out 234,000 HHonors points/night. For some perspective, just one night at Al Maha will consume 62% of the total number of points I recently used to stay for 5 nights at Conrad Koh Samui!

  135. My favorite item: the very unique “7 nights for 10 people in a luxury villa in the Algarve”. I bet I could get a crowd together to go there…

  137. Why I would stay: I love checking out new locales and outstanding resorts. UAE hasn’t been top of my list, but if it were free…

  138. I’d love to visit and stay in Al Maha it’s less points than using Hilton points. It’s freezing in NYC I rather be in the warm sun right now

  139. Why I would want to go to Al Maha: I once overnighted in the Sahara on a trip to Morocco, and I have been determined to visit more deserts ever since (but I’ve never made it happen!) Also, this stay would be about 1000x the luxury of the berber tent I stayed in for that one night in Morocco 🙂

  140. I would love to stay at the Al Maha resort. I frequently stopover in Dubai en route to Pakistan but I have never stayed out in the desert and I think this would be very unique.

  141. I would choose to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort to really get away from it all, to explore the desert and to finally try out some of those fabled middle eastern airlines.

  144. I like the 2 Nights In An Under Canvas® Safari Tent In The US auction, because if my wife and I ever visit Yellowstone park we might as well be glamping.

  148. Among the auctions the :

    5 Nights At Casa Veintiuno In Sosua, Dominican Republic

    is the one that most interests me as I’ve been wanting to visit there for a while now!

  151. I would choose to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort because it would give me an opportunity to relax and enjoy my first ever visit to Dubai!

  152. The 3 Luxury Nights By The Beach In Tropea, Italy look like the coolest thing on Luxury Travel Diary to me…

  159. I’ve never been to a desert, so some desert safari seems interesting at Al Maha Desert Resort

  160. Staying at the Al Maha sounds like an awesome way to just get away from it all and relax! That is why I’d stay there, no mobile phone, no laptop, peace and relaxation!

  162. I would like to stay at Al Maha on our NYE 2017 trip to Dubai. We already have 5 nights at the Le Meridian Beach Resort. Two nights at Al Maha before our stay there would be awesome!

  163. Favorite item up for auction at Luxury Travel Diary? 2 Nights For 4 In A Luxury Apartment In Belgravia, London!

  166. I would like to bid on a stay at the Grand Hyatt Singapore for two nights before our trip to Bali in October.

  167. would do the auction item “2 Nights At The Grand Hyatt Singapore” cuz there are tons of ladies working outside the lobby if you know what i mean

  168. I would go for the 2 nights at The William Hotel New York. Quick weekend getaway to enjoy one of the greatest cities in the world.

  169. I would choose to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort because it will be a truly unique desert experience! (With so many amazing things included!).

  170. For the auctions on Luxury Travel Diary, I would definitely go for the 3 Nights For 4 In A Luxury Parisian 2-Bedroom Apartment – looks fantastic and I love Paris!

  179. My favorite item up for auction is the 2 Nights In A Park Suite At Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. One of the better Park Hyatts in the system!

  182. I’d stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort because I’ve never been to a desert before, and a luxury stay would be a fitting first time!

  183. I’m going to put in a bid on the Grand Hyatt Doha….I’ll have a great middle eastern trip when I win the Al Maha stay!

  185. I’d love to go to the Al Maha Desert Resort for the activities. Camel Riding and desert exploring. Count us in!

  190. I like the auction for 2 Nights At Luxury Villa Laetitia, Rome, Italy2 Nights At Luxury Villa Laetitia, Rome, Italy

  191. I would love to stay at Al Maha for 2 nights during my 4 night stay in Dubai. I want to experience a desert resort.

  192. I would love the Al Maha prize as it would be a good excuse to talk my wife into going to Dubai.

  194. Sure, I’ll bite. “Why I would stay at Al Maha” — well, I did once, already. By myself. Definitely not the kind of place you want to land solo, so I’d like a do-over, with my sweetheart in tow.

  201. Have been eyeing on Al Maha for a while. I am a big fan of adventure and Al Maha activities look really fun.

  202. I really like the “3 NIGHTS IN A VILLA FOR 3 PEOPLE IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA” auction item.
    I wish the website offered more listings for major hotel chains.

  205. Al Maha Desert Resort looks beautiful and completely different from my normal vacations.

  206. I may actually bid on the auction for the 3-nights in a luxury Parisian apt since I’ll be heading that way this summer.

  207. My favorite item up for auction at Luxury Travel Diary is 3 Nights For 4 In A Luxury Parisian 2-Bedroom Apartment. I’m planning an extended trip to Paris and this actually fits perfectly to our need.

  208. I find the Villa Laetitia in Rome very interesting, so I would say it’s my favorite item up for auction. I would consider bidding if I were going to Rome a little earlier, but I’m going in May.

  209. 2 Nights At Argentario Golf Resort & Spa, Tuscany is my favorite auction at Luxury Travel Diary.

  210. I would stay at the Al Maha resort to do the Desert Experiences! The camel trekking and safari look incredible.

  211. And since I wouldn’t go to UAE for just two nights, I’ll take that 3-night stay at Grand Hyatt Doha in Qatar that Luxury Travel Diary has available. Will work nicely since I’ll be cashing in AA miles on Qatar for the trip to Dubai!

  213. Favorite item on the Auction Site would definitely be the Luxury Apartment in Florence. One of my top destinations to visit.

  217. I would love to stay at the Al Maha resort to experience the beautiful night time sky, which that area is known for. Not just amazing sunsets but stellar view of the Milky Way.

  218. My favorite item up for travel auction is the 8 NIGHTS AT AMAYA RESORTS & THE KINGSBURY, SRI LANKA

  222. I think the Al Maha’s private swimming pools look incredible. Also all-inclusive. Sounds like a homerun.

  223. Why I would stay at Al Maha? Never been to this part of the world. This would be quite the introduction!!!

  224. The Maldives is on my list of places to visit- so my favorite item is Loama Resort Maldives at Maamigili

  225. Al Maha (Arabic for “the Maha”) would be a massive upgrade over the trite 4 Points and Aloft properties in which I normally stay.

  237. Already headed to Dubai for my wife’s birthday. Just showed this to her and we’ve got our fingers crossed we’re the lucky winners so we can celebrate with some falconing and duning!

  239. My husband has booked a trip for us to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for my birthday in a couple months (he booked Emirates First and Etihad First using tips from your site!) –we looked up this place as a possible night in the desert and really loved it and would love to stay here. Thanks for this opportunity!

  244. My favorite auction item of the moment is the villa stat at Loama Resort Maldives. It sounds amazing.

  245. Hey Gary,

    Is the 35% off promotion for bookings AND stays by March 8th? Or just bookings?

    I thought this was confusing in the wording of the promotion, we will be in Dubai in November and I was planning on using points for a night or two in the desert but everything priced at 60K. I’m assuming this means the stay must be before then….but I’m holding out hope the agent was missing something.

  249. My husband and I have very different approaches when it comes to our vacations (I like luxury, all-inclusive all the better, while he likes going out on tours and activities [he could do with or without the luxury aspect]) so Al Maha seems like the ideal compromise for us! We’d love the opportunity to try out the resort.

  250. 4 nights at HOTEL MINHO, NORTH PORTUGAL – sounds like a perfect spot to go explore the port wine area!

  253. I’d love to stay at the Al Maha as an introduction to the luxury of Dubai! The photos look stunning!

  255. I’m heading to South Africa in June and I would definitely route my flight with a stopover in Dubai just to visit the Al Maha.

    BTW I win an auction through Luxury Travel Diary and their customer service is awesome.

  263. My wife has never been to the UAE and this would be an awesome way to show her a new part of the world!

  265. The auction for 3 nights in a Suite at the 5-Star Das Central, Austria looks like it would be great. Just like Sound Of Music.

  270. Never been to Dubai, and the Al Maha Desert Resort would be a fantastic way to do it for the first time!

  273. I would love to stay in luxury in the Desert. The Al Maha Desert Resort with its pools and included food sounds amazing.

  276. I would love the 3 Luxury Nights At The Iconic Santorini, Greece as it looks like a great honeymoon spot!

  278. The Al Maha stay is, without question, my favorite item up for auction. I’ve been drooling over this property ever since I first saw it!

  279. I have read great things about the Al Maha resort and think it would be a wonderful way to spend two nights in the desert!

  288. I never been to UAE. I would love just to be in the middle of the desert and still get a 5 star resort stay. Amazing!

  290. For auctions, I’d like to stay at the Villa La Maschere near Florence. Unfortunately, the auction still has 6 days to run.

  292. I will probably only make it to the UAE once in my life, so might as well stay at the Al Maha and visit in style!

  294. Al Maha is one of the most magical resorts in the Middle East and it would be a dream to take my fiancee there!

  296. I’d love to stay at Al Maha with my husband as we’ve never been to that part of the world before!

  298. I’d love to stay at the Al Maha Resort, it looks beautiful, and definitely looks like a different feel compared to the Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt Dubai hotels that I typically stay at when visiting the UAE. If only I weren’t using all of my SPG miles for EK F awards. 😛

  301. This sounds perfect! I haven’t been to the UAE yet, but when I do, the desert is calling my name since I like outdoors better than cities. And since the resort is so high end, I won’t even have to convince someone to rough it with me! Best of all worlds.

  302. The Al Maha would be a fantastic way to travel in the Middle East for the first time. I’d happily be spoiled!

  304. As far as auctions, the 3 nights at Pumziko Safari and Wellness Lodge in Tanzania looks awfully interesting, and awfully undervalued at only 50 pounds at the moment.

  308. The bid they have on Tschuggen Grand Ski Hotel & Spa, Switzerland for 2 nights looks lovely especially looking at the modern architecture of that place.

  309. My favorite auction item is the suite nights at the Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. Reminds me of a fabulous vacation in Argentina a couple of years ago that included a stay there.

  310. I think the 5 night stay in Green Leaf Boutique Hotel in Cambodia looks interesting as I have wanted to go to Cambodia for a while.

  311. Never been to Dubai or UAE, but I figure winning this prize would definitely make me go there for a pitstop when I go to Europe/Africa this spring and summer!

  313. I would stay at the Al Maha because it looks like the perfect place to relax and take my honeymoon. It’s gorgeous!

  315. 3 Nights For 4 In A Luxury Private Villa In Goa would be great, since we’re planning a trip to India at the end of the year.

  317. I’ve never experienced a resort as an all inclusive with SPG before. It’ll be nice to be able to stay there for free.

  319. Auction at the “Loama Resort Maldives At Maamigili” for £101.00 seems an awesome price (auction) for the place.

  320. Would love 2 free nights at the Al Maha as my fiance and I already have a 1 night stay planned for our honeymoon to Dubai and the Maldives. Traveling in Emirates First Class using Alaska miles of course. Thanks!

  325. I’d be excited to stay at the Al Maha because I’m planning a honeymoon to Dubai and the gorgeous desert views coupled with the dune riding activities would be amazing. Plus, the falconry would be cool too!

  328. Well, I have a one way ticket to Abu Dhabi this summer and no plans once I get there, so this would certainly help with the where-to-stay part of the trip!

  330. I would stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort because the desert activities (especially the falconry and wildlife drive) look great. Already have first class Emirates award tickets connecting in Dubai so this would make an awesome stopover for my upcoming birthday celebration. Pick me! Pick me! LOL.

  333. I will be honored and grateful to received a 2 nights complimentary all inclusive stay from Al-Maha Desert Resort and Spa for a luxury holiday in Dubai.

  337. I’d love to stay at Al Maha because I want to experience that view of the desert from that pool.

  339. My favorite item currently up for auction is 3 Nights In A Suite At The 5-Star Das Central, Austria b/c the views look stunning

  340. I would be excited to stay at the Al Maha b/c I’ve never done a desert centered vacation before and the property looks great

  348. My favorite thing up for auction has to be the 4 nights for 6 guests at Villa Sungai in Bali.

  350. We’re going to Dubai on February 15 to the 21st. It would be incredible to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort!

  353. My favorite item up for auction at at Luxury Travel Diary is 2 Nights At MesaStila Resort, Java, Indonesia.

  355. Wanted to go on last trip to Dubai. Two nights at Al Maha would be a wonderful reason to return. Fingers crossed!

  363. I would stay at Al Maha because it would offer me the opportunity to explore the incredible deserts of the UAE!

  372. Keeping a close eye on the 6 night at Benvengudo Nr Avignon in Southern France, will bid last day – fingers crossed!

  379. While there are a number of very inspiring places on the auction list – including al Maha – I was pretty intrigued by the 5 nights at Hotel Tres Palma de Mallorca.

  380. Two nights at Al Maha would be a wonderful spot to take my wife on our fifth wedding anniversary!

  383. Tanzania is on my bucket list, so the Pumziko Safari and Wellness Lodge would be grand.

  384. Why would I wanna stay at Al Maha? It’s a luxury property and it looks amazing. As a Ambassador guest at SPG this would be an amazing stay! Can’t wait to win it.

  386. I’d love to stay at Al Maha because my wife has been asking to go, and happy wife happy life!

  390. Would love to stay at the Al Maha because it’s one of the most exclusive resorts in the world!

  391. My wife and I are heading to Kenya, with a stopover in Dubai. It would be incredible to stay at this hotel, relax with the great service and participate in some fun activities!

  392. Favorite item is the Viceroy in Ubud. We’re headed there in October and the Viceroy would normally be way out of our budget, but I made a bid!

  393. Would love to stay because its a welcome change from the urban concrete jungle of Dubai and get a taste of real Arabia at one of the finest Hotels in the world!

  395. We’re headed to Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi in November. We were planning to stay in the cities, since our time is brief, but 2 free nights at Al Maha would definitely cause us to change our plans and would be a wonderful respite in between museum visits!

  396. My favorite item up for auction would have to be 7 nights at the two bedroom condo in Barbados. Having kids, it’s nice to have some space when we travel! Sounds like a relaxing vacation.

  397. I’d love to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort because I think it would be perfect if my first experience with Dubai was somewhere so luxurious.

  408. The Singapore auction looks to be my favorite right now, that town is on my bucket list.

  413. I would love two nights at the Al Maha to go with the Etihad apartments redemption I am hoping to make in the near future!

  414. My favorite thing up for auction is 2 Nights At Argentario Golf Resort & Spa in Tuscany. Such a beautiful area!

  415. I would choose to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort because it looks amazing, and I’ve never been to the Middle East!

  416. I’d love to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort. It’s a place that’s on my bucket list

  417. My favorite item up for auction at Luxury Travel Diary is 2 Nights In A Park Suite At Park Hyatt Buenos Aires.

  419. Would love to stay there because its close to me snd never stayed at all inclusive resort before

  420. I may bid on the Bali villa resort at Luxury Travel Diary since I’m headed there in a few months. And the Singapore hotel, though that one doesn’t end for a while and possibly after I would need it.

  425. I have never been to Dubai so the Al Maha Desert Resort would be a great way to visit.

  426. And I want to take my mom to Al Maha since her favorite vacation was a few years ago – Emirates first class and Saadiyat St Regis. She loved the UAE. This would be the perfect “round” birthday present.

  429. My wife lived in Jeddah as a teenager and has been disappointed to not be able to go back, this will really make her happy!

  435. i’ll actually be there next month as well–lucky’s post made the whole experience sound so cool, that i couldn’t say no! (and since my reservation is already past the cancellation deadline, adding an additional 2 nights would let me try out more of the activities!)

  437. and my favorite on luxury travel diary is the 2 Nights In A Park Suite At Park Hyatt Buenos Aires!

  439. I’m down for the 7 night stay at the Acanto Boutique Hotel in Playa del Carmen. Mexico seems like a good escape.

  441. Honestly, I’d got to have a relaxing break before spending a day (or two or three) at Ferrari World and hour away!

  445. My favorite item up for auction at Luxury Travel Diary at the moment is 8 Nights At Amaya Resorts & The Kingsbury, Sri Lanka

  447. I’ve been wanting to stay at Al Maha because of Lucky’s review – sounds like an amazing experience.

  450. Did you see the view from the pool? That wide expanse of desert from a cool body of water? That looks AMAZING.

  451. I would love to go for desert activities with my 8-yr old son, and or course relax in that beautiful private pool at Al Maha afterwards!

  453. Planning a trip to Dubai and would love to add two more nights for giving my wife the best babymoon ever!!

  454. I’d like to stay at Al Maha for the desert excursions…particularly dune driving and falconry!

  457. 7 Nights At Aquila Porto Rethymno Hotel In Crete, Greece. The location and the views are perfect for those of us currently battling the snow. And it’s only 20 pounds at present… shh… don’t look. This is not the auction you’re looking for.

  458. My favorite item up for auction right now would be the 2 night stay for 6 guests in Costa Rica

  463. Have wanted to visit Al Maha since Lucky wrote it up earlier. Seems like a great spot for a 2nd mini honeymoon!

  464. My favorite auction currently is 2 nights in a Luxury Villa at the 5-star Viceroy Bali…amazing!

  465. I would want to stay at the al Maha to experience the Middle East outside the built up environment of Dubai etc

  468. Would love to take some friends down to the DR with the 7 Nights For 6 Ppl At Laguna Beach, Dominican Republic auction!

  471. I have never been to Dubai, so I would love the excuse to go if I won a stay Al Maha Desert Resort !

  472. have been wanting to go to Dubai. A stay at the Al Maha resort will be make the trip special.

  473. Favorite auction item would be the 2 nights at the Grand Hyatt Singapore. I’ve always wanted to go to singapore.

  474. I’d choose to stay at Al Maha because I’ve never been to the Middle East before and this would make a great first impression!

  478. My favourite item up for auction at Luxury Travel Diary is 4 nights at Huma Island Resort & Spa, Philippines – Palawan is an incredible and unspoilt island!

  479. Getting married in May and would love to take our first trip as a married couple to Al Daha in Dubai!

  480. I would choose to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort to watch an incredible desert sunrise in complete silence from the comforts of my own private desert infinity pool!

  486. Al Maha looks incredible. Hanging in the private pool while wildlife wanders nearby! Falconry would be pretty great too!

  487. My parents currently live in Dubai. I would love to win the stay to gift it to them for their 37th wedding anniversary since they rarely get the chance to experience such luxury!

  488. The 2 night stay at The Edge in Bali on Luxury Travel Diary would be a great combination for some of the AirBnB’s I’ve been scoping out!

  491. Al Maha Desert Resort looks like a great place to visit due to the opportunity to try out the fun desert activities and enjoy the all inclusive dining!

  496. I would love to stay at Al Mala for the stunning sunsets and being able to enjoy the activities like dune bashing in the desert.

  498. I love camels so seeing the camels in the desert around Al Maha Desert Resort would really make my stay special.

  500. Al Maha looks absolutely stunning and a perfect destination to leave your laptop/electronics/responsbility at home. It also helps that we will be in Dubai in April, and would love the opportunity!

  501. I’d love the free nights at the Al Maha because it would be the excuse to plan a longer trip with Dubai as a stopover, that means it could be almost anywhere! What a fabulous excuse ;).

  502. Luxury Travel Diary preferred auction item: 3 nights at the 5-Star Grand Hyatt Doha in Qatar!

  503. i would stay at Al Maha because desert if beautiful and the all inclusive aspect is something i’ve never experienced before!

  504. fav auction is 2 Nights At The William Hotel New York – USA, can always go to NYC and the williams looks elegant

  505. 7 NIGHTS AT AQUILA PORTO RETHYMNO HOTEL IN CRETE, GREECE This would be a cool place to visit.

  508. My dream place… would love to have breakfast with the oryx and participate in falconry activities!

  512. My fav is the 3 Nights stay in Santorini, Greece. It is like stepping into a beautiful painting. Was there on my honeymoon in 97′ (quick cruise day trip). But… Anything over this SNOW !!!! S O S

  523. I’d stay at the Al Maha just because I bet they don’t have any ceder pollen there. (Its allergy season here.)

  528. Two nights in a Park Suite at the Park Hyatt Buenos Aires— a fabulous hotel with the most personalized service.

  536. Already have flights booked to Dubai March 31 – April 8, and would love to stay at Al Maha. Traveling with family, and this will be me and my brother’s first ever international trip. Would really start our travels off with a boom. Ben’s review was so good, and everything about the place looks fantastic, especially the activities. Staying at Al Maha would be a dream come true.

  538. A week with 2 other couples in the Dominican Republic would have to be my favorite auction item.

  539. 7 NIGHTS AT AQUILA PORTO RETHYMNO HOTEL IN CRETE, GREECE Would be a great place to spend a week in the summer.

  543. My fave item up foe auction is 3 Nights For 4 In A Luxury Private Villa In Goa, India

  545. I’d love to stay at Al Maha because I’m keen to visit the Middle East for the first time.

  547. A chance to stay in Dubai…and perhaps enjoy some peace and quiet? Sign me up! Thanks for the chance!

  551. I’d love to stay there as I am in love with the desert and it sounds very luxurious

  553. My favorite item up for auction is the 2 Nights at the Villa Le Maschere in Florence. 147GBP for two nights at such as beautiful property is a bargain. I will definitely have to keep this site in mind.

  554. I would choose to stay at the Al Maha Resort because of the incredible scenery, setting, and wildlife.

  558. 2 nights at a luxury cabin in Yosemite National Park. Last time/first time I went the place was on fire–I’d like to see it on a clear day.

  559. 7 Nights At Zoe Seaside Resort In Messinia, Greece. I’m probably bidding on this one anyway. Smart idea contacting you!

  562. I would choose to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort because of the standalone villas and the desert activities.

  563. Would love to stay at the Al Maha- don’t have tickets to UAE booked, but would make the special trip for that!

  565. 3 Nights At The 5-Star Grand Hyatt Doha In Qatar

    I’m looking at an award redemption involving a stopover in DOH later this year, so this item is of particular interest.

  569. I would like to win the Al Maha Desert Resort giveaway because this was located in a region that I had never been interested in until I saw the photos.

  571. I grew up spending time in the deserts of California and would love to share that passion with my fiancée!

  572. My favorite item for auction is the 3 luxury nights in Tropea, Italy that I could tack on to my upcoming honeymoon.

  576. Stayed at the al-maha a couple months ago, definitely the best resort I’ve ever stayed at and would love to go again.

  577. I’ve never been to Dubai so I’d love to check out the city and this beautiful hotel. All-inclusive…yes please!!

  580. I actually have a 2 day trip in February to Dubai because that was the only time I could get off, AL MAHA would be a perfect gift for those 2 days especially the Falconry!!

  581. UAE in the summer! Sort of takes your breath away, but again so does this hotel. A great getaway for the winner. thanks gary

  587. I would like to see an auctions for hotel rooms at events which are already booked out, possibly as packages with tickets, e.g. NYE at the Shard in London, Venetian Carnival incl. traditional ball in Venice, F1 in Monaco, etc.

  589. Al Maha, Dubai, and any luxury resort were a “not in this lifetime” thought before I found this.

  594. I would choose 3 luxury nights at the Iconic Santorini, Greece because Santorini is beautiful.

  596. Favorite Item is the 3 luxury nights at the Iconic Santorini, Greece. Been there once. Beautiful.

  597. One of my favorite from Luxury Travel Diary auction would be: 2 NIGHTS IN A LUXURY VILLA AT THE 5-STAR VICEROY BALI.

  598. Also, I’d like to stay at the Al Maha because of the daily desert excursions. Looks fun!.

  600. I haven’t managed to get myself to the UAE yet. A stay at the Al Maha would definitely be a fabulous way to do it.

  601. I’d go with the luxury cabin in Yosemite Park as they are difficult to reserve and it is an amazing place!

  611. I want to stay at Al Maha because my sister-in-law is getting married in Dubai in April. I would love to stay at the resort vs. having to stay with my in-laws. Can you blame me??

  612. Can’t think of a better way to spend AA miles before they devalue – could really use a getaway like this before kiddo#3 arrives 🙂 Plus, the food at Al Maha Desert Resort looks fabulous!

  613. My favorite auction item is the, 2 nights at a luxury cabin in Yosemite National Park. Always wanted to visit the park and luxury cabin seems the most relaxing after 3 days of outdoor adventures.

  614. Favorite item for auction: 3 Nights In A Villa At Loama Resort Maldives At Maamigili – then could book a stay at Dubai Al Maha on the way 🙂

  615. My wife and I will be in Dubai in. November celebrating our 20th anniversary. I would LOVE to stay at Al Maha, unfortunately the points (and the cash) are too rich for me.

  624. Would love to stay at the Al Maha as one amazing stop on a trip around the world later this year!

  625. Award flights on both Etihad and Emirates combined with a free stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort would make an amazing trip!

  627. My favorite item up for auction is 5 nights at the Green Leaf Boutique Hotel in Siem Reap Cambodia, because Siem Reap is home to the most spectacular sites in the world (Angkor Wat and others).

  628. The Sri Lanka auction at Luxury Travel Diary looks really interesting. I’ve never been to the country and would like to do so.

  629. I would choose to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort because having a swim in the middle of the desert followed by a five star meal sounds fantastic!

  631. Will be in Dubai in May and the Al Maha resort would be the perfect way to top off the visit to the UAE.

  632. Great giveaway, Gary! My wife and I were actually looking at visiting there for a couple of days so this would be huge! We sure liked the look of it and would love to check it out ourselves. 🙂

  636. Based on Lucky’s review of the Al Maha Desert Resort, I’ve added the place on my list of locations to see for myself! I would love the opportunity to go and stay there!

  642. My favorite auction at the moment is for:
    3 NIGHTS AT THE 5-STAR GRAND HYATT DOHA IN QATAR

    Since I have a Qatar F award and a few days to spend there anyway this fall 🙂

  643. I’ve never been to Dubai, so winning a stay at Al Maha Desert Resort would be the ultimate incentive to get me there.

  644. I would surely chose the Al Maha Desert Resort as the whole desert experience seems to be outstanding and we are somewhat fond of Dubai and the Emirates anyway.

  645. I’m pregnant and due in less than a week. I think a short luxury getaway to Al Maha Desert Resort would be an amazing trip to help us relax after a couple of months of figuring out the whole parenting thing, and it’s actually feasible because we’re currently living in Istanbul. If that’s not kismet, I don’t know what is 🙂

  646. The website has so many amazing stays being auctioned on that website, but a boutique hotel in Cambodia for 5 days sounds AMAZING to me.

  651. I choose “7 Nights At Aquila Porto Rethymno Hotel In Crete, Greece” because I’ve always wanted to go to Greece! Thanks so much for doing this giveaway 🙂

  654. I would love to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort and go for a desert safari!! Never been to a desert and never been on a safari so it would be extremely interesting for me to say the least! Just thinking about this makes me excited!

  655. Favorite item from Luxury Travel Diary would definitely be 7 LUXURY NIGHTS FOR 4 ON COTE D’AZUR NEAR MONACO. Love monaco, love the south of france. A good location to launch a visit to nice, Provence, lake como etc!

  657. Definitely Al Maha Desert Resort as it would be the perfect start of our already booked UAE family holiday!

  658. Our dream is to visit the Al Maha Desert Resort since we have direct flights to Dubai from Birmingham. It looks like something out of a movie set.

  664. Up for auction,.the 2 night stay at The Bay House in Cornwall, UK, would be a fantastic getaway. Wow, currently going for only £4 GBP?!

  665. As for staying at the Al Maha, the photo (between the paragraph about luxury travel diary) does it for me. To relax by that pool, loosing myself somewhere in that view looking across the desert, ah……

  666. Al Maha because if lucky and you say it is awesome it must be a once in a lifetime holiday….keeping fingers crossed

  669. I would stay at Al Maha for a lot of the reasons the others gave, especially the desert (and dessert?) activities.

  673. I’d choose that property so I can experience the finer things travel hacking would allow me to experience. And I would have amazing pictures to brag about on Facebook.

  695. Thanks Gary! The Al Maha looks amazing. I’d like to cool off in the private pool after enjoying the desert sun.

  696. Thank you Gary. A ton of great auction items on their site, I think I would go with the 2 Nights In A Park Suite At Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. Been on my list for a long time!

  699. My favorite item up for auction is easily the 7 Nights At Aquila Porto Rethymno Hotel In Crete, Greece. I’ve always wanted to go to Greece!

  700. The Al Maha seems like a dream trip. I’d love to enjoy their beautiful pool after a day in the sun.

  701. I just got started in the miles game and have never stayed at an all-inclusive, let alone one with plunge pools connected to the room!

  702. My favorite auction item is 7 Nights At Aquila Porto Rethymno Hotel In Crete, Greece.

  703. My husband and I went to Al Maha for our honeymoon and it was easily the nicest place we’ve ever stayed. I would love to go back again.

  709. My favorite item up for auction currently at Luxury Travel Diary has got to be the 5 Nights with Half Board At Reethi Beach Resort, Maldives. I am in the process of planning my Honeymoon and Maldives is one of the most expensive destinations in the world, so it would be great to get a deal here.

  710. I’d love to stay at the Al Maha with my wife. It’s a part of the world we’ve never been to, and looks beautiful. Would be an incredible experience for two people who haven’t traveled much internationally!

  711. For auction, I’d bid on two nights at the viceroy in Bali because we debated staying there when we went to Bali last summer. We ultimately stayed at the Samaya in Ubud so I’m curious to try the viceroy next.

  712. Your Al Maha Desert Resort giveaway would not only be a dream come true for my fiancé and I, but also, would come at a perfect time as we will be going to Dubai this year as part of our honeymoon itinerary and still haven’t booked our stays! It would be amazing to win this!

  713. I’d stay at Al Maha just go go to the ME… never been and this would make it a great excuse to finally head out there (and sample emirates/ethihad)!!

  717. I would love to stay at Al Maha so I would be sleeping in the desert and be there for sunset and sunrise to take amazing pictures and being able to relax afterwards 🙂

  720. “7 Luxury Nights For 4 On Cote D’Azur Near Monaco” sounds amazing and I would qualify it as my favourite item on the auction site, I love the French Cote D’Azur and have never been to Monaco.

  722. My favorite auction from luxury travel diary would be the 3 nights for 4 in a Luxury Private Villa in Goa, India. The idea of getting to stay in a private villa has such an appeal that is truly a rare luxurious treat and the price per the auction seems truly amazing.

  723. Being able to stay in not only such a private high end luxury resort but also have it be all inclusive seems like it would truly be a treat. The value is undeniable at the Al Maha.

  725. I would like to bid on the Luxury Tent stays near national parks in the US. They look fantastic!

  728. My fave auction is the 7 nights at Hotel Jezero in Triglav, Slovenia. Lovely country.
    Would love to stay at the Al Maha though!

  730. My favorite item up for auction has got to be the 5 Nights with Half Board At Reethi Beach Resort, Maldives. My wife and I have been dreaming of the Maldives!!

  731. I would choose the 2 Nights In A Luxury Villa At The 5-Star Viceroy Bali. I have never been to Bali before, and it looks great!

  732. I would like to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort, because it is a unique property and would be a wonderful experience.

  733. I’d stay at Al Maha because of the all-inclusive meals, exclusive location and desert environment!

  734. I would love to bid on the 7 Nights At Aquila Porto Rethymno Hotel In Crete, Greece. Thanks.

  736. I would love to stay at the Al Maha resort because I love the wildlife including the camels and desert goats. Thanks!

  742. I would choose al maha because I am already going to dubai and would love to stay at the desert retreat with a pool for my own!! Thanks gary and points!

  744. I would like to win the auction: 7 NIGHTS AT AQUILA PORTO RETHYMNO HOTEL IN CRETE, GREECE

    I would love to go to greece! Specially for 20 dollars!

  745. My wife and I went to Al Maha for one night and it was excellent. We would love to go back again.

  750. My favorite item up for auction is the Grand Hyatt Singapore. I’ve been scoping a trip that direction and the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo (where they shot Lost in Translation) is spectacularly opulent.

  751. im tempted to bid on the viceroy in bali in the auction as im trveling there within the next few months anyway! al maha would make a great stop on the way back home!

  752. I would like to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort to review the property’s wheelchair accessibility, and to gain the experience of being out in the Emirati desert.

  754. I would choose 3 Nights At Pumziko Safari & Wellness Lodge, Tanzania. Looks like a fantastic stay!

  756. I happen to have a trip booked to Dubai at the end of March, for 2 nights. Currently booked at the Park Hyatt, but would gladly switch if I win!

  757. My favorite auction item is 2 nights at the Grand Hyatt Singapore. Price looks good and I’m interested in visiting there.

  758. I’ve always wanted to see Dubai and have never stayed in a super-luxury resort, so I’d love to try the Al Maha Desert Resort and see that region of the world for the first time.

  759. I would choose to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort because I would love to experience Dubai’s desert.

  760. My favorite item up for auction at Luxury Travel Diary is the 7 NIGHTS AT AQUILA PORTO RETHYMNO HOTEL IN CRETE, GREECE. I’ve always wanted to explore Crete and winning that auction would give me the perfect excuse.

  761. Would love to stay at Al Maha and enjoy dune riding in the desert. Did that once in Vegas and was a lot fun. But here, it should be a blast!

  763. I would want to stay at Al Maha since I love the desert and have never been to the UAE before. It would also be a good excuse to fly Etihad before the devaluation!

  766. I would choose to stay at Al Maha for the dune dining, I have always been fascinated with deserts and dining in a sea of sand sounds heavenly. My favorite auction is 5 nights in a villa in Bali. I had the pleasure of going to Bali in 2013 and have been dying to get back.

  768. I would totally love to go to the resort. For me, while I love the resort features and I’d have a hard time getting away, I’d definitely like the change to explore as well. Seems like a great mix of “safe luxury” and “Bob out of his comfort zone.”

  771. My favorite current auction is the 6 luxury nights in a villa near Avignon France. Looks like the perfect place for a lazy summer vacation.

  772. I’d love to stay at Al Maha and experience the desert. While Dubai might have its charms, nature wins, hands down.

  774. I’d want to win a stay at the Al Maha because my last trip to the UAE was in the middle of July, needless to say the weather wasn’t exactly fun

  775. Would love to experience Al Maha as I’ve not yet been to the UAE and it looks amazing!!!

  777. My favorite Luxury travel auction is the 2 nights in an Under Canvas® Safari Tent in the US

  780. I’ve never been to Dubai, but has been at the top of my list of places I’d like to go next. I would love to stay at this all-inclusive at Al Maha and experience the desert.

  781. I am in the midst of planning a trip to Greece, and will be keeping an eye on one of the hotels in the current auction: 7 Nights At Aquila Porto Rethymno Hotel In Crete, Greece

  782. I would like to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort because I would feel like Lawrence of Arabia.

  783. My favorite travel auction is definitely the 3 Nights In A Villa At Loama Resort Maldives At Maamigili. I would LOVE to go to the Maldives! Also, a stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort would cross an item off of my bucket list! Riding a camel through the desert, and on the beaches of Dubai would make my whole life! 🙂

  784. would love to stay at the al maha resort – would be my first time exploring the middle east!

  785. The auction for the Park Suite Buenos Aires! I wonder if they would recognize diamond benefits on a stay like that.

  787. I’d stay at the Al Maha as a stopover on the way to europe. It would make paying for 2 awards worth the cost and avoid the headache of trying to book a TATL flight with any OW carrier that doesn’t charge crazy fuel fees!

  788. Al Maha would be perfect to celebrate our wedding anniversary, the activities, the scenary, the food, service…everything seems so perfect and so unique!

  789. I would choose from the auction the: 7 Luxury Nights For 4 On Cote D’Azur Near Monaco, because it is in Europe (closer than other destinations), and I would get the chance to visit Saint-Tropez and Cannes as well as Monaco :-)!

  790. I think this auction sounds fun (because I’m a Bond fan): 3 Suite Nights At Bond Movie “Spectre” Location, Austria

  791. Staying at Al Maha would be amazing! I’ve read several detailed trip reports and was in awe! I would take full advantage of everything the resort has to offer.

  793. Staying at Al Maha sounds awesome. Would be my first time in the region. And, because Lucky likes it :-P.

  800. I would choose 2 Nights At The William Hotel New York – USA auction at Luxury Travel Diary.

  802. Easy choice for me – Anything Africa, so it’s 3 NIGHTS AT PUMZIKO SAFARI & WELLNESS LODGE, TANZANIA.

  803. I would select 2 Nights In A Luxury Villa At The 5-Star Viceroy Bali from the Luxury Travel Diary – it looks incredible!

  804. My favorite item on Luxury Travel Diary is “Belgrade Apartments In Serbia”. I’ve always wanted to explore the “white city”!

  806. Al Maha looks like an amazing place to relax…and believe me, I need to! Would also be great to spend time exploring!

  807. My favorite item up for auction at luxurytraveldiary.com is 3 Nights For 4 In A Luxury Private Villa In Goa, India. I’ve always wanted to travel there.

  808. I would love to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort because it looks so surreal from the photos on their website.

  812. Auction i’m excited about is 3 LUXURY NIGHTS AT THE ICONIC SANTORINI, GREECE, always wanted to be in Santorini and have heard wonderful things about the Iconic Santorini alas lots of days to go and lots of people have same favorite as me..might be out of my budget once it gets closer to end 🙁

  813. I would love to stay at the Al Maja and try all of the daily activities. I’m also fascinated in the desert and would love to stay at a hotel right smack in the middle of it.

  814. My favorite item is 4 nights for 6 guests at Villa Sungai, Cepaka, Bali. Would love to go back to Bali!

  816. I want to stay at Al Maha to experience the middle east of yester year before the high rises and tha glamour 🙂

  817. With a toddler and another child on the way, an ideal stay would be at a resort where one can enjoy the resort itself. Also, my family lives in the region so it would be a great stopover! That’s why I’d love to stay at the Al Maha Resort

  818. I really want to stay at the Al Maha. I’ve always had beach or tropical vacations. But i’ve never had a stay in the middle of the desert. This would be an amazing experience if I won.

  823. Favorite item in the auction is the 7 Nights At Aquila Porto Rethymno Hotel In Crete, Greece. I’ve never been to Greece and I’ve heard its beautiful and I would love to go.

  830. I would go for the 4 night Luxury Yacht Hotel in Yangon. The auction price is up to £4.00 now, but that’s still a decent deal 🙂

  831. I would love to stay at Al Maha because I’m looking for some inspiration for my honeymoon and a chance to try out Etihad Apartment before the AA devaluation.

  835. Al Maha looks brilliant- luxury in the desert with activities and some cultural interest.

  837. 3 Nights For 4 In A Luxury Private Villa In Goa, India looks like a pretty nice trip. I’d pick that auction because I’ve never been to India and it’s not as much of a hassle to get there as the Maldives.

  838. I’d stay at Al Maha not because it’s an all-inclusive but because of the included “desert activities.” I’m too curious about what they are

  839. 7 Nights At Aquila Porto Rethymno Hotel In Crete, Greece. Would love to go to Greece for first time!

  840. I would enjoy how remote it is. I once stayed at Wolwedans in the Namid desert, and this remind me of that.

  841. I would want to stay at the Al Maha to get away (far, far away!) and truly have the chance to relax and unplug in the desert. Dips in the endless pool? One of many icings on the cake!

  842. I have to say that if one auction catches my eye it would be the 3 SUITE NIGHTS AT BOND MOVIE “SPECTRE” LOCATION, AUSTRIA — who wouldn’t want to stay in the building bond visits up in the Alps with the melting ice cube architecture and the amazing mountain views?

  844. 7 Nights At Aquila Porto Rethymno Hotel In Crete, Greece! Have always dreamed of going to Greece!

  846. All I can hope is the al maha is so remote my cell phone won’t have any reception.

  847. Bond, James Bond. How cool is the concept of staying at Bonds Alpine retreat. I would bidbon that one.

  848. Grand Hyatt Doha. It’s been on my bucket list, so that’s the item I would love tonwin in the auction.

  849. Al Maha would be an awesome birthday destination. I would love to know more about their inclusive desert activities.

  850. I would choose to stay at 7 Nights In A 2-Bed Best E Villas Condo, Barbados! Never been to Barbados and would love to spend a week there!

  851. I would want to stay at the Al Maha to enjoy the undistributed view of the desert! In a private pool no less!

  852. I’ve never experienced a desert vacation before and the Al Maha looks like a fantastic opportunity. What a fabulous trip that would be!

  858. I would love love LOVE to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort! There’s no way I can afford to splurge on it’s cash price in the near future, and points-wise it’s still too much to spend. Never had the opportunity to stay overnight at a desert, and I can’t think of a more pleasant experience than staying at a luxury desert resort. The scenery, privacy, and unique activities that are exclusive to that location is just so attractive.

  859. My favourite item up for auction would be the 3 NIGHTS IN A VILLA AT LOAMA RESORT MALDIVES AT MAAMIGILI. Maldives is on the top of my list to visit, and preferably soon before the sea level gets any higher.

  860. Two Nights at the Grand Hyatt Singapore would be my favorite auction right now……but I would be so thrilled to visit the Al Maha Desert Resort. Wishing and hoping….

  861. My favorite item right now would be the 3-course dinner for 2 at Tavern at 15 would be nice, because I’m hungry 🙂

  862. The chance to do two desert activities per night is a pretty awesome reason to go to Al Maha Desert Resort!

  863. The auction item I would pick would be the 7 nights in Crete, Greece. At the Aquila Porto Rethymno Hotel. Greece is one of the places my husband and I have always wanted to see!

  865. I can’t quite describe my desire to experience the Al Maha Desert Resort! We have had the fortune to do many things in the past couple of years that I would never have dreamed of, and this would be no less than that.

  867. Currently My favorite auction item on that is 2 Nights At Villa Le Maschere, Near Florence, Italy which is in a great city I’d like to revisit.

  868. The reason I would choose to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort is it’s always in top50 hotel list and it’s all-inclusive style.

  869. My favorite item up for auction at Luxury Travel Diary is the 2 NIGHTS IN A LUXURY APARTMENT IN FLORENCE, ITALY

  870. The reason I’d choose to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort is its location and good reviews from TripAdvisor.

  871. 3 Nights For 4 In A Luxury Private Villa In Goa, India is my favorite item for now since I heard it’s very nice beach escape.

  874. My favorite auction is definitely the “5 Nights Half Board At Reethi Beach Resort, Maldives.” I would love to visit the Maldives (Overnight Stay At Diamonds Thudufushi Resort In The Maldives is my second favorite!).

  875. Would love to get out to the Maldives and relax at the LOAMA RESORT MALDIVES AT MAAMIGILI!

  877. I dream of the desert. I have passed through the region twice, but have yet to travel into the vast wonderland. The photography and art on the Al Maha Desert Resort webpage are exactly what I dream of. I would love to have the opportunity to share this experience with my family. I believe it would be memory to cherish.

  878. 7 NIGHTS FOR 6 PPL AT LAGUNA BEACH, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC looks like a wonderful experience. I love the resorts in DR.

  879. I would like the “3 Nights For 4 In A Luxury Private Villa In Goa, India” item on Luxury Travel Diary, because India has fascinated me, yet I’ve never visited.

  880. I would stay at Al Maha because I’ve never been in a desert that’s entirely sand; dune bashing sounds fun!

  882. From the auction, how about the 3 Suite Nights At Bond Movie “Spectre” Location, Austria

  883. I love the all-inclusive when it’s not done on the cheap — it looks like this particular place (which I have to say I’m an idiot for not knowing about!) does it up right!

  887. I would love to stay in Al Maha Desert Resort so I can relax with my wife without worry of all other expenses.

  890. Favorite Item up for Auction is a 3 Suite Nights At Bond Movie “Spectre” Location, Austria..
    I would choose to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort for a chance to see the Oryx.

  894. The Vintage Luxury Yacht Hotel in Myanmar seems like the most interesting luxurytraveldiary auction for me!

  895. I have always dreamed of going to Greece. I drool over the 7 Nights At Aquila Porto Rethymno Hotel In Crete, Greece offered in the auction!

  896. Another Auction from Luxury Travel Diary is 5 nights half board at Reethi Beach Resort, Maldives
    The Legend of Al Maha ….a tale of intrigue and rebirth. Just one of the many resons why I would choose to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort.

  897. My favorite item in the auction is that 3 Nights At Pumziko Safari & Wellness Lodge, Tanzania. My friend and I are planning to visit them someday for our August birthday celebration!

  900. I would love to stay at Al Maha because when we went to Dubai we did not have time to really experience the desert.

  901. I’ve been on safari, on ocean liners, riverboats, and train journeys, but I’ve never had a stay in the desert. Al Maha, you are the stuff of dreams.

  903. I’d love to stay there because I have never visited the area and it also has the Leff Seal of Approval!

  904. Always wanted to stay at the Al Maha to experience the desert activities. Been to Dubai many times for work, never been out to the desert.

  905. I’d bid on the 3 night villa in Goa. I’ve never been able to get the family to go to India, but maybe a luxury villa would be enough to tempt them there!

  908. I would love to visit the Al Maha Desert Resort to make my Arabian Nights dreams come true! That and to experience living the luxury life in a desert – and of course, the spa.

  909. My favourite auction would definitely be the 3 Luxury Nights At The Iconic Santorini, Greece, because c’mon, it’s Greece!! What is there not to love and be excited by?

  912. My favorite item up for auction is a 3-course dinner for 2 at Tavern at 15, London Worth £100, as I am studying in the UK and would enjoy a nice meal on the cheap.

  913. I would choose to stay at the Al Maha because it is near Dubai, which is somewhere I have been wanting to go for a while. Its all-inclusive nature is also a draw for me, as it would remove some choices I often spend too much time debating over, such as what to get for breakfast, which wold allow me more ease to do the other things.

  919. My absolutely favorite item up for auction at Luxury Travel Diary that I have been eyeing for the last 2 weeks is the “5 nights at the 6-Star Imperial Springs in Conghua, China” auction. The photographs are simply breathtaking with its serenity and colors – would be thrilled to go there & perhaps combine it with Al Maha trip (if I’m lucky enough to win!) and come up with the ultimate healing trip combo.

  921. I would love to stay at A Maha for a few days of solitude and relaxation, before enjoyiung the vibrancy of Dubai.

  922. I grew up in Dubai, left when I was 10 years old. I haven’t been back since. I used to love camping in the desert as a child. This giveaway would be the most perfect nostalgic return trip ever…in the lap of luxury!

  923. My favorite auction is 2 Nights In A Park Suite At Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. Gorgeous hotel in a beautiful city.

  927. Have been researching Myanmar quite extensively last month, including river cruises. The vintage luxury yacht cruise – 4 nights at £4.00? Gotta be kidding me.

  928. I’ve wanted to stay at Al Maha for many years. Being in the desert with the wildlife, the amazing scenery and a great tent room would be very memorable.

  930. 3 NIGHTS IN A VILLA AT LOAMA RESORT MALDIVES AT MAAMIGILI would be my pick from the Luxury Travel Diary auction.

  932. My favourite up for auction has got to be 8 Nights At Amaya Resorts & The Kingsbury, Sri Lanka – I’ve never been to Sri Lanka and this resort looks lovely! 🙂

  933. And why would I choose to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort? Simply because it screams luxury! 🙂

  935. It has to be Auctions for Quintessential Europe stays in the UK or abroad, these places are little gems for comfortable/relaxing stays in some unique establishments – always a winner with a loved one!

  937. I think the 7 nights for 10 people in a luxury villa in Agarve is my favorite. I always travel with a crowd–big family problems–and everyone could bring someone along with this one!

  938. My favourite item to win in the auction would be the 2 nights in a Suite at Paradis Plage Resort in Morocco!

  939. I would love to stay for 3 Luxury Nights By The Beach In Tropea, Italy or would really enjoy the AL Maha Desert Resort as it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and fiancé!

  940. And I would love to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort for a taste of all-inclusive luxury! (Have never stayed in all-inclusive places before! The closest I come to is half board with afternoon cake!)

  942. I’ve always wanted to stay at the Al Maha to experience the desert activities,it looks such a wonderful hotel

  944. My auction choice would definitely be the suite nights at Das Central in Solden to live out my James Bond fantasies!

  945. I have always wanted to stay at Al Maha as I have read so many great reviews about the resort.

  946. Grand Hyatt Singapore would be my choice from the Luxury travel diary. Always wanted to go and that looks like a great home base to explore Singapore!

  949. My favorite item up for auction at Luxury Travel Diary is 2 Nights At The William Hotel New York – USA.

  951. I love the looks of the D Resort Sebenik in Croatia! Have always dreamed of going there (just like Al Maha!).

  953. My favorite item in the Luxury Travel Diary’s auction is the 3 Luxury Nights By the Beach Tropea, Italy.

  957. I love The Luxury collection hotels that I have stayed at so far and I have never been to Dubai so I think Al Maha would be the perfect place for me to stay.

  962. The Al Maha sounds like a an amazing experience- something as a student I know I would not be able to afford for a long while.

  963. The Grand Hyatt Singapore would be my choice- the Grand Hyatt I went to in Bali when I was younger was gorgeous.

  967. I’d love to stay at Al Maha so that I can completely disconnect from everything — out in the middle of nowhere!

  969. My favorite item I’m the auction is the “5 NIGHTS HALF BOARD AT REETHI BEACH RESORT, MALDIVES”. I will definitely be bidding on this as it looks like a bit of heaven that I want to visit.

  970. I would like to stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort as I have never visited UAE, and this would be the perfect way to appreciate this majestic country and it’s offerings….also I have a 1St class redemption from abu dhabi to book soon….

  971. Oh man 2 nights at the Viceroy Bali would be my bid. That’s a perfect stop on a honeymoon adventure.

  972. I would want 2 nights at Al Maha because of the juxtaposition of a beautiful resort being in the middle of a barren desert! And each thing makes the other more beautiful.

  973. I would like to stay at Al Maha because I am travelling to Dubai in a few months and would love to see the wildlife, I would bid on the hotel at the Triglav National Park Slovenija 🙂

  974. I just think Al Maha looks mysterious. With a nomadic desert surrounding, tent-esque hotel rooms, falconry, torches, etc., It’s like a sample of ancient Arabia. I’d love to be immersed in those feelings.

  975. I’d bid on the three suite nights at Das Central in Sölden and pretend I was James Bond.

  976. I’d love to stay at the Al Maha to plot my next book. (Camels! The desert! Exotic luxury!)

  979. My favourite auction prize is the James Bond Spectre location. My boyfriend just smiles and nods when I talk ‘more holidays’ but this actually got his attention and he was keen to watch and make a bid!

  980. I would like to stay at the Al Maha as I have to go and visit my inlaws in South Africa soon, we usually change in Dubai but never stay and I think this place would be AMAZING to prepare or get over the stress family life can bring!

  983. I would love to stay at Al Maha because it looks like the grandest in luxury. Been in Dubai would be a dream come true!

  984. My favourite auction is for 2 nights in a luxury apartment in Florence, Italy. Looks wonderful and I have always wanted to visit Italy!

  986. I need this trip. ; )
    I went through a tough divorce after 24 years of marriage, and a few days in the desert sounds like heaven to me! Thanks!

  989. Am very interested in the 3 day private villa in Goa trip. Might actually look into getting that one.

  990. I’d love to vist Al Maha because of its conservative approach. In Canada we also approach our natural resources with a sense of conservation, and I would welcome the opportunity to visit this part of the world. I have never been to Dubai and have heard many wonderful things about it.

  992. I would love to stay there because I am taking my mom to Dubai for her birthday and I looked at this hotel but did not have the starpoints but still really want to go there. They have some amazing activities that I would love to do.

  994. What can be better then relaxing at the Al Maha Desert Resort and do fine dining in the desert at night under the millions of stars.

  996. I would want to experience Al Maha to see what one of the top properties on tripadvisor is like! I’d love to see the desert and the animals that live in it, all from the utmost luxury.

  997. My favorite auction would have to be the Park Suite at the Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. And now I could fly an American 777-300ER to get there!

  1000. My favourite auction is for the 2 nights at Gili Lankanfushi luxury resort in the Maldives. It looks amazing.

  1002. I’d love to stay at the Al Maha as it would be absolute paradise with peace and tranquillity away from the nonsense of every day life. If I win, I might even put my phone in the bin so there’s nothing to disturb such a blissful break!

  1005. After the Al Maha nights, the best-looking item — among many — looks to be the private Parisian apartment…beautiful!

  1006. 3 SUITE NIGHTS AT BOND MOVIE “SPECTRE” LOCATION, AUSTRIA – can never resist visiting movie scenes

  1007. I would LOVE to stay at Al Maha Desert Resort since it’d be a chance to take my wife to Dubai for the firs time and experience true luxury!

  1008. My favorite auction is the “3 Suite Nights At Bond Movie “Spectre” Location, Austria”… I mean, WHAT?! That is incredible!

  1010. 2 nights at Gili Lankanfushi luxury resort in the Maldives would be great since I’ve been wanting to the Maldives for a while now

  1012. I’d love to stay at the Al Maha as it looks really nice property Meals are included and of course: Falconry!

  1018. Omg, I’d die for the “3 Nights In A Villa At Loama Resort Maldives At Maamigili”. Maldives are on my bucket list.

  1019. Al Maha looks amazing! Didn’t realize it was a Starwood property. If I don’t win I have to plan a trip there anyway!

  1020. Al Maha Desert Resort? Who doesn’t want to stay at one of the best properties in the world?

  1021. What would I bid on? 3 Nights For 12 People In Snowdonia National Park, Wales. I miss Snowdonia.

  1022. I would like to stay at Al Maha because it seems like a great property with excellent amenities.

  1023. The best item is definitely 4 nights for 6 guests in at Villa Sungai in Bali because the more, the merrier.

  1024. The Al Maha Desert resort; a desert mirage or the best Starwood Resort? I’d love to experience this!

  1025. Al Maha Desert Resort is one of the best destinations in the world. Name one reason not to stay there.

  1026. Paradise without the price tag. Sign me up….. 3 NIGHTS IN A VILLA AT LOAMA RESORT MALDIVES AT MAAMIGILI

  1029. Previously, Al Maha Desert Resort was managed by Emirates. Now that it’s gone under Starwood’s wing, it’s now more lavish than ever. I wish I could have stayed there when I was based in Dubai, but I wasn’t able to. Hopefully this is my chance!

  1030. I would love to visit Al Maha to experience a dessert and to ride a camel with one the activities!

  1031. Definitely love the 2 Nights At Gili Lankanfushi Luxury Resort In The Maldives which would be great to go to after the al maha

  1032. Want to go to Al Maha Desert Resort in style using etihad airways first class apartments before the aa devaluation.

  1033. I’d most enjoy the 4 nights at the Hotel Minho in North Portugal. I have always have wanted to go to Portugal.

  1034. I would greatly enjoy the 2 nights at the Al Maha because I have always wanted to travel to the UAE, and this would be a great way to spend 2 days there.

  1036. My favorite item up for auction at Luxury Travel Diary would be 3 NIGHTS IN A VILLA AT LOAMA RESORT MALDIVES AT MAAMIGILI

  1038. I’d love an excuse to visit Dubai again. The property in Dubai looks great, and I’ll check out this service next time I’m looking for a place in London.

  1039. My auction item of choice at Luxury Travel Diary would be 2 nights at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Switzerland!

  1040. Would love a stay at Al Maha; the property looks great. I would love to go horseback riding in the desert!

  1041. My favorite auction would have to be the 2 Nights At Gili Lankanfushi Luxury Resort. $1.45 for two nights at a fantastic property? What a great deal!

  1046. I haven’t been to Qatar yet and a free stay at Al Maha Desert Resort would surely have me route a lengthy layover through it.

  1047. My favorite auction would have to be the 2 Nights For 4 In A Luxury Apartment in London. We are heading there with family this summer and it has been hard to find an affordable option. Would be great!

  1052. I would definitely choose to bid for the 2 nights at Vila Galé Douro Portugal. It is amazing!

  1053. There’s luxury and there’s over luxury. Few people in this world have the chance to experience what over luxury must feel and be. Al Maha seems like one of these rare places. Al Maha Desert Resort sure seems like this kind of place. And I’d definitely like to try 🙂

  1056. I want to stay at the Al Maha as I am flying thru Dubai next month and would love to stay there for a few days.

  1057. I like the ‘2 nights at the Grand Hyatt Singapore’ auction item because I have an upcoming 2 night trip to Singapore – this could work!

  1058. Gary, I totally get what you mean about staying at the Al Maha for only 2 nights. So I’d probably extend our trip there one night, followed by a quick flight to Doha to the lush looking 5-star Grand Hyatt (3 nights) auction at Luxury Travel Diary. Planning my trip there now, thanks!

  1061. i have a upcoming trip to dubai and being able to stay at the al maha would be a dream! would love to relax in the private plunge pool and participate in the included activities!

  1063. Never been to India. Always hear interesting things about the country.
    “3 Nights For 4 In A Luxury Private Villa In Goa, India” would be my choice to bid on

  1065. Husband and I always wanted to go to Greece. 7 Nights At Zoe Seaside Resort In Messinia, Greece would be perfect for us

  1066. I like the 2 night auction package at Gili Lankanfushi Luxury Resort in the Maldives. The place looks so relaxing and looks like it includes round trip transportation from the capital.

  1068. I would love to take my partner their for our trip to Dubai in April. We love unique experiences and I think this one would be amazing!

    Thanks for the great giveaway.

  1070. I would love to stay at Al Maha as I don’t want to have to pay for the ridiculous price of the the Burj Al Arab and people seem to like the Al Maha more! Plus the location is amazing.
    Pick me – Pick me!

  1071. I would stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort because it seems like a unique place, that I should visit!

  1072. I would love to stay at the Al Maha since I’ve never been to the Middle East before, and would love some R&R in the lap of luxury with everything already paid for and not having to think about anything.

  1073. I would love to win the Regalia resorts Suite in Suzhou which ends soon! It would make for a great weekend trip from Shanghai!

  1074. My husband and I have been working very long hours and saving every penny for over two years so that we can take a year off of work and go on a trip around the world together. We would love to spend some time in Dubai on our way from Europe to Asia and the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa seems like the ideal place to stay!

  1076. Who wouldn’t want to wake up and see animals from the conservation area as you are sipping your coffee at the Al Maha resort.

  1077. Dubai encapsulates the new but keeping intact the old Arab culture and the rustic feel when the city was not a cosmopolitan hub. Having over 200 nationalities that have made Dubai home, ensures really wide variety of cuisine options.

    Al Maha resort with the luxurious stay and authentic Arabic desert living experiences promises a traveler an unforgettable journey into one of world most unique and often misunderstood cultures.

    The ‘2 nights at the Grand Hyatt Singapore’ auction would be a great buy for a travel around the Formula 1 season.

    Hope to win. Great work guys! 🙂

    Idrees

  1078. To stay at Al Maha Desert Resort so we can see the Arabian Oryx & the Gazelles – the star attractions in the reserve!

  1079. 2 Nights At Gili Lankanfushi Luxury Resort In The Maldives – my favorite item up for auction at Luxury Travel Diary.

  1080. My wife and I are world travellers and have yet to visit Dubai. What better way to make a great first impression than by starting our inaugural visit at Al Maha 🙂

  1086. Would love to see the cute animals lucky posted about at Al Maha whilst staying over in the UAE on a trip in September!!

  1088. Always wanted to go to the Mediterranean so I’d try for the 7 NIGHTS AT AQUILA PORTO RETHYMNO HOTEL IN CRETE, GREEN. And Al Maha just sounds amazing from everything I’ve heard.

  1089. Always wanted to go to the Mediterranean so I’d try for the 7 NIGHTS AT AQUILA PORTO RETHYMNO HOTEL IN CRETE, GREEN.

  1092. My favorite item up for auction is the 2 Nights At Gili Lankanfushi Luxury Resort In The Maldives.

  1094. I would stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort for the desert seclusion, the private villa, the infinity pool, and the overall luxury!

  1097. My favorite of the auction items would be 4 Nights At The Vintage Luxury Yacht Hotel, Myanmar.

  1099. I would have to say that my favorite auction right now on the Luxury Travel Diary would be the three nights stay at the “Spectre” film location in Austria. It would be awesome to stay there!

  1100. Honestly, I would stay at the Al Maha in order to take in the desert and do nothing. It looks like such a nice location to relax.

  1104. The 2 Nights At Gili Lankanfushi Luxury Resort In The Maldives are probably my favorite but as i’ll be in Dubai next month this would come in handy!

  1106. The Al Maha Desert Resort sounds like a marvelous desert oasis steeped in the Bedouin heritage and unlike any place I have ever visited.

  1108. I want to stay there because I’ve never been to the desert at a place that gives you free dessert! 🙂

  1111. I would stay at the Al Maha desert resort because I’ve always wanted to try falconry and roll around in red sand!

  1112. I want to stay at Al Maha because of (in no particular order):

    1- The beautiful private villas overlooking the desert
    2- The plunge pool
    3- The service
    4- The gourmet quality food
    5- The wildlife (oryxes and gazelles)

  1114. My favorite item up for bid on Luxury Travel Diary is 2 NIGHTS IN AN UNDER CANVAS® SAFARI TENT IN THE US. Never knew this existed in my own backyard (i.e., the US)! One reason why I love LTD is because I find out about obscure and off-the-beaten-path accommodation options.

  1117. I have done the luxury island isolation and I would like to try the luxury desert isolation resort.

  1119. My boyfriend lived in Dubai for a year and we are going back to visit soon. I would love to surprise him with a visit to Al Maha. It looks absolutely stunning and relaxing.

  1120. My favorite item up for auction is the two nights at the Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires will be one of my next travel destinations.

  1121. I would love to go to Al Maha to treat my wife, who works very hard in a stressful job. Happy wife, happy life!

  1122. This is once in a lifetime opportunity that Al Maha resort is giving away to any passionate traveler who deserves it. For me, I want to learn about the Bedouin culture, interact with the people, exchange ideas, savor the taste of authentic Arabian food but most importantly make friends and enjoy. I want to explore the deserts with the Ship of the Desert (Camels). Watch and observe the wildlife of the Desert such as Oryx and Gazelles. And when I am done with the day, I could use the top-class Spa to relax and soothe my body and my mind.

    The Hajar terrace bar is the most beautiful feature in the Resort to me. Sipping your drinks and enjoying the sunset in the Desert. Now that is something you don’t see quite frequently.

    Be it Sunny, be it Snow. Be it Rainy or unbearably cold. When I go back home, I will have a story to tell and an experience to share. All because Al Maha resort gave me that once in a lifetime opportunity.

  1123. I would love to win the auction for 4 nights for 6 guests at Villa Sungai, Cepaka, Bali to take my wife and some friends for a celebration. We all work so damned hard!

  1124. 2 nights at Wigwam Holidays in Lee Valley, UK would be one of the best auction bidding. There is no other place one can find an accommodation under £2 in the UK. Thank you Luxury Travel Diaries. Its a great job you guys have done for us travelers.

  1129. My favorite auction item is the stay in Wales, it is the place of my ancestors and was such an awesome place to visit!

  1130. I have wanted to go to Dubai for a very long time and this may be just the excuse I’ve been looking for!

  1131. I think my favorite item is 4 NIGHTS FOR 6 GUESTS AT VILLA SUNGAI, CEPAKA, BALI. There are lots of cool places on this site.

  1136. I would choose to stay at the Al Maha to face my fears of being in that part of the world – while in the relative safety of a peaceful oasis – with a bit of luxury thrown in for good measure.

  1139. The Green Leaf Boutique Hotel, Cambodia looks extremely dreamy. My friends birthday is in the fall and I would love to take her for a two day excursion to maha. It looks very picturesque and relaxing. Just what I need as an escape from my crazy work life

  1145. The Al Maha Deset Resort looks other worldly! The fact that it’s a conservation resort means authenticity and luxury.

  1146. Had never heard of Luxury Travel Diary until now. Would be head over heels for the 4 nights for 6 guests at Villa Sungai Bali; I’d take my whole family!

  1147. Stopover at Dubai for 4 days in March, on way to Singapore. This desert villa sounds like a good addition to the trip! 😉

  1150. Would love the opportunity to visit the Reviews, News &Amp; Auction Prizes From The Best Hotels In The World Including Style &Amp; Fashion Essential For Luxury Travel.
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    GRAB A BARGAIN IN OUR TRAVEL AUCTION
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    DESTINATIONS : AFRICA : SOUTH AFRICA
    fourseasons westcliff
    MARCH 23, 2015 YASMIN
    111
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    We’ve Been Here!
    OVERALL: 9/10 ABOUT OUR RATINGS
    HIGHLIGHTS
    Breathtaking views from both the restaurant & the suite.
    Friendly & attentive staff.
    Luxurious pool area.
    SUMMARY
    Location: 8/10
    Rooms: 8/10
    Pool: 9/10
    Staff: 10/10
    Bar: 7/10
    Restaurant: 8/10
    LOCATION: SOUTH AFRICA
    VIEW MAP AND RELATED POSTS
    The new Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg is a cliffside garden retreat overlooking the city’s prestigious northern suburbs. Fully transformed by UK-based hospitality design agency, Black Sheep for a totally new experience. The hotel offers 117 guest rooms and suites, featuring cool, contemporary décor inspired by modern Africa. The hotel opened on the 1st of December with an initial 40 rooms with the final 77 opening within the 1st quarter of 2015. Flames restaurant is the first of five to open including bar and expansive welcoming terrace with sunset views.

    The Westcliff is conveniently located just 25 minutes’ drive from the International airport within Park Town – an incredibly leafy area with wide roads, oozing the history of colonial Johannesburg with the wonderful houses designed by Herbert Baker, and villas designed by the top British architects of the late 19th century.

    The hotel is spread over a large piece of hilly land and therefore it’s not based in just one building. Instead the rooms are arranged in a number of separate, terracotta coloured buildings, with cobbled streets amongst them and a large variety of plants around. It gave me a sense of visiting a small Mediterranean town where peace, tranquility and relaxed atmosphere is accompanied by beautifully designed pool, sun-bed terrace, Jacaranda Forest and the Rose Garden.

    The hotel feels exclusive: marble flooring, modern crystal chandeliers, plush furniture with plenty but subtle touches of animal print: zebra print armchairs, leopard print rugs, animal print in a variety of colours on feature walls in the bedrooms. Relax in dark wood decorated lounge upon your arrival, take a sneak peak into the hotel shop filled with expensive African inspired products such as: decorative ostrich eggs, jacaranda wood sculptures, locally made jewellery or leather products. Soon after let yourself be transported in one of many golf carts into your suite; travel through highly manicured gardens, cobbled streets, admire the sculptures and listen to the birds. You get a feel of a very natural and relaxed environment yet luxury is oozing from the moment you step onto the plush carpets of the reception area. Certainly modern and effortless décor of glass, metal and unusual water features goes well together with old fashioned touches of marble flooring and dark chunky wood furniture.

    Our home for two nights, the Deluxe Suite, consisted of the lounge area with a large, elliptical shaped balcony overlooking the Johannesburg Zoo. You couldn’t exactly see the animals but we sure heard them gently waking up at dusk. The East facing balcony proved to be an ideal location for a very early morning breakfast too – sunrise, 270 degree view of the busy city, subtly masked by the overwhelming greenery of the world’s largest man-made forest.

    The overall look of our suite followed closely in the footsteps of the hotel itself: minimalistic décor with simple white, cream or dark wood furniture such as the sofa, coffee table, chest of drawers and the dressing table in the lounge. Subtle yet very colorful additions to the décor featured stripy carpet (green, cream, white and brown), abstract paintings by Guy Thesenon one of the walls in the lounge and a zebra-inspired feature wall in the bedroom (green and white).

    The bedroom was fairly large too, with a discretely separated wardrobe section (again dark solid wood), most comfortable double bed, two bedside cabinets and chest of drawers with an LG flat screen TV. Worth adding that after two days of exploring Johannesburg, the world-famous Four Seasons Bed was a soothing and relaxing experience in itself.

    The ensuite bathroom was decorated in minimalistic fashion, with cream tiles, large mirror above a single sink and lots of lighting, accompanied by Etro toiletries. Medium sized bath and a separate rain shower were discreetly separated from a single WC and a bidet. This area of the bathroom was also decorated with three classic cartoons from Rand Daily Mail of April 1913.

    Our suite was located just by the Jacaranda Gardens – an intimate outdoor venue with space up to 250 guests. Downhill from our suite was the Rose Garden – an outdoor venue twice the size of the Jacaranda, but hosting also up to 250 guests. Both venues were immaculately manicured with variety of plants and flowers, ancient Rome themed statues in the Rose Garden – a perfect setting for a wedding, birthday celebrations, anniversaries or corporate events. Up the hill from the main Reception was the Arcadia – a beautiful indoor venue hosting up to 200 guests, decorated with marble flooring, animal inspired plush and leather furniture and a polo bar at the end of the hallway.

    Just a short walk down from the Arcadia was the 716 sq. ft outdoor pool. Opened from 6am to 8pm it did actually become a place of forming a new friendship from about 10pm one night of our stay. It seemed that on one of the hotter nights during our stay (26 degrees) only we and one other couple decided to cool off in the pool overlooking the city and the bright stars above us. Whilst on their honeymoon, the couple from Los Angeles were telling us about the great white shark cage diving, riding on elephants and sky-diving they had planned for the next few days of their trip. We shared the magic of our experience of South Africa. The hotel staff had no problem serving us wine by the pool that night and also keeping the bar opened after hours so that we were able to discuss our amazing holidays (and one of the hotel staff even joined us after his shift!).

    Unfortunately the spa was still under construction at the time of our visit. On opening, the spa will welcome you with pure colour, washed timbers accented with modern finishes such as petrified wood create a soothing and calm space. Bronze metals, washed with a warm light, accent walls painted in a contrast colours accented with bold and dramatic art all aim to create a space where time ceases to exist exuding calmness and relaxation. Simple spaces and vast windows, highlighted with lazer-cut screen details of water lillies, allow privacy whilst enjoying the surrounding views.

    The area, Parktown, and the beginning of Jan Smuts is where colonial Johannesburg started at the end of the 19th century, when the British designed this part of Johannesburg, starting in Parktown West, going all the way to Westcliff. There are wonderful houses designed by Herbert Baker, and villas designed by the top British architects of the time. It’s possible to make contact with the ParktownWestcliff Heritage Trust, they often have walks through this area. There are no shopping centers, or malls, in Parktown. Yet it is a vibrant area of Johannesburg with good restaurants, clubs and bars, and not far from RosebankMall ,which hosts the Cinema Nouveau and the Sunday Rooftop Mark. It is the hub of most businesses and with so much development taking place, the area is very congested so add further 30-45 minutes to your journey e.g.: to the airport… South Africa isn’t really a place to use public transport but a great alternative for travelling around the city is Uber Taxi (e.g.: £20 from the airport to the hotel). Otherwise, Parktown is clean and you feel safe.

    The hotel overlooks the Johannesburg Zoo so just a short walk away you you can enjoy the most popular local tourist attraction. The Zoo covers 55 hectares of land and was founded in 1904, as a piece of land donated to the public for recreational use by the firm of the late Hermann Ekstein. The zoo houses over 320 species of animals, totaling about 2000 animals. It is open to the public 364 days a year, including Christmas, New Years and Easter holidays. The zoo is internationally accredited and highly respecte for its husbandry practices, which includes maintaining a high standard of animal welfare, nutrition and ethical conduct, ensuring the physical and psychological well- being of all its animals. Worth recommending are the Evening encounters – the zoo after dark.

    Other close by attractions include:
    Johannesburg Planetarium, with a range of shows such as “Sky Tonight”, “Space Travel” and a variety of children shows and birthday party arrangements (cost £1.50 per person).
    Constitution Hill, holding a very complex history going back to 1892, today hosts gripping exhibitions with themes that reveal South Africa’s rich heritage and advocate human rights; a platform for Heritage, Education and Tourism related programmes.
    Mandela House, striving to be a world-class visitor attraction and a leading centre for the preservation, presentation and research of the history, heritage and legacy of the Mandela Family.

    The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg is the perfect location for a romantic weekend away, a wedding or a honeymoon. A midnight swim in the pool overlooking the clear skies of Johannesburg, watching the sunrise from your balcony or a night cap at the roof top bar watching a thunderstorm pass by in the distance…

    Read the review my wonderful meal at Flames at the Four Seasons The Westcliff.

    The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg

    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THEJohannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
    Four Seasons The Westcliff, Johannesburg Review
    FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG REVIEW
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  1151. I’ve been to Al Maha a couple of times. Why would I choose to go back? The best part for me is the staff!

  1153. I’ve looked over the Luxury Travel auctions, and if I were in a position to bid I’d go for 2 Nights In A Luxury Apartment In Florence. Absolutely love Florence, it’s been forever since my last visit, and I’d love to go back!

  1156. I have always wanted to visit Dubai, and staying at the Al Maha Desert Resort would be doing it in style, the resort looks amazing and would be a perfect getaway for my wife and I.

  1157. I would love to stay at All Maha because I have never been to that part of the world and would love to spend my first time in this amazing place

  1159. I would like to stay at Al Maha to see the night sky and experience the sound of the desert at night.

  1162. The best auction I’ve seen on the Luxury Travel website is the resort in the Maldives because that is the most beautiful place in the world.

  1165. I have always wanted to visit Dubai and the Al Maha Desert Resort looks absolutely spectacular! Luxurious accommodations with access to cultural activities and day trips, a great way to both relax and soak in local culture.

  1166. I would stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort because it’s in Dubi which I’ve heard amazing things about with regards to visiting. Yes the resort has a perfect rating on tripadvisor, which I’ve never seen before (novice here), but getting a chance to stay in a wonderful resort in a new place that I would get to explore is why I travel. More so for the exploration part.

  1168. My favorite Item right now on the auction site would be 3 Luxury Nights By The Beach In Tropea, Italy. I really could write a book up on why Italy just keeps getting better and better every time I visit but I think I can sum it up to 3 reasons.

    1) Food
    2) Wine
    3) Please refer to 2

  1169. Just looking at the site for a, private Water Villa at Huma Island Resort & Spa, offered release and a exhale in my soul . I know a stay at the, Al Maha Desert Resort, will also be a joy to someones heart. Thanks to all involved who are going to make this a wonderful experience for someone:)

  1171. I will be bidding on 3 Luxury Nights At The Iconic Santorini, Greece. Santorini is amazing, and I am hoping to visit it again this summer.

  1176. The Al Maha has been on my list for months now to get to! Want to go because I love how you can pick two activities a day (dune buggies and sunset camel ride anyone?!)

  1178. Staying at the Al Maha resort would be a window into a different world! This would be a unique and fabulous experience.

  1179. Two nights at the Grand Hyatt Singapore! It is a lovely hotel in the heart of the city and a beautiful place to stay.

  1180. I have always wanted to visit Dubai, this is the perfect opportunity to stay near Dubai in style and complete luxury! Also I absolutely love all inclusive resorts!

  1181. I would love the auction for 4 nights at the Vintage Luxury Yacht Hotel, Myanmar! I think its a different luxury experience I wouldn’t have otherwise thought of, but I know I would enjoy!

  1182. The best reason to stay at Al Maha would be because it’s one of the best Starwood redemptions ever!

  1183. It’s a tough choice for favorite item up for auction at Luxury Travel Diary. Torn between the 7 nights in the DR and 8 nights in Sri Lanka. In the end, the Dominican Republic wins because we can have a group of six and the flight is shorter, but either would be a fantastic trip! They are both beautiful and would be absolute paradise to stay at!

  1185. And for my 2nd entry, who wouldn’t want to stay 2 nights at Al Maha? Place looks incredible.

  1187. Staying at the Al Maha would be a spectacular experience! I’ve always wanted to visit the Middle East.

  1193. Definitely 2 nights in Florence. The city was just so charming, so perfect. And the food! OMG, don’t even get me started. Luxury Travel Auctions, you can make my year!

  1195. Al-Maha looks awesome. I always wanted to visit Dubai. this might be the trip I was waiting for.

  1196. The auction item that would be my favorite would be the 7 nights at the Aquila Porto Rethymno in Crete sounds amazing– have been meaning to make my way to the Mediterranean!

  1197. At the same time, Al Maha looks, sounds, (and if Lucky is to be believed) is, heaven on earth. Now that truly would be enchanting.

  1198. Would love to go to the Al Maha Desert Resort– looks and sounds amazing! And if Gary and Lucky give it the thumbs up that’s enough for me.

  1199. I would definitely bid on the two night in a luxury apart in Florence, as we would like to go back to Florence again and again.

  1201. I like the 7 NIGHTS AT ACANTO BOUTIQUE HOTEL, PLAYA DEL CARMEN listing at Luxury Auctions

  1202. I would love to go to Al Maha when I am in Dubai in April to experience luxury in the desert.

  1204. I’ve looked the Luxury Diary Travel auctions, I would bid for 2 Nights In A Luxury Apartment In Florence.

  1205. I’d stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort because I’m done with winter. I live in Philly and my car is still plowed in…ugh

  1208. My wife and I are having our first baby soon and would love to have some downtime at an all inclusive resort! Thanks Gary!

  1214. Favorite item up for auction would probably be the 2 Nights At Bay House In Lizard, Cornwall, just caught my eye and something I would probably never choose to do myself.

  1216. Having visited Dubai in Nov. 2015, we missed seeing the desert and would love to return to see that area and experience seeing all the wild animals and camels as well.

  1217. Just about to head to UAE. My wife would flip if we stayed at the Al Maha Desert Resort – we have never stayed somewhere that beautiful!

  1218. Would love to win the safari tent auction – maybe I’ll be able to convince my wife that camping isn’t all bad!

  1222. Most interesting auction: 4 Nights At The Vintage Luxury Yacht Hotel, Myanmar. I’ve always wanted to visit!

  1230. Favorite auction item is “2 NIGHTS AT THE GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE”. I have family and friends at Singapore and never been there. It will be nice to visit.

  1232. I would love the 4 Nights At The Vintage Luxury Yacht Hotel, Myanmar. I’ve always wanted to visit Myanmar.

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