Discover The Al Waha Villas: A Sanctuary of Stillness

A new collection of villas at one of Dubai’s most serene hotels redefines the notion of urban escapism

There are few things I appreciate more when it comes to a hotel visit than a pre-check-in questionnaire that allows you to curate your experience before you’ve even stepped foot on the property. Beyond a simple pillow menu, Desert Palm Mélia Collection’s new Al Waha Villas takes the notion of tailor-made and sprints with it, letting you choose a preferred in-villa scent (such as Sicilian Garden for fresh and energising or Cedar Sandalwood for something more warm and relaxing), book a sleep ritual, meditation session, singular activities and even outline how you want to experience your stay, from calm and private to warm and personalised, so that the staff remain mindful and adjust their service accordingly.

This heightened personalisation is all part of the charm of the Al Waha Collection Villas, six new private spaces set back from the main hotel and designed as unique ‘sanctuaries of stillness’. The beauty of the design is that it’s simple, elegant and effective – a more whispered, conscious luxury that doesn’t consume. There’s everything you could need in terms of space – an entranceway flowing into an open dining room and lounge, a light-strewn bedroom leading into a huge bathroom, where double sinks, a vast rain shower and standalone tub are bathed in natural stone, terracotta and chrome.

There is something infinitely soothing about the décor, too. Rough-hewn textures blend into curvilinear furniture; earthy palettes are peppered with muted pinks and greens that riff off the hotel’s polo estate setting; a private courtyard and pool that continue the calmness outside; and thoughtful details such as botanical coffee table books, complimentary yoga mats and turndown gifts of lavender pillow spray, eye mask and bedtime story. Meticulous minimalism that lets the villa interiors breathe and, in turn, you, too if only you could bottle this kind of quietude.

Fortunately, this sense of escapism spills out beyond the Al Waha Villas walls into the whole hotel – no skyscrapers obliterating the views, just lush polo fields, horse paddocks and free-roaming peacocks. Most of the horses are privately owned, but a stable tour will get you up close, especially at sunset when they venture out for their evening stroll. Dips in the palm-tree framed infinity pool come with fun inflatables for little ones, an impromptu swimming lesson from the lifeguards and rewards for laps at the pool bar.

Epicure, which overlooks the pool and polo fields with artwork and design details nodding to the sport, is perfect for a morning cortado, light lunch or more indulgent dinner. The steak restaurant brings a little more after-dark drama, with its open kitchen and oak-grilled cuts. Come polo season the hotel comes alive, with a seat on the terrace a sought-after spot to take in the action, and you’ll be perfectly positioned for watching the sun slink behind the fields.

When you want to retreat back to your peaceful enclave, the comforting silence and considered luxury of the Al Waha Villas will bring you back to a place of ease. A masterful stroke of both personalisation and peace.

For more information visit melia.com