Travel insider Jürgen Linnenbürger heads back to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to explore an emirate away from the major names, discovering a resort and golf course that leave a lasting impression.
A Quiet Gem
Ajman is the smallest of the seven United Arab Emirates. It lacks oil wealth or superlatives, which is exactly its charm. It offers tranquility, vastness, nature, and a golfing experience rarely expected in the Emirates.
Our journey to the UAE begins with a reliable evening flight from Düsseldorf to Dubai. Emirates takes us nonstop overnight to our destination. Shortly before departure, we take advantage of an attractive upgrade offer and experience the A380 in its finest form: excellent meals, a seat transforming into a two-meter-long bed, and the legendary bar at the rear of the cabin. A cocktail, a short sleep, and a brief dream of sun, beach, and lush fairways make the 6 ½ hour flight and three-hour time difference easy to handle.
Entry into Dubai proceeds smoothly, as does the car rental takeover. Just an hour after landing, we are driving north on the multi-lane highway at up to 120 km/h. Friday morning – comparable to Sunday in the Emirates – means little traffic and a relaxed drive. After nearly 40 minutes, we reach our destination: the five-star Al Zorah Beach Resort in Ajman.
Understated Luxury
The terraced five-star resort is nestled in a spacious natural area with direct access to the sea. The architecture features clean lines, glass, wood, and metal. Pools, gardens, and retreats create an oasis feeling. Everything feels open, transparent, and airy.
The impressive lobby, library lounge, and centrally located, light-filled main restaurant Vinesse are on the ground floor.
Accommodation options range from spacious rooms and suites to exclusive villas with private pools. Prices vary seasonally, between about 350 and 450 euros per night for rooms and suites, while villas start around 1,500 euros. Not a bargain, but a fitting balance of service, location, and atmosphere.
Our Premier Ocean View Room with a private terrace impresses immediately. Located on the second floor, it offers plenty of space. Warm tones, clear lines, and subtle accents create a light and unobtrusive ambiance. The generous bathroom with distinctive tiles and a transparent, darkenable glass wall to the living area underlines the modern design.
Below us, through dense planting, we see the pool, which at 85 meters is record-setting for resorts. The poolside lounge offers light meals and refreshing drinks. The turquoise sea occasionally gleams through the palms of the well-maintained gardens. Especially enchanting in evening lighting.
On the terrace of the main restaurant Vinesse, we start the day with a breakfast that leaves nothing to be desired. Offered as buffet and à la carte, the restaurant impresses in the evening with tasteful Mediterranean, Arabic, and Asian dishes. We especially enjoy the multi-course Indian Thali menu, whose spiciness takes some getting used to. The atmosphere is sporty yet elegant, and the interior is modern.
Below these buildings, villas stretch down to the beach,