Travel insider Jürgen Linnenbürger returns to the United Arab Emirates, this time focusing on an emirate beyond the big names and discovering a resort and golf course that impress deeply.
A Quiet Gem
Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates. It lacks the oil wealth or superlatives, which is precisely its charm. It convinces with tranquility, vastness, nature, and a golfing experience rarely expected in the Emirates.
Our journey began with a reliable evening flight from Düsseldorf to Dubai. Emirates took us nonstop overnight. Shortly before departure, we upgraded and enjoyed the A380 in its finest form: an excellent menu, a seat converting into a two-meter-long bed, and the legendary bar at the back of the cabin. A cocktail, a short sleep, and dreaming of sun, beach, and lush fairways made the 6.5-hour flight and three-hour time difference easy to handle.
Entry into Dubai and picking up the rental car went smoothly. An hour later, on a multi-lane highway northbound at up to 120 km/h, with little traffic on a Friday morning (similar to Sunday in the Emirates), we arrived after about 40 minutes at the five-star Al Zorah Beach Resort in Ajman.
Understated Luxury
The terraced five-star resort nestles in an extensive natural area with direct sea access. The architecture features clean lines, glass, wood, and metal, surrounded by pools, gardens, and retreats forming an oasis-like feeling. Everything feels open, transparent, and airy.
On the ground floor are the impressive lobby, the library lounge, and the centrally located, light-flooded main restaurant Vinesse.
Accommodation options range from spacious rooms and suites to exclusive villas with private pools. Prices vary between 350 and 450 euros per night for rooms and suites, and villas start around 1,500 euros. Not a bargain, but a balanced value for performance, location, and atmosphere.
Our Premier Ocean View Room with a private terrace impressed immediately. Located on the second floor, it offers ample space with warm tones, clear lines, and subtle accents, avoiding any clutter. The generous bathroom with distinctive tiles and a transparent, darkenable glass front to the living area emphasizes modernity.
Below we looked out through dense vegetation to the pool, with a record-breaking length of 85 meters for a resort pool. The poolside lounge offers light dishes and refreshing drinks. Occasionally the turquoise sea shimmers through the palms of the well-kept gardens, especially charming in evening lighting.
On the terrace of the main restaurant Vinesse, we started our day with a fulfilling breakfast served as buffet and à la carte. Dinner featured tasteful Mediterranean, Arabic, and Asian dishes, with the multi-course Indian Thali menu notably spicy. The atmosphere is sporty elegant, with modern interiors.
Beneath these buildings, villas with private pools extend down to the beach, where the second main restaurant, Aquario, serves fine fish and seafood dishes. In January, we preferred the sporty chic interior, but the outdoor seats suggest spectacular sundowners as the sun sets into the sea.
The private, dazzling white beach invites for walks