Travel insider Jürgen Linnenbürger returns to the UAE, discovering an off-the-beaten-path emirate with an inspiring resort and golf course.
A Quiet Gem
Ajman is the smallest of the seven United Arab Emirates, offering neither oil wealth nor superlatives. Its charm lies in tranquility, vast nature, and a unique golfing experience rarely found in the Emirates.
The journey starts with a reliable evening flight from Düsseldorf to Dubai. Emirates nonstop overnight flight in their A380 offers excellent service, a bed-like seat, and the legendary bar, making the 6 1/2 hour flight with a three-hour time difference effortless.
Entry into Dubai is smooth, and within an hour, driving north on the highway with little Friday morning traffic, the five-star Al Zorah Beach Resort in Ajman is reached.
Understated Luxury
The terraced five-star resort is nestled in a vast natural area with direct sea access, featuring architecture of clear lines, glass, wood, and metal, creating open, airy spaces with pools and gardens evoking an oasis ambiance.
The lobby, library lounge, and the central, light-filled main restaurant Vinesse occupy the ground floor. Accommodation ranges from spacious rooms and suites to exclusive villas with private pools.
The Premier Ocean View Room on the second floor with a private terrace impresses with its spacious layout, warm tones, modern design, and large bathrooms with transparent, dimmable glass walls.
The resort features a record-length 85-meter pool beneath lush vegetation, with a Poolside Lounge offering light dishes and refreshing drinks. The turquoise sea peeks through the palms, especially enchanting in evening light.
Main restaurant Vinesse offers a satisfying breakfast buffet and à la carte options, and in the evening Mediterranean, Arabic, and Asian cuisines, including a spicy Indian Thali menu. The atmosphere is casually elegant with modern interiors.
Villas extend down to the beach, where the second main restaurant, Aquario, serves fine fish and seafood dishes. The private, pristine white beach invites guests for walks or sunbathing on comfy loungers and cabanas.
Excellence in Service
The attentive, warm but unobtrusive service by mainly Arab and Asian staff ensures every need is met, with memorable surprises for special occasions.
Discussions with the Public Relations and Marketing directors reveal the resort’s concept as a secluded retreat with diverse offerings, where golf is a valuable addition. The resort has strong ties with German-speaking guests, reflecting the importance of the D-A-CH region market.
Managed by Troon Golf
Nearby lies the Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, opened in 2015 and designed by Nicklaus Design, set in a protected coastal area of mangroves, lagoons, and natural waterways. Managed by Troon Golf, it guarantees high quality.
The 18-hole championship course (Par 72) measures up to 7,169 yards, with gold and jade tees providing options for different skill levels. The wide fairways offer room from tees, but the challenge increases approaching the greens.