Travel insider Jürgen Linnenbürger returns to the UAE, exploring Ajman and discovering a resort and golf course that truly impress.
A Quiet Gem
Ajman is the smallest of the seven United Arab Emirates. Unlike the well-known emirates, it lacks oil wealth or superlatives, which is precisely its charm. It offers tranquility, vast nature, and an unexpected golfing experience in the Emirates.
Our journey to the UAE began with a reliable evening flight from Düsseldorf to Dubai. Emirates took us nonstop overnight. Just before departure, we upgraded to experience the A380 at its best: an excellent menu, a seat that converts into a two-meter-long bed, and the iconic bar at the rear of the cabin. A cocktail, a short sleep, and dreams of sun, beach, and lush fairways made the 6.5-hour flight and three-hour time difference easy to handle.
Entry into Dubai was smooth, as was collecting our rental car. Within an hour, we were driving north on a multi-lane highway at speeds up to 120 km/h. Friday morning – comparable to Sunday in the Emirates – meant minimal traffic and a relaxing drive. After about 40 minutes, we arrived at our destination: the five-star Al Zorah Beach Resort in Ajman.
Understated Luxury
The terraced five-star resort is nestled within a vast natural area with direct sea access. The architecture is characterized by clear lines, glass, wood, and metal. Pools, gardens, and retreats between the buildings convey the feeling of an oasis. Everything feels open, transparent, and airy.
On the ground floor are the impressive lobby, the Library Lounge, and the centrally located, light-filled main restaurant Vinesse.
Accommodation options range from spacious rooms and suites to exclusive villas with private pools. Prices vary seasonally, roughly between 350 and 450 euros per night for rooms and suites, with villas starting around 1,500 euros. Not a bargain, but a balanced ratio of service, location, and ambiance.
Our Premier Ocean View Room with a private terrace impressed us from the start. Located on the second floor, it offers ample space. Warm tones, clean lines, and subtle accents create a light and unobtrusive atmosphere. The large bathroom with distinctive tiles and a transparent, darkenable glass wall to the living area emphasizes the modern design.
Below us, we looked over dense vegetation to the pool, which, at 85 meters, is remarkably long for a resort. The Poolside Lounge offers light meals and refreshing drinks. Occasionally, the turquoise sea peeks through the palm trees in the well-maintained gardens, especially beautiful in the evening lights.
On the terrace of the main restaurant Vinesse, we enjoy a breakfast that leaves nothing to be desired, offered both as a buffet and à la carte. In the evening, the restaurant impresses with tasteful Mediterranean, Arabian, and Asian dishes. We especially appreciate the multi-course Indian Thali menu, getting used to its spiciness. The atmosphere is sporty elegant with modern interior design.
Below these buildings, villas with private pools stretch along the beach, home to the second main restaurant, Aquario