Travel insider Jürgen Linnenbürger heads back to the UAE, discovering a resort and golf course in Ajman that truly impress.
A Quiet Jewel
Ajman is the smallest of the seven United Arab Emirates. It lacks oil riches or grand superlatives, which is precisely its charm. It offers tranquility, vast landscapes, 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 non-stop overnight to the destination. Shortly before departure, we take advantage of an attractive upgrade offer, experiencing the A380 in its finest form: an excellent menu, a seat that converts into a two-meter-long bed, and the legendary bar at the rear cabin area. A cocktail, a short sleep, and a brief dream of sun, beach, and lush fairways make the 6½-hour flight and the three-hour time difference easy to handle.
Entry into Dubai proceeds as smoothly as car rental. Just an hour after landing, we drive northwards on the multi-lane highway at up to 120 km/h. Friday morning – a quiet day in the Emirates akin to our Sunday – means little traffic and a relaxed drive. After about 40 minutes, we reach our destination: the five-star Al Zorah Beach Resort in Ajman.
Understated Luxury at Al Zorah Beach Resort
The terraced five-star resort is nestled in a vast natural area with direct sea access. The architecture features clear lines, glass, wood, and metal. Pools, gardens, and retreats in between create an oasis-like atmosphere. 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. Depending on the season, room and suite prices range between approximately 350 and 450 euros per night, with villas starting at around 1,500 euros. Not a bargain, but a balanced ratio of performance, location, and ambience.
Our Premier Ocean View Room with a private terrace impresses from the start. Located on the second floor, it offers plenty of space. Warm harmonized colors, clean lines, and subtle accents create a light and unobtrusive feel. The large bathroom with distinctive tiles and a transparent, darkenable glass front to the living area underscores the modern standard.
Below, we see through the dense vegetation an 85-meter-long pool, record-breaking for resort pools. The poolside lounge offers light dishes and refreshing drinks. Occasionally, the turquoise sea peeks through palm trees in the well-kept gardens, appearing especially enchanting under evening lighting.
Breakfast on the terrace of the main restaurant Vinesse starts the day leaving nothing to be desired. Offered as a buffet and à la carte, the restaurant impresses in the evening with tasteful Mediterranean, Arabic, and Asian dishes. We were especially taken with the multi-course Indian Thali menu, whose spiciness we had to get used to. The atmosphere is sporty elegant with modern interior decor.
Villas with private pools extend down to the beach,