Ain Al Faida Hotel in Al Ain is a charming and beautiful hotel resort near the magnificent Jebel Hafeet mountain.  The anticipation of discovering the reopened Ain Al Faida was equivalent to a mystery gift worth waiting for.

The magical city of Al Ain in the emirate of Abu Dhabi is a unique destination for those seeking a peaceful atmosphere as well as outdoor adventure enthusiasts fond of the desert.  Ain Al Faida offers the best of both worlds in terms of relaxation in a natural environment and numerous recreational activities.

The hotel resort is easy to reach – see Ain Al Faida location & directions from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

With the added bonus of spotting camels on the trip to Al Ain, we followed clear signage to Ain Al Fayda area. The hotel location is a 10 minute drive from Al Ain Zoo and Green Mubazzarah hot water springs (see reviews of Al Ain Zoo / Jebel Hafeet Hot Springs).

Ain Al Faida – One to One Hotel & Resort

The courteous security welcomed us on arrival and as the gates lifted, a paradise of gardens and open space was revealed ahead.  Prominently located within the grounds is Sheikh Zayed Museum, due to open soon.  Flying high are UAE flags that mark the entrance of Ain Al Faida, which has been named after the natural lake emerging from just in front of the main hotel.

We proceeded to check-in, which was smooth and efficient.  The service was exceptional, setting the tone for a memorable vacation.  In true Arabian hospitality we were served traditional Arabic coffee and the most delicious dates.

Nearby at The Glass House, a restaurant in a marquee so grand it can seat over 600 guests, I enjoyed an exquisite buffet lunch.  Out of the glass windows I gazed at the marvellous Jebel Hafeet in all its glory on a perfect winter’s day, which, in Al Ain, is sunny with clear blue skies.

 

Ain Al Faida’s historic architecture has been preserved following recent renovation.  Contemporary interiors include touches of Arabian heritage such as intricate wooden designs and geometric tile patterns.

Ain Al Faida Villas

Our two bedroom villa was a pretty sight amongst lush greenery and pink bougainvillea gardens decorating footpaths perfect for strolling.  Ain Al Faida feels like a city within a city, crossing a small bridge over the boating river towards the row of villas resembling cottages.  The private entrance is located 5 minutes from the main hotel accommodation.

My first stop was the huge outdoor terrace, where I could have spent a whole afternoon admiring the mountain view and boating lake.  The villa was large yet cosy with spacious bedrooms and a living room perfect for lounging, watching TV or using the free Wi-Fi connection.  There is ample wardrobe space with an electronic safe in one bedroom that also has another LCD TV.

There was also a full-size kitchen and a bathtub as big as a jacuzzi in the main bathroom, fitted in pink.  Villa interior colours vary in case pink is not your cup of tea.

Speaking of refreshments, you can always treat yourself to the tea and coffee making facilities or items stocked in the small refrigerator – here I am on the terrace enjoying Al Ain Water in Al Ain city!

                                                                                

More photos of Ain Al Faida on GoldBlackWhite Facebook

Sunset on a UAE getaway

In the evening we headed back to The Glass House to experience a spectacular dining experience.  The restaurant served fresh seafood amongst other main courses at the buffet, accompanied by Arabian dips and cheeses such as Hummus and Labneh.  Various salad dishes and soups were available at both lunch and dinner, as were fresh fruit options and immaculately presented desserts.

After a glorious dinner overlooking the night lights of Jebel Hafeet mountain, I completed my ultimate day of relaxation indulging in the water pipe known as ‘shisha’.

The last thought of the day – or so I thought – was ‘I am having so much fun I don’t want to go to sleep’ but soon I discovered the comfort of the bed with sheets as soft as silk, which was a dream come true.

Beautiful morning near mountains

On hearing the birdsong in the morning poetic thoughts entered my mind, but so did the temptation of breakfast, which I really enjoyed on both mornings.

A traditional hotel breakfast buffet served different types of eggs, cereal and (beef) sausages.  There were also Arabian bean dishes and even baked beans and hash browns on one morning.

An assortment of warm savoury and sweet croissants are available alongside various breads, and you can request various types of coffees, including Turkish coffee.

Alternatively, 24 hour room service is available.

 

Ain Al Faida Recreation & Children’s Activities

I explored all the hotel resort activities and facilities and like the easy access.  The activity locations are spread around the vast grounds of the resort, yet only about 5 minutes apart by buggy or car.  The resort is perfect both for UAE weekend trips and for a long holiday as there is so much to enjoy.

The hotel provides quad bikes and bicycles as well as a tennis and basketball court.  Just when I was wondering where the sunbeds were, I found them lined along a huge pool in the spa facilities where holidaymakers were unwinding in the sunshine.  The steam room has been designed in the latest trend, allowing for maximum effect.  I will try this and the sauna next time after a workout in the modern gym and its cardio machines.

I will also be sure to spend time enjoying a game of table tennis in the games room, which also houses a number of machines.  This is a great facility for children as well as the rides on gentle-looking ponies with shiny manes.  One that I am really looking forward to is the opening of the Duck Lake.  If this sounds like a fairy tale, it’s one that’s true.

Dinner experience at Ain Al Faida

The resort has a funky burger joint called 18oz Burger, decorated in the style of an American diner with a view that is far from casual: at night the fountain gushes like a waterfall over the natural lake.

Although I am a fan of burgers, I decided to opt for these delectable jumbo prawns.  The fresh greens were complemented by just the right amount of dressing.

Evening entertainment at The Glass House

Starting at 9pm in The Glass House next door, an Arabian music performer skilfully played the traditional Arabian oud instrument as part of the daily evening entertainment.

A mix of current and traditional Arabic music songs were also sung, to which groups of families and friends at various tables joined hands and started to dance.

It was a friendly family atmosphere and an authentic Arabian music performance I felt could also be enjoyed by those not familiar with Arabic music.

Shisha was being served, as well as these delicacies to nibble on.  A dinner buffet is open and there is also an extensive a la carte menu.

I took a last sip of my chamomile tea as I bid adieu to the grand marquee and set off for our villa under stars lighting up the evening sky.

The next morning hotel and resort staff extended warm wishes for our onward journey from Al Ain.  Ain Al Faida with serene mountain peaks in the background is a memory as fresh as the pretty flowers that grace the desert landscape: a world of wellness and relaxation on a blissful UAE getaway.

To see my holiday photos visit GoldBlackWhite Facebook

 

Contact Ain Al Faida

• Book your holiday at Ain Al Faida – One to One Hotel & Resort (Send Email or telephone +971 3 701 4444)

Ain Al Faida – One to One Hotel & Resort features 57 luxuriously appointed single & double villas, 26 contemporary rooms in the main hotel and a large camping ground within the grounds of the resort

Top restaurants of Al Ain at Ain Al Faida

• Zaitounah – A signature fine dining establishment inspired by natural Mediterranean Cuisine
• The Glass House – A grand marquee with a mountain view and outdoor garden. Open for breakfast, it serves international cuisine at lunch and dinner with daily evening entertainment and shisha
• The River House – A contemporary seafood restaurant in an elegant setting by the hotel river
• 18oz Burger Joint – A funky diner next to the pool area offering a range of burgers and salads
• T-Garden – A place to relax and enjoy refreshments in the hotel lobby lounge

Event & meeting venues

• TEDx organisers launched the year’s first UAE event at Ain Al Faida
• Event space includes meeting rooms and the Oasis ballroom with space for up to 550 guests

 Places to visit in Al Ain near Ain Al Faida

• Jebel Hafeet Hot Springs (see Jebel Hafeet Hot Springs Review)
• New Al Ain waterpark Wadi Adventure
• Al Ain Zoo (see Al Ain Zoo review)