Ajman Saray a Luxury Collection Resort Ajman United Arab Emirates​

Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ajman is the first beach-side Luxury Collection resort in the Middle East. Opened in 2014, this five-star hotel has 205 rooms and suites, each offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf or the nearby creek. The property features a private white-sand beach, two outdoor swimming pools (one adults-only) and a dedicated kids’ pool. Guests rave about the “pristine beach, luxurious rooms, and excellent dining options” at Ajman Saray. The resort combines modern Arabian-inspired décor (think hanging lanterns and ornate scrollwork) with pillowtop beds and designer toiletries. In short, Ajman Saray offers a serene luxury retreat with first-class amenities (including a world-renowned spa) right on Ajman’s beautiful coastline.

Location & Accessibility

The resort sits on Ajman’s Corniche road, on the west coast of the UAE bordering Sharjah. By car, it’s only about 25 km from Dubai International Airport and 20 km from Sharjah International Airport, making it convenient for international travelers. Despite its waterfront location, Ajman Saray is just ~2 km from Ajman’s city center and many local sights. Nearby attractions include Ajman Museum (in a 19th-century fort), the Ajman Gold Souq, Al Zorah mangrove nature reserve, and City Centre Ajman mall. The hotel even offers a complimentary shuttle bus to Dubai’s shopping malls on a set schedule, which many guests find useful for day trips. Guests should note that travel times to downtown Dubai can be 30–60 minutes by car (depending on traffic), so plan excursions accordingly. Taxis and private transfers are easy to arrange at the hotel front desk. Once you arrive, free on-site parking and multilingual staff (English, Arabic, Hindi, Russian, Chinese, etc.) make getting settled simple.

• Airports: Sharjah Int’l (20 km), Dubai Int’l (25 km)
• City Center: ~2 km to Ajman Corniche shopping and dining
• Nearby Sights: Ajman Museum, China Mall (huge bargain bazaar, Ajman Fish Market, Sharjah’s art museums, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, etc. (visit Dubai easily via hotel shuttle or a 30-minute drive).

Rooms & Suites

Ajman Saray’s 205 guest rooms and suites are spacious, air-conditioned, and richly decorated in an elegant Arabic style. Room categories range from Deluxe Creek and Sea View rooms up to Arabian-style suites (Al Dana, Amiri, and Royal suites. Many feature large private balconies—either overlooking the turquoise Arabian Gulf or the tranquil mangrove creek. The decor blends modern comforts with traditional touches: for example, Superior Rooms have hanging lanterns and intricate scrollwork reminiscent of an “Arabian Nights” ambience. All accommodations come with luxurious amenities such as pillowtop beds, plush linens and top-brand toiletries. Bathrooms often have both a bathtub and a separate shower, and large windows (some rooms have sea views to die for, as reviewers note. Attentive housekeeping and turndown service mean rooms stay spotlessly clean and comfortable.

• Superior Room: Cozy entry-level room with seating area, hanging lamps and a creek view balcony.
• Deluxe Sea/Canyon Rooms: Larger rooms with private balcony and uninterrupted sea views. Some Deluxe Sea View rooms also include bathtubs.
• Al Dana Suite: Spacious one-bedroom Arabian-style suite with separate living room, dining table, work desk, and scenic balcony.
• Amiri Suite: Includes separate office area and living room, plus luxurious bath and balcony with beach views.
• Royal Suite: The largest suite, grandly furnished with rich Arab motifs, a personal spa treatment room, and formal dining area.

Despite the resort’s size, rooms tend to feel peaceful and quiet. Guests often comment on the comfortable, noise-free environment and sumptuous bed quality. (For privacy, note that interconnecting rooms are available on request, which is convenient for families.) High floors offer especially good vantage points for sunrise or sunset over the Gulf. If you prefer a quieter outlook, creek-facing rooms tend to see fewer crowds than the busier beachfront side.

Amenities & Facilities

Ajman Saray is designed for both relaxation and recreation. Its beachfront setting means guests have direct access to a private white-sand beach right off the lobby. Poolside, the resort has two large outdoor pools plus an additional children’s pool. One of the main pools is reserved for guests over 16 (an adults-only pool), a feature praised by parents as a nice respite. Sun loungers and umbrellas surround each pool, and fresh towels are provided daily. (Tip: the beach is only steps from the pool, with handy outdoor showers and towels, so you can flip easily between sea and pool.)

The Zihn (formerly GOCO) Spa Ajman is a highlight. This award-winning spa (1,200 m²) has separate hammam, steam and sauna facilities for men and women. There are 13 private treatment rooms (including couples’ suites with terraces), a barber and beauty studio, and a relaxing tea lounge. The spa has won multiple honors – e.g. “Best Luxury Spa in the Middle East” in 2020 – and guests can choose from massages, facials, body wraps and more. (Insider tip: book spa appointments early in your stay, especially on weekends, to secure popular treatments.)

Other amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center (open 24/7) and a separate fitness/yoga studio The resort is also highly family-friendly: there’s a free Kids’ Club for ages 4–12 with supervised activities, a playground, and a children’s pool. Babysitting can be arranged on request. For events and gatherings, Ajman Saray offers several sunny meeting and wedding venues—rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gulf, making it popular for beach weddings and business retreats.

Ajman Saray was also built with sustainability in mind. It was designed to LEED Silver standards, using efficient lighting and HVAC systems, native landscaping to cut water use, and even by switching to sugarcane-based (eco-friendly) drinking straws in restaurants. Look for recycling bins and water-saving faucets around the hotel – little touches that demonstrate the resort’s green approach.

Dining Options

Dining at Ajman Saray is a rich international experience. The resort features six distinct venues (four full restaurants plus bars and lounges), each with its own theme:

• Vista All-Day Dining: This is the main international buffet restaurant. It serves buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with live cooking stations. The huge spread includes global favorites (eggs, pancakes, pastries for breakfast; pasta, salads, grilled meats for lunch; themed dinners at night). Breakfast here is especially varied, with omelet and waffle stations and fresh fruit juices. Families and international guests will appreciate the wide breakfast buffet selections catering to many tastes.

• Bab Al Bahr Beach Bar & Grill: A lively seaside grill restaurant. The menu highlights fresh seafood and grilled meats (think shish tawook, steaks, BBQ ribs), plus cold drinks and cocktails. It’s known for its relaxed, barefoot vibe under palm trees. One tip from a recent guest: don’t miss the fish-and-chips at Bab Al Bahr’s beach bar – they called it “one of the best we’ve ever had. Guests also enjoy sitting here at sunset with a drink in hand. (Bab Al Bahr also runs occasional beach barbecues and “sunset lounges” on its rooftop terrace.)

• Mejhana: An Arabian/Indian fusion restaurant. Mejhana’s menu blends Middle Eastern spices with Indian influences (biryani, kebabs, tandoori dishes) in an elegant multicourse setting. The décor and plating draw on classic “Spice Route” themes. It’s great for a romantic dinner or trying something different beyond the usual buffet.

• Safi Steakhouse: A chic steak and seafood grill with panoramic pool and sea views. Safi specializes in premium cuts (USDA prime, Wagyu, etc.), grilled to order and served with gourmet sides. Even though it’s called a steakhouse, it also has sushi and seafood options. As TripAdvisor notes, Safi invites you to “unwind in chic sophistication” – ideal for a special dinner or celebration. (It opens in the evenings only.)

• Escape Equestrian Bar: A sophisticated lobby lounge and bar. This quiet, clubhouse-style bar serves signature cocktails, fine wines and light tapas. Many guests start their evening here with sunset cocktails. Escape Equestrian also offers shisha on its terrace.

• Al Shorfa Café: A cozy lobby café serving Arabic coffees, teas and a variety of home-made pastries and sweets. It’s perfect for a mid-afternoon break or breakfast pastry with fresh mint tea.

Overall, dining reviewers consistently praise the quality and variety. The breakfast buffet in particular is “diverse and tasty, with options for every culture and diet”. Beyond the resort, the hotel’s location also puts it near many Ajman restaurants (e.g. Lebanese, Middle Eastern, and local cafes) if you want to explore outside.

All-Inclusive Packages

Ajman Saray offers all-inclusive packages that cover meals and select beverages, which many guests find good value. The standard all-inclusive plan includes lunch and dinner (buffets at Vista Restaurant) plus soft drinks and house beverages during dining hours. Complimentary water and coffee in-room are also usually included. Travelers say the all-inclusive deals break even as long as you dine at the resort regularly. That said, note that certain items are extras: premium liquors, top-shelf wines, minibar snacks and some activities (like spa treatments or motorized water sports) are not included and can rack up additional charges. (One TripAdvisor summary cautions that while guests “find value in all-inclusive deals,” some are surprised by unexpected fees on top. It’s wise to read the fine print or ask the hotel if you plan a heavy bar or extra spending. Couples and families on a fixed budget often appreciate the convenience of all-inclusive rates, while more flexible travelers may prefer room-only rates to pick and choose.

Attractions & Activities Nearby

Ajman Saray’s setting makes it easy to experience both Ajman’s local charm and nearby emirates’ attractions. Within Ajman itself, don’t miss:

• Ajman Corniche & Beach: A waterfront promenade with cafés and public beaches. Stroll or cycle along the palm-lined path at sunrise or evening – you’ll see local families picnicking and fishermen pulling in their catch. The resort’s private beach is quiet and clean, but a walk onto the public corniche gives a glimpse of everyday life.

• Ajman Museum (Red Fort): A short drive inland sits this 18th-century fort turned museum, showcasing Ajman’s history and traditional life.

• Ajman Fish Market: If you’re an early riser, visit the bustling fish market (open at dawn) to see fishermen selling freshly caught seafood – a great photo opportunity and cultural experience.

• Ajman China Mall: A unique local attraction a 15-minute drive away. This enormous indoor bazaar has literally thousands of stalls selling everything from clothes and electronics to homewares – all at bargain prices. Visitors note it’s a fun shopping adventure (even if you’re not looking for luxury goods). Bring cash for tiny vendors, and don’t miss the simple food court for a quick break.

• Al Zorah Nature Reserve: About 30 km away, this coastal mangrove sanctuary is home to flamingos and wildlife. You can kayak or take a guided boat tour through the mangroves – a serene contrast to the city.

• Ajman City Centre Mall: For Western-style shopping, this mall (literally next door, 5-min by taxi) has major brand stores and a food court.

• Local Culture: If timing allows, check if Ajman hosts any seasonal festivals or souk markets. The hotel concierge can advise; for example, Ajman sometimes holds Friday markets (flea markets) or Ramadan events along the corniche.

Because Ajman borders Sharjah, many guests also do day trips to Sharjah’s cultural sites (museums, the Central Souk) or Dubai’s famous landmarks (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, etc.). The hotel shuttle to Dubai is handy, but a taxi or private car is faster if you want maximum flexibility. Parking is free on-site if you rent a car. (Tip: If you head to Dubai or Sharjah, try to travel outside rush hours – Ajman Corniche bridge or Sheikh Zayed Road can get jammed in the morning and evening.)

Insider Tips & Local Secrets

• Maximize Your All-Inclusive: If on an all-inclusive plan, take advantage of hotel lunch and dinner buffets (Vista) and drink deals. Bonus: The beach bar’s afternoon snack (like fish-and-chips) is surprisingly tasty, so plan a casual beachside lunch. However, consider trying at least one external meal: Ajmani cuisine – e.g. grilled kingfish or mandi rice at a local restaurant – is excellent and very affordable compared to Dubai.

• Pools & Beach: The adult-only pool is a peaceful hideaway. Parents note that having one pool restricted to 16+ helps relax when older kids are at the kids’ pool. If you want quiet, book a room on the upper floors (sea view side) and visit the pools early in the morning. The beach gets wonderful sunsets; don’t miss the sun “slipping” behind the Gulf even if the weather's clear. Always apply plenty of reef-safe sunscreen (especially during summer) and stay hydrated under the sun.

• Spa Savings: Spa treatments can be pricey, but keep an eye out for package deals or off-peak discounts. Sometimes the spa offers couples packages or “2 for 1” massages on slower weekdays. Book in advance, as weekend slots fill up quickly.

• Transportation: While the hotel shuttle to Dubai is free, it runs on a schedule. For more independence, taxis are relatively cheap (Ajman fares are lower than Dubai’s). Download the “Udrive” or “Ekar” app if you’re comfortable self-driving – you can rent a car by the hour to tour Sharjah or Dubai at your own pace.

• Cultural Etiquette: Ajman is more conservative than cosmopolitan Dubai. Dress modestly when leaving the hotel (especially for women, avoid revealing swimwear on public beaches). However, at the resort itself swimwear is fine by the pool/beach. Arabic coffee and dates are often offered; feel free to savor local traditions.

• Shopping: Besides China Mall, look out for Ajman’s famed perfumes and incense. In the Gold Souq, shops often sell “oud” (fragrant wood) and Ajman Mabkharahs (incense burners) at good prices. Buying halal Turkish honey or Arabic sweets from local shops is another tasty souvenir idea.

• Dining Out: If seeking local flavor, try Mandi (rice and meat) at a neighborhood restaurant or shawarma from a roadside stall. For a leisurely night, Al Zorah’s mangrove boardwalk (Sunset Point, ~10 km north) has a simple but scenic restaurant.

In summary, Ajman Saray offers a luxurious yet authentic Emirati beach resort experience. It has all the modern amenities of a high-end hotel – from award-winning spa and gourmet dining to eco-friendly operations – combined with the charm of Ajman’s laid-back coastal culture. Guests often find the service exemplary: Trivago reviewers note that “the staff consistently receives high praise for friendliness and attentiveness”. With its prime location, wide facilities, and great value (especially compared to Dubai prices), Ajman Saray is a standout choice for families, couples, and anyone seeking a relaxing Gulf getaway just a short drive from Dubai’s attractions.