Now a Ritz-Carlton partner hotel, this majestic resort encompassed by acres of private nature reserve amidst the vast rolling desert dunes, is a hidden haven of luxury for travellers, whether seeking desert adventure or a peaceful retreat. Described as not so much a hotel as a life experience, this is the first hotel in the UAE to offer an all-pool-villa concept, ensuring magical Arabian nights and a real sense of romance and serenity. Nestling in the tranquil and eco-rich Wadi Khadeja, and surrounded by the unique Ghaf Tree, the UAE's national tree, the resort perfectly blends the local Arab culture with the Banyan Tree brand's Zen-like ambience, to give it a style that is all its own.
Arriving through the covered entrance walkway, guests are immediately struck by the intricate architecture of the traditional mud-brick building, with its characteristic Arab touches including ornate carvings and lattice woodwork. In the check-in area, through a set of huge wooden doors, guests sit on sofas enjoying refreshments of dates, fresh juice and hibiscus tea, along with cold towels, while their check-in is processed. Throughout the interiors there are dark woods, high ceilings, and metal lanterns at every corner.
The hotel has a choice of two fabulous restaurants, including trendy Safran, where you can sit at tables on an ornate four-poster platform and sample authentic Thai cuisine, while gazing out over the nature reserve's watering-hole, and marvelling at the antics of the wild oryx and gazelle that gather there every evening. At Al Waha, which means Oasis in Arabic, you can choose to enjoy Arabian specialities either on the outdoor terrace, or amidst the spectacular interior design, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing a stunning view of the sand dunes. After dinner you can relax under the stars at the rooftop terrace lounge. However, these beautiful restaurants are far from being your only dining choices. The Destination Dining programme allows you to opt for a private dinner of traditional dishes while sitting Bedouin-style round a camp fire, amid the rolling sand dunes. Alternatively you can choose the top of the Safran Tower, built as a traditional Arab watchtower, with service from a private butler and chef and amazing views across the desert.
There are many factors that set this hotel apart, but one of the most remarkable is the phenomenal range of unique activities on offer. There is an activity centre where guests can saddle up for a horse or camel ride through the dunes, set off in a 4x4 for a desert safari, engage in archery, or assemble for a guided nature walk, which can take you as far as the peak of the Al Janas mountain, to discover mysterious geological formations or hidden ancient villages. At the tented Falconry Deck among the Ghaf trees you can watch a falconry display, while at the indoor and outdoor Falconry Mews, home to the Middle East's only Falconry Course, you can learn falconry and meet the indigenous hawks, owls, falcons and eagles.
View all Ras Al Khaimah hotels.
There are 101 luxurious pool villas, either designed to look like traditional Arab mud-brick buildings, or tented to reflect the Bedouin tradition. All villas feature classic local design elements, including ornate arabesque carvings, stylised motifs, and intricate Arabian-style lattice woodwork, and have lofty ceilings and walls of glass. All are equipped with private pool, private sun deck, air conditioning, plasma TV, DVD player, Bose music system, WiFi, IDD telephone, minibar, safe, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, silk bathrobes.
Measuring 158 square metres, built to resemble a traditional mud-brick Arab home, one king-size bed or twin beds, canopied ceilings, living area overlooking pool with sofa bed and executive desk, spacious bathroom with tub and shower room, 26-square-metre infinity pool.
Measuring 253 square metres, Bedouin-style desert dwelling, king-size bed in spacious bedroom with windows on all sides, sofa bed and executive desk, spacious bathroom with space for private spa treatment, 30-square-metre infinity pool.
Measuring 253 square metres, romantic hideaway with flowing canopied ceilings, superior bedroom with windows on all sides, sofa bed and executive desk, spacious bathroom with shower room and extra large bathtub, dedicated spa treatment room, dedicated villa host service, daily 60-minute Rainforest Spa experience.
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