Written by Justin Mewse
September 2023
If the ‘Nature Emirate’ of Ras Al Khaimah is not on your travel list yet, it is about to be. Meaning ‘the headland of the tent’, Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the United Arab Emirates and the peninsula’s hidden gem boasting dramatic mountains and sun drenched beaches, desert retreats and luxury resorts. Here outstanding natural beauty sits alongside superb shopping, and the cultural heritage dates back over seven millennia. More recently, Ras Al Khaimah has been acknowledged on TIME Magazine’s list of the world’s greatest places in 2022! You have open access from the other Emirates, including Dubai, so read on to discover why this year is the year for you to discover Ras Al Khaimah.
Staying in Ras Al Khaimah
Some of the best hotels in the world dot Ras Al Khaimah’s coast, taking advantage of the gorgeous golden sands that are lapped by the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. From family friendly to romantic couples’ retreats you can easily find the right hotel for you. Or for a taste of adventure and authenticity among opulent surroundings, why not indulge in a stay at a desert resort? And remember it is easy to combine some time at the beach with a few nights under sparkling desert stars, so this year there really is no reason not to discover your own Ras Al Khaimah.
Ras Al Khaimah Holiday Offers
We’ve a selection of incredible offers for holidays in Ras Al Khaimah including kids stay and eat FREE at 4* The Cove Rotana Resort and SAVE up to 54% at 5* Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island.
Mountain Adventures
The Hajar mountain range forms a dramatic and adventure-filled backdrop to Ras Al Khaimah.
Jais Flight – World’s Longest Zipline – From Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, take the longest zipline in the world back to Earth. Reaching speeds of up to 150kmh, you will soar over spectacular ravines and mountains on this exhilarating journey.
Jais Sky Tour – Traverse the hairpin roads of Jebel Jais mountain before experiencing a breathtaking journey through the air on 6 ziplines. Wearing your special flight suit to minimise air resistance you’ll reach speeds of up to 60kmh and get unbeatable bird’s eye views of this stunning region.
Hajar Mountain Adventures – Your one-stop-shop for anything outdoors in Ras Al Khaimah. Hajar Mountain Adventures is fully accredited and provides group and private tours for hiking, canyoning, climbing, abseiling, kayaking – whatever adventure you are looking for in Ras Al Khaimah.
Jais Sledder – Two person karts attached to a low track sending you whizzing down the Jebel Jais mountain, with awesome views to the Arabian Gulf. Each person has access to their own brake so you can take it as fast or as slowly as you like.
Adventure Camps
Whether it’s romance to adventure, or a little bit of both, these amazing camps provide an authentic base from which to explore Ras Al Khaimah’s wilder side.
Bear Grylls Explorer’s Camp – This camp, located in Jebel Jais, is the destination for all aspiring explorers. Fully accredited explorer-instructors teach you the skills and attitudes needed to learn Bear’s legendary survival methods.
Sonara Camp Al Wadi – An evening under the desert stars is made even more special at the luxurious Sonara Camp. Herds of oryx and gazelle may pass by while you dine on delectable cuisine, and you can enjoy falconry, sand boarding and camel rides.
Camp 1770 – Truly a place to disconnect from the world, Camp 1770 is the highest camp in the UAE. Dine around the campfire, sharing stories over tea and hot chocolate, and by day enjoy stunning views of the mountains and Arabian Gulf beyond. The adventurous can even join a nocturnal Summit Series walk.
Bedouin Oasis Camp – Deep amid the terracotta hued dunes of the Ras Al Khaimah desert, this camp combines authentic rural traditions with a friendly service and comfort. Lone oryx roam the region and you can discover so much about the ancient Bedouin way of life.
Dining in Ras Al Khaimah
Dining and hospitality are taken seriously in Ras Al Khaimah. Epicureans and those in search of local flavour will adore some of the unique and Insta-worthy dining opportunities available. Take the journey up to 1484 by Puro, the highest restaurant in the UAE. Located in the Jebel Jais mountains, you have to go there for a sunset dinner and take time to just marvel at those views. In the Waldorf Astoria, Umi presents the finest Japanese delicacies – both sushi and teppanyaki – while the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island presents Meze with its Lebanese and Turkish cuisine. For fun and funky daytime dining visit SOL Beach Lounge & Bar at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort where you can dine poolside on light bites or the casual yet curated main meals. Later, head to Karma Kafe at Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island, where pan Asian cuisine is served alongside delectable cocktails. From traditional local dishes to the best of world cuisine, whatever your tastebuds desire they can be sated in Ras Al Khaimah.
Spa & Wellness In Ras Al Khaimah
Relax and rejuvenate in one of Ras Al Khaimah’s world class spas.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa & Rainforest – Truly a destination spa experience, here you are invited to one of the lavishly appointed pavilions to enjoy a signature holistic treatment using locally sourced herbs and spices.
The Spa At Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort – Nestled in a private cove on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, this opulent and spacious spa provides bespoke treatments along with a Himalayan salt room, hammams and extensive pools.
Spa at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island – This expansive hotel is home to the intimate Jouri Rose Spa – an oasis of tranquility. Beyond the array of massage treatments available, enjoy an authentic Turkish bath ceremony and the Vichy shower.
La’Mar Spa by Marjan Island Resort – Translating as ‘liquid gold’ La’Mar is a Moorish inspired oasis of tranquility, where umber and gold lighting flickers with the shadows of Arabic moons and stars. Personalised treatments combine here with state of the art facilities.
Waldorf Astoria Spa – Luxuriate in this labyrinthine and underwater themed spa, where soothing and calming sights and sounds guide you to flotation beds, herbal saunas and hydro baths as well as your private treatment room.
Avitane Spa at Rixos Bab Al Bahr – Luxuriate in the opulent surroundings of this Ottoman inspired spa. Relax on the warm stones of the hammam beneath its spectacular domed ceiling before braving the ice fountain for a pore tightening experience.
Find out More About Ras Al Khaimah
We’ve more information to explore about Ras Al Khaimah, such as visiting in the summer months, details on beach stays and a full lowdown on current special offers.
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