Sponsored: When looking for an idyllic escape in the Northern Emirates, you want something comfortable, hassle-free and relaxing. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert offers just that in a resort that goes all-out to cater to your every need.
Located within the picturesque Al Wadi Nature Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert blends a back-to-nature approach with resort-style luxury in one of the UAE’s most visually appealing landscapes. The tranquil paradise is less than a 60-minute drive from Downtown Dubai yet feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the booming metropolis.
The desert oasis boasts numerous Bedouin inspired experiences and exciting desert adventures, from stunning villas with private pools to an immersive Rainforest Spa Experience and a whole host of outdoor activities.
Tented Temptation
Nestled amidst 1,235-acres of protected sands in Wadi Khadija, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, offers a sanctuary of private villas, each with its own pool, a deck overlooking the desert and spacious accommodations featuring floor-to-ceiling windows to capitalise upon the view.
Inspired by traditional Bedouin tents, our Al Sahari Tented Pool Villa comfortably sleeps up to four guests and clocks in at a generous 253 SQM. Highlights include a generously sized living area with a separate bathroom decked out with a soaking bathtub, rainforest shower, bathrobes, comfortable slippers and luxurious bath amenities.
Throughout the tented accommodation, floor to ceiling windows provides unrivalled views of the desert dunes and outdoor swimming pool. At the same time, the practical design and airy feel makes for not only a comfortable stay but evokes a feeling of Arabian adventure, as found in the tales of 1001 Arabian Nights. You’ll quickly sink into the plush bed for a peaceful night’s sleep and happily get up and make a tea or coffee using the in-room Nespresso machine.
Yet it’s the spacious outdoor deck where we expect you’ll spend the majority of your stay. Replete with temperature controlled private swimming pool and sun loungers, the wooden deck looks out onto the nature reserve, so don’t be surprised if an Arabian oryx joins you poolside. As we indulge in a cheeky sunset dip set against a cacophony of bird song, we’re accompanied by a herd of camels who bed down close to our villa as the sky fills with stars.
Food Finesse
There’s a lot to celebrate (and brag about) when it comes to dining at The Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. The resort offers several restaurants, lounges, bars and bespoke dining experiences, which literally cater to every palate. Standouts include the FACT award-winning Farmhouse, where we savoured wild meats, homegrown vegetables and other fresh ingredients in a steakhouse-style menu and a rustic farmhouse setting. Then there’s the Kaheela Restaurant with its lavish buffet of Middle Eastern delicacies and international favourites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When Moroccan cravings kick in, Moorish is the place to take a seat, while sundowners overlooking the desert watchtowers are best enjoyed at the aptly named Moon Bar. Needless to say, food is something you don’t have to worry about during your staycation.
Exciting Excursions
Alongside luxurious accommodation and a back-to-nature approach, this desert resort boasts numerous Bedouin inspired experiences and exciting desert adventures for guests of all ages and skill levels. Immerse yourself in the desert environment and embark on an early morning wildlife feeding trip where you’ll get up close and personal with the resident Arabian Oryx and gazelles from an open vehicle.
Adults and children can also master the art of archery with the resorts’ recurve target archery sessions that, aside from offering family fun, will surely help with hand to eye coordination. Elsewhere guests can enjoy everything from full moon camel rides and stargazing to horse riding, e-fat bike riding, birdwatching and tree planting.
Wellness Wonder
Expect exceptional luxury and relaxation at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Not only are the transformative treatments incredible, but at the heart of the spa is the Rainforest Experience. The Rainforest Experience offers 16 different stations to promote relaxation and rejuvenation by combining European hydrothermal culture with traditional Middle Eastern bathing rituals.
This is the kind of place that refreshes your soul, partly accredited to wonderful therapists. While the spa offers an appealing array of treatments that include everything from massages to body wraps, we opt for a 60-minute Platinum HydraFacial. A treatment that uses groundbreaking technology to cleanse, exfoliate and extract dead skin and impurities while moisturising the skin. This facial gives immediate results and we cannot believe how much more balanced and hydrated our face looks. Working to eliminate toxins, repair cellular damage and restore your skin’s radiance – the results are evident weeks afterwards and we would recommend doing this once a month.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, offers an immersive desert escape that allows guests to do as much or as little as they want. From exploring the resort and encountering its inhabitants by bicycle to relaxing poolside on your private deck while admiring the majestic scenery.
A clear representation of luxury hospitality at its finest, this resort is ideal for couples and families in search of good food and memories filled with adventure.
GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com/alwadidesert for reservations and more information.
