An island escape in the Northern Emirates that appeals to every member of the family.
There are many great reasons to visit Ras Al Khaimah, and now that Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island has opened, we can add another to that list. The latest hotel opening in the Northern Emirates is waiting to be discovered on the hook-shaped Marjan Island and comes to us from Swiss hospitality brand and ice cream maker Mövenpick.
The name Mövenpick literally means “picking seagull”, and the hotel brand gained its moniker in 1948 when Swiss hotelier Ueli Prager witnessed a seagull swooping down mid-flight to retrieve some food. The elegant movement encapsulated Prager’s vision for hospitality, and the name was coined. It’s unlikely you’ll encounter seagulls during your strolls on the private beach at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island.
Beachfront Retreat
The property features 418 rooms, suites and chalets, all with sea views and designed to suit various budgets and requirements. Ranging from the simply furnished Deluxe Rooms in the main hotel building to the Panoramic Bridge Suite situated within Ras Al Khaimah’s longest suspended bridge, which forms part of the hotels striking façade. During our stay, we check into an Al Marjan Beachfront Suite With Private Pool, which is well-sized as 83 square metres and offers a private outdoor pool surrounded by verdant gardens, complimentary WiFi, a separate living area and a sofa bed, making it the ideal choice for families.
The Suite chalets are set away from the main hotel building, evenly spaced along the sandy shoreline and accessed via a short walk or complimentary buggy service. Offering a taste of the Maldives, albeit a little closer to home, the idea of privatised villa accommodation is very appealing, and the notion of having your own pool and garden area would surely account for the hotel’s high occupancy during our mid-week visit. The low-level villas are complemented by lush landscaping and winding pathways that lead through verdant foliage towards the beach.
Tech-savvy guests will appreciate the mod-cons, with two flat-screen televisions and ample plug sockets to ensure your phone battery stays fully charged. It’s for the best, considering the Insta-worthy terrace that leads directly onto the beach, making for the ideal vantage point for sunset watching or your morning cup of coffee. The large crescent of sand, complete with an inflatable waterpark, forms a protective bay of shallow waters perfect for younger guests.
Sun, Sand & Sea
With its prime beachfront location, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island affords guests plenty of outside space to indulge. Aside from the considerable swathe of sand directly accessed from the chalets, the hotel boasts three swimming pools, including the large central pool where you’ll get the best shots for the Gram and a smaller kid’s pool with plenty of shade. Kids will also love the adventure playground, floating water park, water sports and the Starfish Adventure Kids Club. Water sports are available at the beachfront for an additional charge.
With the children kept busy, adults can relax at Citrine Spa and enjoy blissful relaxation and perfect pampering with a choice of revitalising body massages, facials and wellness treatments. Six bars, restaurants and lounges are at guests’ disposal, whether it’s sipping on cocktails poolside at Neo Sky Bar or enjoying cake and coffee amidst the modern surroundings at MÖCA Lobby Lounge, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island has you well and truly covered.
Eclectic Eats
At Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, you can eat and drink your way around a variety of cuisines. There’s international fare and a bountiful breakfast spread at the all-day eatery The Market, where cosy seating flanks an impressive indoor tree and open kitchen before splaying out across the al fresco terrace.
Tuck into casual cusine and light snacks at Beach House, where you can dine (quite literally) with your toes in the sand. As the name suggests, the beachfront venue comes decorated with colourful surfboards and a sand-strewn floor. The menu offers Tex-Mex choices and potent cocktails, but the appealing views of the beach are the main draw.
There’s also Boons which offers European classics served in a simple brasserie environment and is the place for French onion soup, beef tartare and sumptuous steaks. Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is also home to a new outpost for Ula (which has already proven popular on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah). Whether you’re planning a long lazy lunch with the family or signature cocktails and sunset views with friends. The earthy-chic venue has been designed with purpose and passion, and features a dedicated bar area, an adults-only swimming pool and a breezy beach seating. The Mediterranean-led menu explores the freshest of produce, and highlight dishes include Chicken Gyros, Truffle Pizza, Souvlaki, Chilean Sea Bass and Churros.
While it would be easy to hide away in the confines of the resort during a stay at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, there is plenty to explore nearby. Shop until your drop at Al Hamra Mall, play a round of golf at Tower Links Golf Club or visit the UAE’s highest mountain peak to traverse the world’s longest zipline or ride the longest toboggan run in the region: Jais Sledder
Ras Al Khaimah, which means ‘top of the tent’ in Arabic, is the ideal staycation spot. Its mountainous topography and isolated natural beaches make it feel like a world away from frantic Dubai. Visit mid-week for complete privacy and seclusion or on the weekend for a little bit of fun in the sun.
If you’re looking for your next family-friendly getaway, keep Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island firmly on your radar.
GO: Visit www.movenpick.com for reservations and more information.
