Tan lines and good times at Umm Al Quwain’s chic new beach resort.
Ever since the early days of the pandemic, the Northern Emirates has seen an influx of visitors, bolstering the UAE’s staycation market with appealing beachfront staycations for residents looking to indulge in some much-needed downtime close to home.
Located one hour drive North of Dubai, sleepy Umm Al Quwain retains the authentic charms of its fishing heritage while offering everything you could want from a weekend escape, including quiet beaches, delicious dining options and a touch of culture.
Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain is the latest opening from homegrown hotel brand Vida and the first resort in their burgeoning portfolio. Situated on a pristine stretch of shoreline flanked by offshore mangrove forests, the sense of escape is immediate from the moment we step through the doors.
The resort, with its 135 rooms and suites and eight beachfront cabins, offers a boutique feel. The lobby bathed in natural light provides direct access to restaurants, the spa and the ocean, to which our eyes are immediately drawn. There is a feeling of discrete exclusivity and the beauty of this small resort lies in the accessibility to the beach, restaurants, and swimming pool within moments of leaving the room.
Suite Staycation
Our One-Bedroom Suite with a sea view is stylish and comfortable. Clocking in at 70 sqm, the spacious suite is ideal for a family of four and features a king-sized bed and sofa bed in the living area. The suite is simple but homely and features several modern touches, meaning you can connect your devices with ease for a Netflix marathon or listen to music at the mere touch of a button. The sense of being at the beach is playfully incorporated into the decor, with the remote control holder designed to look like coral and the soap dish made of a wooden surfboard.
The space flows seamlessly as it moves from the living area, complete with comfortable soft furnishings and a small dining table, into the bedroom and the tastefully modern bathrooms. With chunky tiling, Roberto Cavalli products and a separate rainfall shower, washing the sand off your feet after a day at the beach is not only easy but thoroughly enjoyable.
Yet, it’s the unrestricted sea views that offer the most appeal. Waking up in a super comfortable bed with a fresh cup of coffee and views of the ocean is an excellent way to start the day.
Beach Chic
Speaking of the beach, the narrow stretch of golden shoreline is likely to be the main reason people will book a room at Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain. With plenty of sun loungers evenly spread across the sand and an Insta-worthy swing, the ocean is right on your doorstep for a toes-in-the-sand staycation.
Above the shoreline is the temperature-controlled infinity-style swimming pool, complete with jacuzzi jets and flanked by palm trees. It’s a picturesque spot to while away a day or two while topping up your tan and sipping on handcrafted beverages from the adjacent pool bar.
Poolside is also where you’ll find a dedicated kid’s pool, splash pad and the Qix kids club, which pushes the family-friendly nature of the resort into an inclusive staycation spot that will appeal to every member of the family – even your pets.
Delightful Dining
The resort feature a selection of dining outlets, including a lobby lounge, Stage 2 and a branch of the popular social eatery Origins, which can also be found at Vida Emirates Hills. The all-day dining restaurants offers an appealing menu for those who wish to eat cleaner, better and more mindfully, focusing on value for money and seasonal ingredients. While you may be at the resort to relax, we’d encourage you not to sleep in for fear of missing the bountiful breakfast spread.
Rooftop venue SoCal had not yet opened when we visited the property in May 2021 but is expected to bring a Southern Californian vibe to the resort, where unconventional food meshes with a lively environment and memorable sunsets.
Vida Beach Resort is more than just a place to flop at the beach. The property has been instilled with a sense of heritage that effortlessly ties into the location. Communal corridors pay homage to the environment, with paintings of oryx and carpets that look like waves crashing upon the shore. There is also a curated art collection adorning various walls throughout the resort, from the works of British artist Justin Castaldi in the all-day-dining area to the spa lobby which showcases Stephanie Neville’s embroidery of the Umm Al Quwain mangroves.
Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain makes a fantastic first impression and a strong sense of identity. All too often modernity strips resorts of any sense of whereabouts or locale and as you look around you could literally be anywhere in the world. Not so at Vida Beach Resort, where you will enjoy the best of Arabic tradition and hospitality whilst admiring the stylish contemporary décor and cutting-edge service.
GO: Visit www.vidahotels.com for reservations and more information.
