Join Hadag at the plush Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort – a luxurious five-star hotel situated on a private peninsula of golden sands and natural mangroves.
Hadag recently headed to the UAE to visit the new Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, a truly luxurious retreat that highlights the brand’s outstanding efforts to conserve and promote the local environment.
Meet-and-Greet Service
Touching down at Dubai International on a sunny Thursday afternoon, we were warmly welcomed by the hotel’s friendly and efficient meet-and-greet service. We soon found ourselves en route to the northernmost emirate of the UAE, the accommodation itself a mere 45-minute journey from the airport.
Exquisite Location
As we neared the eco-friendly, Thai-inspired property, we were captivated by the outdoor setting. The Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort is situated on a private golden peninsula, in a natural mangrove sanctuary. With views of the lagoon and the breathtaking Arabian Gulf, along with access to pristine natural beaches and a backdrop of the majestic Hajar mountains, one could not ask for a better location to unwind, relax and explore.
Awe-Inspiring Architecture
As we entered the reception hall through a towering, triple-storey arch, we were greeted by the smiling faces of attentive staff members, along with the remarkable contemporary chandelier suspended from the ceiling. This masterfully designed and crafted centrepiece, inspired by the winds of the desert moving through the trees with hundreds of handblown glass baubles, appears to move in unison. With our effortless booking in process lasting just two minutes, we were soon at our first-class villas.
Deluxe Accommodation
The stunning accommodation of this Anantara Resort comprises a selection of 174 exquisitely designed rooms, suites and villas, all conceived for exceptional comfort and to provide the most breathtaking views.
Fortunate enough to be in an Emirate first, Maldives-esque Overwater Pool Villa, our stay could not have been more stimulating or comfortable. Specially constructed to be in harmony with nature, the spacious accommodation proved the epitome of island luxury with its exclusive pool and private terrace overlooking the beautiful waters.
Must-mention room amenities include a separate living room, an impressive walk-in wardrobe and a separate tub and rain shower. Complimentary high-speed wi-fi and a smart TV are also available. I must admit to putting the espresso machine through its paces throughout the weekend.
Fine-Dining
The Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort houses no less than six dining options. We experienced three outstanding venues, all of which proved exceptional.
“With views of the lagoon and the breathtaking Arabian Gulf, along with access to pristine natural beaches and a backdrop of the majestic Hajar mountains, one could not ask for a better location to unwind, relax and explore.”
Lunch at Waves Café
On our first day, we lunched at Waves Café. This light-bite location offers cold-brew teas and single-origin coffees carefully sourced from all over the world. We indulged in sandwiches, wraps, bowls, soups and shakes, all made to order. We also spoilt ourselves with freshly baked pastries and some artisanal gelato.
Breakfasts at Sea Breeze
On both mornings of our stay, we were invited for breakfast at Sea Breeze, a venue with a contemporary-chic interior offering international cuisine on a mangrove-view terrace. Looked after by meticulous servers, these breakfasts consisted of a vibrant market-style buffet complete with eggs cooked to order and some of the freshest and tastiest baked breads and pastries we’ve ever had.
Group Dinner at Mekong
On the final evening of our stay, we dined at the glamourous Mekong, a world-class restaurant offering signature dishes and favourites inspired by Anantara’s native Thailand as well as Vietnam and China. The master chefs have reinterpreted these traditional meals for the modern palate while remaining true to classic cooking techniques. My meal consisted of three equally delicious courses; however, the main course of Pad Thai Noodles demands a special mention. Truly delicious!
Hotel Experiences
The Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort offers a variety of activities designed to showcase its rich natural surroundings and accessible locations. These include paddleboarding or kayaking through natural mangroves filled with protected wildlife. Several other water-based activities are also on offer, including luxurious yachting experiences.
The nearby Jebel Jais Mountains provide further opportunities for exploration. The hotel kindly shuttled guests to the phenomenal Jais Viewing Deck Park, where we took advantage of the seven viewing decks with powerful binoculars to take in the wonderful panoramic views. The fresh mountain air also proved invigorating.
Perhaps the most exciting moment of the adventure was the Jais Sledder – a solar-powered toboggan mountain experience, 1,885 metres long. This novel way to experience the terrain was exhilarating, making us all feel like children again for a moment. For the truly adventurous, there is the Jebel Jais zipline. Not only the world’s longest zipline, it also reaches speeds of up to 150km/h.
Mountain hiking, hot air ballooning and desert exploration are all on offer through the hotel, along with an assortment of activities for youngsters.
Hotel Amenities
Amongst the multitude of amenities and services on offer at the Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort are both wedding locations and conference facilities.
We were lucky enough to experience a tranquil oasis in the form of the Anantara Spa, where we were treated to the venue’s signature massage that combines Eastern and Western techniques with Anantara’s signature oil blend. After an hour of bliss, we left feeling relaxed, revitalised and ready to return to our everyday lives… almost.
Time to go
After the second night of our truly amazing stay at this uniquely beautiful hotel, it was hard to say goodbye to all our new friends and to leave such a serene and luxurious environment.
Seated on our return flight, we had already agreed this was one venue we would visit again in a heartbeat.
Our Sincere Thanks
We want to thank The Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort for inviting us into the magnificent venue, for the unrivalled hospitality and for the opportunity to explore this nearby paradise.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit
www.anantara.com/en/mina-al-arab-ras-al-khaimah
@anantararasalkhaimah