The shimmering heat distorts the horizon as I gaze out from an overwater villa. Below lies a mangrove labyrinth that snakes toward the open sea. Behind the villa, stately palm trees sway against ochre mountains. This bucolic setting feels transported from an ultra–luxe resort in the Maldives, yet here I am in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates.
Just an hour’s drive from the cosmopolitan glitz of nearby Dubai, arriving in Ras Al Khaimah feels like another world — and dramatically different from the dusty landscape it was merely a decade ago. Dotting the landscape between stretches of rugged mountains, newly built luxury villas now overlook the Arabian Gulf. A few miles away, Las Vegas–based Wynn Resorts is planning a project that it says is intended to be a $3.9 billion gaming resort.
The once ‘rising emirate’ has indeed risen, blossoming into a haven blending outdoor adventure, natural beauty, and vacation–perfect resorts.
“Ras Al Khaimah is now one of the fastest growing destinations in the world,” shares Ramsey Saarany, General Manager of the new Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort.
“Last year they had record–breaking growth in Ras Al Khaimah. And that is continuing this year as well,” he adds.
The appeal of the emirate has long seduced adventure enthusiasts who revel in navigating its serpentine wadis by 4x4s, scaling the Jebel Jais Mountain, or casting lines into the Arabian Sea. Yet, with several new hotels opening in the emirate, these once niche pursuits are gaining more appeal. “Travellers always look for something different. They look for experiences and are becoming more experiential,” Saarany says.
Set to open this month, Anantara Mina Al Arab, located on the tip on the Mina Al Arab peninsula, is the epitome of this trend. Developed by RAK Properties, the property developers are attracting ultraluxury resorts to transform this stretch of land into a vacation paradise, offering both the conveniences of urban life and instant access to the area’s abundant adventures.
Anantara now joins the ranks of esteemed establishments like Intercontinental on the peninsula, with Nikki Beach Global also poised to make its illustrious imprint there.
“Mina Al Arab is second to none as a destination in terms of the amenities that it has to offer the guests,” Saarany explains.
Along with its stunning waterfront settings and the privacy and security that it has to offer, it has garnered attention amongst the well–heeled wanting an escape from the mundane.
“I know there’s a big vision for Mina Al Arab to position it as a luxury and lifestyle destination.” And RAK is doing this very successfully.
The first overwater villas in the Emirate
Anantara Mina Al Arab is testament to that success. Spanning over 18,000sqm, this colossal 174 suite hotel is one of the hotel group’s most expensive cost per key hotels to date, and one of the most ambitious projects by RAK Properties.
It’s not only the first overwater villa resort in the emirate, but it has also been built within a sheltered 1.5km natural mangrove reserve. Taking design cues from the tropical overwater bungalows of the Maldives, each villa features a plunge pool projecting out over the lagoon.
“Villa hosts” cater to residents’ every need, allowing guests to experience the landscape in privacy, just steps from the resort’s amenities. Floorplans range from one–bedroom love nests to a sprawling royal villa that guarantees celestial sunrises and sunsets. But most innovative is the connection to the surrounding landscape. Designed by Wilson Associates and Perkins Eastman, the elevated structures are not only unique for the emirate but also ensures protection for the fragile ecosystem below.
“The natural mangroves have been a key element into the design to build these villas. [This way,] guests can get to experience the beautiful Arabian Gulf within the natural reserve,” says Saarany.
As one of the few plant species that have adapted to the region’s arid climate, mangroves form a latticework of gnarled roots providing shelter to a bounty of wildlife. Among the beneficiaries are flamingos, ibises and other migratory birds that flock to the area to feast on crustaceans and shellfish hiding within the roots’ dark crevices.
From the wraparound terraces floating above the teeming reserve, guests are transported to the midst of this hidden world, with unobstructed panoramas taking in flocks of birds, darting fish, and the roots’ shadows swaying under crystalline waters. Floor–to–ceiling windows enhance the sense of immersion, but the best view is from the private plunge pools.
“It creates for a unique experience. Being immersed into water and surrounded [by] nature is something very unique. And definitely, I think it will create for an incredible experience for our guests.” The mangroves along with its teeming wildlife have long attracted visitors to Ras Al Khaimah, but Anantara Mina Al Arab caters to those who not just want to glimpse these natural treasures, but fully immerse themselves amongst them. For the ultimate exclusive experience, guests can book private kayaking tours to paddle through the mangroves’ tranquil lagoons, away from crowds and tourists.
With the ocean next door, guests also have the chance to see turtles, dolphins and the occasional ibis lurking in the ocean, which are native to the area. The resort’s location is one of its crowning features and the protection of the local inhabitants is a key focus of the resort. Guests will be able to discover more about the natural surrounds at the hotel’s on–site discovery and eco-learning centre.
Hotel rooms
Across the resort, the hotel suites have been designed in harmony with the surrounding natural environment and the culture of Ras Al Khaimah. Interiors feature bright, airy spaces bathed in warm wood tones. Soothing private balconies, garden terraces and infinity pools offer spots for relaxation against scenic backdrops. With sustainability as a guiding principle, eco–friendly materials such as reclaimed wood and recycled fabrics coexist with modern amenities for a luxurious hotel stay.
Rooms span from premium rooms to spacious suites that can accommodate two adults and up to two children. The accommodations allow the option of interconnecting rooms with extra beds to make the stay feel more like a resort for family getaways.
Experiencing Ras Al Khaimah
Anantara Mina Al Arab serves not only as a luxurious resort retreat, but also as a gateway to exploring Ras Al Khaimah’s diverse outdoor adventures and cultural offerings. Over the years guided tours have often lacked a holistic approach to Ras Al Khaimah’s attractions, which Anantara is set to change.
These experiences incorporate indigenous culture and heritage as well as private guided tours into the expanse of the emirate. One of the many private tours takes guests on guided tours to the historical sites of the region. Many visitors forget that Ras Al Khaimah has a very long history with a civilisation that dates back over 7,000 years.
This has much to do with the emirate’s strategic position within the Gulf, protected by mountains, desert and direct access to the ocean. During the Bronze Age it was an important trading hub that connected east Africa, India and China as early as the 10th century. With this in mind, unique sites still dot the desert lands that date back to this period. Anantara offers private tours by car to places such as the town of Jazirat Al Hamra, metropolis of Jufar or the chambered megalithic tombs of Shimal that dates back 4,000 years.
One of the most popular attractions is the wonderful fort in Dhayah. Built in the 19th century, the fort is famous for its zigzag staircase of more than 200 steps. Recently, these monuments have also garnered international attention and been added to UNESCO World Heritage site’s tentative list.
Guests can also visit the “Suwaidi Pearls” pearl farm, located in the small fishing village of Al Rams at the bottom of the Al Hajar mountain range. Established by the world’s first Arabian Pearl farmer, Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi, the region is now farming Arabian Pearls in the surrounding sea.
However, chief among the experiences is hiking in the nearby Hajar Mountains, where the Jebel Jais mountain soars nearly 2,000m high. The mountain has numerous hiking trails which are considered the best in the UAE. The ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is the most challenging trail and is only completed by advanced hikers due to its tricky nature. Yet, for those who are not familiar with hiking in the rough, Anantara offers private guided expeditions by car, complemented by an exclusive picnic arrangement prepared by their dedicated chefs.
Spa and wellness
Beyond the thrills of mountain hiking and cultural touring, Anantara’s spa promises panoramic ocean vistas and an infusion of traditional Thai and Arabian influenced therapies.
The seven treatment rooms, including two couple’s suites, provide intimate spaces for massages, wraps and facials using organic products. Separate male and female relaxation areas offer steam rooms, saunas and whirlpools for melting away tension.
Among the signature treatments is the Ras Al Khaimah Ritual, using local ingredients such as dates and honey in a full–body scrub and massage. The 60–minute treatment pays homage to remedies that focus on the regions strong connection to nature.
The fully–equipped gym, boasting lagoon views, allows guests to maintain routines throughout their stay. A varied schedule of activities around the property also caters to sports enthusiasts, such as courts for the growing sport of padel tennis.
Just steps from the private beach, a spacious outdoor pool adds further relaxation options. Featuring its own sunken bar, the pool provides the ideal viewing spot to take in the surrounding seascape. Nearby waters also invite activities like stand–up paddling and kayaking, courtesy of equipment rentals from the resort.
Restaurants and dining experiences
Taking inspiration from Anantara’s Asian heritage, the signature restaurant at the resort Mekong pays homage to delectable Southeast Asian dishes of the iconic Mekong River region. With an interior design that features a flowing “river” straight through the restaurant, diners are transported to the landscape and culture along the waterway as tastes unfold.
Signature plates include fish cooked in banana leaves, crispy shrimp or other local specialties representative of diverse locales from Thailand to Vietnam and China. Classic flavours are reimagined for contemporary palates while upholding authentic cooking techniques of Asia.
Alongside Mekong, the resort will also offer a restaurant on the beach, aptly known as the Beach House. The restaurant will serve up fresh Mediterranean fare, perfect for sunny days and balmy nights. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy delicacies from the ocean or the grill or on the terrace.
For lazier lunches guests can savour international cuisine at the all–day Sea Breeze eatery or lighter bites at the Waves Café. Anantara is planning to work with local bee farmers in the near future to produce their own sustainable honey from the surrounding mangrove lagoon.
“We would like to add this experience on our menus and maybe showcase sustainable production of our own honey”, explains Saarany. .
This added sweet touch is part of the plan to offer local ingredients throughout their menus. For true culinary romantic getaways, the hotel will offer sunset cruises for an intimate waterfront dinner. Alternatively, guests can book a tailored dinner experience on the beach complete with a personal chef.
For jet–setting travellers searching for discovery off the main tourist map, Anantara is unlocking the door to Ras Al Khaimah’s promising reputation as an exclusive eco–luxury nature escape. As I leave the stunning resort and watch the rising construction cranes at work, it suggests that this small emirate is poised for bigger things and becoming a haven for the perfect vacation.
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