After Christmas, I always start craving some proper sunshine to look forward to in the early spring. The winters in Newcastle are long, grey and chilly, and I always find myself dreaming of somewhere warm where I can feel the sun on my face again.  While presently the UAE is sadly off the table, we hope it will not be for long, so I wanted to do a quick showcase of Ras al Khaimah which is a great winter sun destination, and there will be amazing offers when it is possible to travel there again 

A couple of years ago, I headed to Ras Al Khaimah on my own trip: just an hour from Dubai, but with a gentler price tag and a wonderfully laid‑back feel. Thanks to its proximity to Dubai, it is easily accessible from multiple UK airports, yet it still feels like its own escape, with wide beaches, mountain backdrops and a slower pace.

Ras Al Khaimah is often called the adventure capital of the UAE and it really lives up to the name. It is home to the world’s longest zipline, which hurtles you across the peaks of Jebel Jais, so it is a brilliant choice if you have anyone in the family who wants more than a simple “fly and flop”.

I found it a fantastic destination for families: relaxed, friendly and with a really good range of hotels for different tastes and budgets, but with the same excellent service you would expect across the Emirates.

On this trip I stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island. It is not the sort of property I would usually pick for myself more for the fact I tend to favour smaller hotels, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was a good, cost‑effective option that delivered on comfort, facilities and value, which made it a great base to get to know the area.

If your style is a little different, there are plenty of other options too. Think sleek, grown‑up beachfront resorts with chic adults‑only areas, or ultra‑luxury properties with private pool villas and gourmet dining. There are also contemporary family resorts with waterparks, kids’ clubs and spacious suites that work brilliantly for larger families or multi‑generational trips. Part of my job is to match you to the right hotel style so the feel of the property suits how you actually like to travel.

Although the beaches are a big draw, Ras Al Khaimah is about so much more than sunloungers and sea views. You can:

Head into the Hajjar Mountains and drive the spectacular Jebel Jais road, stopping at viewing platforms for those sweeping desert‑meets‑mountain vistas.

Try the world‑famous zipline or other mountain adventures for a proper adrenaline rush.

Explore the desert on a 4x4 safari, with dune bashing, camel encounters that respect animal welfare standards, and sunset dinners under the stars.

Wander around local markets and old forts to get a feel for the emirate’s history and culture.

Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding and other water sports if you like to be in or on the water rather than just next to it.

Play a round of golf at one of the high‑quality courses if that is your idea of a perfect holiday morning.

For me, Ras Al Khaimah felt like a perfect “winter sun without the stress” destination: warm weather, easy flight connections via Dubai, plenty to keep both adults and children happy, and a choice of hotels from budget‑friendly to blow‑the‑budget luxury.

If you are already feeling the pull of the sun as our nights draw in, let’s chat about creating your perfect UAE escape. Whether you are dreaming of pool‑days with the kids, a romantic long weekend, or an adventure‑packed break in the mountains and desert, I can tailor a Ras Al Khaimah itinerary around you.