Ras al Khaimah

What is this.... well if you haven't heard of Ras al Khaimah it is one of the 7 United Arab Emirate states, only 40 minutes from Dubai airport along some very new road. Ras al-Khaimah, historically known as Julfar, is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Its name could be taken to mean "headland of the small huts", which can be attributed to the indigenous buildings that existed along the coast.

Ras, as it is affectionately known, is how Dubai was 20 years ago but slightly more relaxed. Drinking alcohol is more acceptable and a huge benefit is that it is around a third cheaper than Dubai!

Benefiting from the great weather it is particularly attractive in the Autumn and Spring for a short break being only 6 hours very comfortable flying time from the UK.

I stayed in the huge Waldorf Astoria hotel on the beach front, I had one of the biggest hotel room I have every had! This hotel was apparently built with the hope that the Americas Cup would come to race here so the hotel was built in the shape of a cruise ship. It is huge, opulent and lovely, with the famous Peacock Bar with the famous clock that all Waldorf Astoria hotels have (based on the story of the hotel’s owner surviving the Titanic and arranging to meet under the WA clock in New York). Defiantly worth considering for you stay with its own golf course.

We then had the most luxury stay in The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert camp - they also now have the Al Hamra Beach front, which you can visit for the day from the desert camp (a former Baynon Tree property).

Al Wadi is set within the sanctuary of a protected nature reserve. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is a unique remote getaway just 45 minutes (17 miles) from Dubai. We were lucky enough to have a Tented Pool Villa each so enjoyed a private swim under the stars on the last night.

Ideal for families and travellers seeking a remote getaway, the private resort offers adventure and tranquillity combined in a desert oasis. Intimate pool villas, world-class destination dining, an award-winning hydrotherapy spa and an extensive range of family-friendly and outdoor activities add a luxurious touch to a traditional desert experience. Desert explorers and affluent travellers alike appreciate the beautiful surroundings and immersion in the traditional Bedouin lifestyle while still enjoying creature comforts.

Each one of the 101 villas feature a private pool and deck terrace complete with sun loungers, spacious bedroom and cosy seating area, fully-stocked mini bar and tea/coffee maker, spacious bathroom with luxury Asprey® amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi and LCD TV.

An award-winning well-being experience awaits at Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert, featuring the region’s only rainforest circuit and a range of Asian-inspired treatments for a journey complementing serenity and tranquillity. Hydrotherapy facilities and a fitness club are available for guests and visitors.

Other hotel we visited included Double Tree by Hilton & Sap Marjan Island, The Cover Rotana Resort and Rixos Bar al Bahar Ulbra All Inclusive.

I have to say the food in Ras is some of the best I have had anywhere in the world, especially the Prince's favourite restaurant to the top floor of the Waldorf Astoria hotel. Activities include sunset mountain picnic, Bedouin camp, golf and the new Jebel Jais Via Ferrata - the longest zipline in the world!

Please give me a call to talk though a holiday in lovely RAS. Helen . 01202 069770