Ras Al Khaimah - the new kid on the block!
Ras Al Khaimah is much more laid back than its high rise neighbours focusing more on the beaches and adventure based activities which it is promoting. It still has some way to go and there are a number of building projects in the offing but from my experience it is well on the way to establishing itself as a great alternative to Dubai. The rules surrounding the consumption of alcohol are much the same but there are hotels offering all inclusive which is great news.
I stayed at the amazing Waldorf Astoria which was originally built as a palace and the generous rooms sizes reflect this. With the beach one side and the golf course the other and with a new shopping mall a short walk away the hotel is well placed to enjoy all that Ras Al Khaimah has to offer as a beach destination but travel inland and you are greeted by desert and mountains.
The mountain range of Jebel Jais offers a myriad of adventure activities including mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking and is home to the longest zipline. At 2.83m long the zipline is not for the faint hearted as you are launched from the starting point in a horizontal position high above the valley below. Unfortunately I was not allowed to take part due to a former neck injury from a rollercoaster ride in Florida so I have to satisfy myself with having only done the second longest zipline in the world but it was great to watch my colleagues.
In the desert we watched the sun go down with a glass of fizz and had falconry display followed by an evening of traditional entertainment and food at a Bedouin Oasis camp.
If it is culture you are looking for this can be found with a visit to Dhayah Fort a 19th century fortress built on the foundations of much older structures and the only hilltop fort still existing in the UAE.
We were hosted for different events at the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island which has great facilities for adults and children alike, the Rixos Bab Al Bar an all inclusive resort perfect for families, the Cove Rotana which put on a wonderful lunch in their Mediterranean restaurant Basilico and finally the Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra Beach which put on a spectacular gala dinner on the beach with the most amazing buffet. We also got to look at one of their wonderful tented beach pool villas - a fitting end to a great trip.