RITZ CARLTON AL WADI - RAS AL KHAIMAH BEST HOTEL

Are you looking for a peaceful, luxury, desert gateway from Dubai? Well, the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Resort in Ras Al Khaimah is exactly that, and more! So, let me dive right into the details of my stay in this beautiful hotel in Ras Al Khaimah

WHERE IS RAS AL KHAIMAH?

First thing first, I guess not all of you are familiar with Ras Al Khaimah (aka RAK), so here is a little background information. RAK is one of the lesser know Emirates that form the United Arab Emirates. Located all the way to the north of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah has its fair share of white sand beaches, golden dunes, and lush oasis that attract tourists, locals and residents alike looking for a nature retreat, a lovely beach hotel or even a good hike. Just under 3h drive from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah is the ideal destination for a Dubai weekend gateway.

The Ritz Carlton has 2 equally gorgeous hotels in Ras Al Khaimah: Al Wadi Desert Resort and Al Hamra Beach resort.

AL WADI DESERT RESORT : THE ROOMS

At Al Wadi Desert Resort , we don’t talk about rooms, we talk about villas ! The hotel has 101 villas, of 4 different categories :

Al Rimal Enclosed Pool villas are mud bricks villas of 158 sq, with a wooden deck, a private pool covered from all sides to ensure total privacy.
Al Rimal Villas are similar to the above, but with a non covered pool and an open desert view.
Al Khaimah Villas are 253 sqm tented villa inspired by the traditional bedouin architecture, and this is as luxury a tent can get !
Al Sahari villas : Similar to Al Khaimah villas, with the advantage of being far away from the rest of the hotel, for ultimate privacy and the best desert views.

All of the villas have a traditional Arabic architecture, beautiful woodworks, huge bathrooms, a seating area, a sundeck, and extra large, extra comfy bed ! Despite the 100 villas, the resort manages the impossible of being both massive and highly intimate.

You can check the latest villa prices here

AL WADI DESERT RESORT : GET THERE AND GET AROUND

Getting to al Wadi resort s fairly easy from Dubai. It is a little over 1h drive, probably a bit more in the evening at the time of commute as the traffic can get intense in the direction of Sharjah. If you do now want to bother with the driving the hotel can arrange a pick up too. Once at the resort, there is no car around and everything is reached either by bike (each villa has a few), by buggy or simply by walking. I feels so relaxing ! The buggies are usually waiting around the restaurants, so if you want them to pick you up from your room, just call a little bit ahead.

AL WADI DESERT RESORT : ACTIVITIES

Unfortunately we didn’t do much activities while we were there as the weather was still really really hot. We mostly biked around, and went for a walk in the desert. We encountered a few wild oryx on the way, which just add to the sense of connection with nature ! More activities around nature are available in he resort, such as falcon shows, bird watching, archery, desert biking etc . There is also an equestrian center, a fully equipped fitness center, a spa that included a full hydrothermal experience, and finally a kid’s club.

Whether going as a couple, with friends or with family, there really is something for everyone and this is why for me, Al Wadi Desert Resort is one of the best hotels in Ras Al Khaimah.