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, one of the best desert resorts in the UAE.
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 Villas are similar to the above, but with a non covered pool and an open desert view.
- 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.
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.
