Why Ras Al Khaimah’s New InterContinental Resort & Spa Is The Perfect Summer Escape
The newly opened luxury haven has been created for both travellers looking to quietly unwind and those on a hunt for adventure
There are those vacationers whose idea of a perfect holiday is having a lie-in, followed by the remainder of the day spent relaxing on the beach with a good book; their feet in the sand and a mocktail in hand. Others want to pack every minute of every day they are away from the office with adrenaline-charged activities and informative excursions. It is a rare getaway that can cater to both styles of relaxation, but the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa has done just that.
The resort is a relaxing hour’s drive from the heart of Dubai and is located out on Hayat Island. There it sits facing an expansive and unencumbered view of the Arabian Sea, and at its back resides the impressive Hajar mountain range. First impressions evoke a sense of fluidity. The construction of the property has put a focus on incorporating its majestic surroundings into its design and the thoughtful way the resort is laid out creates spaces for guests with different agendas to find their own unique havens.
To the left of the main hall is where families will discover their happy place. Child-friendly pools and the Planet Trekkers program, a fitness area and a ‘too cool for school’ teen centre are all on offer. To the right is where Club InterContinental members can enjoy their own exclusive club building and adults-only infinity pool.
And for those looking for even more solitude, a secluded path further to the right leads to a series of 150sqm beachfront villas that feature private pools and terraces. All of the rooms, and the resort in general, have a very soothing aesthetic where neutral hues, wood furniture, stone accents and pared-back artwork give a subtle nod to Arabian heritage but with a modern perspective.
For those looking to spend their vacation taking it easy, there is really no need to set foot outside the grounds of the vast resort. The staff is extremely attentive and friendly, so feel free to spend a day walking the private white sandy beach, lounging by a pool or taking in an alfresco movie. And most definitely partaking in the hotel’s spa, which opened this month, as well as its Turkish Hammam.
On the other hand, adventure-seekers will discover that the resort is the perfect basecamp for a number of impressive activities. For families, a trip to Ras Al Khaimah’s mangroves for a boat or kayak tour to discover the birdlife is a great option. As is an informative visit to the Suwaidi Pearl Farm. Guests are also taken out into the mangroves, but instead of birds, the final destination is a floating museum of sorts where visitors can learn about the ancient technique of diving for pearls. And, if they are lucky, they can even get to shuck an oyster or two in hopes they discover a hidden gem.
Those with the need for speed can check out Jebel Jais mountain, which is home to both the world’s longest zipline and the brand new Jais Sleeder, which can hit speeds of 40 kilometres an hour as it winds its way down the Hajar mountain over 1,840 metres of track. And don’t forget to take in the views from 18th-century Dhayah Fort. It is in the running to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage list and it is well worth the trek.
Back at the resort, famished guests should make sure to book a table in advance at the Levant and Nar restaurant. It sits right at the end of one of the two peninsulas that frame the resort. The Lebanese cuisine on the menu is given a local twist through the creative choice of spices. Pick from 15 different hot and cold mezze dishes to share for an appetizer and you can’t go wrong by choosing a Karisik Izgara or a Tuzda Balk baked sea bass main course. Just don’t forget to take your after-dinner coffee or shisha in the restaurant’s sunken fire pit seating area that offers beautiful views of the gulf.
For more western fare, the resort’s New York City-inspired NoHo restaurant has a very tasty lobster roll and steak tartare appetizers. While the 45-day butter aged Angus ribeye or the braised short ribs and bacon sour mash will leave any meat-eater very satisfied.
Overall this is a resort designed to live in seamless harmony with its surroundings. Its inviting architecture and top-tier amenities make it a great staycation option for those looking for variety, both in terms of lodging and activities – from calming to exhilarating. And who doesn’t want to be spoiled for choice when on holiday?
For more information, visit icrasalkhaimah.com
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From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s May 2022 issue.