Emirati Diaries #2: Escape to Ras al-Khaimah

March 16, 2018

Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide

While most people are probably familiar with Dubai, the crown jewel of UAE tourism, you may not know that there’s a hidden gem of a destination just an hour-and-half drive north: Ras al-Khaimah. This spot ended up being my favorite part of my UAE trip. As soon as we got to the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert, hubs and I knew we made a mistake by only booking two nights. We were scrambling to figure out how we could squeeze in more nights out of this trip. But of course that was impossible since we’re trying to fit in a whole country within one week.


Originally we were supposed to go Maldives for our babymoon, but silly me I didn’t realize it was a Zika-risk area. So at the last minute we changed our destination to UAE. But even with the change, I knew I still wanted a “chill by the pool” experience to be part of our trip. I also thought since I’m already in UAE, some kind of desert glamping experience would be really cool. While you definitely can’t categorize this accommodation as any type of camping, I did stay in a tented suite (that counts for something, right?).

Hey don’t get me wrong, I love the hustle and bustle of cities. I am a New Yorker, after all. But I think precisely because I live in New York City is the reason why I am more into vacation spots that is more “off the beaten path” and away from the crowd. This place definitely fits the bill for a secluded R&R. I lined up a few activities in the surrounding area for while we’re there. But as it turns out that this place is so fabulous and has so many activities within the resort that I never even bothered leaving. There’s actually so much to do that there was no way I could fit it into a three-day visit (although admittedly some of them, like desert dune bike tour, isn’t exactly preggo-friendly).

Here is just a sampling of the activities you can partake in:

  • Chill by the pool while watching Oryxes walk through your desert “backyard”
  • Get pampered at the spa, with treatments ranging from massage to the rain room
  • Watch a falcon show (and get some bad ass photo opp while you’re at it)
  • Have a baller private romantic dinner in the dessert (or if you really want to impress your significant other, you can even rent one of the desert towers)
  • Do a camel ride followed by a desert picnic (super sad I couldn’t do this since my doctors said absolutely no camel ride for preggo ladies)
  • Release your inner Katniss with some archery lessons (private and night sessions available)
  • Bike and explore the vast resort grounds, and find some great desert photo ops (complimentary; guided rides available)
  • Get in touch with Mother Earth with some nature and bird-watching walks
  • Get in touch with Mother Earth the lazy easy way with nature drives (12-hour advance booking required)
  • Get romantic with and go on a night walk
  • Get friendly with the horses and camels on a table tour
  • Stargaze like a pro with the help of a professional astronomer

Ok I’m not even sure that list was all inclusive and I might be missing some.

I definitely already have future plans on coming back and this time I’m staying way longer than two-nights.

Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide
As soon as I stepped in this lobby, I immediately panicked about how short my stay is going to be.

Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide
Your first view as soon as your walk into the room, confirming my initial suspicion that no stay will be long enough.

Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide
Talk about privacy, there’s nothing but the desert (and sometimes random roaming birds, cats and oryxes) on your backyard

Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide
Where would you like to hang out today?

Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide
Does a tented suite count as glamping?

Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide
The bathroom that I’m pretty sure is bigger than my New York City apartment.

Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide
I know what you’re thinking, this photo is missing champagne in that bucket.

Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide
Secluded desert photo ops is just a leisure bike ride away.

Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide
Definitely cannot stay here without watching the falcon tour.

Ras Al Khaimah Travel Guide
They’ve got horses and camels on property that made me want to come back (when I’m not pregnant and can actually ride them).

 
Looking for more UAE trip guides? Check out my other posts:

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  • lydia March 19, 2018 at 9:33 am

    Such a gorgeous place! Would LOVE to go stay there sometime. Thanks for sharing girl.

    xo, lydia

  • Megan Elliott March 19, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    Omg this is absolutely STUNNING! Totally going on my travel bucket list! <3

  • The Stylin Educator March 19, 2018 at 7:25 pm

    This looks like a great and relaxing trip!

  • Paige March 19, 2018 at 10:51 pm

    How amazing do your pictures look? I can’t even imagine what it would look like in person!

  • Helen March 20, 2018 at 12:23 am

    This is place looks stunning. I would love to visit this place one day with my family. And the pictures you post is also beautiful!

  • Azanique March 20, 2018 at 12:51 am

    If that’s considered glamping then I need to take a trip ASAP! Such a beautiful hotel and place to visit :)

    -xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com

  • Kileen March 20, 2018 at 2:14 am

    Wow this looks sooo amazing!! Definitely adding to my travel list!! SO beautiful!

    Kileen
    cute & little

  • KatWalkSF March 20, 2018 at 8:33 am

    This is simply stunning! Planning my trip now!

  • Nataly March 20, 2018 at 8:42 am

    This place looks so stunning! I would love to visit one day!

  • Annette Dattilo March 20, 2018 at 9:32 am

    A vacation away from any hustle and bustle is my kind of vacation. Everything sounds amazing and the hotel is stunning.

  • Suzanne March 20, 2018 at 12:27 pm

    Ok that falcon tour would be everything to me! How cool :)

  • the eye traveler March 20, 2018 at 3:48 pm

    OMG what a dream!!! I love the desert vibe and you look gorgeous in every photo!

  • Liz Pacini March 20, 2018 at 4:08 pm

    whattt… this looks awesome!!!! definitely wouldn’t mind spending some time here!

  • Nicole March 20, 2018 at 9:54 pm

    So happy you had such a wonderful baby-moon! I’m more of a beach gal myself, but that room looks so amazing!!

  • Taylor Mobley March 21, 2018 at 12:21 am

    What a fun baby moon!

  • Delia March 21, 2018 at 10:38 am

    Oh my gosh this place looks amazing! I hope I get to experience this some day! Love your black and white scarf!

  • Stephanie March 21, 2018 at 12:33 pm

    I’m not sure I’d want to leave that bathroom! My jaw LITERALLY dropped when I saw the photo. Like WOW. This place looks absolutely spectacular.

  • Whit March 21, 2018 at 11:16 pm

    wow this place looks incredible. Dubai was so amazing when I went! I loved how fast they are building everything!

    Whit

  • Aliya March 23, 2018 at 12:04 am

    This place looks so gorgeous. Will definitely put it on my bucket list for the future!

  • Kyla March 25, 2018 at 11:13 pm

    I had no idea the Maldives a zika risk country! Looks like where you ended up instead was an absolute dream though!
    Kyla
    wanderlustkyla.com

  • Sami | The Classic Brunette March 26, 2018 at 3:03 am

    Oh my gosh this place looks absolutely gorgeous!

    xo
    Sami
    The Classic Brunette