Impressed by the ambitions of Egypt’s Nice Pyramids, Rixos Bab Al Bahr thinks huge. This 715-key, 5-star resort is located by a shallow Persian Gulf lagoon within the quiet Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Constructed on Ras’ first artifical island of Al Marjan, the resort incorporates the Arabic structure of the normal wind-catching Barajeel towers.
On first impressions, the grand marble pillars of reception with its ornate friezes and elaborate floral arrangements looks like the final word grandiose palace. However past the crystal chandelier, past the violinist taking part in the grand piano, everybody’s having enjoyable within the solar.
Ras Al Khaimah, translating as “head of the tent” could also be Dubai’s quieter, much less blingy cousin, however the large grounds of the Rixos may declare to be one other Emirate of enjoyable in its personal proper: 8 swimming swimming pools, 7 bars, 7 eating places, 2 showcase levels, basketball and tennis courts, health club, spa, jungle health club. Plus, there’s a souk main all the way down to the 5 a la carte eating places on the waterfront.
With children membership, teen room, playground, watersports on the clear-water lagoon and back-to-back night exhibits, this can be a resort that dares any baby to utter the notorious phrase, “I’m bored”. And if they’re, the resort is the gateway to an Emirate that’s the United Arab Emirates’ capital of journey.
Rixos Bab Al Bahr does its perfect to counter the outdated adage, “You’ll be able to’t please all the individuals, all the time.” {Couples} head for the serene adults solely infinity pool away from the Seashore Membership beat, discover a quiet spot within the Mojito bar, and revel in subtle meals within the a la carte eating places.
The welcome
As our taxi swings previous the fountain to park, two porters whisk away our baggage and guides us right into a palatially grand foyer.
After the formalities of check-in, one other porter guides us and baggage to our room.
The room
Our premium room has views, from a big balcony internet hosting each solar loungers plus desk and chairs, throughout the Persian Gulf; good for taking images of palm bushes silhouetted towards the setting blood orange solar.
A king-size mattress within the twin facet room, shares the views. The spacious room ticks each field for five-star luxurious: tea and occasional beverage level, refrigerated mini-bar, wall-mounted tv, hair-dryer, sturdy WiFi, dressing robe and slippers.
The lavatory
Regardless that there can be sufficient area to park my automotive within the toilet, there’s solely an oversize rainfall bathe; no tub.
In addition to ample cupboard space across the well-lit wash basin there’s an exceptionally helpful unit of drawers.
The whole lot you want to plan your journey in 2024
The amenities
Evidently buffet restaurant Seven Heights has all the pieces on supply for breakfast, lunch and dinner; apart from pork sausages. Bear in mind that is the United Arab Emirates and beef sausages rule
Each night there’s a theme night time: Ottoman delights, Tuscan, Seafood, Asian, Surf and Turf, World, Flavours of the Desert.
Even in case you’re lacking the pork sausages, alcohol is available with meals and on the bars scattered across the palm tree and bougainvillea dotted panorama. Numerous sofas positioned by the Isla bar for watching the night’s exhibits, huge screens on the Sports activities Hub while the Mojito has a variety of cocktails and mocktails. On the adults solely Infinity bar there’s a quieter, extra mellow vibe.
After the primary night within the Seven Heights buffet, friends can ebook (on-line) one of many resort’s 5 al la carte eating places. Turkish, Italian, Asian, Fishbone and though Meatpoint specialises in steaks there’s additionally sea bass, spatchcock rooster and a vegan burger on the menu. All through the restaurant sourcing of substances is spectacular and repair impeccable.
The situation
Leaving Dubai airport, as an alternative of turning left into the town’s congestion head north-east. A taxi takes round 50 minutes to drive the 50 miles to the Rixos Bab Al Bahr.
A desert safari in quest of antelopes, Arabian oryx and gazelles exhibits there’s extra to abandon wildlife than simply camel rides. Falconry exhibits, sandboarding and spectacular sundown walks are simply among the actions on supply.
Guide excursions from the resort to the world’s longest zipline which is able to ship you flying, or screaming, by the crimson hues of the Hajar Mountains. Ras Al Khaimah is growing a lot of mountaineering trails in case you desire to view your mountains on foot.
Few friends can resist a visit to Dubai for its buying malls, conventional souks and historic sights across the creek.
Different good touches
A each day top-up of beers and delicate drinks within the mini-bar is a part of the all-inclusive deal.
On the spa, free use of the hamman, sauna, steam room and pool are a part of the extremely all-inclusive bundle.
Late afternoon and night performing musicians play accordion, piano, saxophone and violin across the resort.
In case you run into medical issues, the onsite pharmacy is invaluable.
The associated fee
Extremely all-inclusive begins from 1350 AED, round £295 per night time.
That price covers meals, snacks, drinks and virtually all the leisure obtainable.
The perfect bit
You’ll depart the Rixos Bab Al Bahr in higher form than you arrived.
After the travails of journey, begin with a 60 minutes anti-stress physique therapeutic massage on the serene Avitane Spa. Then dip right into a spa menu that features aromatherapy, ayurvedu, honey, sizzling stone, Indian and Thai massages.
Adjoining the spa is an intensive vary of Technogym gear on the Unique Sports activities Membership. Examine their programme for group yoga and coaching periods.
Barbers and hairdressers throughout the spa add the ending touches for an entire vacation makeover.
The ultimate verdict
Friends of the Rixos Bab Al Bahr will return house with enough tales of paddle boarding, circus and clown exhibits, retro night time, massages and opulent dwelling for 1001 Arabian Nights of tales.
Disclosure: This submit is sponsored by Rixos Bab Al Bahr.
Michael Edwards
Michael Edwards is a journey author from Oxfordshire, UK. Though Michael had his first journey items revealed almost 4 a long time in the past, he’s nonetheless discovering new luxurious locations to go to and write on.
Did you take pleasure in this text?
Obtain related content material direct to your inbox.
Please allow JavaScript in your browser to submit the shape