From refined Bedouin nature reserves, to private island-inspired luxury retreats, the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert and Al Hamra Beach offer the ultimate holiday destinations for the entire family.

With both properties having recently taken top titles at the World Travel Awards, Breaking Travel News here takes a tour of what is on offer at these stunning hotels.

Nestled at the heart of Wadi Khadeja, within 500 hectares of nature reserve, the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert enlivens the Bedouin lifestyle and Emirati culture by offering a unique all-pool villas concept to guests.

Spread across the desert landscape and surrounded by wildlife, 101 pool villas offer the most refined facilities and amenities combined with ultimate luxury touches and Bedouin-inspired décor.

Guests can opt for an enclosed villa offering complete privacy, or an open pool with views over the desert landscape to watch the roaming gazelles and oryx passing by while taking a dip in the villa’s private pool.

A winner of World Travel Awards’  Middle East’s Leading Luxury Desert Resort, the family-friendly resort offers immersive activities including adventure, nature discovery and the Ritz Kids programme.

The young and young-at-heart can discover spectacular views and natural beauty on their doorstep as well as explore the incredible landscape through interactive activities.

A daily falconry show demonstrates the importance of the hunting bird in the Bedouin culture and its training.

Guests can partake in a fun Archery tournament, observe the local birdlife on a bird-watching walk while spotting animal tracks, or plant their own Ghaf tree in the Al Wadi Heritage Forest, make a lasting impact on the environment.

Budding astronomers can also sign up for stargazing, the experience allows them to learn how to identify the constellations and stars as well as catch seasonal meteor showers, among other exciting and educating Ritz Kids activities.

The resort’s very own Equestrian Centre, located at the heart of the reserve, features stables and paddocks and offers professional horse-riding sessions in the dunes or the closed grounds of the centre.

Curated Destination Dining takes guests’ culinary experiences to another level, with options to set-up a romantic dinner on top of a traditional Arabian watchtower overlooking the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, or organize a picnic in the dunes while enjoying the sunset over the desert.

For the utmost relaxation, the newly refurbished Rainforest spa offers a complete hydrothermal sanctuary combining the best of the European hydrothermal culture with Middle Eastern bathing rituals to create a calming haven dedicated to holistic rejuvenation.

The facility comprises of 16 state-of-the-art hydrothermal therapies, each designed to soothe and revitalize the body and soul.

The Rainforest includes wellness facilities such as effusion showers, aroma steam, a brine cavern, bucket drench shower, grotto steam, hammam, herbal sauna, ice igloo, rain walk, sauna, sole therapy, tropical rain shower, and a vitality pool.

Guests can find out more about the hotel on the official website or even take a three-dimensional tour of the hotel with Virtual World here.

At the same time, the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach is an island-inspired luxury retreat, where relaxation, recreation, and personalised service create magical experiences from dusk until dawn.

Guests and visitors can embark on a timeless journey in an intimate all-villa resort offering destination dining, beach activities and wellbeing rituals, complemented by views of the Arabian Gulf and a commitment to the rich ocean heritage, local culture and environment.

Winner of World Travel Awards’ Middle East’s Leading Boutique Resort title earlier this year, the beach resort aims to provide guests and visitors with a truly authentic island feel in the northern emirate of the United Arab Emirates.

The resort features 32 renovated luxury villas with private pools, offering tranquillity, serenity and world-class service with beach escapism.

Guests can enjoy inspirations from the local ocean environment with seafood specialties and grilled fish, alongside other international favourites, served in a modern, natural setting offering prime sea views at Shore House restaurant.

As the day comes to an end, guests and visitors gather on the deck and lounge at Shore House to enjoy a spectacular sunset with creative and flavourful sundowners imagined by the resort’s skilful beverage expert.

Marine inspired experiences and recreation activities set the tone for a relaxing getaway on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, with options to unwind with in-villa relaxing rituals, getting active in the white-sand private beach with water sports, enjoying bespoke destination dining or indulging at the Ritz-Carlton Spa.

Guests are offered specially curated packages, making the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach the ideal place to escape for a short getaway or a holiday, in a scenic beach setting.

Guests can also enjoy a wonderful weekend getaway with the Weekend Island Escape package, urging guests to get away and discover a tranquil weekend island escape at the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach.

Find out more on the official website or take a tour of this one-of-a-kind property with Virtual World here.

More Information

Amit Arora, general manager at the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert and Al Hamra Beach, tells Breaking Travel News about the properties and recent improvements in the United Arab Emirates

Arora speaks to Breaking Travel News as he picks up the World Travel Awards trophies in Abu Dhabi