The Ritz Carlton Al Hamra Beach

EXPERIENCE LUXURY IN A BEACHFRONT VILLA

SECLUDED ON A PRIVATE STRETCH OF BEACH IN RAS AL KHAIMAH, THIS ISLAND-INSPIRED RESORT OFFERS LUXURY IN ALL ITS FORMS.

Edging the azure water and pristine white-sand beach of the Arabian Gulf, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach near Dubai offers seclusion and luxury in equal measure. Beachfront hotel villas feature personal pools; bespoke dining highlights fresh seafood; wellness experiences draw inspiration from the sea and local traditions; and sunset rituals are an opportunity to reflect on a day filled with thrilling discoveries.

This serene property on a secluded private beach is home to 32 lavish tented villas with private pools and direct beach access, a seafood restaurant with a pool and deck overlooking the Arabian Gulf, and a spa which uses local herbs and flowers.

The hotel is in the UAE’s adventure emirate Ras al Khaimah, a mountainous coastal region with the world’s longest zip line, a 45-minute drive from Dubai airport. Guests are transported from the welcome lounge by private boat, giving a sense of being on an exotic island, though the resort can also be reached by golf buggy.

Traditional Middle Eastern touches add a sense of place with Bedouin-style tented buildings, billowing drapes and watch tower-shaped lanterns lining pathways. It has been designed for those who like privacy, which means plenty of flora and fauna around the villas. Guests wanting to experience the region’s rolling desert dunes can take the free 15-minute shuttle ride to experience sister property The Ritz-Carlton Ras al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Passionate staff are friendly and service is genuinely warm. The ocean-inspired spa consists of a lounge and four stand-alone glass-enclosed treatment pavilions with uninterrupted sea views and outdoor showers. The signature Warm Lava Shell Ritual combines heat and gentle pressure – though at times I found it unbearably hot (for something less intense my therapist suggested the Desert Stone Massage).

Guests can stick to their fitness regimes with a 24-hour gym, sunrise or sunset yoga, and water sports such as diving, snorkelling, paddleboarding and fishing.

The Rooms

Sophisticated villas are decked out in chic white and royal blue hues with bespoke furniture, including a vintage trunk-style minibar and entertainment unit – a television appears at the touch of a button and rotates 360 degrees for viewing from the bed or sofa. The lounge, bedroom and bathroom areas are open plan with separate cubicles for the loo and rain shower, while a huge bathtub is on the terrace along with a cabana, sun loungers, dining area and private infinity pool (with see-through glass sides).
The Al Bahar villas have sweeping sea views while the Al Naseem villas are more secluded.

AL BAHAR TENTED BEACH POOL VILLA

AL NASEEM TENTED BEACH POOL VILLA

AL SHAMAL OCEAN VIEW VILLA

The Restaurants

Shore House is the resort’s only restaurant but the menu has plenty of options, including a creamy burrata with heritage tomatos, fresh catches of the day and a decadent sticky chocolate pudding. The buffet breakfast includes an egg station, cold cuts, cheeses, smoked fish, fresh bread, pastries and fruit. Guests can dine inside in comfy armchairs with nautical décor or on the beachfront terrace.