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Planning Your Trip
Just an hour from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah offers tranquility, the splendors of nature, and the adventure of the desert all in one luxurious location. From fine dining to a sunset camel caravan, here is what to bring to make the most of every moment.
Pack a lightweight shawl or scarf. It will come in handy if temperatures dip into the 50s in the desert, as shade when the sun is high in the sky, and as a head covering when visiting nearby mosques.
Outdoor Adventure
The northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is a haven for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, boasting untouched beaches and a virtually unlimited desert landscape to explore. Here’s what to pack:
- Sunscreen with a high SPF is essential as sunshine is plentiful year-round and temperatures can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- From nature drives to stargazing, there is ample opportunity to be outdoors all day. Pack lightweight layers to be prepared for shifting weather. While sun and warmth are virtually guaranteed, temperatures can dip into the 50s in the evening, particularly during winter.
- Consider bringing a lightweight backpack or satchel to tote essentials like a refillable water bottle, layers and a camera while on your treks.
Day Trips
A short drive from the resort is a multitude of fascinating cultural experiences, from the hustle and bustle of Dubai to Al Jazeera Al Hamra. A few staple items are essential.
- Whether you’re exploring the metropolis of Dubai or the 19th-century Dhayah Fort, a pair of sensible walking shoes is a must.
- A hat or head covering is essential from sun up until sundown — the sun’s rays can be quite strong year-round.
- Modest attire is recommended. While sleeveless shirts are suitable for a trek in the mountains, out of respect to the local community, visitors are advised to wear lightweight pants and shirts with sleeves while in the cities.
Winter Vacation
When winter comes and temperatures drop in Ras Al Khaimah, the northern emirate becomes a haven for enjoying the restorative sea breezes or catching a healthy winter tan.
- Don’t forget to pack a camera. The winter lights are particularly stunning, and the spectacular hues of the sunrises and sunsets are something you’ll want to capture.
- Don’t be fooled by the high daytime temperatures and bright sunshine. Come nighttime, the desert temperatures can drop precipitously and it is wise to have a jacket on hand.
- Even in the middle of the desert, in winter, bring a swimsuit. Each of the 101 villas has a private pool, sun lounger and sun bed. Just remember to sunscreen with SPF.
From exquisite dining in the desert under the stars to a day at the Equestrian Center, from an afternoon at the spa to a day trip to a 14th-century fishing village, plan ahead to ensure you experience a few one-of-a-kind activities.
The Ritz-Carlton wellness journeys are inspired by the private Nature Reserve will enrich, self-reflection, inspiration and those seeking personal goal achievement. Your pre, and post personalised evaluations will align your health needs and desires to craft a bespoke Wellness journey. Each of the wellness journeys are created by taking core elements of Mind, Body and Skin to certify on the core elements of relax, detox to emerge holistically refreshed and mindfully balanced.
Just as Bedouins have dined in the desert for centuries, Destination Dining is a culinary experience that allows guests to choose a private spot around the resort to enjoy a bespoke dining experience. Spend a memorable evening in the Al Wadi Tower — modeled after a traditional Arabian watchtower — while the resort’s chefs prepare a completely custom meal served by a personal waiter. Or arrange for a more casual barbecue under the star-lit desert sky with a personal chef and butler to tend to your every need.
There is a plethora of experiences for guests of all ages. Of particular note is the complimentary Interactive Falcon & Owl interaction, that takes place an hour before sunset offering guests the opportunity to learn about and interact with birds of prey like falcons, hawks and owls before watching a spectacular desert sunset. The on-site Al Wadi Equestrian Center is another unique feature. The complex offers horse, pony and camel rides, including a sunset camel caravan and, just for younger guests, Desert Adventures with Spot and Fluff — the opportunity to wash, groom and interact with the resorts ponies.
Myriad excursions are within a short drive of the resort: Al Jazeera Al Hamra, the Persian Gulf’s oldest and most intact fishing village that showcases 14th-century Emirati architecture; Dubai and its skyscrapers, malls, the Wild Wadi Waterpark, and more, is just an hour away; Fujairah is two hours away and is home to the oldest mosque in the UAE; the Old Souq offers everything from fabric and gold to a fish market and teahouses; and the nearby pearl farm offers the chance to explore the history of pearl farming, open an oyster and keep whatever treasure might be found inside.
Dubai’s quiet counterpart, Ras Al Khaimah is a relaxed countryside destination full of natural beauty. With craggy mountain ranges, lush palm-dotted valleys and warm terracotta sand deserts, the region is home to sporting and cultural activities alike. Find out how ancient civilizations lived in the region or embrace modernity with a zip-line down from a peak. From camel rides to stargazing among the dunes, you’ll find timeless pursuits in a place of enduring natural beauty.
Countryside Pleasures
Ras Al Khaimah is the bucolic countryside of Dubai’s bustling big city. With white-sand beaches, jagged mountains and terracotta sand filling the desert dunes, the beautiful landscape is a study in contrasts. Spend time enjoying the thrills of desert adventure and being at peace with the vast nature in turn. Get ready to discover what makes Ras Al Khaimah so unique.
Morning
- Mountain Ranger. Jebel Jais is the tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates at 1,934 meters (more than double the height of the famous Burj Khalifa in Dubai) and is consistently 10 degrees Celsius cooler than nearby landmarks. The Ru’us Al Jibal range is noted for its network of wadis (valleys) and bike trails to follow along the mountains. Take breaks as you hike for incredible views out to the sea and over the surrounding farm areas.
Midday
- Picnic on Top. As part of your time on Jebel Jais, take the opportunity to enjoy a picnic lunch with a view from a stopping point on the mountain. With the lower temperatures and beautiful views, it’s hard to think of a better alfresco lunch setup.
Afternoon
- Bow and Arrow. Archery is a traditional Bedouin tradition, and you can experience it for yourself with a private or group archery session at the archery range at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. Challenge yourself to hit a bull’s eye or just learn more about the long-standing art form.
Evening
- Celestial Observer. Enjoy a guided tour of the vast night sky over the golden sands of the desert. View the planets and constellations from a telescope in the middle of the nature reserve while hearing the tales of generations of Bedouins and learning about their use as navigation devices for early Arabian explorers.
Morning
- Thrill Seeker. With the opening of the Via Ferrata (Iron Road) in 2016, adventure seekers can now get the kind of heart-pumping trekking they desire. Take one of three zip lines (the largest in the world is being built on the mountain), according to the time and level of trek you want to try.
Midday
- Farm-to-Table Fare. The farmhouse offers international and Arabic cuisine in a cozy, country-bistro setting. Soak in the expansive desert views from the large wooden terrace while you dine on fresh meats and vegetables, seasoned and seared to perfection.
Afternoon
- Leave Your Mark. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert can help raise awareness of the need to protect local flora by planting their own Ghaf tree (the national tree of the UAE) in the Al Wadi Heritage Forest.
Evening
- Night Walk. The resort is set on 1,235 acres of the Al Wadi Desert, and exploring the Nature Reserve’s animal life with a walk after dark gives you a totally different perspective of it. The reptiles, rodents and other critters have unique nocturnal habits, and you may even come across the famous Middle Eastern camel spider.
Morning
- Awaken Your Senses. Start your day with a sunrise yoga session, offered Tuesday through Thursday at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. The 60-minute class will leave you energized and ready for the day.
Midday
- Take a Dip. Each villa at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert comes equipped with a private pool overlooking the desert. Revel in the region’s natural beauty as you relax in the water.
Afternoon
- Find Serenity in the Desert. After a busy couple of days, your body will be ready for a break. Retreat back to The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert and indulge in the Royal Wadi treatment, which combines a delicate body scrub with a relaxing massage to leave you feeling good as new.
Evening
- Ride Off Into the Sunset. Perched high atop a camel, you’ll ride through the dunes of the desert to the perfect observation point to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
- Dining on the Dunes. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to have dinner on the warm sands of the Ras Al Khaimah desert. You’ll experience the hospitality and cuisine of the Bedouin people in a traditional setting. You can choose from an array of menus including barbecue, seafood and vegetarian options.
Cultural Treasures
Ras Al Khaimah combines history with modern Arabic culture for a mixture that’s hard to replicate. With a culture dating back thousands of years, archaeological sites sit next to traditional souqs and camel tracks. Set in a backdrop of warm, golden deserts and white-sand beaches, the confluence of the modern and the ancient is a uniquely appealing mix. From forts to desert dinners, experience the culture of Ras Al Khaimah firsthand.
Morning
- Discover the Mohammed Bin Salem Mosque. No one knows for sure, but records seem to suggest that people have been gathering to pray at the site of the current-day Mohammed bin Salem Mosque for over 400 years. Excavation work in recent years found the foundations of a smaller 18th-century mosque that was destroyed and built over. In a series of more recent renovations, the original minaret has been restored along with stripping back other modern additions to the coral stone and beach rock building.
Midday
- Explore the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah. Start by taking in the exterior of the building itself, a centuries-old fort that was the residence of the Qawassim rulers until 1964. Move inside for exhibits focused on regional history and archaeological exhibits, including pieces from the important port of Julfar.
Afternoon
- Lunch at Yansoon. Settle in for lunch at Yansoon, a restaurant in the natural mangroves of RAK Creek off the busy street of Al Qawasim Corniche. Yansoon specializes in Levantine food, including mezza, manakish and saj, charcoal-grilled meats and other dishes from the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Old Souq. The souq comprises a few easily walkable streets of shops. Pick up authentic handmade textiles, local pottery and other trinkets to take home as memories of your stay.
Evening
- Desert Dining. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is on a 500-hectare nature reserve. Take full advantage of your proximity to nature with dinner at the Al Wadi Tower, modeled after a traditional Arabian watchtower. Dine in a private and luxurious setting, complete with your own private waiter, while taking in the essence of traditional outdoor desert dining.
Morning
- Go, Horseback Riding. Arabian horses are famous worldwide. Saddle up for your own turn riding at the Al Wadi Equestrian Center. If you are feeling more adventurous, camel rides are available for the whole family, as well.
Midday
- Visit the Old Al Jazirah Al Hamra. Explore the last authentic and traditional town still standing in the UAE, with coral-stone architecture ranging from simple buildings to ornate courtyard homes of the wealthy. Occupied until the mid-20th century by inhabitants who lived off maritime and pearl trading, the town is now a peaceful look into life in the area before the discovery of oil brought modernization to the region.
Afternoon
- Coffee Break. Get inside during the heat of the afternoon with a late lunch break at Shakespeare & Co., part of a local mini-chain tucked inside the region’s largest mall, the Al Naeem. Enjoy a global menu in an ornate setting, including a wide range of iced beverages and mocktails.
Evening
- Stargazing. Take a guided walk in the Al Wadi desert to see the constellations in a crystal-clear sky, then head back to the Moon Bar to continue being surrounded by the wonder of the landscape. Order small plates and drinks while staring at the night sky that envelops the desert.
Morning
- Camel Racing. Get an early start for the 6:30–9:30 a.m. camel races at the Al Sawan Camel Track, where the riderless camels are encouraged to race around the 10-kilometer track by robots. Grab a taxi to the track (and ask them to wait for you), and take in the time-honored sport with a mostly local crowd.
Midday
- Seafood Lunch. Al Moohit Seafood is a family-run restaurant specializing in the freshest seafood in a casual environment. Try the large platters of mixed grilled seafood to share with the whole table.
- Dhayah Fort. With a stunning backdrop of the mountains, this is the last remaining hilltop fort in the UAE. Offering not just history but also a beautiful view of the lush palm gardens below and out to the sea, the Dhayah Fort played a major role in the resistance against the British in the early 19th century.
Afternoon
- Royal Grounds. Qasr Al Zabba (Palace of Zenobia) was built 2,000 years after its namesake, the Queen of Sheba, died, but it remains the only palace extant in the UAE. Climb a stone ladder to access the monument, which is on a high rocky hill allowing for panoramic views of the Ras Al Khaimah region.
Evening
- Dine Like the Bedouins. Go back hundreds of years to experience authentic Bedouin life for the evening, with dinner on the warm sands of the Ras Al Khaimah desert. You can choose from an array of menus including barbecue, seafood and vegetarian options. Enjoy a traditional barbecue comfortably settled in a low-seating Arabic majlis on a sand dune under the night sky.
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