Ah hotels (or resorts). They’re often the largest expense a trip will carry; however, like anything else in life, there are times where sleeping is in order, and others where you should go big or go home. Urban areas such as New York City will have you walking from dusk until dawn, and little time will actually be spent in the hotel. Whereas, sometimes a hotel can be your ticket to an experience that will burn in your memory bank for a lifetime.
Ratings are based on location, from best to worst:
5) Ya only live once
4) Serious
3) Not too shabby
2) I’ve had better
1) What are ya, kidding me?
RAS AL KHAIMAH
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
(Rating: Ya only live once)
We all need an occasional break from life, an escape from reality. The Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah achieves this need at a level that sets the bar, for how a hotel should treat and "wow" its guests. Located about an hour away from Dubai, this area is perfect for local weekend warriors or visitors alike.
First off, let’s talk about the size. This place is huge, but designed in a way that allows you to feel as if you are entering into a royal palace or even a museum. It's absolutely beautiful, and it beckons you to explore the stunning interior. Then, for my favorite part, the attention to detail. For example, I wanted to visit the lounge on the 17th floor and inquired about its location at the front desk. By the time the elevator doors opened on the 17th, I was greeted with a "Welcome Mr Vargas." How did they know my name? Clearly, there was some telepathy action going on within the staff, but was quite impressed. And then, the delicious Lexington Grill. An extraordinary restaurant and once again, they took things to another level. I inquired about a drink that was no longer made. Without hesitation (nor request), the staff went on a scavenger hunt (throughout the hotel) and grabbed the missing ingredients and made the most delightful drinks. It's all about the little things in life.
What about the rooms? Not sure you can call them this. The "room" was the King One Bedroom Suite with Sea View, and at 1,151 sqft, the most difficult part is leaving it. I can go on, but this is simply the perfect place to escape, relax and enjoy the simple things in life. Oh, and as you can see, there's also some impressive sunsets.
(Reviewed: Nov 2013)
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
(Rating: Not too shabby)
When it comes to staycations or holidays within RAK, it's tough to beat this value for money Hilton. For starters, there are two beaches spanning nearly 1.5 kms, including a lovely half moon beach. If you time your stay during winter, check out the shoreline during the early morning for some potential sightings of baby stingrays, pretty impressive. The resort has areas dedicated to family activities including a small football pitch and pool areas for the kids. Singles and couples need not worry though, as there are loads of pools, a solid pool bar (serving as a sunset bar too) and several water activities available at your disposal. The King Guest Room is comfortable and spacious for two, sporting a sizeable shower and bathtub, and with rates starting less than a brunch, it's an absolute steal. As for the staff, they're fantastic and exceeded my expectations. Saqib is one of those rare guys who can work in extreme heat and still sport a smile. His recommendations of both a piña colada in a pineapple and a natural mixed fruit juice, served as the perfect antidote to the heat. Meanwhile, Wahab assisted with the check-in / check-out procedures and made a genuine effort to greet me with his brilliant smile. He, along with the team, worked like clockwork and ensured comfort took precedence from the heat during check-out. However, there were a couple of minor issues. Upon returning into the room after sunset, there was an invasion of flying ants on the couch. A quick phone call and the odd problem was resolved. In addition, there was a moisture smell both within the bedroom and within the hallway leading to the bedroom. While unexpected (and uncommon), these issues that didn't take away from the overall pleasant experiences had within the hotel.
(Reviewed: Aug 2018)
FUJAIRAH
Intercontinental Fujairah Resort
(Rating: Serious)
A break with reality is a needful thing, and nothing pushes the reset button in life as much as a staycation or holiday. Al Aqah (Fujairah) has long been considered a remedy; however, with competition arising in other Emirates, it's fallen short. Enter Intercontinental. From the valet parking to your room, from the grounds to the beach, you get the feeling this isn't your usual Fujairah resort. Opened in Oct 2017, the design, decor and landscape of this resort is caked with a sense of modernism and beauty. The Classic Garden View room (484 sqft) is spacious and comfortable and perfect for singles, couples or small families, and with amenities such as a rain shower, bathtub, coffee machine (Nespresso), cocktail shaker, Bose sound system and USB / universal outlet connection, you’ll be in holiday mode in no time. In case that wasn't enough, you also get a sizeable balcony and can even choose from a variety of pillows offered.
Stepping onto the hotel grounds, it's a feast for the eyes: white color buildings, neatly laid fields of green grass and even fire pits over water. Heading to the main pool, you'll find the gym on the left (connected via the spa) which can support your gym addiction and has assisted workout trainers at your disposal. The resort offers three pools, with the main pool accommodating both an infinity pool and cabanas over the water. Unfortunately, there is no pool bar; however, drinks can be delivered to you at the main pool or the beach. Beach towels and cold-water bottles are available at the beach entrance, and once you've chosen your beach lounger, someone will stop by and lay down a mattress and even spread out your towels. I simply can't remember the last time this experience has been so smooth and effortless.
The beach is why most will come here and frankly, it's one of the best in the UAE. Outside of the visual, you'll notice the soundtrack of this beach is a beautiful thing; a constant symphony of waves. Then there is the 1.3 kms (0.8 mi) beachfront, between the hotel and the rock jetty end, allowing you for some serious beach walks. And it's at this end where you'll find one of the greatest treasures of the UAE, Snoopy island. Located about 250 m (820 ft) from the beach, you’ll have the opportunity to see green turtles, black tip sharks (harmless) and loads of other sea life. There's nothing else quite like it. Kayaks are also available from the hotel, should you choose this avenue to access Snoopy island.
For a la carte restaurant options, there is The Drift near the main pool. The decor, service and atmosphere here is all nicely done, with Cuban musicians setting the mood. The highlighted dish is the Grilled Octopus (with corn risotto), which I found to be good but even better when I discovered the restaurant is part of the Entertainer (/flex). Breakfast at Nama was equally impressive, serving a wide range of foods, but what I enjoyed the most was the incredible service and outside dining option.
And speaking of incredible service, this has to be what I'll remember the most about this place. From the check-in to the dining to the beach, the service was spectacular and exceeded my expectations. Take Mr Durga for example. While on the beach, he'd 'comb' the sand collecting rubbish and did so while sporting a smile. I can't remember the last time I've seen this, if ever. Which takes me to my final point, for less than the cost of a brunch, a party of two (or more) can experience one of the best beaches in the UAE, experience an incredible resort and do so for over 24 hrs; yeah, this place is certified out of control.
(Reviewed: Feb 2019)
