Escape to Ras Al Khaimah

Escape to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE in 2021

While practicing social distancing, why not plan the ultimate 2021 wellness escape to Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost Emirate in the UAE. Juxtaposed between the Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Gulf, Ras Al Khaimah remains a hidden gem despite its accessible location, just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport. Home to two world-class five-star Ritz-Carlton luxury properites it’s the ideal place for a digitial detox within the desert or a coastal wellness unwind.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert offers a dreamy 'Ultimate Desert Experience' package, amid the beauty of their 1,235-acre protected preserve. The resort features luxury villas, inspired by Bedouin architecture, with private outdoor pools and decks, floor-to-ceiling windows and breathing views. On top of this, the memories of quick dashes to the supermarket will be soon forgotten when visitors discover the world-class local cuisine at fivestar venues on site, which among them include a farm-totable Farmhouse and an open-sky Moon Bar. Visitors can also enjoy unique 'Destination Dining', where they will be invited to choose their private spot around the preserve and enjoy a bespoke dining experience among the spectacle of nature that surrounds them. To ensure mental health is rejuvenated and in check, visitors can unwind at The Rainforest, a healing water oasis in Al Wadi Desert. The spa's hydrothermal stations include summer storm, arctic mist and tropical rainbow affusion showers; aroma steam rooms to detoxify the body and boost the immune system; an Ice Igloo to increase blood circulation; and a floral Herbal Sauna for a multi-sensory experience.

Prices start from £790 for the 'Ultimate Desert Experience' (full board) package for two adults in the Al Khaimah Tented pool villa. This includes:

- Overnight in a premium tented pool villa with your own temperature-controlled pool (Al Khaimah or Al Sahari) - Buffet breakfast and “Dine Around” dining, excluding beverages - Choice of one Al Wadi Experience per person per day, which can be reserved in advance via the Experience Concierge - Daily 60-minute Interactive Owl and Falcon show - Access to the Fitness Center, Oasis Pool & Bar and Ritz Kids Club activities - Bicycles and map to ride within the nature reserve - Unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi access - Complimentary Beach access at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, including transfer

For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/uae/al-wadi-desert

The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

Alternatively, for those wanting a luxury coastal retreat, The Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach showcases 32 beautifully designed private villas lavished with contemporary amenities, each with its own private outdoor patio and infinity pool with direct beach access. Visitors can also visit the RitzCarlton Spa for a holistic treatment, enjoy signature seafood at Shore House restaurant or for those sick of being cramped up inside - venture to the beach for some snorkelling.

Prices from £864 for the 'Reconnect' package for two adults in the Al Bahar Tented Beach Pool Villa. This includes:

- Breakfast for two at Shore House restaurant per day - Breakfast can be taken only in the restaurant and does not apply to In-villa dining - AED 200 Resort Credit per day - Daily credits may be accumulated and can be used to pay any incidental charges only - Daily credits cannot be used against the room rate - Total cumulative credit must be used during the dates of the reservation. No balance will be issued for future stays - Access to the Fitness Center, Shore House Pool & Bar and Ritz Kids activities - Unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi

The Ballroom’s Ready for Kevin Clifton

Former Strictly Come Dancing champion Kevin Clifton is to star in Baz Luhrmann’s smash hit Strictly Ballroom The Musical, coming to Milton Keynes Theatre this October. After seven glorious years on Strictly Come Dancing, last week Kevin announced his departure from the series and now he makes a full-time move into the world of musical theatre in a role that couldn’t be more perfectly suited.

Kevin Clifton said: “I’m beyond excited to be finally fulfilling a lifelong ambition to play Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom The Musical. When I was 10 years old I first watched the movie that would become my favourite film of all time. This is my dream role. Plus I get to work with Craig Revel Horwood again! I really can’t wait to don the golden jacket and waltz all over the UK from September this year in what’s set to be an incredible show!”

The musical is based on the award-winning global film phenomenon, ‘Strictly Ballroom’, which inspired the world to dance. Directed by Craig Revel Horwood, this all-singing, all-dancing and all-glittering show is set to dazzle audiences once more with the new 2020/21 tour.

Kevin joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, performing in the final five times and was crowned Strictly Champion in 2018. He’s a world-class professional dancer, former Youth World Number One and four-time British Latin Champion and has won international open titles all over the world. After making his West End musical theatre debut in 2010 in Dirty Dancing, Kevin has starred in The Wedding Singer as Robbie Hart (Wembley Troubadour Park Theatre) as well as starring in the West End production of Rock of Ages as Stacie Jaxx.

Strictly Ballroom The Musical tells the beguiling story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer. When Scott’s radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he finds himself dancing with Fran, a beginner with no moves at all. Inspired by one another, this unlikely pair gather the courage to defy both convention and their families – and discover that, to be winners, the steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom.

Featuring a show-stopping book by Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce, and bringing together a sublime cast of over 20 world class performers, Strictly Ballroom brings to life iconic songs, including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time with dynamic and joyous verve. This tour will also feature some amazing new songs by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect. The show’s scintillating singing, dazzling dancing and eye-popping costumes will combine together to bring audiences a story of heart, comedy and drama, and promises to be an unforgettable night under the glitter ball.

This uplifting and courageous musical originated as a stage play that Baz Luhrmann devised with a group of classmates at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1984. Eight years later he made his screen directorial debut with ‘Strictly Ballroom’, the first instalment in Luhrmann’s acclaimed Red Curtain Trilogy. The vibrant film enjoyed staggering success, winning three awards at the 1993 BAFTA awards and a 1994 Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture, going on to become one of the most successful Australian films of all time, earning more than $80 million at the box office. In April 2014 Strictly Ballroom The Musical had its world premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.

Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical is a fabulous, feel-good evening full of sequins, singing and salsa. This unmissable kaleidoscope of glitz and glamour is a tonic for the soul and will send your heart soaring and toes tapping long after you leave the theatre!