ISLAND-STYLE LIVING

The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa is pioneering a new era of modern luxury hospitality in the northern emirate

An idyllic resort that sets new standards for luxury hospitality and beachside living has opened on Hayat Island, a tranquil beauty spot located amongst the mountains, desert and sea of Ras Al Khaimah, which is rapidly gaining popularity as one of the UAE's leading tourism destinations due to the diversity of its offering.

InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, which started welcoming guests in February, sits on the island’s pristine shoreline, stretching across two peninsulas and with rooms, villas and venues offering uninterrupted Arabian Sea views. This vast low-rise resort, with an enviable range of facilities that cater to all types of guests, from families and couples to corporate groups seeking a ‘wow’ venue for meetings, events and team building, is Ras Al Khaimah’s first InterContinental property.

Stand-out features include exceptional dining concepts, seafront living in private villas, the exclusive adults-only Club InterContinental – a resort within a resort offering personalised service, separate check-in area, access to a private pool, and special privileges – and meeting venues such as a ballroom and venues with the sea as a backdrop.

Here, InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa’s general manager, Mohammed Mahmoud, talks us through the highlights of IHG’s flagship property.

What’s makes InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa so special? Located on Hayat Island, the resort is a natural spectacle, inspired by the three original tribes of the emirate: the desert, the mountains and the sea.

Surrounded by the Arabian Gulf with turtles swimming by, a whitesand beach, landscaped gardens and water features running throughout, our resort is designed to help guests embrace islandstyle living as soon as they enter our doors and is the perfect place to escape and reconnect with yourself and nature while enjoying authentic Arabian hospitality.

One unique product is our private villas, some of which have their own private pool. Just steps away from the beach, they are perfect for families who want privacy. However, all of our rooms are sea facing.

We also believe the resort is a sought-after dining destination: from Levant & Nar, our stunning

ABOVE: Island living: a family villa bedroom. LEFT: InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa is located on Hayat Island

“Our resort is designed to help guests embrace island-style living”

Levant and Turkish restaurant, promising 360-degree views of the sea, to our sharing concept restaurant, NoHo, inspired by the trendy New York district North of Houston Street, each of our outlets has a unique story to tell, which we can’t wait to share.

Why is it different to other hotels and resorts in the emirate? InterContinental has pioneered luxury travel for 75 years and we believe our resort is different to anything seen before in the destination; a resort that will help elevate Ras Al Khaimah’s status as a premium destination. Above all, I think our biggest strength is our people. Specially selected and trained and empowered to let their personalities shine, our colleagues pride themselves on delivering true hospitality to our guests. including favourites such as evening canapés, cocktails and afternoon tea.

Whether guests check in for business or for pleasure, we believe this ‘resort in a resort’ concept is going to elevate and redefine the standard club lounge offering in the region.

CLOCKWISE FROM

ABOVE: General Manager Mohamed Mahmoud; Dreamy views from the Lobby Lounge; The luxurious Pool Villa terrace; Private dining at Noho

What does the Club InterContinental concept offer? Located in a separate building, the adults-only Club InterContinental includes access to the private Club InterContinental Lounge, an exclusive private pool, deep-soaking Jacuzzi, as well as deluxe culinary offerings throughout the day, What other personalised services and experiences do you offer? Everything is personalised; from customised dining choices to selecting the best sunbed on the beach, our team truly listens to every guest and gets to know them and their preferences personally. Thanks to the industry’s largest loyalty programme, IHG Rewards, we understand the needs of many of our guests before they arrive, and we use this information to curate something specific to them.

Similarly, when it comes to meetings and events, our events team members are on hand to use their insider knowledge of the resort and its surroundings to help planers turn their vision into a reality, and to create memorable events.

And for guests who want to explore Ras Al Khaimah, our concierge team has a wealth of knowledge on the emirate’s unique treasures and how best to explore them, from climbing Jebel Jais, to spotting flamingos as you kayak around the mangroves.

And for younger guests? We make every moment count for the younger ones too. Only available at select InterContinental Resorts, Planet Trekkers and Teens Club activities and experiences are designed to inspire even the youngest traveller with activities focused on growth, curiosity and creativity.

How are you tapping into the needs of today’s travellers? As we continue to see a rise in escapism travel, I think the resort is perfectly placed to respond to the needs of today’s travellers, offering them the opportunity to get away from it all. With six restaurant and bars, an exclusive

Club InterContinental building, Spa InterContinental, Planet Trekkers and Teens Club, and an expansive leisure programme, there really is something for everyone.

As an IHG resort, the IHG Clean Promise, with additional COVID-19 protocols and advanced practices, reassures our guests that we’re taking every possible step to protect them as we enter a new norm.

What facilities and experiences do you o er for business travellers and corporate groups? From meetings to gala dinners and grand celebrations, our venues are designed to inspire, with an elegant ballroom, two meeting rooms that can be separated into six breakout rooms, and two boardrooms, complete with a dedicated pre-function area, stateof-the-art technology, and bespoke catering packages.

For something a little di erent, guests can enjoy an event at Levant & Nar, our Levant-inspired restaurant with 360-degree Gulf views; at NoHo, our New York themed bar and grill; or at outdoor locations such as our private white sand beach or at the edge of our infinity pool.

When business finishes, guests still have time to enjoy our facilities, including a fitness centre and Spa InterContinental, which is set to open in April.

Who is booked into the property right now? Ras al Khaimah is a favourite staycation destination in the UAE and so the local market is incredibly important to us. We’ve shaped our o er to reflect that, from authentic Arabic touches that are prominent throughout the design of the resort, to our private villas, some of which include pools, that are perfect for families.

For business travellers who want to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of city life, we tempt with light-filled spaces, and given the increase in mobile working, our resort o ers the perfect place to combine business with pleasure, whether that’s as an individual, or for a corporate getaway.

We’ll also be working closely with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority to attract guests from key international target markets including Saudi Arabia, Germany, the UK, Russia, and India, and given the diversity and capacity of our events spaces, we are ideal for destination weddings.

If you had 10 seconds to pitch the property to a guest, how would you describe it? Promising InterContinental’s discreet luxury, the resort is the pearl of the northern emirates; a place to create memories for a lifetime, where everything has a meaning, and everyone has a story to tell. With a rich culture and genuine natural connection, the resort will become a benchmark for hospitality in the destination. AT A GLANCE

Location: Hayat Island Accommodation: Standard Rooms and Executive Rooms have sea views and Private Pool Villas and Family Villas, set in the lush gardens just steps from the white sandy beach, feature living spaces, in-villa dining and sophisticated amenities. Pool Villas are ideal for couples and Family Villas have ample room for family and friends. Dining: Levant & Nar (Levant and Turkish cuisine, sea views) NoHo (a trendy hangout with sharing platters); Sa ar (all-day dining); Shasha Pool Bar (al fresco bites, DJ beats) Amarbar (library-style bar); Ramsa Lounge (for organic tea and co ee, pastries and chat).

Meetings and events: a ballroom (up to 378 guests), six flexible meeting rooms and two boardrooms. Private dining and outdoor locations available and team-building events and destination weddings can be organised. Club InterContinental: for an elevated stay, Club InterContinental rooms, located in the exclusive club building, have access to a separate check in area, private pool and bespoke food and beverage o erings throughout the day. Leisure facilities: include a fitness suite, Spa InterContinental with Turkish hammam and 10 treatment rooms, two pools, and for kids, Planet Trekkers and Teens Club. Day trips: the concierge can arrange a wide range of activities, from visits to Suwaidi Pearl Farm, dhow cruises through the mangroves and desert safaris to adventure pursuits on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest mountain peak. Added extras: a 24-hour business centre and complimentary parking for guests.

The adventure tourism market was valued at US$112,227 million in 2020 and is estimated to reach $1,169,095 million by 2028, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.1 per cent from 2021 to 2028, according to Allied Market Research.

Its popularity has been accelerated by the pandemic, with travellers seeking new hotel and destination experiences with an emphasis on outdoor activities.

While adventure tourism normally involves active pursuits such as caving, climbing, cycling, hiking, hunting, rafting, diving, in the GCC, it also encompasses more sedate, but as equally exhilarating experiences, ranging from visits to ancient historical sites to stargazing and camel safaris.

Destinations ramping up their adventure tourism offering include the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, with new accommodation options including luxurious retreats, glamping – on the beach, in the mountains, or in the desert – and activity camps. Here’s a glance at some of the options when you’re craving time in the great outdoors.

Adventurous travellers can hike the UAE’s tallest mountain in Ras Al Khaimah

Hatta, Dubai

Dubai’s leading adventure destination is Hatta, located on the border of Oman, home to picturesque mountains, a cooler climate, hidden wadis, and an untamed natural environment where activities on offer include mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, paragliding and much more. At Hatta Wadi Hub, you’ll find the Hatta Drop-In attractions with its slides and plunge pools and activities such as gel ball, tube sliding, zorbing, football zorbing and archery. If you can’t fit it all into a day trip, there are several overnight stay options, from glamping to hotels, including: Damani Lodges Resort: cosy purpose-built lodges in the mountains, overlooking the village and the Hatta Wadi Hub activity park. Hatta Caravan Park: a mountainside caravan park with luxury RVs, providing access to Hatta Wadi Hub and nature trails. Hatta Dome Park: the newest addition to Hatta’s glamping experience with 15 domeshaped permanent tent structures designed with panoramic windows with mountain views. Hatta Campsite: bring your own caravan or tent to this scenic campsite. Sedr Trailers Resort: camp on the banks of Hatta Dam in a luxurious trailer. JA Hatta Fort Hotel: Dubai’s only mountain resort and the ideal family getaway.

RAKTDA

Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi

Learn about the heritage of the land and the culture of Bedouin tribes, or take part in desertinspired activities, from camel and horse riding through the dunes to sur ng on arti cial waves, at Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa. is boutique sanctuary, in the heart of the Abu Dhabi desert, which has recently added new luxurious one- and two-bedroom suites and villas to its accommodation o ering, o ers adventure and relaxation in a tranquil and authentic environment. Try archery, falconry, or jump on a dune buggy or fat bike for an exhilarating guided desert ride. If water is your thing, the surf’s up when the Desert Waves machine gets going, with A Wathba the only desert resort in the UAE o ering a water-based activity. For relaxation, the Saray Spa is inspired by the idea of traditional Caravanserai, a place where travellers from all over the world gather to rest, recover, and reboot. When the sun sets, head to the camp re in the desert wilderness for Emirati refreshments and stargazing.

THE ABU DHABI DESERT GUIDE

This new 35-page guide compiled by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) provides aspiring desert adventurers with everything they need to know about safely exploring and experiencing the emirate’s incredible outdoor landscapes, from camping activities and o -road driving to the location of hidden gem beauty spots and even traditional Emirati recipes that can be cooked on a campfire. Available online at visitabudhabi.ae, the guide o ers readers tips and tricks ahead of their desert adventures, regardless of whether they are first-timers or experienced visitors. For o -road enthusiasts, six routes suitable for various levels of desert driving experience are listed.

Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi

Eywoa Marine Sports at Yas Marina is tempting watersports lovers with adrenalin-fuelled activities including wakeboarding, wakesur ng, kitesur ng and hydrofoil. e company not only rents out all the kit, but o ers watersport camps too. Adrenaline junkies are welcome every day of the week from 7am to 6pm. Yas Marina is also home to Monty’s Rowing Club, o ering coaching for all abilities, and the Abu Dhabi Sailing Academy, providing private lessons, team-building sessions and racing events.

Mysk Kingfisher Retreat, Sharjah

is boutique property in Sharjah won ‘ e World’s Leading Nature Retreat’ award at e World Travel Awards 2021, recognised as the gateway to a unique world of conservation and culture and the perfect place to slow down, breathe and just be. Set on the east coast of the emirate, Mysk King sher features 20 tents, each with a private pool, while the vast range of activities on o er include yoga, birdwatching, archery, kayaking by the beach or through the mangroves, watching out for sea turtles, or catching a glimpse of many rare species of birds that thrive in the protected wetlands. Mysk King sher is part of Sharjah Collection by Mysk, a group of boutique eco-retreats.

Moon Retreat, Sharjah

Moon Retreat, another eco-luxury property in the Sharjah Collection by Mysk, is a family friendly glamping paradise providing guests with access to outdoor activities and natureinspired experiences in the archaeologically rich Mleiha region. A unique way of desert glamping that combines resort-style services with traditional camping, Moon Retreat features 10 single-bed domes, four family tents and two single-bed tents, most with private pools. Guests can pre-order readyto-grill meals during their stay, which can be cooked on their private barbeque grills in their tents. There’s also a communal bonfire and BBQ experience where guests can socialise. Activities include tailormade hiking trails around Mleiha and trips to the nearby Mleiha Archaeological Centre, home to a fascinating collection of artifacts and fossils discovered in massive archaeological excavations that have revealed the oldest evidence of human life outside of Africa. The retreat has also become popular for its epic stargazing opportunities, thanks to very little light pollution in the vast Mleiha desert.

Banan Beach, Ras Al Khaimah

Banan Beach is Ras Al Khaimah’s new glamping resort on Al Marjan Island, known for its beautiful shoreline and relaxed atmosphere. Here, guests can enjoy beachside vibes, campfire gatherings, yoga and wellness sessions, family friendly activities, BBQ areas, an outdoor cinema, pool, and much more. The brightly coloured tepee-designed tents have been handmade by the Banan Beach team using recycled, locally sourced and biodegradable materials, with options including chalets, loft tents and triangular small tents. Pet-friendly accommodation is available too. The resort’s sustainability theme extends to its dining concepts, with natural and sustainable methods such as wood and charcoal for cookery used in its kitchens, instead of the conventional electricity and gas.

The Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, Ras Al Khaimah

Check in here and you’ll receive hands-on practical training in extreme survival techniques, with courses and activities designed by British adventurer Bear Grylls. Take part in a survival course or try activities including biking, hiking, climbing, abseiling, archery, ropes courses and more. This is the place to reconnect with nature and rediscover your wild spirit, with all experiences located in on or around Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. If you can’t get enough, stay the night in one of nine recycled and redesigned Bear Grylls branded cabins where cooking and dining equipment is provided. The on-site camp shop sells charcoal, firelights and firewood for your BBQ, plus soft drinks and snacks. The camp is ideal for corporate teambuilding events with tailormade experiences available.

Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Habitas, a sustainability focused hospitality group with a “commumity centric conscience” made its Middle East debut in the AlUla region of Saudi Arabia at the end of last year. Nestled in an ancient oasis in the desert canyons of the Ashar Valley, “experiential accommodation” includes Celestial Villas with private outdoor terraces featuring telescopes for stargazing; Alcove Rooms surrounded by cliffs and offering private terraces with expansive desert views; and Canyon Villas tucked into the sandstone cliffs featuring a majlis-style outdoor terrace. Facilities include Tama restaurant serving authentic local cuisine, a yoga deck, wellness and fitness centres and a swimming pool. Guest programming includes art and culture walks and lectures, canyon trekking, yoga, meditation and breath work, camel rides, mountain biking, stargazing, weekly outdoor cinema screenings showcasing regional cultural films and documentaries and guided walks of the ancient city where the Nabateans once lived. True to Habitas brand hallmarks, the property’s modular, low-impact design protects the environment and uses sustainable construction methods.

Banyan Tree AlUla

Opening soon, Banyan Tree AlUla, located in the stunning Ashar Valley, will comprise luxury tents inspired by Nabatean architecture. Each ‘villa’ will have its own pool and boast desert and mountain views, with one-, two- and three-bedroom options available. Guests will be able to dine at one of two venues – Sa ron, a signature Banyan Tree ai restaurant, and an Arabian venue serving authentic local cuisine, while facilities will include a Banyan Tree spa and a tness centre. Experiences on o er will focus on the discovery of AlUla, a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage, home to towering sandstone mountains and ancient sites dating back thousands of years, the most famous of which, Hegra, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it was once the principal southern city of the Nabatean Kingdom. FLYDUBAI LAUNCHES ALULA SERVICE

flydubai launched services to AlUla in Saudi Arabia on March 2, becoming the first UAE carrier to operate this route from Dubai. Flights to Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport (ULH) operate twice a week on Wednesday and Saturday.

INTRODUCING ALULA’S NEW POD TRANSPORT

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is piloting a new fully autonomous pod vehicle service, providing passengers with a quick and easy link to AlUla’s Old Town from the south car park. The service is part of RCU’s plan to develop a range of fully integrated, accessible and environmentally friendly public transport options. The electrically powered smart pod, which operates from 4pm to midnight daily, can carry up to 22 people (8 seated 14 standing) although capacity is limited to eight passengers during the pilot scheme. The pod service is free of charge and will be expanded to other areas of AlUla including Dadan, Hegra and AlJadidah later in the year.

Desert Rock, Red Sea

Opening next year (2023), the Desert Rock resort will be carved into the mountains, quite literally immersing guests in their environment. Developed by e Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) as part of e Red Sea Project, the luxury resort will provide panoramic views of the mountain canyons below and the canopy of stars above. Inspired by the rugged terrain, which also includes volcanoes and wadis, Desert Rock will feature 48 villas and 12 hotel suites ranging from ground-level dwellings to crevice hotel suites midway up the mountain. “Desert Rock o ers a ‘never before seen’ opportunity for guests to connect physically and metaphysically with one of the most dramatic desert landscapes in the world,” according to Chad Oppenheim, founder of Oppenheim Architecture, the design and planning rm behind the concept. Guests will enter the resort through a hidden valley nestled between the mountains. Most roads leading into the resort will follow the edge of the main wadi, hidden behind landscape mounds, to provide uninterrupted views. is will also minimise sound and light pollution. Resort facilities will include spa and tness centre, remote destination dining areas, as well as a feature lagoon oasis. Visitors will be able to hike with members of the local community who will provide educational tours of the area. Dune buggies will also be on hand to hire as part of the site-wide activities programme.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akdhar Resort, Oman

One of the world’s highest luxury resorts, located on the fabled Green Mountain, this retreat promises elevated luxury with dramatic canyon views from a platform where Princess Diana once stood. Last year, the resort, located just two hours inland by road from Muscat, launched the Extreme Jabal Activity Wall, incorporating 200 metres of via ferrata snaking across the cliff edge, as well as Oman’s first mountain zip lines. The wall experience starts with a short zipline flight across the canyon to the via ferrata, where those with a head for heights navigate vertical rocks and finishes with an hour-long activity that involves crossing the Middle East’s highest steel bridge. Other activities on offer include hiking, mountain biking and a guided three-village culture walk. The accommodation options range from canyon-view rooms to the magnificent three-bedroom Royal Mountain Villa – a two-storey residence with a cliff’s edge infinity pool that can accommodate up to nine guests. There are five dining venues, a spa, yoga classes, plus meeting and events venues.

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

One of the region’s original adventure retreats, Six Senses Zighy Bay, located near Dibba, continues to attract visitors looking for an off-the-beaten track experience. From off-road adventures in the Sabtyn, village treks and mountain biking, to diving, fishing, kayaking or archery, Oman’s great outdoors is there for the taking at this award-winning eco resort. If you like to make a grand entrance, guests are offered the opportunity to arrive at the resort by paraglide. Recently introduced experiences include a Three-Day Sailing Odyssey offering the chance to combine a stay with a voyage on a handcrafted Dhabab. During your three days cruising the Musandam fjords, explore quaint villages and excluded bays, swim as often as you like, go beach combing or kayaking, or just sunbathe and stargaze.

Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort

This luxury resort, located just outside of Riyadh in the desert dunes, is a real hidden gem. Not only does it feature 57 secluded luxury villas and bungalows designed in an elegant African style, but it has its own safari park where big cats roam and Asian elephants, zebras, Arabian Oryx and giraffes can be seen. Amenities include a large beach pool, two freshwater lakes, horseback riding and a challenging 18-hole golf course, considered one of the best in Saudi Arabia. Ideal for a corporate retreat, there are dedicated meeting and event facilities including two theatre-style boardrooms and a ballroom. Built with African thatched roofs and stone walls to add African flavour, the main rooms can accommodate up to 500 guests.