Inspired by the ambitions of Egypt’s Great Pyramids, Rixos Bab Al Bahr thinks huge. This 715-key, 5-star resort is located by a shallow Persian Gulf lagoon within the quiet Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Built on Ras’ first artifical island of Al Marjan, the resort incorporates the Arabic structure of the standard wind-catching Barajeel towers.
On first impressions, the grand marble pillars of reception with its ornate friezes and elaborate flower arrangements looks like the last word grandiose palace. But past the crystal chandelier, past the violinist taking part in the grand piano, everybody’s having enjoyable within the solar.
Ras Al Khaimah, translating as “head of the tent” could also be Dubai’s quieter, much less blingy cousin, however the big grounds of the Rixos might declare to be one other Emirate of enjoyable in its personal proper: 8 swimming swimming pools, 7 bars, 7 eating places, 2 showcase levels, basketball and tennis courts, health club, spa, jungle health club. Plus, there’s a souk main right down to the 5 a la carte eating places on the waterfront.
With youngsters membership, teen room, playground, watersports on the clear-water lagoon and back-to-back night exhibits, this can be a resort that dares any little one to utter the notorious phrase, “I’m bored”. And if they’re, the resort is the gateway to an Emirate that’s the United Arab Emirates’ capital of journey.
Rixos Bab Al Bahr does its absolute best to counter the previous adage, “You can’t please all of the people, all of the time.” Couples head for the serene adults solely infinity pool away from the Beach Club beat, discover a quiet spot within the Mojito bar, and revel in subtle meals within the a la carte eating places.
The welcome
As our taxi swings previous the fountain to park, two porters whisk away our baggage and guides us right into a palatially grand foyer.
After the formalities of check-in, one other porter guides us and baggage to our room.
The room
Our premium room has views, from a big balcony internet hosting each solar loungers plus desk and chairs, throughout the Persian Gulf; good for taking photographs of palm bushes silhouetted in opposition to the setting blood orange solar.
A king-size mattress within the twin facet room, shares the views. The spacious room ticks each field for five-star luxurious: tea and occasional beverage level, refrigerated mini-bar, wall-mounted tv, hair-dryer, robust WiFi, dressing robe and slippers.
The toilet
Even although there could be sufficient area to park my automotive within the toilet, there’s solely an oversize rainfall bathe; no bathtub.
As nicely as ample space for storing across the well-lit wash basin there may be an exceptionally helpful unit of drawers.
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The amenities
It appears that buffet restaurant Seven Heights has all the things on supply for breakfast, lunch and dinner; apart from pork sausages. Remember that is the United Arab Emirates and beef sausages rule
Every night there’s a theme evening: Ottoman delights, Tuscan, Seafood, Asian, Surf and Turf, Global, Flavours of the Desert.
Even in case you’re lacking the pork sausages, alcohol is available with meals and on the bars scattered across the palm tree and bougainvillea dotted panorama. Countless sofas positioned by the Isla bar for watching the night’s exhibits, huge screens on the Sports Hub while the Mojito has a variety of cocktails and mocktails. At the adults solely Infinity bar there’s a quieter, extra mellow vibe.
After the primary night within the Seven Heights buffet, friends can ebook (on-line) one of many resort’s 5 al la carte eating places. Turkish, Italian, Asian, Fishbone and though Meatpoint specialises in steaks there’s additionally sea bass, spatchcock rooster and a vegan burger on the menu. Throughout the restaurant sourcing of elements is spectacular and repair impeccable.
The location
Leaving Dubai airport, as an alternative of turning left into the town’s congestion head north-east. A taxi takes round 50 minutes to drive the 50 miles to the Rixos Bab Al Bahr.
A desert safari seeking antelopes, Arabian oryx and gazelles exhibits there’s extra to abandon wildlife than simply camel rides. Falconry exhibits, sandboarding and spectacular sundown walks are simply a few of the actions on supply.
Book excursions from the resort to the world’s longest zipline which is able to ship you flying, or screaming, by way of the pink hues of the Hajar Mountains. Ras Al Khaimah is creating quite a lot of mountain climbing trails in case you favor to view your mountains on foot.
Few friends can resist a visit to Dubai for its procuring malls, conventional souks and historic sights across the creek.
Other good touches
A every day top-up of beers and gentle drinks within the mini-bar is a part of the all-inclusive deal.
At the spa, free use of the hamman, sauna, steam room and pool are a part of the extremely all-inclusive bundle.
Late afternoon and night performing musicians play accordion, piano, saxophone and violin across the resort.
In case you run into medical issues, the onsite pharmacy is invaluable.
The price
Ultra all-inclusive begins from 1350 AED, round £295 per evening.
That price covers meals, snacks, drinks and nearly the entire leisure out there.
The greatest bit
You’ll depart the Rixos Bab Al Bahr in higher form than you arrived.
After the travails of journey, begin with a 60 minutes anti-stress physique therapeutic massage on the serene Avitane Spa. Then dip right into a spa menu that features aromatherapy, ayurvedu, honey, sizzling stone, Indian and Thai massages.
Adjoining the spa is an in depth vary of Technogym tools on the Exclusive Sports Club. Check their programme for group yoga and coaching classes.
Barbers and hairdressers inside the spa add the ending touches for a whole vacation makeover.
The closing verdict
Guests of the Rixos Bab Al Bahr will return house with ample tales of paddle boarding, circus and clown exhibits, retro evening, massages and opulent residing for 1001 Arabian Nights of tales.
Disclosure: This submit is sponsored by Rixos Bab Al Bahr.
Michael Edwards
Michael Edwards is a journey author from Oxfordshire, UK. Although Michael had his first journey items printed practically 4 many years in the past, he’s nonetheless discovering new luxurious locations to go to and write on.
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