Jewel in the desert!
The northern and actually still unspoiled Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah is unknown to most people. Yet it is unique for many reasons. It is the only emirate where both desert, green, mangroves and mountains can be found. A diverse landscape and that translates into spectacular highlights such as miles of white sandy beaches, the deep blue waters of the Persian Gulf, beautiful desert dunes and the majestic Hajar Mountains.
In the middle of the desert, a short hour’s drive from Dubai, lies Banyan Tree Al Wadi, a resort built in the traditional architecture of the Nomads. The exclusive desert resort makes you feel like you’re in a fairy tale from a thousand and one nights. Gazelles, antelopes and of course camels populate this part of the desert…and this beautiful hotel!
The villas and beautifully decorated, luxurious tents all have their own swimming pool where you can enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings. The special resort also has a Beach Club, which is about a 20-minute drive away. Here you can indulge in a variety of activities such as snorkeling, water skiing, sailing and diving. The mangroves provide a beautiful backdrop for kayaking. There is also a golf course located next to the Beach Club of Banyan Tree Al Wadi.
You can also spend the night on the beach. I find it difficult to choose; will it be a Tented Villa on the beach or in the desert? The choice is yours! Whatever you choose, everywhere you can stare at the clear sky at night and count the countless falling stars.
In the Banyan Tree Spa you will find a large and unique Rainforest Experience, a hydrotherapy circuit with no less than sixteen different heat and water experiences. In addition, the Spa offers various treatments based on Oriental and holistic therapies. Banyan Tree also honors its Thai origins here in the desert.
Restaurant ‘Sands’, located on the beach of the Beachclub, is my favorite. But an evening dining at ‘Safran’, the Thai restaurant at Banyan Tree Al Wadi, is also a great experience. It is nice to end the evening in the Moonbar with a digestive…and maybe the water pipe?