FINDING SERENITY IN THE RAS AL KHAIMAH DESERT
There’s something timeless about the Arabian Desert. Perhaps it’s the romance of the rolling dunes extending to the horizon and the tang of adventure whispered on the wind. Or maybe it’s the undisturbed sense of solace; the peace that comes from an endless sky and the powerful presence of nature. Whatever it is, it can be found in abundance at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, the wanderlust-inspiring retreat nestled in the unspoiled sands of the UAE’s most northerly emirate.
Travellers lured by the pull of the desert should check out the resort’s new Signature Villas, eight palatial retreats that bring new levels of luxury to this once-of-a-kind resort, nestled within the 1,235-acre Wadi Khadeja nature reserve. Carefully positioned to ensure maximum privacy and provide far-reaching views of the dunes — with four Sunrise Signature Pool Villas for early risers and four Sunset Signature Pool Villas for night owls — the two-bedroom villas embody the ideal of contemporary desert chic, with sandstone walls that blend into the surrounding desert and a generous outdoor space where a private pool, terrace and dining area serve as a modern oasis in the folds of the golden dunes.
Inside, a palette of soft, neutral tones complements the natural wooden ceilings, with decorative accents that reflect the traditions of the region. Life unfolds in the Living Room, a generously proportioned space that opens onto the pool and terrace along the entire expanse of one wall to create a vast indoor-outdoor living area. The 10-seat dining table is the stage upon which unforgettable in-villa dining experiences unfold, while the large Dining Bureau contains a complimentary minibar tailored daily to individual preferences.
On one side is a master bedroom with freestanding bathtub, indoor and outdoor showers, a vanity area and its own private terrace that affords panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On the other, an equally sumptuous bedroom with twin beds. A private fitness studio with TechnoGym running machine look out onto an internal courtyard dotted with cacti and desert blooms, while a nanny’s room and pantry mean visitors can bring the whole household to share in the adventure.
Desert travellers are welcomed in their elegant hideaway by a private butler and refreshed with cool towels and chilled drinks. The butler is a personal aide, guide and concierge for the duration of each stay, helping out with unpacking and packing, serving in-villa breakfast, mixing sundowners on the terrace and making reservations for desert activities, the resort’s myriad dining experiences or indulgent treatments in The Ritz-Carlton Spa, where a world of relaxation and rejuvenation awaits.
A true oasis in the heart of the desert, the spa offers a collection of treatments, from facials and massages to full-day wellness journeys, while The Rainforest is a sanctuary of tranquillity where guests embark on a journey through 16 unique hydrothermal experiences blending European and Middle Eastern bathing traditions. Desert yoga is one of many ways visitors can immerse themselves in the serenity of the dunes. Other options include riding activities in the Equestrian Centre, falcon and owl encounters, destination dining in the dunes and stargazing adventures.
To commemorate the opening of the new villas, which welcomed their first guests in March, the hotel has a special The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert Signature Villa Offer that includes accommodation in one of the two-bedroom villas, butler service, complimentary amenities and beverage bureau, in-villa breakfast, a 90-minute spa treatment, nature drive or wildlife feeding experience and an in-villa BBQ, starting from AED 18,000 (US $4,900).