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Planning Your Trip
Al Hamra Beach isn’t your typical tropical destination. With turquoise waters, pristine white-sand beaches and protected coral reefs just a short drive away from desert dunes, stunning mountains and a bustling city, it’s a truly unique oasis. From exploring the desert to relaxing on the beach, here’s what to bring to make the most of every moment.
Pack a lightweight shawl or scarf. It will come in handy if temperatures cool down after sunset, and as a head covering when visiting nearby mosques.
Day Trips
Less than hour’s drive from the resort is the bustling metropolis of Dubai, which is home to some of the world’s best shopping, dining and culture. Pack a few staples for your trip into the city.
- Comfortable walking shoes are an essential for exploring any big city, but Dubai is fairly style-conscious, so you may want to skip the sneakers in favor of fashionable flats.
- A wide-brimmed hat is a smart choice for daytime explorations — the sun’s rays are quite strong year-round.
- The UAE is a decidedly conservative country, so modest attire is recommended as you explore the region. Opt for pants and long-sleeve shirts made in lightweight fabrics to stay comfortable in the warm weather.
Outdoor Adventures
Home to pristine beaches and vast desert landscapes just begging to be explored, Ras Al Khaimah is a haven for adventure seekers. Be prepared for various outings with these essentials.
- Sunscreen with a high SPF is a must-have at any time of year, as sunshine is plentiful year-round and temperatures can soar into the triple digits at times.
- From zip-lining and off-roading to stargazing and sunbathing, there’s an adventure for every taste. Pack accordingly with lightweight, breathable layers that you’re comfortable breaking a sweat in.
- A refillable water bottle will come in handy as you stay active throughout the day.
Winter Vacation
When winter comes and temperatures drop in Ras Al Khaimah, the northern emirate becomes a haven for enjoying the restorative sea breezes or catching a healthy winter tan.
- Don’t forget to pack a camera. The winter lights are particularly stunning, and the spectacular hues of the sunrises and sunsets are something you’ll want to capture.
- Don’t be fooled by the high daytime temperatures and bright sunshine. Come nighttime, the desert temperatures can drop precipitously and it is wise to have a jacket on hand.
- Even in the middle of winter, bring a swimsuit. Each of the 32 villas has a private pool and deck with direct beach access.
Just a few miles from the resort, the Al Hamra Golf Club is a must-play for any golfer. The 18 holes wind around tropical lagoons, making for a truly unique setting, and when the sun’s rays are too strong to play during the day, the course offers floodlights so players can tee off well after dark. Ask the concierge at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach to arrange a tee time for you.
While the beach itself offers plenty of opportunities for soaking up the sun and fresh air, just a few miles inland is the sprawling Al Wadi Nature Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert’s very own Equestrian Centre. Guests can book a desert ride through the nature reserve or take a horseback riding lesson with a pro. Additionally, children are welcome to visit the property’s ponies and take part in educational equestrian activities.
For something truly different, ask the concierge at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach to arrange a Destination Dining outing, which allows guests to choose a private spot around the resort to enjoy a bespoke dining experience. From a romantic dinner for two in the privacy of your villa to a festive Arabic dinner on the beach, your personal chef will prepare a custom meal based on your individual preferences.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa takes guests on a journey to the Emirati desert with a menu of rituals and treatments inspired by local traditions and lifestyle and prepared with signature Arabian ingredients. Enjoy your treatment, then retreat back to the spa’s award-winning hydrotherapy facilities for an enhanced experience.
Come to Ras Al Khaimah as an escape from the bustle of Dubai, but stay for the cultural wonders and beautiful landscapes. With mountain ranges, white-sand beaches along the Arabian Gulf and terracotta deserts all nestled into the same small region, Ras Al Khaimah can transport you to a multitude of unique worlds in one day. Explore ancient cultures alongside modern-day innovation, while taking the time to relax. From spa days to starry nights, you’ll find yourself constantly surprised and delighted during your time at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach.
Itineraries
Country Pleasures
Where can you find beaches next to turquoise waters, desert dunes and mountains all within an hour of a bustling, metropolitan city? Welcome to Ras Al Khaimah, which is a short drive from Dubai. The beautiful landscape lends itself to a variety of activities from watersports to camel rides to hikes up mountainsides. Get ready to discover what makes Ras Al Khaimah so unique.
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Morning
Beach beginning. Start your morning with a dip in the waves of the Gulf of Arabia. Al Hamra Beach is perfect for watersports, with expert guides who can lead you on a snorkeling expedition of a protected coral reef or paddle boards for you to take out for a solo spin.
Midday
Mountain ranger. The most famous and tallest of the mountains in the United Arab Emirates is Jebel Jais, which is almost 6,500 feet high. Get a guided tour up the mountain, where you’ll be able to see the network of wadis (valleys) that lie below the peaks. Soak in the incredible views from the sea to the agricultural areas to the desert.
Afternoon
Picnic on top. As part of your time on Jebel Jais, take the opportunity to enjoy a picnic lunch with a view from a stopping point on the mountain. With the lower temperatures and beautiful views, it’s hard to think of a better alfresco lunch setup.
Evening
Sailing lesson. Get in touch with your inner sailor with lessons at the RAK Sailing Academy and Sailing Club at Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club. You’ll have a totally different perspective on the landscape from the crystal-clear waters, and the instructors will tailor the outing to your experience and comfort level. Bonus: Catch the sunset from the dock as you come ashore.
Morning
Breakfast at the shore. Enjoy breakfast at the Shore House, which provides poolside all-day dining. The menu offers a variety of international cuisine favorites, with an emphasis on seafood (if you want a more lunch-friendly choice).
Midday
Into the blue. Explore the area’s natural beauty with a snorkeling excursion to the nearby coral reef. Ask the hotel concierge for assistance with arranging.
Afternoon
Relax and restore. Enjoy a few hours of downtime at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, where locally inspired treatments are prepared with flowers, spices and other native ingredients and complemented by pristine ocean views.
Morning
Swim a few laps. Each of the resort’s 32 villas has its own private swimming pool and a deck with direct beach access, making it easy to start the day off with an invigorating dip.
Salute the sun. Ask the concierge at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach to arrange an ocean-side yoga lesson for you. A few vinyasas will leave you energized for the day ahead.
Midday
Farmhouse lunch. At The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, enjoy a relaxing seasonal farm-to-table lunch, all served in a cozy, country bistro environment. Sit on the wide wooden terrace overlooking the water hole for a scenic addition to your meal.
Take a hike. Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, where you can stroll through 1,200 acres of stunning desert wildlife. Ask your concierge to arrange a nature guide for you. These experts can share their knowledge of the native fauna and flora and help you reconnect with nature.
Evening
A dinner to remember. Round out your trip with a private dinner on the beach. The sound of the waves crashing provides the perfect soundtrack for any type of event, whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a festive family barbecue.
Itineraries
Cultural Treasures
Ras Al Khaimah combines history with modern Arabic culture for a mixture that’s hard to replicate. With a culture dating back thousands of years, archaeological sites sit next to traditional souqs and camel tracks. Set in a backdrop of warm, golden deserts and white-sand beaches, the confluence of the modern and the ancient is a uniquely appealing mix. From forts to desert dinners, experience the culture of Ras Al Khaimah firsthand.
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Morning
Caffeine first. Start your morning with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, made the alternative Chemex or Pour Over V60 methods, at Tucano Coffee. Order a healthy breakfast, such as raw granola or fruit- and vegetable-packed smoothies and juices.
Midday
Museum tour. Housed in a coral stone fort used by the royal family until the 1960s, the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah offers the double experience of exploring the historic structure as well as the collection of archaeological and ethnological artifacts. Learn about traditional life in Ras Al Khaimah, from the earliest settlers to the late Islamic period.
Afternoon
Farmhouse lunch. At The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, enjoy a relaxing, seasonal farm-to-table lunch, all served in a cozy, country bistro environment. Sit on the wide wooden terrace overlooking the water hole for a scenic addition to your meal.
Nature reserve. Spend your afternoon at the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, where you can spend time doing traditional activities, ranging from archery target practice to falconry shows and daily owl interactions. Or just spend time getting in touch with nature by walking through the 1,200 acres of conserved land.
Evening
Water view. Enjoy a poolside dinner at the Shore House at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach. With an international menu focused on seafood, you’ll be delighted by a beautiful dinner with an equally stunning view.
Morning
Breakfast beginning. Dig into a filling breakfast at Maison Mathis, where the ethos is to elevate time-honored classics. Expect favorites such as homemade granola and yogurt parfaits, egg omelets and fruit-topped waffles.
Midday
Dhayah Fort. With a stunning backdrop of the mountains, this is the last remaining hilltop fort in the UAE. Immerse yourself in history as the Dhayah Fort played a major role in the resistance against the British in the early 19th century. Take in sweeping views of the lush palm gardens below and out to the Gulf of Arabia.
Afternoon
Walk through history. Al Jazirat Al Hamra is a legend in the UAE — a well-preserved traditional village, originally built in the 14th century that was abandoned in the 1960s. Coral stone and seashells were combined with mud for the oldest buildings, giving them a distinctive appearance. The last inhabited homes still have personal effects and furniture in them, heightening the surreal quality of the area.
Sweet treats. Cool off from the afternoon heat with ice cream from Ashuk Ice Cream, which has been operational for almost 40 years and is a local favorite. Try a swirl of soft serve covered in fresh fruit, or go decadent with an ice cream-topped waffle.
Evening
Marina dinner. Settle in for dinner with a gorgeous view at the Marina Muse at the Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club. Enjoy a menu filled with European favorites from fish and chips to tapas selections. Stay outside to watch the boats with an after-dinner cocktail.
Morning
Morning ritual. Unwind with an appointment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, where your therapy incorporates locally inspired ingredients like spices and flowers, as well as ocean-inspired features such as sea salt or shells. Your session will be in a luxurious private pavilion with waterfront views.
Midday
Sailing lesson. Take advantage of the proximity to the Gulf of Arabia by taking a private sailing lesson from the Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club. From beginners to racing courses, there is a lesson for every level.
Afternoon
Do the dunes. The warm, golden sand of the desert beckons you away from the seashore. Experience the dunes the new way in a 4x4 quad bike or the old-fashioned way with a camel ride on your own guided tour into the dunes. You can also see traditional sand art as you make your way to a desert camp.
Evening
Desert dining. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is on a 500-hectare nature reserve. Take full advantage of your proximity to nature with dinner at the Al Wadi Tower, modeled after a traditional Arabian watchtower. Dine in a private and luxurious setting, complete with your own private waiter, while taking in the essence of traditional outdoor desert dining.