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.

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.