Countryside Pleasures

Jebel Jais is the tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates at 1,934 meters (more than double the height of the famous Burj Khalifa in Dubai) and is consistently 10 degrees Celsius cooler than nearby landmarks. The Ru’us Al Jibal range is noted for its network of wadis (valleys) and bike trails to follow along the mountains. Take breaks as you hike for incredible views out to the sea and over the surrounding farm areas.

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.

Archery is a traditional Bedouin tradition, and you can experience it for yourself with a private or group archery session at the archery range at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. Challenge yourself to hit a bull’s-eye or just learn more about the long-standing art form.

Enjoy a guided tour of the vast night sky over the golden sands of the desert. View the planets and constellations from a telescope in the middle of the nature reserve while hearing the tales of generations of Bedouins and learning about their use as navigation devices for early Arabian explorers.

With the opening of the Via Ferrata (Iron Road) in 2016, adventure seekers can now get the kind of heart-pumping trekking they desire. Take one of three zip-lines (the largest in the world is being built on the mountain), according to the time and level of trek you want to try.

Farmhouse offers international and Arabic cuisine in a cozy, country-bistro setting. Soak in the expansive desert views from the large wooden terrace while you dine on fresh meats and vegetables, seasoned and seared to perfection.

Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert can help raise awareness of the need to protect local flora by planting their own Ghaf tree (the national tree of the UAE) in the Al Wadi Heritage Forest.

The resort is set on 1,235 acres of the Al Wadi Desert, and exploring the Nature Reserve’s animal life with a walk after dark gives you a totally different perspective of it. The reptiles, rodents and other critters have unique nocturnal habits, and you may even come across the famous Middle Eastern camel spider.

Start your day with a sunrise yoga session, offered Tuesday through Thursday at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert. The 60-minute class will leave you energized and ready for the day.

Each villa at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert comes equipped with a private pool overlooking the desert. Revel in the region’s natural beauty as you relax in the water.

After a busy couple of days, your body will be ready for a break. Retreat back to The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert and indulge in the Royal Wadi treatment, which combines a delicate body scrub with a relaxing massage to leave you feeling good as new.

Perched high atop a camel, you’ll ride through the dunes of the desert to the perfect observation point to watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to have dinner on the warm sands of the Ras Al Khaimah desert. You’ll experience the hospitality and cuisine of the Bedouin people in a traditional setting. You can choose from an array of menus including barbecue, seafood and vegetarian options.