Check In: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
Date: 2014-08-10
In a nutshell: An endearing blend of warm New York hospitality and opulent Arabian charm that makes for a unique and relaxing escape.
Where: With its own large stretch of private beach, the Waldorf Astoria is at the heart of the Al Hamra complex just south of Ras Al Khaimah city. This peaceful complex comprises several luxury hotels, an 18-hole golf course (designed by Peter Harradine) and a gorgeous marina. It’s just an hour north of the sprawl of Dubai but could be worlds away.
Now booking: There are 346 rooms and suites of differing categories, but even the smallest, at 56 square metres, is hardly poky. Whatever your budget, you’re guaranteed a roomy room with dazzling finishing touches that blend art deco with Arabian culture, stunning sea views, and a vast comfy bed that is made for long, lazy lie-ins. (Just be sure to make it down for the breakfast cooked for kings). And, for that extra spoil, order off the bath menu and enjoy a bath with your choice of oils and accompanying refreshment.
Indeed, there’s an airy sense of space throughout the entire building, from the grand staircase enveloping the lobby bar Peacock Alley, to the huge hallways and sizeable rooms. Guests that book directly with the hotel are assigned a personal concierge, and each room can get a visit from the Fragrance Master. With a fun bit of ceremony, you choose a fragrance to be spritzed around the room while you’re out to dinner. It’s a nice touch that demonstrates the extra mile taken here to make you feel utterly relaxed.
Atmosphere: Every inch of this enormous hotel is beautifully designed. The lobby is truly impressive, with a stunning, pearl-themed timepiece at its centre that offers a regional take on the Waldorf Astoria brand’s tradition. Similarly, there are stories to be found in the detail in every nook and cranny throughout the hotel. But while the property oozes opulence, there’s a refreshing lack of ostentation or pretention.
Facilities: Whether you want the relaxed atmosphere of the swim up pool bar or the serenity of the adult-only lap pool, you are only ever a few footsteps from the vast sandy beach. There are sun loungers, cabanas, and day beds scattered across the resort you can soak up some privacy as well as the sun whenever you want. And, with the free chilled towels and iced water served by the waiters throughout the day – there’s no need to move from your tanning spot. There’s also an undersea-themed spa, gym, and watersports on offer at the 350-metre private beach. The hotel can also arrange a visit to the nearby golf course and several other Ras Al Khaimah attractions.
Kids club: If the kids are enjoying the holiday then you can too. And you’ll have no guilt feelings dropping them off at the kids club, where they can burn off physical and creative energy with a daily changing choice of arts and crafts activities, music and dance, and games.
Food & drink: There are several restaurants, ranging from Japanese to Arabic, each with their own unique vibe and signature cuisine. Steak restaurant Lexington Grill channels the brand’s New York origins, with art deco touches and textured, meaty décor that’s straight from a monied 1920s steak joint. The cuts are heavenly, from BBQ ribs that melt in the mouth like butter, to the four week aged steaks – this is undoubtedly one of the best places in the UAE to enjoy your fill of prime beef in the classiest of surroundings. Steaks are cooked to absolute perfection (the oyster blade cut is tender to the core) and sides ranging from truffle mash to mac n cheese are the perfect complement; the unsung heroes though are the starters which, including crab cakes and seafood bisque, are a classic way to start your evening. And with desserts such as oozing rich chocolate fondant and baked cheesecake to round off the meat feast, this is a night in food heaven. Also, take a seat at the bar and be sure to try the applewood-smoked ‘Monroe’ cocktail (Marilyn’s famous ‘steam grate’ scene was filmed on Lexington Avenue – again, stories).
Who’s staying: The hotel has a policy for ensuring a diverse mix of guests. You won’t find the place overrun with Russians, Brits or any nationality for that matter, and the result is a relaxed atmosphere that’s never intimidating.
Top tips: Combine your luxury stay with a bit of locally flavoured adventure. Just round the corner from the Al Hamra complex is a haunted village. Rumour has it that the entire population fled after seeing djinn, or spirits, coming from the sea 40 years ago. What’s left is an eerily deserted series of traditional homes, shops and even a mosque, that offer an insight into the Emirati way of life before modern development.
Around half an hour along Truck Road is the camel race track at Digdagga, where local folk meet up early in the morning to compare and race their camels as they have done for centuries – albeit with robot jockeys atop the camels and the owners tearing around the course in their battered SUVs with horns blaring in encouragement. It’s a brilliantly bonkers, wonderfully unapologetic slice of local life. How fitting for the Waldorf Astoria, itself rooted firmly in a city that prides itself on authenticity, to pitch up in one of the most genuine places in the UAE.
Seasonal offer: Throughout August, you’ll get a discount of 33% on all room rates PLUS a guaranteed upgrade.
Where: With its own large stretch of private beach, the Waldorf Astoria is at the heart of the Al Hamra complex just south of Ras Al Khaimah city. This peaceful complex comprises several luxury hotels, an 18-hole golf course (designed by Peter Harradine) and a gorgeous marina. It’s just an hour north of the sprawl of Dubai but could be worlds away.
Now booking: There are 346 rooms and suites of differing categories, but even the smallest, at 56 square metres, is hardly poky. Whatever your budget, you’re guaranteed a roomy room with dazzling finishing touches that blend art deco with Arabian culture, stunning sea views, and a vast comfy bed that is made for long, lazy lie-ins. (Just be sure to make it down for the breakfast cooked for kings). And, for that extra spoil, order off the bath menu and enjoy a bath with your choice of oils and accompanying refreshment.
Indeed, there’s an airy sense of space throughout the entire building, from the grand staircase enveloping the lobby bar Peacock Alley, to the huge hallways and sizeable rooms. Guests that book directly with the hotel are assigned a personal concierge, and each room can get a visit from the Fragrance Master. With a fun bit of ceremony, you choose a fragrance to be spritzed around the room while you’re out to dinner. It’s a nice touch that demonstrates the extra mile taken here to make you feel utterly relaxed.
Atmosphere: Every inch of this enormous hotel is beautifully designed. The lobby is truly impressive, with a stunning, pearl-themed timepiece at its centre that offers a regional take on the Waldorf Astoria brand’s tradition. Similarly, there are stories to be found in the detail in every nook and cranny throughout the hotel. But while the property oozes opulence, there’s a refreshing lack of ostentation or pretention.
Facilities: Whether you want the relaxed atmosphere of the swim up pool bar or the serenity of the adult-only lap pool, you are only ever a few footsteps from the vast sandy beach. There are sun loungers, cabanas, and day beds scattered across the resort you can soak up some privacy as well as the sun whenever you want. And, with the free chilled towels and iced water served by the waiters throughout the day – there’s no need to move from your tanning spot. There’s also an undersea-themed spa, gym, and watersports on offer at the 350-metre private beach. The hotel can also arrange a visit to the nearby golf course and several other Ras Al Khaimah attractions.
Kids club: If the kids are enjoying the holiday then you can too. And you’ll have no guilt feelings dropping them off at the kids club, where they can burn off physical and creative energy with a daily changing choice of arts and crafts activities, music and dance, and games.
Food & drink: There are several restaurants, ranging from Japanese to Arabic, each with their own unique vibe and signature cuisine. Steak restaurant Lexington Grill channels the brand’s New York origins, with art deco touches and textured, meaty décor that’s straight from a monied 1920s steak joint. The cuts are heavenly, from BBQ ribs that melt in the mouth like butter, to the four week aged steaks – this is undoubtedly one of the best places in the UAE to enjoy your fill of prime beef in the classiest of surroundings. Steaks are cooked to absolute perfection (the oyster blade cut is tender to the core) and sides ranging from truffle mash to mac n cheese are the perfect complement; the unsung heroes though are the starters which, including crab cakes and seafood bisque, are a classic way to start your evening. And with desserts such as oozing rich chocolate fondant and baked cheesecake to round off the meat feast, this is a night in food heaven. Also, take a seat at the bar and be sure to try the applewood-smoked ‘Monroe’ cocktail (Marilyn’s famous ‘steam grate’ scene was filmed on Lexington Avenue – again, stories).
Who’s staying: The hotel has a policy for ensuring a diverse mix of guests. You won’t find the place overrun with Russians, Brits or any nationality for that matter, and the result is a relaxed atmosphere that’s never intimidating.
Top tips: Combine your luxury stay with a bit of locally flavoured adventure. Just round the corner from the Al Hamra complex is a haunted village. Rumour has it that the entire population fled after seeing djinn, or spirits, coming from the sea 40 years ago. What’s left is an eerily deserted series of traditional homes, shops and even a mosque, that offer an insight into the Emirati way of life before modern development.
Around half an hour along Truck Road is the camel race track at Digdagga, where local folk meet up early in the morning to compare and race their camels as they have done for centuries – albeit with robot jockeys atop the camels and the owners tearing around the course in their battered SUVs with horns blaring in encouragement. It’s a brilliantly bonkers, wonderfully unapologetic slice of local life. How fitting for the Waldorf Astoria, itself rooted firmly in a city that prides itself on authenticity, to pitch up in one of the most genuine places in the UAE.
Seasonal offer: Throughout August, you’ll get a discount of 33% on all room rates PLUS a guaranteed upgrade.
