Luxurious Escape in the Heart of the Desert: An Unforgettable Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

A Luxurious Retreat in the Heart of Ras Al Khaimah's Untouched Desert

Located in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah's untouched desert, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is surrounded by a 500-hectare nature reserve, offering the serene atmosphere of a desert oasis. Nestled southwest of Al Jazirah Al Hamra, it provides a sense of peaceful isolation while being easily accessible—just 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport. While you may feel far from the world, attractions such as the golf course, Al Hamra Mall, and beach, as well as the city of Ras Al Khaimah, are nearby. Additionally, the protected Al Wadi nature reserve is home to exceptional wildlife, where you can observe Arabian oryxes, antelopes, and gazelles in their natural habitat.

Bedouin Heritage and Refinement: Tented Villas Amidst the Dunes

Inspired by Bedouin architecture, the 101 luxury villas are all equipped with private pools and offer breathtaking views of the desert. This vast complex offers four types of villas in addition to the Signature Villas, with the Al Khaimah and Al Sahari Tented Villas being the standout features.

We stayed in an Al Khaimah Tented Villa, a true suite designed in a Bedouin style that combines Arab tradition with refined luxury. With a generous area of 253 m², these tented retreats exude a rustic luxury atmosphere. The villa's right wing houses a spacious bedroom with a king-size bed, a comfortable living room, a study area, and a fully stocked bar. The left wing, of similar size, includes a large bathroom with dual sinks, a rain shower, a freestanding bathtub, and an oversized dressing room. The villa is bathed in natural light thanks to the large bay windows that frame the breathtaking desert landscape outside.

Finally, the large wooden terrace with a private pool, surrounded by sun loungers and a dining table, overlooks the desert and offers a truly soothing connection with nature, while preserving the comfort and refinement expected from a luxury stay.

To showcase their hospitality, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert organized an exclusive sunset aperitif for us in one of their sumptuous Signature Villas. In contrast to our stay in a Tented Villa, these 450 m² residences stand out with their ultra-contemporary style. From the large terrace equipped with a 90 m² private pool, we admired the serene beauty of the desert. Every space, from the vast dining room to the luxurious bedrooms, not to mention the fitness room, is designed to offer a unique experience, enhanced by the attentive service of a dedicated butler.

Refined Breakfast: Buffet at the Restaurant or Floating in the Pool?

On the first morning, we had the pleasure of enjoying the sumptuous breakfast buffet at the Kaheela restaurant. A true feast for the senses, this buffet offers an impressive variety of hot and cold dishes from around the world. From freshly baked breads and pastries to made-to-order egg dishes and freshly squeezed juices, every detail is carefully crafted to provide a top-notch gastronomic experience.

The next day, we enjoyed a floating breakfast, delicately delivered to our private pool. Relaxing in the water while savoring a refined morning feast is a true luxury, especially appreciated during hot summer days when the coolness of the pool brings much-needed comfort.

From Indian Night to Farmer's Brunch: A Gourmet Experience in the Heart of the Dunes

With the sand dunes as a backdrop, the restaurants at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert capture the essence of the Middle East, offering cuisine where authentic flavors are combined with elegant presentation.

Kaheela celebrates international and regional cuisine, elevating the spices, herbs, and rich flavors of the Middle East and India. The decor, an elegant blend of modern and Arabic styles, creates a refined and welcoming ambiance. We had the chance to dine there during the Indian night held every Friday evening, a true culinary journey. The appetizers, such as Truffle Dahi Bhalla and Paneer Malai Tikka, awakened our taste buds before giving way to iconic main dishes like chicken tikka masala, lamb biryani, and Kadai vegetables, all accompanied by fragrant basmati rice and soft naan. To conclude this feast, traditional desserts such as Gulab Jamun, Kaju Katli, and Kulfi brought a sweet and comforting note.

Farmhouse is inspired by the 'farm-to-table' concept, with a menu focused on smoked or grilled meats and quality local produce, all in a rustic yet bright atmosphere evoking a traditional farm. On our first evening, we enjoyed a delicious smoked trout starter accompanied by Greek yogurt, apple, cucumber, quail egg, and pickled shallots, as well as smoked octopus enhanced by beef chorizo and paprika aioli. For the main course, we couldn't resist the smoked meats: the Wagyu Sanchoku beef burger, a creative reinterpretation of the classics, and an Australian Wagyu beef filet, both exquisite. For dessert, the crème brûlée and tres leches satisfied our sweet cravings. We extended this beautiful evening at the Whiskey Lounge, sipping two carefully prepared smoked cocktails, perfect for toasting in a refined atmosphere.

On Saturday afternoon, we rediscovered Farmhouse through its famous Farmer's Brunch, a must-visit event in the region. This chic rustic buffet seduces with its elegant presentation and rich flavors. Seafood, cheeses, fresh salads, smoked meats, Italian pasta prepared before your eyes... every station is an invitation to indulge. With such diversity, choosing becomes a true dilemma as each dish calls out to be tasted, all in a lively ambiance.

Located in the heart of the equestrian center with a breathtaking view of the paddocks where horses rest peacefully, the Paddock Café offers a selection of freshly prepared snacks. During our lunch, we savored a tuna poke bowl accompanied by a refreshing green vegetable juice. To finish on a sweet note, the pistachio mousse Magnum was the perfect conclusion to this delightful meal.

Ancient Wellness: Between Local Traditions and Reenergizing Spa Treatments

The spa offers a wellness experience deeply rooted in local traditions. Its exclusive treatment sanctuaries are designed to promote rest and regeneration, while 'The Rainforest,' an indoor hydrotherapy circuit, reenergizes both body and mind. Signature treatments are inspired by ancestral practices, using natural ingredients like turmeric and sesame seeds to provide authentic care rituals. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to try these services except for the perfectly equipped fitness room.

Equestrian Discoveries and Falconry Art: Unique Experiences in the Heart of the Desert

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert offers a unique immersion into the traditions and nature of the surrounding desert. Visitors can engage in a multitude of activities, such as falconry, archery, fishing, cycling in the dunes, horseback riding, or stargazing, all guided by local experts. During our stay, we discovered archery, a fun and captivating experience that allowed us to fully embrace the adventurous spirit of the place.

In the heart of the desert, horses and camels play a central role in Middle Eastern culture. The resort's equestrian center offers lessons and adventures for riders of all levels, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in this millennia-old tradition. During a morning ride, we had the chance to explore the vast desert expanses on horseback, a serene experience. Later, we explored the dunes on camelback at sunset, an equally fascinating moment that plunged us into the Bedouin world. The highlight was our arrival at the top of a dune where we enjoyed a glass of prosecco on a majlis specially set up for us, admiring the golden hues of the desert in a romantic and unforgettable setting.

Every evening, a captivating falcon and owl show comes to life, offering an interactive experience. This unique moment highlights the historical and cultural significance of falconry in Bedouin tradition. For enthusiasts wanting to delve deeper, private lessons are available to learn the ancestral techniques of this noble and fascinating art.

The Ritz Kids children's club welcomes young guests from 4 years old and offers a wide range of both fun and educational activities. They will marvel at camel rides, bird-watching excursions, and visits to the wildlife rehabilitation center, where they will have the opportunity to participate in the care of injured animals. This resort is thus a true adventure playground for family explorations, offering unforgettable memories to share together.

My Opinion

My stay at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert was absolutely wonderful, a true disconnection in a setting that is both natural and luxurious. Between our sumptuous villa with a private pool, decorated in a chic Bedouin style, and the impeccable quality of service, every moment was filled with discreet and authentic luxury. The gourmet meals, exclusive activities like archery and horseback riding, and moments of relaxation in my villa offered me the perfect balance between relaxation and sophistication. I highly recommend this luxurious retreat to anyone seeking an unforgettable getaway, combining relaxation, refinement, and total disconnection in the heart of the desert.

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A big thank you to The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my comments in this article!