InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Vibe
Private white sands meet the Arabian Gulf, where a sprawling lagoon pool and sea-facing cabanas define an easygoing island pace.
“Secluded island retreat”
Contemporary sea-facing rooms, suites, and private pool villas styled in sandy beige and ocean-blue tones.
Dedicated Club InterContinental wing featuring private check-in, executive lounge service, and an adults-only pool.
Private sandy beach with water sports, lagoon infinity pool, kids club, and sea-view villa plunge pools.
On Hayat Island in Mina Al Arab, overlooking private shores an hour north of Dubai.
“occupying the entirety of an island just off the coast of the city is the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort and Spa, a 351-room luxury resort whose atmosphere of luxe seclusion belies its convenient quasi-urban setting.”
Rooms
Every room opens to a private balcony with an oversized daybed facing the water, while beachfront villas add private plunge pools.
“Ample sunlight fills the spacious rooms and suites, each of which comes with private balconies or terraces and oversized daybeds…”
Wellness
Pearl-shaped treatment rooms and a traditional Turkish hammam anchor the spa, flanked by a fitness centre and oceanfront infinity pool.
Backstory
Opened in 2022, the resort takes architectural cues from the emirate's three historic realms: the desert, the mountains, and the sea.
Eat & drink
Levant and Nar serves Turkish mezze beside open fire pits over the Gulf, alongside New York style cuts at NoHo Bar.
The neighborhood
Set on Hayat Island within Mina Al Arab, the grounds look out across open water toward the distant Jebel Jais mountains.
More like this
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Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort
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Sofitel Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra Beach Resort
“French-Arabian coastal playground”
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Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
“Gold-domed gulf fantasy”
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The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach
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Rove Al Marjan Island
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.