The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Vibe
Arabian oryx and gazelles roam the surrounding dunes, while falconry shows and camel treks animate the protected nature reserve.
“Tented desert keep”
Private pool villas with dedicated butler service, in-villa terrace barbecues, and evening desert stargazing setups.
A 1,235-acre desert reserve with camel treks, horse riding, falconry shows, and roaming Arabian oryx across the dunes.
A 4,000-square-meter spa featuring a sixteen-station hydrothermal Rainforest circuit and treatments on warm quartz sand beds.
In a 1,235-acre private desert reserve in Wadi Khadeja, surrounded by dunes and roaming wildlife.
“comprised of 101 private pool-villas set on a spectacular 250-acre nature reserve, The Ritz Ras Al Khaimah is more like 101 individual oases…”
Rooms
Tented villas feature canopied ceilings, brass lanterns, and intricate mashrabiya, each opening onto a private pool terrace overlooking the sands.
“Inspired by traditional Arabian architecture, the resort's 109 sand-hued private villas are thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the surrounding desert...”
Wellness
A sixteen-station Rainforest hydrothermal circuit pairs experiential showers and an ice igloo with body treatments on warm quartz sand beds.
“a peaceful, relaxed retreat where the sound of jackhammers is replaced by the twittering of sparrows and the cooing of laughing doves.”
Backstory
Set within a nature reserve established in 2010, the sanctuary helped reintroduce the once-extinct Arabian oryx back into the wild.
Eat & drink
Farmhouse highlights regional ingredients alongside Asian plates at Gobi and open-air Bedouin grills under the desert stars at Kan Zaman.
The neighborhood
Ghaf trees and watering holes punctuate the surrounding wadi, where horseback trails and fat-tire bike paths wind through the dunes.
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InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel
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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.