Staycation Spotlight: Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort

A brand-new weekend waterfront stay in Ras Al Khaimah challenges you to ask: do I need to go to the Maldives?

Ras Al Khaimah wants to play with the best of them, and now the Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, with the first overwater villas in the emirate, looks to offer a Maldives-like stay without the need to jump on a plane. This waterfront property woven into Ras Al Khaimah’s mangroves overlooks the Arabian Gulf and lures you in with private beaches, delicious dining, spas, bars, and restaurants.

There are plenty of reasons you should still go to the Maldives, but Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort provokes you to ask: is it worth the hassle? Maldives trips are a pricey business, plus the travel havoc: international flights, seaplanes, speedboats, visas and costly cans of Coke.

Admirably, the Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort’s 174-room property resists the vast sprawl of some UAE resorts that require trekking poles. Here, everything still feels like an easy three to five-minute walk away from your room, suite, or villa. 

Of Rooms, Suites and Villas

Guests can choose between rooms, suites or succumb to the allure of the resort’s signature villas. The Deluxe Garden Terrace Rooms are a spacious 57 square metres with a plush king-sized bed, a sofa, and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors overlooking a grassy foreground stretching out towards the mangroves and the sea. These rooms work well for solo travellers, couples or young families that want to keep one eye on the kids while sitting on the room’s outside terrace.

The generous bathroom features a rain shower and a bathtub (large enough to pitch up a tent), complete with Bulgari toiletries, his and hers sinks and comfy bathrobes.

Chase that Maldivian experience and take the plunge in one of the four different over-water pool villas – the jewel in the Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort’s crown. Under vaulted ceilings, the overwater villas invite you to lounge on their expansive sun decks with sea views or slip into the private pool with drinks from the well-stocked minibar. The bathrooms boast indoor and outdoor showers a la Maldives, while villa guests also enjoy additional luxe touches like a dedicated villa host, a 60-minute massage per guest, plus a three-course dinner in any of their restaurants.

You Won’t Leave Hungry

Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort boasts no less than six restaurants in addition to their in-room dining options. Mekong is Anantara’s signature restaurant with a flair for Thai, Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian delicacies. With an al fresco terrace and ovular chef’s table, Mekong leans into the resort’s unique experiences from which to nibble on lobster wontons, chargrilled Chinese five spice lamb chops, or just order the pad Thai and the sticky mango rice. 

Sea Breeze, the all-day dining restaurant, serves breakfast featuring a beautiful live plant wall with a brilliant rash of colour that brightens the indoor dining space. Guests can enjoy the outdoor terrace with mangrove and sea views. From the international breakfast offering, we recommend taking advantage of the handmade dosa station or the indulgent Eggs Royale with poached eggs and smoked salmon under a blanket of hollandaise. Plenty of fresh juices, strong coffees, dim sum and pastries are also up for grabs. 

The Lobby Lounge and Bar is a sophisticated retreat next to the Anantara’s reception, where guests and residents love to nip in for everything from cakes to saffron kebabs. 

Staying Busy

The resort is a hive of activity. The outdoor inclined are spoiled for options between the private sandy Mina Al Arab Malibu beach for long days stretching out under an umbrella or playing pétanque or beach volleyball with friends. For those who do not love the sand, the sprawling azure pool awaits you, complete with a swim-up bar and shaded cabanas. 

No resort is complete without a padel court these days, and the Anantara is no exception. Those aching to get onto the water will find a raft of options from kayaking to padel boarding or jet skiing, water foiling and water jet packs for the more adventurous.

The well-equipped fitness centre should satisfy everyone, whether you’re here for a week or a weekend. There are free weights, barbells, kettlebells and cardio machines overlooking the ocean. There’s no escaping these views.

What’s Nearby?

Ras Al Khaimah promotes itself as The Adventure Emirate, so get out and see for yourself! Head to UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, for snacks and views. Consider braving the world’s longest zip line at nearly 3km with speeds up to 160km per hour. The Bear Grylls Via Ferrata is now open for those looking for a four-hour endurance challenge. Trek through the less strenuous Wadi Shawka. Explore the abandoned pearl village of Al Jazirat Al Hamra or learn about modern-day pearl fishing at Suwaidi Pearl Farm. 

Should You Stay at Anantara Mina Al Arab?

There is much to enjoy here, but is it right for you? We believe the Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort is best for two different groups: young families who want to take advantage of the multiple and immediate amenities the resort offers. The second would be young couples who want to splash out on the overwater villas and explore all Ras Al Khaimah has to offer – because you only live once!

Visit www.anantara.com for reservations and more information.