The 8 very best places to stay in Ras Al Khaimah

From family resorts to desert retreats, beachside havens to overwater sanctuaries, Ras Al Khaimah spoils visitors for choice with its vast array of hotel options.

Much more than a place to stay, they are destinations in their own right, offering delicious dining, sumptuous spas, wonderful watersports and the chance to experience Arabian hospitality at its finest. Here are our top picks.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

Nestled among the terracotta dunes in a 1,235-acre protected desert reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert offers secluded Bedouin-tent-style accommodation, immersing guests in nature. It’s the place to spot the rare oryx and desert foxes among the ghaf trees, take a desert trek on horseback or camel, try a rejuvenating hydrothermal experience at the Rainforest spa, or indulge in bespoke dining. Not to be missed are sunset drinks at the rooftop Moon Bar or stargazing from the dedicated tower.

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island

A modern five-star resort located on Ras Al Khaimah’s spectacular manmade archipelago, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island offers spacious rooms and suites with sea views, plus three outdoor pools, a private beach, a kids club, water sports, and a wellness hub with gym and four treatment rooms. With Mövenpick famous for its gastronomy, you can take a gastronomic journey, trying all six specialty bars and restaurants including the ultra-popular beachside venue Ula, and don’t miss the brand’s signature Chocolate Hour, with delicious treats dished out in the lobby daily.

InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa

Escape to Hayat Island where the stylish and contemporary rooms, suites and villas at InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa immerse you in sea, beach and mountain views. There’s Club InterContinental too, a resort-within-a-resort with extra benefits including access to an exclusive pool and lounge. Luxury facilities at this beautifully landscaped resort include a large pool, private beach, a fitness centre, spa, tennis courts, and kids and teens clubs, while culinary experiences range from Levantine to New-York inspired.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

Perfect for a romantic getaway in total seclusion, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach is home to an exclusive collection of jus 32 high-end beachfront villas, all dotted along the Arabian Gulf shores. Each features its own swimming pool, large deck, direct beach access, while your very own butler will arrange exclusive experiences, from dining to activities. Head to the spa for an ocean-inspired treatment at an idyllic waterside pavilion or  indulge in exquisite local seafood at a beachside restaurant with breath-taking views.

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

An iconic palace-style hotel with a prime beachside location, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah promises a luxurious stay. Reopening in September 2023 following a refurbishment, prepare to be dazzled by the hotel’s lavish marble interiors, striking artwork, the brand’s famed Peacock Alley, and as you enter the lobby, its magnificent golden clock tower. Stay in a room or suite with sea or mountain views, dine at one of 10 restaurants and lounges, including the famous New York-inspired Lexington Grill, or head to the spa for herbal baths, flotation beds and blissful treatments.

Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort

Opening soon, this hotly anticipated eco-luxury resort, cocooned by mangroves and lagoons in a natural reserve, introduces Ras Al Khaimah’s first over-water private pool villa accommodation. There are rooms and suites too, all sustainably built and with balconies overlooking nature. Signature experiences include spa rituals inspired by Arabian and Turkish culture, culinary journeys through Asia, and activities focused on preserving the natural environment. It’s the full resort package, offering a fitness centre, large outdoor pool, water sports, padel tennis, a kids club and more.

Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Experience an all-inclusive stay at luxury beachfront resort Rixos Bab Al Bahr where all of your food and entertainment is included. Perfect for a family getaway, children not only love their dedicated club with its action-packed schedule, dedicated pool, waterslides and outdoor playground, but the Kids Escape Family Suite where one bedroom is more like a playroom with its novel chalet-style bunkbeds. With a spa, four pools, eight dining venues, six bars, a fitness centre, and a souk, plus live music, water sports and leisure activities on tap, there’s something for everyone.

Cove Rotana Resort

A beachside retreat with an extraordinary hillside location, Cove Rotana Resort has the ambiance of a charming Arabian village. Choose from modern rooms nestled in the gardens on the hill, or luxurious pool villas with up to three bedrooms, some with waterside locations. Experience Mediterranean dining at Basilico, late-afternoon drinks at the Sunset Pool Bar, and for a day of indulgence, check into the Raqi Beach club with exclusive benefits. Fun for all the family, there are also two infinity pools, a 600-metre private beach, a fitness and wellness centre, and a kids club.