There are resorts that give you a great view. Then there are resorts that put you right inside one.
Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort sits on a private peninsula in the Mina Al Arab development, surrounded by protected tidal mangroves on one side and the Arabian Gulf on the other. It opened in January 2024 and quickly became one of the most talked-about properties in the emirate — and for good reason.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a wellness retreat, this guide covers everything you need to know before you book.
Key Takeaways
- Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort is home to the first overwater villas in Ras Al Khaimah, inspired by the Maldives but just 45 minutes from Dubai.
- The resort has six dining outlets, including Mekong, an Asian restaurant with tables suspended over the water, and Beach House, a Mediterranean beachfront venue.
- The Anantara Spa offers traditional Thai healing rituals, indigenous-inspired treatments, and two dedicated couples’ suites.
- A resident bird watcher, a marine conservation program, and the upcoming Mangrove Discovery Center make this one of the most eco-conscious luxury resorts in the UAE.
Where to Stay in Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort: Villas and Rooms
Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort has 174 rooms, suites, and villas across several categories. The setting alone makes it worth the trip, but the accommodation options are what really set it apart.
Overwater Pool Villas
These are the first overwater villas in Ras Al Khaimah, and they live up to the hype.
Each villa is built above the mangrove lagoon and the Arabian Gulf, with a traditional dhoni-shaped roof, vaulted ceilings, and a private sun deck with a plunge pool. You can slide the bedroom doors open and fall asleep to the sounds of the birds across the mangroves. The bathroom has a large soaking tub with views of the water, twin sinks, a walk-in shower, and a separate outdoor shower.
The One-Bedroom Over Water Pool Villa is 82 square meters. The Two-Bedroom Anantara Over Water Pool Villa is 206 square meters. For the largest option, the Two-Bedroom Royal Over Water Pool Villa spans 365 square meters and has a much bigger private pool and an indoor-outdoor bathroom.
A dedicated Villa Host looks after guests staying in the overwater villas, and a buggy service is available to get around the resort.
Peninsula Sea View Pool Villas
At 94 square meters, the Peninsula Sea View Pool Villas offer direct beach access and a private pool. They are a strong choice for families who want easy access to the sand without the walk from the overwater walkway.
Premier and Deluxe Rooms
Premier Rooms are on the second floor with a balcony. Premier Garden Terrace Rooms are on the ground floor with a more spacious terrace. Deluxe categories include garden terrace rooms, beachfront suites, and pool access options.
All rooms come with Bulgari au thé blanc toiletries, controlled blinds and lighting, and a minibar with a wine fridge.
Where to Eat: Dining at Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort
The resort has six gorgeous dining outlets, so you could spend an entire stay eating your way through the menu without ever leaving the property.
Mekong
Mekong is the resort’s Asian al fresco restaurant, and it is one of the most visually striking dining spaces in Ras Al Khaimah. The design features traditional wooden booths suspended over the water, styled to look like floating water lilies, with views of the mangroves all around.
The menu draws from Thailand, Vietnam, and China. Standout dishes include Som Tum salad, green vegetable curry, seafood stir fry with prawns, scallops, and squid, and shrimp fried rice served wrapped in a leaf. The mango sticky rice is a popular way to finish.
Opening Times: Sunday Brunch from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm and Dinner from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
For Reservations: Call +971 72042222, email [email protected], or book online here.
Beach House
Beach House is the resort’s Mediterranean restaurant, set right on the beachfront with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf.
The menu covers grilled seafood, fresh pasta, and dishes from the ocean and the grill. The arrabbiata is a guest favorite. In the evenings, the terrace picks up with a DJ, crafted cocktails from the mixologist, and shisha.
Opening Times: Lunch & Dinner from 12:00 pm – 12:00 am and Brunchella Saturdays from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
For Reservations: Call +971 72042222, email [email protected], or book online here.
Sea Breeze
Sea Breeze is the all-day dining restaurant and the spot for breakfast. The buffet covers Arabic dishes, cooked breakfast options, and fresh smoothies. In the evenings, the restaurant runs themed nights, which is useful for guests on longer stays who want variety.
Opening Times: Breakfast from 7.00 am – 11.00 am and Lunch from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
For Reservations: Call +971 72042222, email [email protected], or book online here.
Jalabar
Jalabar is the pool bar and restaurant. It has a swim-up bar, so you can order drinks and light bites without leaving the water. There are also plenty of loungers and shaded daybeds around the main pool.
Opening Times: Every day from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
For Reservations: Call +971 72042222 or email [email protected].
Designer Dining
For a more private experience, Anantara’s Designer Dining concept lets you arrange a bespoke dinner in a secluded spot on the property. It is a popular choice for couples celebrating an occasion.
For Reservations: Call +971 72042222 or email [email protected].
Anantara Spa
The Anantara Spa is surrounded by water and greenery, which makes it feel genuinely removed from the rest of the resort.
It has seven treatment rooms, including two couples’ suites. Facilities include a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool. The spa draws on traditional Thai healing techniques as well as locally inspired treatments.
Signature treatments include:
- Rituals of Bedouin — a 150-minute journey using mineral-rich clay, dry body brushing, and a rose-infused massage
- Himalayan Salt Stone Massage — warm stones used to release deep muscular tension
- Herbal Shirodhara — a traditional therapy that soothes mental fatigue and restores emotional balance
The spa also has a fully equipped gym for guests who want to keep up with their fitness routine.
Opening Times: Weekdays (Monday to Thursday) from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm and Weekends (Friday to Sunday) from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Marine Conservation and the Mangrove Discovery Center
Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort sits inside a protected mangrove ecosystem, and the resort genuinely leans into that.
There is a resident bird watcher on property year-round. The mangroves are home to over 30 species of migratory birds — flamingos, herons, egrets — and you can spot them from your villa deck or on a kayak through the waterways. The team also runs regular shoreline cleanups, especially at low tide when the ecosystem is most exposed.
The Mangrove Discovery Center is coming soon. It will be open to guests and the local community, with an indoor section and an outdoor trail around the lagoon. Worth keeping an eye on if conservation is something you care about.
What to Do: Activities for Families and Couples
For Families
Kids and teens each have their own club at the resort. The main pool has a separate children’s section, and the beach is calm and gently shelved — easy for younger guests to wade in without any drama.
For families who want to get out and explore, the resort is a good base. Day trips to Suwaidi Pearl Farm, Dhayah Fort, or Al Jazeera Al Hamra are all within easy reach. Water sports and mangrove kayaking are also available on-site.
For Couples
The overwater villas do most of the work here, but the experience goes beyond the room. Breakfast on the villa deck, an afternoon at the Anantara Spa, a sunset walk along the private beach, and a Designer Dining somewhere on the property — it is the kind of trip that is hard to rush.
The mangroves are quieter at night than you might expect. That is part of the appeal.
Getting There
The resort is in the Mina Al Arab development, about 45 to 60 minutes from Dubai International Airport. Careem is the easiest way to get a taxi in Ras Al Khaimah — Uber does not operate here. Car rental is available from around AED 130 a day if you want more flexibility.
Plan Your Stay
The best stay at Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort isn’t simply about the room category. It’s about how you want to spend your time. Some guests come for the overwater villas and the quiet of the mangroves, while others are drawn by the spa, the dining, or the chance to explore the emirate with a great base to return to each evening.
Before booking, think about what matters most to your trip — whether that’s a romantic setting, space for the family, or a wellness-focused escape. You can also browse the latest RAK Moments staycation offers to find seasonal promotions and hotel packages that’ll help you get even more from your next Ras Al Khaimah visit.
