Al Mazraa | Ras Al Khaimah |  Vereinigte Arabische Emirate
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It is early morning — rather too early, one might think, to leave the comfort of a hotel bed on the very first day of a holiday. Yet the body’s inner clock is still keeping European time, and the natural biorhythm remains, as ever, one of the most persuasive alarm calls.
In Germany, some three hours ahead, the rituals of morning would already be well under way. But wait. I am not in Germany. No appointment is calling, no departure must be reached on time, no conference call awaits my dial-in, no next engagement requires preparation. I am in a place where all of that seems very far away indeed.
I am somewhere I have never been before. Somewhere far removed from the textures and demands of my everyday life; a place that, by its very nature, radiates a stillness I had not known until now.
Rising from the exceptionally comfortable bed, where I have spent my first night wrapped in fine Egyptian cotton, I am drawn — coffee in hand — to the terrace of my private retreat just a few steps away. Outside, a gentle breeze moves through the morning air, catching the steam rising from my cup and setting it lightly adrift.
What unfolds before me is nature in its purest form, for I am in the heart of the Arabian desert. The eye takes in sandy dunes, a historic wind tower and a passing herd of Arabian oryx. It is a scene one might expect from a documentary entitled «The Desert Lives» — and indeed, that is precisely how it feels.
At this hour, the desert is awakening. And with every sip of coffee, so am I.

Just 60 minutes by car from the pulsing heart of the megacity of Dubai, in the midst of the desert of Ras Al Khaimah, lies the Al Wadi Khadeja Reserve.
Spanning 1,235 hectares, this protected nature reserve is home not only to camels, antelopes, gazelles and other protected species. Here, surrounded by rolling sand dunes, discerning guests seeking stillness, nature and refinement reside in the elegant atmosphere of the luxurious 
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert.
It is a place beneath God’s sun that simple words can scarcely begin to describe.
Al Wadi is like a vibrant bouquet of flowers, filled with surprises and experiences that make a stay here truly unforgettable. Romantics in search of respite from everyday life in one of the hotel’s luxurious villas will find their sanctuary here, as will nature-loving travellers — and even those who may discover their love of nature for the very first time. All are invited to savour an adventure of rare quality.

Join us, through this reportage, on a journey into the world of «One Thousand and One Nights», and allow yourself to be inspired towards a future stay.

Warmest regards,

Yours,

Martin V. Sampedrano Gonzalez
Editor

Those who choose The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert do so in conscious retreat from the modern tempo of the United Arab Emirates’ glittering metropolises.
No stress, no haste, no noise. Surrounded by nothing but sand and soaring dunes, Al Wadi appears like an oasis in the middle of nowhere — a place where one finds stillness without ever encountering monotony. For although the hotel lies deep within the desert, it offers its guests every comfort required for an unforgettable and richly varied stay at a luxury hotel of superlative distinction.
The architecture of the main building recalls an Arabian palace, and the first impression upon arrival promises hospitality of the highest order. The design is unmistakably oriental: Arabian lanterns, ornate carved details, warm light and a palette of natural tones set the bungalow-like structure in a scene of quiet magnificence.
After check-in, guests are escorted by golf buggy to their accommodation — though these are no ordinary rooms. They are expansive villas, for the resort is conceived entirely around an all-pool-villa concept. Each of the 101 residences available to guests continues the initial impression of this luxurious desert hotel on an even grander scale.

Villas

The Al Rimal Pool Villas, measuring approximately 158 square metres, represent the resort’s most intimate category — though their scale is anything but modest. Each villa features its own private terrace with a shaded pool, creating an immediate sense of secluded desert luxury.
Built from fired desert sandstone, these residences combine traditional-modern interiors with arabesque design and the full spectrum of contemporary technology. High walls, generously integrated sleeping and living areas, magnificent bathrooms with separate rain shower and bathtub, premium amenities by Asprey, exceptionally soft towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer all come as standard.
Further comforts include a spacious work area, LCD television, DVD player, minibar and tea and coffee station. All villas are fully air-conditioned and feature multiple telephone connections, a private safe and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The hotel also provides its own bicycles, each with a designated place outside the villas, allowing guests to explore the resort grounds at their leisure. Naturally, the hotel team is only ever a phone call away for guided explorations or transfers within the property, graciously chauffeuring guests by the resort’s golf buggies.
The crowning expression of absolute desert luxury is found in the Al Sarab Desert View Pool Villas. Designed in the spirit of traditional Bedouin tents, these approximately 253-square-metre residences offer even greater privacy and enhanced comfort. The interiors captivate with finely edged fabrics that continue the tent-inspired character within. Arabian antiques and understated craftsmanship lend the villas a particularly distinctive note, while an integrated Bose sound system provides, upon request, the perfect musical accompaniment.
The sense of opulence continues in the expansive bathrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows open from every room onto the sun terrace and generous private pool, large enough even for swimming lengths. A broad daybed with sumptuous cushions, two separate sun loungers and elegant terrace furnishings invite moments of complete repose.
Paired with sensational views across the surrounding natural landscape, a stay in this villa category becomes a true experience for the senses.

Amid Nature

In the Al Wadi Reserve, discerning travellers reside in luxurious accommodation set deep within nature. The pathways may, of course, be paved, yet this does nothing to deter the native wildlife from paying curious visits to its neighbours — and this is precisely part of the intention.
Al Wadi is a nature experience made tangible. During their stay, guests are invited to encounter the flora and fauna of this singular desert resort at close quarters: from the terrace of their private pool villa, on an excursion with the resort’s own rangers, during an encounter with falcons and owls, or while tracing tracks across the dunes.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert offers a varied programme for guests of all ages.
One particularly memorable experience is the Nature Walk. In the early morning, guests with a spirit of expedition are collected by golf buggy and taken to the headquarters of the Al Wadi rangers. Equipped with binoculars, they set out on foot through the sand dunes in the company of the reserve’s knowledgeable team.
Along the way, grazing or resting Arabian oryx and gazelles may be observed, as well as a remarkable variety of birdlife. On the dunes, the rangers explain the richness of the desert fauna and, using the many tracks imprinted in the sand, illustrate the distinctive footprints of the wildlife that inhabits this landscape.
The hotel also maintains its own falconry, currently home to seven falcons, a shikra, two eagles and eight owls. The birds are cared for by trained handlers and rangers, all of whom are experts in their field. They live and love their profession, sharing their knowledge and devotion with guests who wish to discover more about this deeply rooted passion.

Gourmet Cuisine

Where Bedouins once found shelter, guests of The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert now savour refined culinary experiences — most notably at Kaheela, the hotel’s gastronomic heart.
Elegant and composed in a contemporary Arabian style, Kaheela invites guests to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, lunch or dinner either on its generous outdoor terrace or within its oriental-inspired interior. Here, too, the sensation of residing in an Arabian desert palace is conveyed through fine furnishings and arabesque decorative details.
Those who delight in being truly indulged at table will find much to admire at Farmhouse Restaurant. Its meticulously considered interior impresses from the very first glance. As the name suggests, the restaurant is styled as a luxurious farmhouse: substantial timber beams meet elegant leather armchairs, while rich mustard and blue tones provide bold, confident accents. Plump cushions, books and numerous decorative elements create an atmosphere of enveloping warmth.
The menu presents fascinating meat and fish creations of the highest calibre. Attended by gracious hosts, a candlelit dinner — whether indoors or on the expansive outdoor terrace — becomes an unforgettable experience.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa

Fragrant essences greet the guest the moment they enter the elegant lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Spa, marking the beginning of a restorative journey for body, mind and soul.
Alongside classic and Asian-inspired massages, the attractive spa pavilions offer a wide selection of full-body treatments, known as rituals. The ambience transports guests into an oriental tale: magnificent ornamentation, Moroccan light, candlelit warmth and soothing music combine to create the perfect atmosphere of wellbeing.
Adjoining the spa, Al Wadi Rainforest is a luxurious hydrothermal bathing experience, offering guests an extensive range of applications and therapies designed to restore and revitalise.
In the spacious fitness area, state-of-the-art cardio equipment is available around the clock. Those wishing to turn the journey to the spa into a gentle exercise ritual may take one of the bicycles provided at the villas, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the dreamlike grounds of this desert oasis. Naturally, all guests may also be chauffeured by golf buggy to their desired destination within the resort.

A Lasting Impression

The desert belongs to those rare places whose true beauty reveals itself only upon a second glance. What may at first appear austere, almost infinite, soon unfolds as a captivating landscape alive with subtle colours, quiet movement and ever-changing moods of light. With every sunrise and each starlit night, it reveals a new face — still, powerful and profoundly beautiful.
To reside amid this extraordinary nature is an experience in itself.
Al Wadi is far more than a luxurious resort. It is a refined sanctuary, uniting the stillness of the desert with timeless elegance and exceptional hospitality. Generous villas, excellent gastronomy, restorative spa experiences and a richly varied programme of activities create the setting for a stay that adapts entirely to the individual rhythm of its guests.
Yet what makes this place truly special is its people. With genuine warmth, remarkable attentiveness and a finely tuned understanding of their guests’ wishes, the team succeeds in expressing a form of hospitality that feels utterly effortless — and is, for precisely that reason, remembered long after departure.
For those wishing to experience the Arabian desert at its most beautiful — with privacy, supreme comfort and an atmosphere of soothing serenity — The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is a place to which the mind returns again and again.

Photography: The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert