VIENNA STREET | 99999 RAS AL KHAIMAH | VEREINIGTE ARAB. EMIRATE
TEL +971-7-2035555 | EMAIL | WEBSEITE

As the chauffeur guides the German-made black limousine along the asphalt desert road with the quiet assurance of a captain at the helm of a private yacht, one senses, from the rear seat and through the tinted windows, the primordial beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Behind us lies the glittering metropolis of Dubai — a modern tale from «One Thousand and One Nights», transformed from a modest fishing village into a megacity in the span of only a few decades. Dubai is defined by its vertiginous evolution in architecture, commerce, tourism and culture. Where once there was little, there is now so much that words can scarcely do it justice.
All the more striking, then, is the contrast that reveals itself the moment one crosses beyond the city limits. What follows are long highways and austere landscapes; here and there, a dromedary or camel. In the distance, straw bales drift into view like fragments of a Western, while fine sand trails across the expanse of still-untouched nature like the lightest silk.
Far removed from any sense of modernity — save for the many, often luxurious cars gliding along the road — the eye eventually catches the silhouette of palatial architecture rising in the distance, emerging from the delicate haze and the heat-shimmering air.
The closer the chauffeur draws to the destination, the more impressive the building’s grace becomes. It is also our destination: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah.

Inspired by the magnificent Arabian palaces of the past, this contemporary luxury hotel offers a compelling lesson in grandeur and scale. Even the elegant approach to the property is an experience in itself, as arriving guests step from their limousines into an entrance of considerable splendour. Monumental Arabian lanterns preside above the vehicles in the driveway, setting the tone before one has even crossed the threshold.
Accompanied by gracious hosts, travellers enter the hotel’s opulent lobby, whose focal point is the centrally positioned Waldorf Clock. Though designed individually for each property, it remains the emblematic signature of every Waldorf Astoria hotel. From this central point, an impressive vista opens into the soaring, dome-crowned atrium.

To the left, the cosmopolitan Peacock Alley becomes part of the tableau — another hallmark found in every hotel of the group, though rarely rendered with such magnificence. An elegant sweeping staircase leads up to the belle étage, from where the full artistry of the space can be admired to particularly striking effect. The fountain at the centre, around which various seating arrangements are gathered, likewise invites guests to pause, linger and enjoy the scene.
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah opened in August 2013 and has since welcomed guests from across the world. Owing to its palatial ambience and impressive scale, it is also a favoured weekend retreat for affluent Arabian families from neighbouring emirates — something readily apparent from the procession of luxury cars gathered along the driveway.

Within the hotel itself, however, this is scarcely felt. The architecture is simply too generous, offering discerning travellers an impressive home away from home.

Join us on a very special journey into the world of *One Thousand and One Nights*, and allow our impressions to inspire a future escape far removed from stress and haste.

We wish you a most pleasant stay.

Warmest regards,

Yours.

Martin V. Sampedrano Gonzalez
Editor

The Palace by the Sea

With its coveted beachfront setting, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah draws discerning holidaymakers to an emirate on the Persian Gulf that, when compared with Dubai, still retains a more serene and contemplative rhythm — though here, too, transformation is very much under way.
Along the beach, elegant loungers with deep, generous cushions are arranged beneath shade-giving parasols. Violet-hued towels are artfully draped by the gracious staff, lending the shoreline a subtle note of ceremony and refinement.
Around the expansive pool, positioned directly before the palatial main building, comfortable sun loungers are joined by elegantly designed wooden cabanas. Offering space for up to four loungers, these private retreats are particularly appreciated by families wishing to spend the day beside the temperature-controlled pool, with its varying depth zones, while still preserving a sense of seclusion.
For relaxation in absolute tranquillity, the elongated adults-only infinity pool on the hotel’s northern side offers a more secluded sanctuary. During the Arabian weekend, this area transforms into a refined chill-out enclave, with live DJs providing the musical accompaniment. Outside these days, the pool area is defined by an atmosphere of serene composure.

Rooms and Suites

At Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, guests do not merely encounter rooms and suites; they enter refined residential experiences. The sense of space begins with the Classic Rooms, which offer a minimum of 56 square metres. Across all categories, the accommodation is distinguished by elegant design, seamlessly marrying state-of-the-art technology with traditional influences.
Each room and suite features a generously proportioned bathroom in the finest marble, complete with bathtub, separate rain shower, WC and exquisite amenities by Salvatore Ferragamo. The walk-in wardrobes, meanwhile, are more accurately described as dressing rooms — spacious, considered and impeccably appointed.
In the living area, guests will find supremely comfortable beds alongside a sitting corner, LCD television, DVD player, iPod docking station, Nespresso coffee machine, kettle and minibar. Complimentary bottled water is placed in the room daily, while the morning housekeeping service is complemented by a further turn-down service in the evening.
On special request, the personal concierge team will arrange a presentation of selected fragrances, allowing guests to choose a scent to be delicately misted over pillows, throws and the living area as part of the evening turn-down ritual. It is a distinctive and memorable service, and one certainly worth experiencing.
In total, the hotel comprises 346 luxurious rooms and suites. Beyond the Classic Rooms, which may be booked in the entry category without balcony and with views over the adjacent golf course, the Waldorf offers, as its next category, the Deluxe Golf View Balcony Rooms. These provide 76 square metres of space, a private balcony and views across the golf course. They are followed by the Deluxe Sea View Rooms, offering the same generous amenities, but with vistas over the Persian Gulf. For an even more elevated stay, the hotel’s elegant suites are highly recommended.

Gourmet Cuisine

In culinary terms, too, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah impresses with a distinguished sense of variety. Its restaurants, bars and lounges invite guests to savour refined pleasures, accompanied by gracious service and set within striking interiors.
Qasr Al Bahar offers international specialities in buffet form. Inspired by the underwater world, the restaurant is designed in pale green tones, with an open, gently curved layout that lends the space an airy elegance. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, dining on the expansive outdoor terrace overlooking the lush garden landscape is a pleasure at any time of day. During the warmer summer months, the air-conditioned interior provides the perfect counterpart.

An undisputed highlight is Lexington Grill. Named after the celebrated Lexington Avenue in New York, this elegant restaurant fulfils the highest expectations of steak and seafood connoisseurs alike. Its dark palette is brought to life by carefully composed lighting, creating an atmosphere of polished sophistication. Gourmets are exceptionally well served here; not without reason do culinary enthusiasts from Abu Dhabi and Dubai make the journey to experience the ambience and sensational cuisine of Lexington Grill.
Whether in the elegant dining room, one of the private dining rooms or on the outdoor terrace, an evening at Lexington Grill becomes especially memorable when the aperitif is none other than the Monroe Cocktail — a homage to the legendary actress Marilyn Monroe, who was once among the regular guests of the famed Waldorf Astoria in the heart of New York. Then as now, this icon of style remains inseparably linked with the Waldorf Astoria name, here transformed into a sensory pleasure in cocktail form.

Japanese hospitality is interpreted with contemporary flair at UMI. This stylish restaurant, composed in deep, dark tones, is known for its outstanding teppanyaki creations, sushi and sashimi. Whether seated at the curved counter, in one of the intimate seating arrangements or directly at the teppanyaki grill, guests may choose from several ways to experience the evening. A spacious private dining salon is also available for families, business occasions or romantic dinners for two.

Waldorf Astoria Spa

Guests in search of relaxation will find in the Waldorf Astoria Spa a sanctuary for body, mind and soul. This luxurious retreat offers an accomplished selection of classic massages and treatments, designed to soothe, rebalance and renew.
Separate relaxation and tranquillity areas for ladies and gentlemen allow guests to unwind in accordance with Arabian tradition. Each area features a sauna, steam baths, experience showers and comfortable loungers, creating a setting of quiet seclusion and ease.
The reception areas, too, are arranged separately. Guests wishing to enjoy a couples’ massage may, of course, arrange this through the main spa reception.
The warmly toned interior is gently enhanced by fragrant essences, lending the entire spa an atmosphere of refined calm and sensory indulgence.

  
A Lasting Impression 

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is among the most impressive resort addresses in the United Arab Emirates. With its striking architecture, expansive gardens and privileged setting between the Arabian Gulf and the Hajar Mountains, the property combines classical elegance with the most alluring atmosphere a beach resort can offer.
From the moment one arrives, time seems to assume a different meaning. Days begin with breakfast on the terrace, unfold through long, languid hours on the private sandy beach or beside one of the beautiful pools, and draw to a close over exceptional cuisine with views of the setting sun. In between, there is space for golf, spa rituals or simply the exquisite art of doing nothing.
The remarkably generous rooms and suites impress with their sumptuous interiors. At the same time, the resort succeeds in preserving an atmosphere of calm and exclusivity despite its impressive scale.
For those seeking a classic grand resort of generous proportions, excellent gastronomy and first-class service, this is one of the most beautiful addresses in the Emirates. We look forward to returning.

Photography: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah