Elite Traveler HRS 2025

ANANTARA MINA AL ARAB RAS AL KHAIMAH RESORT MINA AL ARAB Ras Al-Khaimah, a one-hour drive north of Dubai airport, o ff ers a quieter, more restrained alternative to a vacation in the global megacity that is contemporary Dubai. Ras Al-Khaimah (or ‘RAK’), which shares a border with Oman in the far north of the UAE, is quietly establishing itself as the emirate for ecological tourism and high-energy adventure. It has around 40 miles of coastline, some wonderful beaches and mangroves, imposing mountains for hiking and exploration, and, of course, the ubiquitous desert dunes, where camels wander freely. The low-rise Anantara Mina Al Arab resort opened in January 2024 and is set on a private peninsula overlooking the Arabian Gulf; there is a mangrove lagoon within the complex. The hotel is proud of its eco credentials and was designed and constructed to preserve the surrounding environment. STAY The hotel has 174 rooms, suites and villas. The Peninsula Sea View Villa and the Over Water Villas o ff er the most spacious accommodations. The high-ceilinged villas are decorated with cool and calming blue hues and have super king beds, indoor/ outdoor rain showers, a large stand-alone bath, Bulgari toiletries and a soap menu. The extensive sundecks, with daybed and private plunge pool, enable guests to relax in privacy while watching the tide cycles of the Arabian Gulf. Guests in the villas enjoy a dedicated villa host and separate cabanas on the beach. DINE The resort has six restaurants — Anantara’s signature restaurant, Mekong, with its open kitchen, o ff ers delicious Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese fusion cuisine. The pad thai, daily fi sh specials and Thai green curry are outstanding. Breakfast is served at the all-day Sea Breeze restaurant on a terrace

One of the Over Water Villas

The Two-bedroom Royal Over Water Pool Villa's living room

EXPLORE The resort has a (rather shallow) in fi nity pool with a swim-up bar and a nearby complimentary kids club. There are water sports such as motorized jet skiing, water foiling and jet packs, as well as paddleboarding or kayaking through the mangroves. There is a padel court, and the elegant spa provides a tranquil retreat, combining Eastern and Western massage and a range of treatments for pampering and ultimate relaxation. The resort features activities to suit most interests: Adventure seekers can enjoy quad biking, dune bashing or desert safaris. The Jebel Jais Flight, the world’s longest zip line, is in the mountains an hour’s drive away; Bear Grylls has introduced the Via Ferrata climbing route nearby. Or you may just want to visit the mountains for the astonishing views. For less strenuous and more cerebral pursuits, you can explore the Suwaidi pearl farm or the RAK National Museum — both a short drive from the hotel. Over Water Villas from $2,118 per night. Contact rasalkhaimah@anantara.com, +971 720 422 22, anantara.com

overlooking the mangroves. There is an excellent international bu ff et, aco ff ee bar with baristas as well as a handmade dosa (a thin, savory crepe) station. The freshly made smoothies are not to be missed, either. The Beach House restaurant o ff ers Mediterranean-in fl uenced cooking, and the Jalabar pool bar o ff ers wraps, burgers and salads.

Oneof the villa’s sundecks

Anantara Mina AlArab