While many parts of the UAE are modern, slick and polished, the same can’t be said for all of Ras Al Khaimah. And that’s exactly what makes it so great.
My partner and I experienced this firsthand on our drive to Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. We took narrow, bumpy roads surrounded by undulating sand dunes dotted with roaming camels, including a group of cheeky young camels trying to steal fruit from a roadside market stall. Watching the disgruntled stall owner good-naturedly chase them off set the tone for a fun, enjoyable weekend.
Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island
Home to stylish chalet-style suites with outdoor private pools and Jacuzzis, a 300m-long beach, a huge gym, a kids club and a floating water park (reported to be the largest in Ras Al Khaimah), Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island appeals to every kind of traveller, whether you’re there as a family, a couple, with friends or for a well-deserved solo escape.
There’s plenty to keep guests occupied, but when it comes to dining, The Beach House was our favourite resort restaurant. Decorated with California-style surfboards, its interior even has golden sand on the floor, so you can still experience the joys of sand-between-your-toes dining even when it’s too hot to eat outside.
Another unique aspect is the carbon labels on the menu that detail the carbon footprint of each dish. Sustainable recipes and those that include locally sourced products are clearly highlighted, while the many delicious vegetarian options include the mammoth vegetable and avocado burger, the organic quinoa salad and the local rocket, dates and fig salad.
Spending our Sunday afternoon at Ula Beach Club was another high point. Complete with a beachside DJ deck, an impressive wine collection (more extensive than those at many bars in Abu Dhabi and Dubai), a tempting menu of Mediterranean bites, and boho-chic cabanas, it hosts weekly events that include everything from raucous weekend parties to lazy breakfasts and more.
Yet, the best part of all was heading upstairs to the rooftop Neo Sky Bar at sunset. Set in the clouds on the 10th floor and offering 360-degree views over Al Marjan Island and the seemingly endless expanse of the Arabian Gulf, it’s an extraordinary place to pause and reflect at the end of the day. With more live music and a wide choice of cocktails, it’s recommended to arrive early so you can grab one of the comfy white sofas with the finest view.
Opportunities to give back
It’s also worth noting that donating items to Mövenpick’s Kilo of Kindness campaign lets you earn a free drink voucher to use at either Neo Sky Bar or Möca, the lobby cafe (free chocolate is also available nearby during the daily afternoon ‘chocolate hour’).
Running until November 27 and hosted in collaboration with the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Charitable Education Foundation, an organisation that provides aid to those struggling to access education in Ras Al Khaimah, guests are encouraged to collect any unwanted non-perishable food, clothing (in good condition), books and toys that they have at home and deposit them at the collection point near the lobby. Along with providing you with welcome motivation to have a good clear out, the free drink voucher is a nice reward for your efforts, too.
The Kilo of Kindness chocolate making workshops provide another way to give back (and treat yourself at the same time). Priced AED 100 per person, 10 percent of the fee is donated to the Saqr Al Qasimi Charitable Education Foundation. Led by the friendly team of chefs, you can customise your chocolate with your favourite toppings and take it away to enjoy at home (or eat it straight away, nobody is judging).
Close to nature
Despite technically being a large, family-friendly resort, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan feels incredibly peaceful. The sound of bird song greets you whenever you step outside, and watching the striped Hoopoe birds (known locally as HudHud birds) pecking the grass with their long bills on the way to breakfast in the morning was wonderful,
If you want to get out of the hotel and further immerse yourself in nature, the mangrove forests of Umm Al Quwain are just a half-an-hour drive away, while the lower-level trails of Jebel Jais, the tallest mountain in the UAE, can be reached within one hour.
Plus, if you are looking for a place to stay during January’s Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon (a popular race that starts on Al Marjan Island) you will struggle to find a better option than this homey and welcoming hotel.
Getting there
Driving to Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island takes roughly three hours from Abu Dhabi and one-and-a-half hours from Downtown Dubai. To find out more, visit @movenpickalmarjan.
