STAY
A mere 25 kilometres from Dubai International, Ajman’s veteran five-star hotel not only stands the test of time, but is itself a timeless addition to the emirate’s powdery white coastline. With 166 rooms and 14 suites, the property has long been a popular destination for sun seekers keen to avoid the bustle of a bigger city and remains the brand’s flagship not only for the Middle East, but also for India and Africa. That’s for good reason. The hotel is a tranquil setting, where European luxury mingles with Arabic hospitality, ensuring an idyll for travellers seeking both authenticity and comfort. The regal aesthetic is married with a cosy comfort, exemplified by the capacious lobby, with its ornate fixtures and Arabian majlis, and affable and elegant staff who are ready to attend to your every need from the moment you valet your vehicle.
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The excellence of service stems from the immaculate and approachable general manager, Kai Schukowski. Only in his mid-30s, the GM is notably the youngest in Kempinski’s history and is already filling his shelf with regional hotel awards due to his youthful flair and fresh approach. You’ll no doubt see Schukowski treading the carpets en route to your suite, which come with a host of K-Plus Benefits – such as 10 percent spa discount and a complimentary mini bar – if you upgrade to a Laguna Suite. For travellers wanting to make memories all the more special, the hotel’s Royal Suite is the go-to for style, sophistication and an abundance of space. The opulent 250-sqm suite is the best vantage point to take in the resort and peer over the sprawling beach and Arabian Gulf, thanks to five private balconies, and the master bedroom has its own walk-in wardrobe, powder room and marble bathroom, with sea views from the large soaking tub. With a large lounge, dining area, kitchenette and private butler service, you might be reluctant to leave the eighth floor.
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DINE
The best time to descend on the hotel’s culinary offerings is, of course, when your appetite beckons. And with 10 mouth-watering options for dining and drinks, there’s plenty to entice you back down the elevator. Considering the property holds more restaurants under its roof than any other hotel in the emirate, it’s hardly surprising that guests can take a comprehensive culinary world tour within a weekend. With an outdoor terrace and magnificent views, all-day dining restaurant Café Kranzler sounds somewhat reminiscent of the brand’s German roots, though the dining and brunch destination has an eclectic menu, from succulent Bedouin chicken to savoury Chinese dumplings, and more.
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Other highlights include Indian speciality restaurant Bukhara, offering delicacies from the subcontinent’s northern reaches – such as tender chunks of murgh malai kabab and delicately spiced tandoori jhinga. Another must-try restaurant is Sabella’s, specialising in organic Italian cuisine – the only restaurant of its kind in the northern emirates. From the private terrace to the authentic Sicilian décor, Sabella’s provides a warm atmosphere and a wine list as extensive as the food menu, comprising both northern and southern Italian fare. The chef’s specialties range from beef tenderloin with baby vegetables and thyme jus, to his beloved spaghetti alla chitarra, and the traditional pizza oven and a dessert trolley add that an extra air of European charm.
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UNWIND
With an abundance of eateries, it’s just as well there’s plenty to keep you active elsewhere, including the hotel’s latest thrilling activity, Eco Golf. The new beach driving range is attracting everyone from crafty veterans to first-time swingers, with the novelty of balls that disintegrate into fish food upon landing in the sea. The Ecobioballs are 100 percent biodegradable and non-toxic, but can also be used at the hotel’s own putting green. When you’re done feeding the fish, you’ll soon realise the beach is a destination within itself. The 450-metre expanse of soft sand is dotted with loungers and a bar, but largely left as an open space for fun and relaxation in the sun. Whether you’re a budding snorkeller, a thrill-seeking jet skier or simply a dedicated bookworm, the almost-half kilometre beach is one of Ajman’s true wonders. Once you’ve topped up on Vitamin Sea, it’s time to retreat to the hotel for some pampering at Kempinski The Spa and the Ayurveda Spa & Fitness Centre. The 650-sqm wellness facility features a total of four treatment rooms in the spa area and four more at the Ayurveda Spa, including saunas and steam rooms, a whirlpool, gym and aerobics room.
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There’s even a tennis court if you’re really keen to burn more calories before ticking another restaurant off your list. The variety of massages and beauty therapies now include luxury seasonal massages and the innovative Hydrafacial treatment – a first for the region. Already renowned in the US with celebs like Beyoncé and Eva Mendes, HydraFacial MD is a non-surgical skin resurfacing procedure that targets fine lines and wrinkles, congested, oily and acne prone skin, as well as other common skin complaints such as rosacea and hyper pigmentation. That’s a guarantee you’ll still be glowing long after the sun sets. And for your evening activity, the hotel’s own bowling alley is a jovial way to relax with family and friends throughout the evening. Featuring six bowling lanes, a karaoke room and a dedicated dance floor with DJ Alina on the decks, Cosmic Bowling is the only licensed bowling alley serving alcohol in the UAE. But however you decide with dine, unwind and imbibe, the hotel is sure to score a perfect strike for a magical weekend away.
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Deluxe rooms from AED700 (US$190), suites from AED1,950 ($530) per night
+971 6 714 5555
www.kempinski.com/ajman