In a quiet corner of the desert where wild Arabian oryx prowl among rolling dunes and hardy trees sprout through the sand, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is a serene hideaway. Anyone heeding the desert’s siren call would do well to check out the resort’s new Signature Villas, eight palatial retreats nestled within the 1,235-acre Wadi Khadeja nature reserve.
Strung out in a secluded corner of the reserve, the villas are carefully positioned to ensure maximum privacy and provide far-reaching views of the dunes. With a low-impact profile that blends into the surrounding desert, the four Sunrise Signature Pool Villas are ideal for early risers and morning sun-salutations, while the four Sunset Signature Pool Villas are perfectly poised for sundowners.
Inside, a palette of soft, neutral tones complements the natural wooden ceilings, with decorative accents that reflect the artisanal traditions of the region. Life unfolds in the Living Room, a generously proportioned space that opens onto the private pool and terrace along the entire expanse of one wall to create a vast indoor-outdoor living area. The 10-seat dining table is the stage upon which unforgettable in-villa dining experiences unfold, while the large Dining Bureau contains a complimentary minibar tailored daily to individual preferences.
On one side of each villa is a master bedroom with freestanding bathtub, indoor and outdoor showers, a vanity area and its own private terrace that affords panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On the other, an equally sumptuous bedroom with twin beds. A private fitness studio with TechnoGym running machine looks out onto an internal courtyard dotted with cacti and desert blooms, while a nanny’s room and pantry mean visitors can bring the whole household to share in the adventure.
Desert travellers are welcomed in their elegant hideaway by a private butler; a personal aide, guide and concierge who will prepare in-villa breakfast, mix sundowners on the terrace and make reservations for desert activities, the resort’s myriad of dining experiences or indulgent treatments in The Ritz-Carlton Spa, where a world of relaxation and rejuvenation awaits.
A true oasis in the heart of the desert, the spa offers a collection of treatments, from facials and massages to full-day wellness journeys, while The Rainforest is a sanctuary of tranquillity where guests embark on a journey through 16 unique hydrothermal experiences blending European and Middle Eastern bathing traditions.
For a magical evening in the solitude of the dunes, the resort’s collection of Destination Dining options are the stuff desert dreams are made of. From a three-course dinner next to a wildlife watering hole or a dinner for two atop Al Wadi Tower, to a Bedouin firepit BBQ or a sunset drive in a vintage car with a picnic in the dunes, these experiences will stay with you forever. Other dining options include the farm-to-table Farmhouse, all-day dining at Kaheela, the rooftop Moon Bar and the relaxed Moorish lounge, as well as seasonal BBQs at Kan Zaman and drinks at Oasis Pool & Bar.
Beyond the sandstone walls of this spectacular hideaway, the desert beckons, with a wealth of activities available including camel and horse riding in the Equestrian Centre, stargazing adventures, fat-bike trails and archery, as well as nature-focused activities including bird watching, nature drives, wildlife feeding and falcon and owl encounters. Junior jetsetters can busy themselves with den-making and treasure hunts, while active travellers may opt for a cardio or weights session in the fitness studio.
The hotel has a special The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert Signature Villa Offer that includes accommodation in a two-bedroom villa, butler service, complimentary amenities and beverage bureau, in-villa breakfast, a 90-minute spa treatment, nature drive or wildlife feeding experience and an in-villa BBQ, starting from AED 18,000 (US $4,900).
