A luxurious comfort zone

The only down point about Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa is that it's a bit challenging to find. There are lots of blue signs for the other Hilton Hotel in town but the brown signs you need to follow to get to the resort only seem to appear after driving around and getting lost for a good while.

Anyway, my friend and I eventually reached the stunning resort and spa and were immediately impressed by the interior decor and architecture, mixing classic arabesque style with a contemporary edge.

The resort is coloured in earthy hues and decorated with an array of traditional lanterns, mirrors and treasure chests.

Grand lobby

The lobby is grandiose, decorated with traditional Arab floor patterns and lit in warm colours.

We were escorted to our room, which was at the far end of the main building, so we walked through the long and wide hallways, stopping along the way to admire the gilding walls and thick carpets.

Overlooking the Arabian Sea and situated in the shadow of the spectacular Hajar Mountains, the resort consists of both chalet-style accommodation and hotel rooms, each with full and unobstructed access to a kilometre of white beach.

Once we got to our room, we were pleased with everything about it, from the earthy colours of the modern, high-quality furniture to the bathroom and the balcony overlooking the magnificent winding pool deck, the largest in the UAE, surrounded by palm trees and flowers beds. It was the most beautiful pool I have seen so far.

In addition, the resort features four free-form, temperature-controlled pools, including one with salt water.

Great vantage point

All with waterfront views, the guest rooms' patios and balconies provide a nice vantage point to enjoy Ras Al Khaimah's coastline.

Because it was already quite late in the evening, my friend and I quickly changed and went to the ground floor to explore the various dining options, which come aplenty — 12, to be exact.

For those who check in on time to admire the sunset, head to Al Fanar Lighthouse or Rooftop Bar.

Entertaining time

After checking out the XO lounge, which is intimate and provides a solo live performance after 9pm, we headed to Piacere Del Gusto, the resort's à la carte restaurant, where guests can taste classical Italian cuisine either indoors, near the open-air kitchen, or on the terrace overlooking the Arabian Sea.

I had beef tenderloin, with mushrooms on a bed of polenta, and my friend wouldn't stop praising her rigatoni pasta with duck in the rich, creamy tomato-based sauce.

The next day, we headed to Maarid Restaurant for the breakfast buffet and filled ourselves with European pastries, salmon, cold cuts, cheeses and omelette.

Beach break

To walk off all this food, we decided to take a stroll by the chalets, which are located on a stretch of land along the white beach.

Although the resort is just about an hour away from Dubai and its hectic life, we were able to enjoy a serene and quiet time, even getting to hear the sounds of birds twittering on the trees.

In the evening at the Dhow Beach Bar (Mediterranean food) near the chalets, a fun live band plays on a fantastic deck area and encourages the guests to sing along.

For those who want to be active (not like us), the resort offers a fully equipped health club with a yoga-aerobics room and the facilities for beach volleyball, football, water polo, badminton and tennis.

At the watersports centre, guests can also snorkel, waterski, windsurf and dive.

Spa specials

Feeling a bit lighter after our walk, we headed to the spa for a facial.

The facility houses nine treatment rooms, besides two hammams, Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms. There are two spa tents set up on the beach for outdoor treatments.

Children are not forgotten, with a dedicated Kids Club featuring an indoor and outdoor playground.

Feeling completely relaxed, it was unfortunately already time to get back in the car and make our way to Dubai.

I will definitely come back to Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa — only this time, I won't get lost and miss the sunset.

Quick facts

For your taste buds

Things to do