Life & Style | Travel

Resort to an active escape

Slicing through the crashing waves of the sea on a speed boat just off magnificent Fujairah is by far the most enjoyable experience I have had in the UAE.

  • By Maey El Shoush, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:00 March 30, 2007
  • Explore

  • Image Credit: Hadrian Hernandez/Gulf News
  • Tucked away between the Hajar Mountains and a lush coastline is the perfectly positioned Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa.
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Cruising the Indian Ocean on a speed boat just off Fujairah is by far the most enjoyable experience I have had in the UAE.

Slicing through the crashing waves made the ride thrilling, with captain and general manager of WaterWorld, Michael Masters, showing off his skills behind the wheel.

This eastern end of the emirates proved to be a destination that boasted a vista enhanced by the views of rugged mountains that seemed to rise from the sea.

As I found out, Fujairah is not only a haven for water-sports fans and off-road adventure seekers, but also the perfect place to head for that well-deserved break.

Rich culture

The beauty of this area is almost pristine, with many treasures waiting to be discovered. The various archaeological sites that showcase the rich culture of the area, wadis, waterfalls and even local marine life are enough to tempt any traveller.

With tourists visiting the area in ever-increasing numbers, many hotel chains have also decided to set up business there.

Tucked away between the alluring Hajar Mountains and a lush coastline is the perfectly positioned Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa, the newest name to make its mark on the shoreline.

More hotels are already being built on this strip, with some scheduled to open later this year. This means the Fujairah Rotana will be "secluded" only for a little while longer. So, enjoy the serenity it offers while you can.

There is only one problem and it is this: If you don't know your way around Fujairah, you may find it slightly confusing as signboards are scarce.

When I voiced my concern to AnaMarija Raickovic, Fujairah Rotana's marketing and communications executive, she assured me they would soon be installing signages.

Combining styles

The design of Fujairah Rotana incorporates local architectural traditions complemented by colonial characteristics to create an over-all palazzo (palace)-style estate amid sculptured lakes and a sandy beach.

All rooms offer a view of the Indian Ocean and a pool, and come with either a terrace or a balcony. Colour schemes are inspired by the mountains and sand.

I checked out one of the ocean-front rooms and to say I had to tear myself away would be an understatement.

Whether it was the unobstructed view of the water, the bamboo furniture or the private terrace on the beach, all of it can only be termed simply irresistible.

General manager of the resort, Jean-Francois Laurent, says people who are looking for an alternative place to relax choose to come to Fujairah.

"Honestly, I feel our resort makes people feel they are somewhere exotic — such as in the Seychelles or Mauritius," says Laurent. "That is why more people are escaping the city and heading to Fujairah."

Occupancy at the resort is expected to touch 65 per cent before end of the year. This is reflective of the growing interest in the area, Laurent says.

"The Indian Ocean definitely tempts travellers because the water is crystal clear and undisturbed by any construction," he says.

WaterWorld, the resort's marine centre, offers free water sports opportunities for guests.

Fun for free

"We are the first resort in the UAE to offer these activities free of charge to guests because we want them to enjoy their stay and not worry about any extra payments," says Laurent.

Activities include glass-bottom boat rides, snorkelling trips, water skiing, canoeing, deep-sea fishing and big-game fishing. The resort has qualified instructors who accompany the guests.

I chose a boat ride. As the boat lifted anchor and headed out to sea, British-born Masters exclaimed: "Another day at the office!" We could barely hide our envy.

The boat ride is a must for anyone interested in visiting the resort — it is unbelievably refreshing!
From the high seas, I espied a few beachfront houses.

Masters says people were actively investing in properties in the area. This came as no surprise.

A few minutes later, he dropped anchor so we could have lunch at sea while enjoying the view of the resort in the distance. A couple of tour boats chugged past, loaded with tourists who waved at us. Soon we headed back to the resort as the wind began to pick up. The ride back was bumpier but no less exciting.

Sport is just one of the elements that lure the potential visitor to the resort. The other is the choice of dining.

For the foodies

As I went around the resort, I observed that the restaurants were located in various areas to cater to the needs of each guest.

A choice of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian food is specially prepared by chefs brought in from around the world. A band from Mauritius entertains the crowd with Cuban music or jazz.

Assistant food and beverages manager, Nicola Zamboni, says their aim is to create something memorable for each and every visitor.

"I want to stop this robotic theme that we tend to find in some hotels. We want to create a unique experience through the dining and entertainment we offer," Zamboni says.

The food is kept light, simple and fresh, according to executive chef Allan Limmer. "We like to keep the flavours clean and fresh, and not too heavy."

Limmer has worked in Paris and London before moving to the UAE and opening kitchens in other hotels here. As we sit in Waves, the beachfront restaurant, he prepares a special dish made from the roots of the date palm tree. Very tasty, I must admit.

"This is considered a top dish and anywhere else in the world, it would be quite expensive," Limmer admits.

When asked if guests could bring him their day's catch, Limmer says: "That's OK, I can cook it for them any way they want it as long as it is within reason!"

Visitors can also have dinner served on the beach for a more romantic experience.

Once you feel you have had a bit too much to eat, you can head towards the Bodylines Fitness Centre to burn it all off. Here, you will also find qualified fitness instructors and the latest equipment.

Just outside the gym is the soon-to-open Zen Spa, which will have special treatment rooms and relaxation areas when it opens by end of June.

Although the resort is great for a short break, it is also perfect for business meetings. "Some people just want to get away from the same old boardrooms and offices and get some work done with the team," Laurent says.

Relax or work

There are three meeting rooms, set up with the latest audio-visual equipment to facilitate seminars, conferences and meetings and a ballroom that can host fashion shows, concerts and weddings.

There's also a children's play area with babysitting services. Visitors can attend to business or simply relax without worrying.

And with only the sound of waves crashing, the resort actively promotes peace of mind, which these days is a distinct luxury.

Be a sport: Activities

  • Water skiing
  • Banana boat rides
  • Pedalo
  • Snorkelling
  • Boat trips
  • Parasailing
  • Desert safari
  • Quad bikes
  • Camel rides
  • Starlit Bedouin dinners
  • Arabian massage tents overlooking Indian Ocean
  • Diving centre



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