Where to Stay in Ras Al Khaimah

Desert escapes, mountain hikes and relaxing beachside fun…welcome to Ras Al Khaimah! The UAE’s northernmost Emirate is just over an hour’s drive from Dubai but holidays here are much more laidback compared to its glitzy neighbour. But what kind of accommodation will you find? We’re here to tell you! 

 

The best hotels in Ras Al Khaimah 

Blessed with a stunning coastline, most hotels and resorts in Ras Al Khaimah are set along the beach – perfect for sun-lovers – however, you’ll also find a handful of luxury desert retreats. Whether you're jetting off with the kids or planning a romantic getaway with your partner there’s something for every type of traveller in Ras Al Khaimah. These are our top picks, just for you…

The best Ras Al Khaimah resort for families 

With a private white sand beach and an exceptionally child-friendly vibe, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is easily the best for families. You’ll find a huge range of complimentary activities for all ages from tots to teens to adults.

For little ones, there are children’s activities, including a bouncy castle providing endless fun, while the Pirate Boat Aqua Zone lets everyone splash around. Children can visit the arcade zone, an extensive outdoor playground and a climbing wall for even more ways to burn off energy. 

Adults can play a few games of table tennis, pool or even giant chess, and then relax with a stretching class. A fitness room lets you keep in shape while you indulge in the variety of restaurants during your stay. Take to the water with adrenaline-fuelled watersports that are sure to wear the kids out or visit the nearby Al Hamra Golf Course to play a few rounds. And if you’d like to take a moment for a quiet meal in the evening, the resort also offers babysitting services.

The best resort in Ras Al Khaimah for a little luxury

Luxury comes as standard when you book your holiday with Best at Travel. And our top pick for feeling like a VIP in RAK (as it’s affectionately known) is the 5* Waldorf Ras Al Khaimah. Step inside your stunning room or suite and be rewarded with plenty of space and thoughtful accents that give a sense of place from Arabian latticework to gold mosaics. You’ll also find huge walk-in wardrobes, marble bathrooms and a complimentary pillow menu with 11 options to choose from! 

Outside, this luxury resort inspired by Arabian palace houses – think domes and arches – boasts a 350 metre private beach, separate temperature-controlled adults and kids pools, an award-winning underwater-themed spa with signature treatments and an impressive 10 restaurants serving up dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. Spend evenings at the refined Lexington Grill for seafood and steaks followed by champagne at the glitzy 17Squared Bar on the 17th floor. 

 

The best hotel for desert adventurers 

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert delivers high-end luxury in a secluded desert landscape filled with rolling sand dunes. Each of the Bedouin-inspired villas comes with a furnished terrace and a private pool so you'll certainly feel like you’re in your very own oasis as you watch the sun go down while Arabian oryx and desert gazelle wander past.

Set within a 1,235-acre nature reserve, there are plenty of unique desert-related experiences available at the resort, whether you wish to practice archery, ride a camel across the dunes, bottle-feed the resident oryx and gazelles or spend the night stargazing with the astronomy experts. 

The best All Inclusive hotel in Ras Al Khaimah 

For All Inclusive luxury, you can’t beat Rixos Bab Al Bahr. On the sands of Marjan Island and delivering great value for money, you'll be able to dine at up to 14 restaurants and bars including à la carte options and enjoy unlimited branded beverages as well as a complimentary in-room mini bar as part of the All Inclusive package.

And that’s not all! Whether you enjoy pristine white sands or a relaxing session in the spa, this resort has it all. Enjoy unlimited access to the steam room, sauna, ice fountain and Turkish hammam at the Avitane Spa, while two kids’ clubs ensure your little ones are entertained throughout the day. Then there’s football, beach games and pool activities or take part in a range of fitness classes to keep yourself active throughout your stay – if that’s what you feel like!

Where to stay in Ras Al Khaimah for your honeymoon 

For loved up newlyweds, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra Beach is an effortlessly relaxing oasis that delivers refined luxury on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Enjoy time away together with the collection of beach villas, complete with four-poster beds, private infinity pools and your very own cabanas – the Al Bahar Tented Beach Pool Villas even have direct access to the white sands.

Dine at the Shore House restaurant, where you can enjoy a range of à la carte seafood and international dishes, and then relax in the spa with its waterside pavilions and selection of signature treatments – or make the most of the seaside location with paddle boarding, fishing and kayaking. A complimentary shuttle takes you to sister property, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert set amid rolling dunes, where you can enjoy activities such as archery and falconry shows.

The best Ras Al Khaimah hotel for beach lovers 

If you love nothing more than lounging on the sands while on holiday, then you're in luck! Ras Al Khaimah boasts several stunning resorts that dot its coastline but our pick for beach lovers is the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa thanks to its sprawling 1.5 kilometre-long beach. 

This stretch of golden sand is lined with sun loungers and shade-giving palm trees, plus there's plenty of fun to be had in the water with a range of watersports to try your hand at.

Zip through the waves on a jet ski or don your snorkel and mask and check out the marine life. Should you tire of the beach – we're not sure it's possible but you never know! – there are seven swimming pools to choose from within the resort, plus 10 restaurants and swim-up bars to enjoy throughout the day. 

 

No matter what your ideal holiday plan looks like, start creating your itinerary with our round-up of things to do here – Ras Al Khaimah has something for every type of traveller. Take a look at our range of luxury holidays, available in this incredible location today or speak to one of our travel specialists.