Middle East · United Arab Emirates
Mountains, a quiet coast and the Emirates' highest peak, an hour beyond Dubai.
Our notes
Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate and the one with the landscape: the Hajar mountains rise to nearly two thousand metres at Jebel Jais, and the coast is long, quiet and a world away from the Dubai marina. Sir Bani Yas, off Abu Dhabi, is a wildlife island with free roaming cheetah and oryx and three lodges on it. Both suit travellers who want the Gulf's hotels without its crowds, and both are an easy drive or short flight from the Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. Winter is the season.
Stay
Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah & the Northern Emirates
A resort of 32 private pool villas on Al Hamra Beach in Ras Al Khaimah, each with direct access to the Arabian Gulf shoreline.
Price on request
Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah & the Northern Emirates
A 1,235-acre private nature reserve north of Dubai holds 109 villas, each with its own terrace and pool, alongside an equestrian centre, falconry school and a 16-station hydrothermal spa circuit.
Price on request