The island getaway on the Arabian Peninsula marks the first property for luxury brand IHG Hotels & Resorts in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Here’s what we know…
Located on the sparkling shoreline of Hayat Island, the new five-star resort and spa by IHG Hotels & Resorts plans to bring the InterContinental life to the Arabian Peninsula by combining idyllic island style living with the warm hospitality of authentic Arabia. The resort’s design is inspired by the three original tribes of the emirate, the Desert, Mountains and Sea, and shelters 351 sea facing guestrooms, suites, and private pool villas, along with six dining outlets.
“InterContinental Hotels & Resorts have been pioneering luxury travel in new destinations for over 75 years and the undiscovered destination of Ras Al Khaimah couldn’t be more perfect for a new, best-in-class InterContinental resort,” said Haitham Mattar, Managing Director India, Middle East and Africa. “Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation has grown internationally and has put the Emirate on the world travel map. Its focus on heritage, cultural and adventure activities has a strong appeal to domestic and also international visitors. We look forward to welcoming guests to this exquisite property and offer a level of bespoke hospitality that is befitting of the region.”
Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts
From Classic Seaview Rooms to Family Villas, all the guestrooms face the sea, complete with discreet private balconies and terrace areas, offering breezy panoramas of blue hues. The private Pool Villas are a luxurious sanctuary, each equipped with their very own private pool, while the larger 150square metre villas offer a luxurious sleeping, living, dining and pool experience in an environment where the décor, furniture, and the latest technology create a relaxing environment for travellers and a home-away-from-home experience. The Presidential Suite is the largest of all accommodations, providing immediate access to the lapping waters just outside the door in a 200 square metre suite which perfectly captures the island aesthetic of the wider resort.
A dining destination in itself, the resort is also home to six all-new culinary outlets, offering an assortment of venues each with their own unique story. From Levant & Nar which delivers Levant influenced delicacies with a modern twist, through to NoHo, a trendy hangout inspired by the artistic streets of New York, there is something for everyone and every mood.
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Whether you choose to while away the hours on the white sandy beach which overlooks the royal blue of the Arabian Gulf, or spend the warm, sunny days by the infinity pool, a variety of water sports are on offer as well as a curated activity programme that includes the Planet Trekkers and Teens Club facilities. Planet Trekkers provides a curated program to actively engage children and enhance their view on the world.
Complete with state-of-the-art equipment, the resort’s light flooded health club is the perfect place to get a workout in, complete with a separate fitness studio, outdoor tennis court, as well as saunas to relax in after a workout. The Spa InterContinental, scheduled to open in April, will provide an extensive range of anti-ageing and wellness treatments, along with modern remedies to melt away stress and enliven the senses, including a traditional Turkish Hammam.
From the dazzling coastal sands to the far-reaching desert-cloaked topography, the resort’s Concierge Programme – a dedicated hallmark of the InterContinental brand – is on hand with a wealth of knowledge about Ras Al Khaimah’s unique treasures and how to best explore them, curating individual experiences for every guest.
Main image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts
