The Ritz-Carlton Unveils An Ultra-Luxe Desert Escape
The new signature villas at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, have captured the essence of traditional Arabian living
Arriving at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, about an hour’s drive from Dubai, evokes an unexpected nostalgia for a bygone era. The surrounding sand dunes and camels en route are certainly a world away from the bustle and buildings back home. I’m staying at one of the hotel’s newest villas, tucked in the serene expanse of Wadi Khadeja, within a sprawling 1,235-acre private nature reserve.
There are two parking spaces right outside my villa, a testament to the comfort and convenience that’s to follow inside. Built over 900sqm, the structure follows the principles of biophilic design, ensuring a perpetual connection to the outside world. The space sports sandy tones that pay homage to the surrounding landscape, beautifully blending design and contemporary comforts with the preserved nature. Cleverly planned, the villa is embedded in the environment without disturbing the desertscape that’s visible at every hour through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
The epitome of the luxury The Ritz-Carlton is so known for, each design detail has been meticulously crafted to ensure all relaxation and rejuvenation needs are taken care of – and if anything is missing, I have a personal butler at my service around the clock.
There’s a fitness studio by the front door, furnished with the latest Technogym and surround-sound equipment. The living room features plush grey sofas and a 65-inch TV with a fireplace underneath, leading to a large ten-seater dining table. The terrace has a private pool, sun loungers, a hammock (perfect for stargazing at night) and an al fresco dining area. The master bedroom comes complete with a king-sized bed, writing desk and window seat overlooking the sands. There’s also a standalone bathtub, walk-in rain shower and outdoor enclosed shower for unwinding at the end of the day.
For lunch I head to international restaurant Kaheela, before visiting the spa for a Lomi-Lomi massage. Originating from Hawaii, the deeply revitalising treatment uses full-body techniques, applied with rhythmic grace using thumbs, palms and elbows to loosen stressed muscles and leave the body completely refreshed. My therapist, May, follows up with an in-depth evaluation of exactly what my body needs for a positive transformation. Before dinner at the signature Farmhouse restaurant, I head out into the desert for a sunset camel ride. My camel, Zafran, is 22 years old and has a character of his own, taking control of the route – making it pleasantly long. The destination is a cosy spot overlooking the untouched beauty of the expansive land, where only silence can be heard.
The next morning, I’m strapped into a desert truck for a wildlife-feeding experience. Deep in the desert, we’re greeted by Arabian oryxes, characterised by their long horns and markings on the face and legs. The tour guide relays stories of snakes camouflaging here, foxes coming out each night and how these species thrive in the heat.
Back at the villa, there’s no better way to end the escape than with an in-house breakfast spread, generously served with a mix of local and international ingredients. The timeless allure of the golden dunes has been captured so gracefully by The Ritz-Carlton, without interfering with nature – rather, by becoming at one with the desert.
For more information visit, ritzcarlton.com.
Images courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Interiors’ Autumn 2024 issue