Ultimate Glamping at Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai
Al Khaimah Tented Villa pool deck
‘Glamping’ is a portmanteau of ‘glamour’ and ‘camping’ that describes a style of camping with facilities and resort-style services far removed from “traditional” camping. Glamping has become popular with 21st-century tourists demanding the luxuries of hotel accommodation with the escapism and adventure recreation of camping.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert
Just outside the metropolis of Dubai, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is set within the sanctuary of Wadi Khadeja, offering a luxury resort experience inspired by nature, culture and tradition. In the tranquility and adventure of the desert, luxurious pool villas borrow from Bedouin architecture, dining features local dishes and desert views and resort activities include falconry shows and camel trekking, unique to the UAE.
Camel trekking
There are “regular” (and I use that term loosely) Bedouin-inspired luxury villas, each with a private pool in the Al-Rimal complex offering 1700 SQ FT (158 SQ M) of space.
Al Rimal Pool Villa
Al Rimal Villas
For those who require more privacy, Al-Rimal Enclosed Pool Villas offer maximum harem-like security from prying eyes for an extra premium fee.
Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah restaurant terrace
The 5-star amenities
Lobby
Carefully crafted culinary experiences including an all-day dining restaurant, a rooftop bar and dinner on the dunes.
Farmhouse Restaurant
Terrace
Spa with treatments incorporating locally sourced herbs and spices and hydrotherapy facilities combining European and Asian philosophies.
Hamman
An array of outdoor activities including archery, nature walks, biking, bird-watching, camel rides and stargazing.
Archery
Family-friendly Ritz Kids program for guests ages 4 and older with daily activities including kid’s archery, pony rides, video games and bedtime stories under the stars.
The Watchtower is inspired by traditional ancient watchtowers and is a private dining facility.
Watchtower
Ultimate Glamping
Al Khaimah Tented Villa
For those who wish to get in touch with their inner ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, the ultimate glamping must be the Al Khaimah Tented Villa offering 2723 SQ FT (253 SQ M) of accomodation for either 3 Adults or Two Adults and 2 Children.
Al Khaimah Tented Villa bedroom
The view is described as ‘desert’ and it comes with a bathtub, separate shower and an oversized soaking tub.
Al Khaimah Tented Villa bath
Outside, the private pool and furnished outdoor terrace offers spectacular views of the…er…desert and night sky.
Al Khaimah Tented Villa pool
Despite the desert isolation, all villas are equipped with a 55-inch LCD screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi.
What Price Such Luxury?
Al Rimal Pool Villa, Bed and Breakfast rate for 2 Adults includes buffet breakfast daily: 2,093 AED / $570 per night.
Al Rimal Enclosed Pool Villa, Bed and Breakfast rate for 2 Adults includes buffet breakfast daily: 2,443 AED / $665 per night.
Al Khaimah Tented Villa, Bed and Breakfast rate for 2 Adults include full breakfast daily: 3,517 AED / $958 per night.
AlphaLuxe Comment
Dubai does not have the enormous oil wealth enjoyed by its neighbours such as Abu Dhabi. Revenue from petroleum and natural gas currently account for less than 5% of the emirate’s gross domestic product. Dubai is the top business gateway for the Middle East and Africa. Its main source of wealth has historically been as a port. In recent years it has sought to make money from property development and luxury tourism.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert offers the romanticism of Bedouin culture and escapism in the natural desert environs without sacrificing the luxury touches that the price of a night under the stars demands.
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Author’s Biography: Melvyn Teillol-Foo (MTF)
Dr Melvyn Teillol-Foo is a contributor on AlphaLuxe web-zine.
He is also a moderator on PuristSPro.com horology discussion fora. He blends his scientific medical objectivity from the pharmaceutical industry with purist passion, in his musings about watches, travel, wine, food and other epicurean delights.
His travelogue ‘Lazing’ and feasting ‘Grazing’ series of articles have now passed into “mythic legend” on the original ‘ThePuristS.com’ website. Those were the halcyon days when he was “rich and famous” that he remembers with bittersweet fondness.
Dr Teillol-Foo is a quoted enthusiast on the watch industry, appearing in feature articles and interviews by Wall Street Journal, International Herald Tribune, Sunday Times (London), Chronos (Japan), Citizen Hedonist (France) and other publications. He has authored articles for magazines like International Watch (iW) – both U.S. & Chinese editions, ICON (Singapore), August Man (Singapore), Comfort (China) and The Watch (Hong Kong).