The Al Wadi is situated 45 minutes from Dubai, set in Ras Al Khaimah’s serene Wadi Khadja, in the midst of a protected nature reserve. Here, guests are given the chance to have a luxurious face to face with the local desert. It’s a large resort with 101 private villas, but each one is set within its own secluded gardens, with a private pool and some majestic views of the desert. There are three accommodation options available: the Al Khaimah (designed to romantically resemble a Bedouin tent), the Al Sahari (combining a touch of solitude with a dedicated spa room) and finally our personal recommendation, the Al Rimal (with traditional mud brick exteriors and Arabesque interiors). On top of all this there’s a hydrotherapy spa with ten pavilions in which to escape your stresses with some modern treatments inspired by age-old Asian medicinal practices.
Of course it’s not all about massages and lazing around and for those that wish to get up and at it there are a number of activities on offer. Firstly there’s the 18-hole Al Hamra golf course, just 20 minutes from the main resort. It has an onsite golf academy with a multiplicity of facilities, from indoor studios to outdoor driving ranges, which along with the team of professional staff should help improve your handicap. If golf doesn’t raise your heart rate enough, there’s an activity centre that offers an introduction to falconry, horseback-riding, camel safaris, archery lessons and bike trails to keep you entertained. And while you’re off working up a sweat, children can enjoy educational, fun activities in the Kid’s Club.
Leaving the best till last, the resort features a 60-hectare nature reserve where you can take a guided tour and see animals such as Arabian Orxy and gazelles roaming freely with Indian Rollers and Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eaters soaring above them. The Banyan Tree Al Wadi takes Middle Eastern escapism to a new level.
WHAT Banyan Tree Al Wadi
WHEN Officially opened in April 2010
WHERE Wadi Khadija, Ras Al Khaimah, U.A.E.
WHY Blended Arabian and Western influences along with a range of activities and facilities set Al Wadi apart. It will appeal to all age groups.
www.banyantree.com
