Imagine taking a serene walk in the desert amidst an enclave of ghaf trees and sand dunes. You will find all of this just a 45 minutes drive from Dubai at the Banyan Tree Al Wadi in Ras Al Khaimah. The luxury desert resort officially opened last month and has quickly become a popular weekend escapade for all Dubians.
The hotel is set on a wildlife preserve which has native animals such as the Arabian Oryx and various breeds of Gazelles. If you are lucky, an Oryx might appear right outside your window when you wake up. Bike Tours are offered of the preserve by Banyan Tree staff enabling you to explore all the marvels of the vicinity. There is also an on-site Falconry Center which allows visitors to learn the wonders of the native birds.
Regardless of its natural setting, the Banyan Tree’s atmosphere is luxurious and incredibly refined. The hotel’s decor is set using a mix of Thai and Middle Eastern accents; canopied bedrooms and tented villas recall the tale of 1001 Arabian Nights while 3,000 square meters of Asian-inspired hydrotherapy Spa facilities leave you feeling rejuvenated and at peace. There is also an 18-hole championship golf course.
You can wine and dine at Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature restaurant renowned for its innovative Thai and South East Asian specialties. The restaurant overlooks a watering hole where local wildlife come to gather. Diners will easily pause their conversation to gaze upon these nomadic creatures. A drink at the Moon bar on the rooftop terrace will conclude your evenings with a beautiful desert sunset falling behind the sand dunes.
