InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa opens in RAK

The peaceful seafront of Ras Al Khaimah now has another five-star resort, adding yet more weight to the northern emirate’s appeal as a staycay and tourist destination.

The stylish InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa is the first hotel in RAK for the luxury brand and has been designed with an Arabian aesthetic in mind.

Set on the shoreline of Hayat Island, not far from The Cove Rotana Resort, the new InterContinental property has decor inspired by the three original tribes of the emirate: the desert, mountains and sea with patterned fabrics and artworks creating a setting in keeping with its tranquil setting.

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With the rugged Al-Hajar Mountains in the distance behind the property and the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf in front, the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa is in touch with the region’s natural landscape.

All of the 351 rooms and suites face the sea and the white sandy beach, with 150sqm private pool villas and a 200sqm Presidential Suite adding a VIP touch. Among the six restaurants is the hip NoHo that’s inspired by the artistic streets of New York’s North Houston neighbourhood.

Levant & Nar, meanwhile, serves regional dishes with a modern twist and has an open kitchen, a terrace, themed Ottoman nights every weekend, a fire pit and 360-degree sea views. For poolside dining, shisha, frozen mixed drinks and sunset views there’s ShaSha, an al fresco spot that offers nighttime movies, sunrise yoga and salsa dancing.

Kids can go and enjoy both the Teens Club and the Planet Trekkers hub, while there’s a tennis court and health club lit by natural light and filled with high tech machines for adults. The Spa InterContinental will open in April and includes a traditional Turkish Hammam.