With bountiful adventures, inviting hotels, temperate shallow seas, long uncrowded beaches, and plenty of activities to keep children entertained, the northernmost Emirate could be your next family holiday destination.
The Ritz Carlton is at the very heart of the protected Al Wadi Nature Reserve. Deep in the desert, the extraordinary location affords visitors endless opportunities to experience authentic Bedouin living in the lap of luxury.
Breathtaking firey-red desert-scapes surround the extensive resort and the unspoilt environment allows you and your family to learn ancient traditions, find peace and possibly see the rare oryx, a cantankerous camel or two, wary desert foxes, and if you are fortunate, the elusive desert cat.
The desert has a range of activities, including the Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Centre, archery, cycling, star gazing, bird watching, and nature drives within the protected parklands. Kids can become a Ritz Ranger and explore the nature reserve and learn some survival skills along the way.
The multi-award-winning (over 160 since its opening) Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is synonymous with refined luxury and has become as iconic to the RAK skyline as the Burj Khalifa is to Dubai's. The hotel proudly showcases the ancient history, tradition and culture of the UAE.
There are various options for accommodation for families with children, from the family rooms to the expansive 422 square metre multi-level Imperial Suite, which sits atop the tower and commands spectacular birds-eye views of the grounds, across the Arabian Gulf and Al Hamra’s golf course
Rixos Bab Al Bahr is the embodiment of island living. The vast hotel spreads across three pyramid-shaped buildings interspersed with meandering waterways and a busy souq. The central entertainment square is lively and home to numerous delicious dining facilities included in the all-inclusive offerings.
Outside, the vast, beautifully manicured gardens contain four temperature-controlled swimming pools and a kids’ club with enough activities to keep them busy from dawn to dusk. Kids also have access to their own pool, waterslides, and outdoor playground. Many all-inclusive activities such as football, beach volleyball, basketball, fitness classes, and table tennis are along the beach together with an exciting range of water sports like kayaking, banana boating fun and parasailing
The resort is child-friendly and offers many activities, including their own kids’ club and swimming pool with a fun slide. Teens can enjoy the eponymous club, with various activities throughout the day. There are well-equipped indoor and outdoor playgrounds and table tennis facilities.
Adventurous families can head out to the city to explore the national museum, bustling souqs, food markets and a traditional shipwright. The beach resort is the ideal destination for exploring the adrenaline-fuelled activities in the Jebel Jais mountains, the ancient village of Al Rams and the fascinating Suwaidi Pearl Farm.
Adrenaline seekers will want to make a beeline for the recently launched Jais Sledder, offering a toboggan ride down through the spectacular Hajar mountains over nearly 2,000 metres of hairpin curves.
A visit to the Suwaidi Pearl Farm is an interactive experience that the whole family can enjoy as you’re guided through over seven millennia of history, leaning how pearl farming has played a vital part in the Emirate’s development.
To get under the Skin of Ras Al khaimah’s culture, pay a visit to Jazirat Al Hamra. Known as ‘The Ghost Town of Ras Al Khaimah’, this abandoned village is an eerie reminder of how locals used to live. Another great stop on your culture vulture tour is the National Museum where you’ll find an impressive collection of archaeological and ethnological artefacts that date back thousands of years. To get ahead of the crowds, pay a visit to Dhayah Fort before its place is cemented as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visitors flock to inspect its castle-like structure which stands tall amidst the arid mountain landscape.
Travelling by train isn’t just a more responsible way to explore - it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and cultures of Europe. Forget queueing at airport security or worrying about baggage weight; with rail journeys, you can sit back, stretch your legs, and watch the world go by. What makes many of these journeys even better is they begin in London with the Eurostar, making it easier than ever to skip the airport altogether.
Travel is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with the world, and these magnificent lodges can help you do just that amongst some of the world’s most arresting scenery. What’s more, these lodges are all actively contributing to the preservation of the landscapes you’ve travelled to enjoy. These aren’t just places to stay, they’re destinations that inspire, whether through their endemic wildlife or unique cultural practices. From the rugged coastlines of South Africa to the serene valleys of Bhutan, here are six exceptional eco-lodges to add to your ‘must-visit’ list.
Italy’s capital city rewards a short break done properly. With two full days, you can cover the big sights, eat exceptionally well, and still leave space to get pleasantly lost between piazzas. Base yourself somewhere central so you can explore largely on foot and dip back to your hotel when you need a pause. Here’s a well-paced way to spend your time in Rome, with ideas for what to see, where to eat, and where to stay.
