RAK city: The lovely emirate has a lot to offer

If you’re tired of big city living this summer – let’s be fair it’s too hot to be catching the metro – why not spend a lazy weekend or longer in Ras Al Khaimah? It is not only renowned for arguably the best beach resorts in the Emirates but is also an ideal destination for guests looking to escape. Ras Al Khaimah’s luxury resorts have created special summer attractions and packages that offer relaxation, fine dining and an array of fun activities for kids to keep cool in a natural and adventurous environment.

The Banyan Tree Al Wadi and Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resorts offer just that with a private pool in each villa, ensuring that guests are never too far from a refreshing dip. Guests at Banyan Tree Spa Al Wadi can retreat to The Rainforest during the hottest part of the day. The Rainforest offers refreshing, hydrothermal therapies with alternating cold and warm treatments to improve circulation and rejuvenate the skin. A matching resort, Ras Al Khaimah’s Marjan Island Resort & Spa, cools you down with its Stay More, Pay Less packages.

For a more traditional getaway, Bin Majid Hotels & Resorts is made up of an 800-metre private sandy beach; numerous recreational areas, and scrumptious restaurant and bars that will make your stay an authentic experience. Packages include an overnight stay, meals and spa experiences.

Rixos Bab Al Bahr offers a unique experience found only in RAK. The hotel provides the ultimate ‘all inclusive, all exclusive’ stay at affordable summer rates. The ‘all inclusive’ hotel will be screening sporting events at the resort’s night club Inferno and offers special occasion packages.

Meanwhile, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is offering big discounts for both weekday and weekend stays. With a myriad of watersport adventure packages including scuba diving, fun diving and Micro light flights, guests are sure to discover the sea and sky of the Arabian Gulf. Water activities continue at Al Hamra Residence and Village, giving your children the chance to learn how to swim with the Kids Summer Swimming School.

Other offers include Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah’s 20 per cent discount on rooms, including breakfast and dinner. Facilities include a championship golf course and a 350-metre private beach, both set against the the Arabian Sea. Additionally, Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort welcomes you to enjoy exotic concoctions with the best selection of island style tidbits continuously served at the table at the Mai Tai Friday Brunch. The Cove Rotana Resort is also offering amazing rates this summer with a complimentary breakfast and a 20 per cent discount on all other services during your stay.

Visit: www.rasalkahimahtourism.com for more information.

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Further Afield

A few deals from around the world

Nice a-Roma

Etihad Airways has commenced a daily non-stop service between Abu Dhabi and Rome Fiumicino Airport.

Etihad Airways’ daily service to Rome is operated using Airbus A330-200 aircraft in a two-class configuration, featuring 22 fully-flat beds in Business Class and 240 seats in Economy Class.

Visit: www.etihad.com

Palatial living

The Mandarin Oriental, Paris has been granted an official ‘Palace Distinction’ by Atout France, the French Agency for Tourism Development. The hotel’s team is very honoured to receive this new and prestigious rating that celebrates the exceptional quality of services and comfort offered to guests.

Established by the French minister of tourism in November 2010, the ‘Palace’ accolade is only provided to the best five-star hotels that fulfil certain stringent criteria and embody French standards of excellence, therefore enhancing the image of France throughout the world.

Mandarin Oriental, Paris is now one of only eight French luxury properties in the city that has received this title.

Visit: www.mandarinoriental.com/paris

London calling

For GCC guests one of the best things a summer getaway can offer is a great night’s sleep. That’s exactly why Corinthia Hotel London, one of the city’s top five star hotels, has developed the ‘Sumptuous Sleep Retreat’; a concept that combines medical, physical, and nutritional expertise to offer an unrivalled sleep offering, based on research and guest feedback that a great night’s sleep is fast becoming the ultimate luxury.

The Corinthia combines its own facilities with the latest advice from leading experts in the wellness fields in order to give their guests the best possible night’s sleep.

Visit: corinthia.com/London.