We’ve been there and done that and here’s why you should too
Located on the sands of the Middle East, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is a luxury haven overlooking the Arabian Gulf. With a heavy influence from palaces in the area, at this hotel you have everything you could possibly need for an unforgettable getaway. This five-star resort is a great option for all travellers thanks to its wealth of facilities, while the accommodation choices act as the perfect sanctuaries for some much-deserved TLC.
Comprising 346 deluxe rooms and suites, 10 restaurants and two championship golf courses, disappointment isn’t an emotion felt here. Trust us, we know first hand as content writer Guy Humphrey went to check it out for 24-hours… it’s a tough job but someone had to do it.
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Driving up to Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah was something I’ll never forget. Looking like a life-sized sandcastle complete with turrets, the hotel made my jaw physically drop. As I got closer, I could smell the freshly mown lawn, hear the trickling of fountains and see the luscious flora in full bloom. The door from my air-conditioned private transfer was opened by a porter, I felt the sun on my skin and I knew I had arrived somewhere very special.
Walking into the lobby, my eyes lit up both with joy and from the light bouncing off the ornate crystal chandeliers and dancing across the stained-glass ceiling of the lobby lounge Peacock Alley. And then, I saw it. The main focal point of each Waldorf Astoria is a stunning clock, with this hotel no different. Designed by British-based clockmakers Smith of Derby, this artistic masterpiece stands proud, complete with seating all around the base. It took eight months to create from start to finish and symbolises the fact that Waldorf Astoria as a brand leaves no luxury stone unturned, even the minutest detail is covered.
The check-in process was very quick and easy and before I knew it, it was time to head up to my room for the night. Just a swipe of a key card, a turn of the handle and my home away from home was mine to luxuriate in, even if it was just for 24-hours.
Having scoured the website looking at pictures of the hotel, I had a pretty good idea on to expect, and my anticipation was high. My expectations were exceeded as soon as I stepped into the room. Upon entering I was met by the most lavish black marble bathroom that I’ve ever seen. If I was staying for longer, I would’ve definitely taken full advantage of the deep-soaking tub. Across from here, there was a large walk in wardrobe complete with a dressing table and robes hanging up, embroidered with the famous hotel logo.
After exploring the bathroom and walk-in wardrobe I then walked down a small hallway which led to an open-plan living room and bedroom. At one end was a king-size bed that I can testify was very comfortable and I had a brilliant night’s sleep. Storage certainly isn’t an issue here as even if I was here for a month I would be covered.
However, the piece de resistance is unquestionable the magnificent views of the Arabian Gulf. One step onto the balcony was all it took to make me never want to leave. The feeling of the holiday heat is indescribable, and the glorious vistas are a real sight to behold. The balcony stretched the whole length of the room and as the accommodation was longer than it was wide - it made for quite the USP. I spent a good portion of the afternoon relaxing on the lounger, trying to soak up all the sun I possibly could, and wishing that I wasn’t checking out the following day.
With 10 restaurants housed within the hotel, and only 24-hours, I knew I had to make my dinner choice count. The Japanese-eatery UMI caught my eye with its sleek interiors and mouth-watering menu on display outside of the establishment. After being greeted and seated at my table, I could truly appreciate UMI for what it was… and that was nothing less than five-star. To my left I could see parties of guests enjoying what looked like delicious fare, with attentive staff catering to their every whim and to my right was the Japanese gardens and the balcony that overlooked the emirate.
I decided to go for the tasting menu so I could sample a little bit of everything on offer and I was transported to Toyko, Kyoto and Osaka all in one meal. Wasabi rock shrimp, teriyaki chicken skewers, miso soup… the list goes on and on of what I had, and every bite was incredible. The main course was cooked right in front of me, too. Aromas of wagyu beef and rich soup filled the air as the dish was bubbling away. The food was then served and I devoured it pretty quickly. The wagyu beef was just how it should be; an incredibly tender meat that melted in my mouth and if I could have had more, I would.
There’s nothing I love more than a good five-star hotel and so jumped at the chance of being shown around with Chris Popp, general manager at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. Starting from the King Classic Room, each accommodation choice that I saw was even more lavish than the last. Everything was immaculate as you would expect. The wooden tables were so polished I could see my face in them, and there wasn’t such a thing as a bad view from the selection I saw.
However, the piece de resistance was the Royal Suite. Inspired by Arabian palaces, if I wasn’t with someone, I would have easily gotten lost as there’s a living room, a dining room, a kitchen and two bedrooms to get acquainted with. Not only this, but there’s a wraparound terrace that seems to go on forever and as this option is on the top floor, the views are incredible. Interiors are in-keeping with the rest of the hotel, too. A neutral colour palate, intricately-detailed carpets, contemporary furniture and crisp white sheets come as standard.
The staff at Waldorf Astoria were nothing short of spectacular. Accommodating, warm and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. If I ever needed anything such as water or food sent to my room, it was delivered efficiently and always with a welcoming smile. Oh, and it was presented underneath a silver cloche, no less.
The hotel itself is located on its own private beach that spans 350-metres to be exact. As well as the sands to relax on, there’s also two championship golf courses, a spa and a kids’ club. If I was there for longer you can bet that I would be spending a decent chunk of my time on the sun loungers with a good book in hand, accompanied only by the sound of the sea. All-in-all, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is definitely somewhere that I would return to, if only just to make my way around the 10 restaurants.
How do I book?
Just one-night has convinced me that I simply have to go back to Ras Al Khaimah just to stay at this hotel. Whether you choose to come here for seven-nights, or as part of an itinerary in the UAE, your dream trip is closer than you think. Simply enquire here or call one of our personal travel managers on 0203 816 0985.
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Dummy text...Thanks for sharing your experience with this. Its interesting how other cultures perceive how you “should be” if you are an American.
Thanks for sharing your experience with this.