THE crowd in the hotel’s reception at our post mid-night check-in spoke volumes: the easiest inference being that Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort & Spa is a very popular hangout with families. Within 20 minutes’ drive from Fujairah City Centre, Oceanic Khorfakkan is without a doubt the most charming destination in Sharjah’s eastern region.
Overlooking the turquoise expanse of the Gulf of Oman, and surrounded by the rugged shoulders of the Hajjar mountains, Oceanic Khorfakkan’s pride are the well-appointed beachfront villas that were launched at the Arabian Travel Market earlier this year. Small groups or extended families can book the entire six-bedroom villas, which comprise interconnected rooms of varying capacity. When TTN visited the property, one of the villas was still closed for completion, but the rest were open for occupancy. The villas offer the luxury of space and privacy, complete with a private lawn, verandah, beach access and barbeque facilities – ready for groups or families to share a memorable getaway. Our room, however, was in the old, familiar quarters of the property, cosy, brightly lit and with inviting views of the sea on one side and a busy KFC store on the other. The property features a pristine private beach, large outdoor pool, a diving centre, a panoramic beachfront-dining experience and unforgettable spa treatments.An ideal itinerary would include exciting water sport activities offered by the property, like snorkelling, parasailing, jet-skiing or scuba diving, all of which are organised by the diving centre. It is possible to get scuba diving certificates at this centre and people from other emirates also flock this place on weekends to be certified. The friendly staff at the diving centre is very supportive of first-timers, giving us a crash course on diving etiquette, what to expect and how to breathe underwater. Despite reassurances from the instructor that the water was free of ferocious marine predators, I was more than a little nervous when it was actually time to take the plunge. As we swam to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman (I later found out at that we were only six metres deep), my anticipation gave way to a strange calm as we beheld the rhythmic beauty of the marine life around us. Holding the diver’s hand with all my might, I spent about half an hour underwater, till it was time to swim up to the bright sun. Another attraction at the resort is the excellent range of spa treatments offered – from the stable of the Phytocéane brand and its well-trained staff. The spa facility comprises separate steam and sauna rooms, and is housed on the rooftop, alongside the gym, providing a breath-taking 360-degree aerial view of the Gulf. There are separate treatment rooms for men and women.We were given a taste of the Ocean Escapade package, which included exfoliation and hydration and costs Dh320 ($90). Book in advance for either therapists Vangie or Jack – you’ll leave elated and promising to return. I’m definitely returning to try the other spa treatments.My partner and I spent the last couple of hours of our stay bonding (or rather, competing) with strangers over sweaty games of table tennis, followed by a sumptuous dinner at the panoramic sea view restaurant, Al Murjan. By Rashi Sen