NEEDLESS to say, whenever I think of Waldorf Astoria, images of the famous New York property invariably come to mind. We in the UAE, however, are also lucky to have not one, but two of these luxury landmark hotels: one in Ras Al Khaimah and the other in Dubai.
The Ras Al Khaimah property was the first to open in the country in the August of 2013. Only a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, and with its surrounding Hajjar Mountains, championship golf course and white sandy beaches, the hotel provides an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of Dubai’s hectic lifestyle.I spent a happy weekend in the resort with my daughter while she was on her summer break from university.Walking into the lobby, the iconic clock (a signature attribute in every Warldorf Astoria) immediately grabs your attention. The largest of its kind in the world, it is built by Smith of Derby, a family of clockmakers who, for over 300 years, have created and cared for some of the world’s most recognised public clocks. The clock in question handsomely pays homage to the region’s pearl diving tradition. Peacock Alley, a tribute to the ladies who visited the New York property more than 100 years ago, features alcove seating areas, providing a discrete place to enjoy some of the world’s finest coffees and light bites including the renowned Waldorf Salad. The peacock statue, gifted to the resort, is a sight to behold with its precious gems, gold and peacock feathers.Also unique to Waldorf Astoria is its personalised service, which includes a concierge assigned to each quest who acts as your primary contact. After the booking is confirmed, you receive an email from your personal concierge introducing themselves and providing suggestions on culinary offerings, spa treatments and sporting activities. For us, a spa treatment was the order of the day. Our personal concierge was with us immediately upon check-in to ensure all our needs were met.
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Enjoy Arabian hospitality |
Each of the 346 deluxe rooms and suites extend over at least 56 sq m and offer either a view of the Arabian Sea, the golf course or the Hajjar Mountains. Our deluxe room overlooked the sea, and had two queen-sized very comfortable beds, sitting area, working desk (that I definitely did not use!) with internet access, coffee machine, a large walk-in closet, a marble bathroom with both a shower and a bath. Our room was so large that my daughter and I both kept walking into the walk-in closet instead of the bathroom! We immediately headed out to the pool to enjoy our surroundings and the outdoors. There are two pools on the property, one infinity pool and an adult-only lap pool. We chose to go to the main pool where we relaxed and enjoyed a light lunch and sundowners. With such a wide range and choice of options, it was not easy to decide where to have dinner but eventually we settled on Lexington Grill, the famous US Steakhouse. It was suggested we arrive at the restaurant a little early to try one of their signature cocktails made with smoked apple. The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable explaining in detail as he made our drinks. Served with this was a snack of marinated beef that was so tender, it melted in our month. My daughter, who generally does not eat red meat, finished most of this! Once at the table, I opted for a steak and my daughter, a sea food lover, grilled prawns. Both dishes arrived cooked to perfection. We went for a stroll along the beach to help with digestion, then headed off for a good night’s sleep on our comfortable beds.After an early morning jog followed by a work-out in the gym, I didn’t feel too guilty enjoying the extensive buffet breakfast.After enjoying more time at the pool, my daughter and I topped off our stay with an hour-long facial. Two different product lines are used in the spa; Voya, organic, sustainable seaweed products, which have been produced on the shores of Ireland by the same family for over 100 years and Rodial; a ground-breaking youth-promoting range of skin products. The spa treatment was the icing on the cake of a fabulous weekend making it very hard to drive back home to Dubai, yet at the same time, making it almost bearable.
By Kim Thomson
