The United Arab Emirates has quickly become a favourite holiday spot for UK travellers, and it’s not hard to understand the appeal. With its diverse landscapes that include deserts, oases, mountains, and valleys, the UAE offers something for every type of traveller, not to mention the opulent lifestyle that’s on show throughout the year.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the glittering stars in the UAE’s luxury travel offerings.
Yet, just an hour’s drive from Dubai lies a lesser-known treasure that visitors have hailed as the country’s hidden gem. Harry Leach embarked on a journey to Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the northernmost emirate, this past November in search of adventure—and he found plenty.
Upon arrival, Harry witnessed thrill-seekers soaring along the world’s longest zipline, Jais Flight, where they reach breathtaking speeds of up to 100mph over the 1.75-mile course. He described the scene: “Ahead of me, adrenaline junkies shoot across the world’s longest zipline, Jais Flight, reaching hair-raising speeds of up to 100mph on the 1.75-mile journey,” adding, “Suspended in Superman positions, 4,869ft above sea level, I can just make out their gleeful shrieks as they reach safety after a three-minute dopamine hit.”
To the side, he spotted the Jais Sledder, a 1.14-mile toboggan ride hugging the mountainside on a low track, which he claimed was “To my right is the Jais Sledder: a 1.14-mile mountainside toboggan on a low-slung track. It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, and I’d argue far more exhilarating than any rollercoaster at Alton Towers.”
Harry summed up his experience: “This is Ras Al Khaimah, only a short 45-minute drive away from Dubai airport. It’s a thrillseekers’ dream destination while also a relaxing desert paradise.”
Harry enjoyed a luxurious stay at the five-star Mövenpick Resort, situated on Al Marjan Island’s picturesque coral-like islands, surrounded by the Persian Gulf’s shimmering turquoise waters. “When I arrived in late November, temperatures were still reaching 30C and above, despite being on the cusp of winter,” he explained.
His experience was made even more delightful due to a refreshing sea breeze which made the strong sun completely agreeable – an important factor for someone who needs to religiously apply factor 50 during the British summer.
The resort catered to a diverse crowd including older tourists, youngsters, families opting for retreat, solo travellers seeking tranquillity, adrenaline junkies, and those content with lounging on deck chairs. Harry discovered an array of activities at his disposal, from relaxing in the spa, immersing himself in an online gaming cave, trying out arcade games, watching over kids in the play centre, to enjoying frequent live shows.
After exerting himself in the gym, Harry indulged in what he described as the perfect post-workout reward: “I followed up a tough gym session by treating myself to the best post-workout meal available: Mövenpick’s ‘chocolate hour’ – 60 minutes of complimentary eclairs, truffles and choccy fondue. It’s pure indulgence.”
Despite plenty of options to keep him busy, he felt that “There’s a lot going on, a lot to see, a lot to do, but it never feels overwhelming.”
Mövenpick’s reputation as a well-loved Swiss hotel management brand precedes itself, especially in Europe, and does not disappoint with its dining experiences. “It goes without saying that Mövenpick, a well-established Swiss hotel management brand in Europe, has exceptional dining options – with four first-rate restaurants on site, all focusing on sustainability and fresh food, each with their unique style, character and draw.”
The Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island’s culinary centrepiece is The Market, operating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which has been dubbed the hotel’s bustling core by visitor Harry. Enlightening his experience, Harry expressed the commitment to authentic dining: “It’s about creating meals from the heart,” a sentiment shared by Chef Rajiv Ranjan Singh during a lesson in crafting Switzerland’s beloved rösti.
The resort is not just famed for its gastronomy but also for its sumptuous Neo Sky Bar. Moreover, it overlooks the ongoing round-the-clock construction site of the UAE’s inaugural casino, anticipated to open its doors in 2027.
This £3 billion venture promises to escalate tourist flow to Al Marjan Island, an area still carving out its name as a vacation spot, especially among Western tourists despite its youthful 12-year history.
Reflecting on his sojourn, Harry remarked: “I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived here. But after five days, I left feeling revitalised and refreshed. The warmth and friendliness of locals and the tranquillity of the island made it a tough goodbye on the final morning.”
He mused further: “Dubai gets most of the attention, and grabs the headlines, and perhaps that will always be the case.”
Yet he divulged: “But I’m fine with that because Al Marjan Island is currently the country’s best-kept secret.”
Travellers can fly from the UK to Dubai via Emirates, British Airways, or Virgin Atlantic with prices starting at around £420 for a return trip. Transfers to Ras Al Khaimah take approximately one hour.
A stay at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island kicks off at around £152 per night. To book, visit www.movenpick.accor.com. For additional details on the destination, head to www.visitrasalkhaimah.com.