AL WADI DESERT RESORT
The Al Wadi Desert Resort, Ras al Khaimah, is the first in the UAE to offer an all-pool villa concept, complete with 3,960 square metres of Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spa facilities, a dedicated nature reserve, a private beach club, and an 18-hole championship golf course. This oasis of indulgence spans over 100 hectares, of which 60 hectares are dedicated as a nature reserve, home to local desert wildlife such as Arabian gazelles, camels, and oryxes. The resort is a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and a 20-minute drive from the vibrant Ras al Khaimah city centre. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/uae/ al-wadi-desert Magnum which, contrary to popular belief, was the first luxury SUV from an Italian vehicle manufacturer with supercar power – and not the Lamborghini LM002 from 1986.
And now, three decades later, the Levante S is launched. Endowed with a Ferrari-developed 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with direct injection delivering 316 kw and 580 Nm, the petrol-driven Levante is (for now) the most powerful mid-sized Italian SUV available.
STORM CHASER
Following a sumptuous dinner in the Farmhouse, a cool-down dip in my personal infinity pool, a good night’s rest and quick breakfast, we headed off in the direction of the majestic Al Hajjar Mountains in our Trident steeds for the day.
On the broad Dubai highways, the steering felt a bit remote at speed, but well weighted in the corners and at lower speeds in town. The exhaust system, controlled by pneumatic valves, maintained the rich aural signature of the brand, but in Sport mode, occasionally, it became a bit booming in the cabin.
The Brembo callipers with ventilated discs all round provides outstanding stopping power, while ride comfort was exemplary thanks to the standard air spring system (which provides six different height levels) and Skyhook shock absorbers.
We soon reached the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in the desert of Sharjah, an important archaeological site in the UAE, created close to various ruins and burial sites that date back to ancient times.
The low-rev growl of the Ferrari-derived powerplant changed to an ominous snarl at high rotations, and the huge thrust of the engine as it tackled the challenging brown-red dunes was an experience to savour.