Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah

BACKGROUND

Mövenpick’s first beach resort in the UAE opened its doors last year in Ras Al Khaimah. We recently checked into the property, and it didn’t fail to impress. The resort has two buildings connected by a suspended bridge and the impressive architecture instantly caught our attention.

WHERE IS IT?

The resort is located on the man-made Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. It’s a 50-minute drive from Dubai International airport, and is close to other properties including DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island and Rixos Bab Al Bahr.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The hotel sets an immediate tone for an ‘island’ feel, with a strong emphasis on nature. The entrance hallway leads to the lobby on the right, which is adorned with grey walls, soothing hues and features attentive service. Oceaninspired light fixtures hang from the ceiling, a wall nearby is covered with a large line drawing, while high-back wicker chairs offer a perfect reading spot. The floor-toceiling glass windows allow natural light to pour in and offer views of lush greenery outside, with winding pathways leading to the pristine beach.

FOOD AND DRINK

We headed to Boons for brunch, which had plenty on offer from salads, breads and sushi to an inviting dessert spread, accompanied by live music. A warm and friendly vibe came through, and we dined on mushroom tortellini, braised beef short ribs, volcano roll sushi and smoked salmon rillette. We headed to the Neo Sky Bar later, the island’s only rooftop lounge, which offers stunning views. For dinner, we returned to Boons, and ordered the Wagyu entrecôte. We also headed to Beach House the following day for lunch, where we sampled the Kick-in Wings and steak fajitas while digging our feet into the sand. Other restaurants and bars at the property include The Market, Ula and the Moca Lobby Lounge.

ROOMS

There are 418 rooms, suites and chalets on the property. We stayed in the Panoramic Bridge Junior suite on the top floor located on the suspended bridge. The suite offers sweeping sea views and strongly reflects themes of modern design. It has plenty of storage space, a sofa bed and large balcony. The bed isn’t stacked up against a wall and has lovely views. A partition flanking the bed hosts the LED

TV. There is an enclosed walk-in shower offering sea views, a bathtub and some sustainable bathroom amenities.

MEETINGS

A ballroom on the property can accommodate 300 people, and that figure can be increased to 450 guests for standing events. The space can be divided into two distinct sections and is complemented by a pre-function area and terrace. Meanwhile, the two meeting rooms, named after the mountains in Ras Al Khaimah, can each host up to 60 people. Both meeting rooms can be further divided into two smaller sections if desired.

LEISURE

The gym is open 24 hours, while the Citrine Day Spa is open from 10am until 10pm. Guests who fancy an adrenaline rush can book in for some water sports, which are available until sunset. A floating waterpark is also present on the premises, along with multiple swimming pools.

Guests can get an adrenaline rush at the floating waterpark or opt for watersports

VERDICT

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is an ideal family-friendly getaway, coupled with impeccable service, great food and stunning views. A must on your staycation – or bleisure – radar.

BESTFOR

The ability to disconnect due to the resort’s ‘island’ feel

DON’TMISS

Watching the sun set from the rooftop lounge

PRICE

Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in June start from Dhs1,452 (£320) for a Panoramic Bridge Junior suite (Dhs615/£135 for entry level)

CONTACT

Al Marjan Island Boulevard, Ras Al Khaimah; +971 7246 0000; movenpick.com