What’s it like?

Nestled amidst picture-perfect views in the Al Hajar Mountains, Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort is an oasis of relaxation along Dibba’s coast. Despite being in Fujairah’s second largest town, you’d never know. The scene here is serene, peaceful and inviting – and all rather exciting as you approach the hotel through gorgeously rugged, mountainous terrain.

This area of the UAE remains very much a hidden gem, and gives off a tranquil ‘escape to the seaside’ sort of feel – a great getaway location to visit with (or without) kids during the summer holidays, or for a weekend staycation year-round.

Inside the art-inspired resort, interiors offer a striking balance between art-deco and bohemian with tasteful Arabesque touches. Having just opened in January this year, the property exudes a squeaky-clean feel that’s so enjoyable to explore.

With 180 rooms and suites to choose from offering marina and Gulf of Oman views, accommodation here is spacious and comfortable. There are also interlinking rooms for those travelling as a family.

Once checked in, a trip to as Fairmont’s signature Willow Stream Spa is a must for those looking to unwind, while the kids’ club is situated nearby offers child-friendly entertainment to keep the little ones busy. If you’re looking for some activity, the resort has a host of recreational options to choose from, including hiking, water sports, aquatic adventures and spiritual classes such as sunrise yoga on the helipad.

What’s to eat?

Led by friendly executive chef Giovanni Pugliano, there’s five F&B outlets to enjoy here – each boasting its own, unique menu and speciality.

Start the day at Canvas, the property’s all-day dining restaurant that serves a range of cuisines, but predominantly well-executed flavours from across the Middle East’s different regions from live cooking stations. We’d also recommend opting for in-room dining for breakfast one morning – it’s one of the best we’ve tried! Fresh, flavoursome fruit platters, perfectly runny, sunny side-up eggs, grilled beef bacon and sausages, fluffy pancakes, hot coffee – you name it, they’ve mastered it.

For lunch, head to Café Pronto, where you’ll find a range of ready-to-eat bites at the bakery counter, or a generous a la carte selection including light salads, to generous mains of grilled salmon or steak.

If you’re feeling a little peckish before dinner time, the gallery-led tea salon, Arteasan, serves afternoon tea in a relaxed atmosphere. With a selection of calming teas and indulgent pastries and cakes to treat yourself to, this is a spot to take things down a notch and enjoy a moment of bliss.

At dinner, the hotel’s signature restaurant ‘The Copper Lobster’, is inspired by the regionally caught lobster – the Omani rock lobster, which has a hard, coppery-glow like shell. There’s a daily fresh-catch menu available here, that brings focus to preparing local seafood in creative ways, such as lobster mac n’ cheese, or the Fujairah harra claypot served with tender lobster medallions. Here you’ll also be able to enjoy innovative, creative cocktails, paired perfectly to match your dish of choice.

Another option, inspired by the Arabic word for water is IAMMAI (pronounced ya-mai), is ideal for post-summer once the weather has cooled. This idyllic, al fresco venue sits pool-side and provides panoramic views of the ocean in front, and is open for light snacks throughout the day around the pool, or for dinner and shisha from sunset onwards.

Local attractions:

If you’re looking for a bit of adventure during your stay, the area surrounding Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort is full of historical and archeological excitement. From castles, forts, and watchtowers, to one of the oldest mosques in the UAE, there’s a lot of cultural enlightenment to be had.

Each week, the Masafi Friday Market is popular with locals and tourists alike, and is where you’ll find farmers selling the best in local fruit and vegetables, and vendors showcasing traditional art and crafts for purchase at fantastic prices.

If you enjoy the water, Fujairah’s coast provides some of the best diving spots available in the UAE. Abundant with natural coral reefs and tropical fish, snorkeling and diving is a must-try.

Located in the foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains outside Fujairah city, the Ain Al-Madhab Hot Springs are a popular retreat, where warm sulphuric water is produced and pumped into two swimming pools. These mineral springs are a popular family-friendly place. Separate bathing areas for males and females are available.

Bottom line:

All in all, it’s safe to say that there is a lot to keep the taste buds happy, and your group entertained at Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort. And, at just a 90 minutes’ drive from Dubai, it’s an idyllic staycation spot just waiting to be visited. We’re told there’s quite a number of Dubai residents that have weekend homes located on neighboring cliffs from the resort – and we leave completely understanding why. It’s truly a charming seaside escape to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Details: For more information or to make a reservation, call + 971-92041111, or e-mail fujairah@fairmont.com , or visit Fairmont Fujairah.