Sponsored: As the one-year anniversary of Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort approaches, this stunning destination continues to prove it’s a serious contender on the world stage
With the emirate’s first overwater villas, it offers a fresh take on the luxury escape—nestled among tranquil mangroves overlooking the sparkling Arabian Gulf, the resort features private beaches and a delightful array of dining options. Everything you need is just a leisurely stroll (or a quick buggy ride) away, making it a perfect getaway.
Just an hour from Dubai, you can enjoy a refreshing retreat in the UAE’s lesser-known wetlands, where mornings are often accompanied by the graceful sight of herons—reminding you that paradise is closer than you think and without the jet lag. So, why not celebrate your next getaway here?
Accommodation
The Overwater Pool Villa is the ideal retreat for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life without venturing into the Maldives. Elevated on stilts above the shimmering waters, this stylish villa features a charming thatched roof that sets a tropical tone from the outset. Upon entering, you’re welcomed by an expansive open-plan layout that combines the dining area and lounge.
What truly makes this villa special is the breathtaking view from every angle. The glass-fronted design allows for stunning vistas of the mangroves and sea, so you can enjoy your morning coffee while watching the herons parade—just another day in paradise!
The villa’s décor features a soothing palette of whites and blues, complemented by thoughtful touches like a hidden outdoor shower and a delightful soap menu showcasing scents such as cedarwood and patchouli. And let’s not forget about the private plunge pool! It’s just the right size for a refreshing dip or lounging with a mocktail. With amenities like a dedicated villa host, this stay provides plenty of pampering to make you feel like royalty.
Culinary highlights
Dining at Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah offers a diverse culinary experience across its six outlets. Celebrating Anantara’s Asian roots, Mekong serves a variety of Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese dishes in a vibrant setting with an open kitchen. During our Sunday brunch, we began with the Mekong Signature Tasting Appetiser Platter, which featured crispy Vietnamese spring rolls, chicken satay, and vegetable dumplings.
This was followed by a selection of salads, including a refreshing pomelo salad with seafood and a zesty Thai chicken salad. The meal continued with a comforting Chicken Wonton Soup and a main course served family-style, enhancing the communal dining experience. Highlights included Kung Pao chicken, wok-fried seafood, and a delectable Massaman beef curry, complemented by baked fish infused with Vietnamese spices. The dessert-tasting platter provided a sweet finale with sticky rice and mango, coconut treats, and mango yuzu delight.
For dinner, we enjoyed the Roast Night buffet at Sea Breeze, where the menu showcased a delightful array of dishes. We kicked off our meal with a rich Thai Duck Curry paired with wok-fried vegetable egg noodles, both of which offered a satisfying blend of flavours and textures. For the main course, we indulged in a succulent piece of grain-fed beef striploin, complemented by roasted vegetables and potatoes, and classic Yorkshire puddings—a comforting combination for our mains.
To round off the evening, we treated ourselves to dessert with a mixed berries panna cotta and a banana passion crème brûlée. The panna cotta was delightfully creamy and the berries added a refreshing tang, while the crème brûlée offered a luxurious finish with its smooth, rich custard and caramelised top.
The next day, we woke up and strolled around the property, making our way to Sea Breeze once again for breakfast. We savoured a delicious chicken sausage frittata, perfectly complemented by crispy hash browns and seasoned black pepper chicken paired with egg-fried rice. To top it all off, we indulged in a delightful pain au chocolat, which provided a fittingly sweet conclusion to our hearty breakfast.
After a relaxing spa session, I headed to the Lobby Lounge for afternoon tea, enjoying both scenic views and indulgent bites. The experience opened with the First Tier, featuring a pistachio saffron éclair layered with saffron vanilla custard, pistachio praline crunch, and a silky whipped ganache. Moving to the Second Tier, the global sandwiches shone, particularly the smoked salmon and cucumber with herb cream and the richly flavoured grilled Mediterranean vegetables on sun-dried tomato bread. The saffron koki with truffled egg cream and truffled mushroom beetroot tart were my personal favourites for their intricate presentation and rich flavours.
The Third Tier delivered sweet treats, from a decadent caramel hazelnut praline chou and double-chocolate delice to fresh tropical macarons and a classic vanilla raspberry tartlet. Rounding off the spread were freshly baked scones with clotted cream and homemade jams, plus a surprising Asian addition of duck bao and crispy coconut chicken with Thai sweet chilli and peanut sauce—a perfect savoury contrast.
For dinner, we ventured to the Beach House. We started with the seared scallops, elegantly presented with sea asparagus, saffron, romesco sauce, and gremolata, which combined for a harmonious blend of flavours.
The Grain-Fed Black Angus Tenderloin was a rich and indulgent main course, perfectly complemented by roasted bone marrow, truffle mash, heirloom carrots, and veal jus. To conclude the meal, we enjoyed a chilled berry soup, accompanied by coconut sorbet, which provided a refreshing and light finish to our final night on the property.
Facilities
As a beach resort, Anantara Mina Al Arab offers a delightful buffet of activities, catering to both the adventurous and those who prefer to lounge. For water enthusiasts, non-motorised watersports such as paddleboarding and kayaking are available (for a fee, of course). Kayaking through the mangroves is a must. Families are well catered for, with a kids’ club, dedicated children’s pools, and play areas—because keeping little ones entertained is a skill all its own.
Not to be outdone, there are two expansive swimming pools lined with loungers, perfect for soaking up the sun (sunglasses highly recommended), and a stretch of soft golden beach adorned with loungers and elegant cabanas for a more laid-back sunbathing experience. Fitness enthusiasts will find a gym to work off those delicious meals.
When entering Anantara Spa, you’re greeted by the gentle sound of fountains, setting a serene tone that effortlessly draws you into its tranquil retreat. Opting for the 60-minute Anantara Signature Massage, I was treated to a soothing fusion of Eastern and Western techniques, enhanced by their signature oil blend.
The treatment begins with a calming foot ritual, easing you into a state of relaxation even before the massage fully begins. Surrounded by the peaceful decor and the soft music, it’s an experience that leaves you feeling refreshed in body, mind, and spirit—an ideal escape from the everyday.
Book now
AED5,525 per night for the Over Water Pool Villa. Visit website.