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Hotel Banyan Tree Ras al Khaimah Beach Hotel 5 star
Easyexperts
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates -
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Amy Adejokun Section editor

The Banyan Tree Ras al Khaimah Beach is one of two Banyan Tree hotels in the emirate. Just as luxurious as its sister hotel in the desert, the Banyan Tree al Wadi, the beach property is all the more exclusive due to its being accessible via a two-minute boat ride from the mainland as it is located on a sand bar in the Arabian Sea. A small boutique hotel that is ideal for spending some time catching up on your sun tan for a weekend. As the hotel is so small, there isn't much to keep guests from exploring outside the hotel, but it makes for a great place to stay for a couple of days - after exploring bustling Dubai for example. The hotel is best-suited to couples looking for a romantic getaway.

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    Location 5.98 /10

    The Banyan Tree Ras al Khaimah Beach is located in Ras al-Khaimah, one of the seven United Arab Emirates. It is about an hour and a half away from Dubai by car. There are a number of possible excursions guests can book from the hotel; there is also a bus that stops just outside the Rotana Cove hotel, which costs a fraction of the price of an organised excursion. The second Banyan Tree hotel in Ras al Khaimah, the Banyan Tree al Wadi, is 20 minutes away by car and guests are welcome to spend a day here, making the most of the beautiful luxury desert setting. During low tide it is actually possible to walk to the neighbouring hotel, Al Hamra, just next door, although a security guard is there to help maintain a separation.

    Accommodation 9.70 /10

    In total there are 34 beachfront villas lining the beach all the way to the end of the sand bar to the spa pavilion. The further away from the restaurant, the more private the location. Each villa measures about 170m² and is tented to give a Bedouin style. Inside, the villas are completely wooden with glass walls (that don't allow to see in from the outside), a majestically draped king size bed, living area fit for a maharaja and marble bathrooms. Truly soothing, the accommodation here is the best you will come across in Ras al Khaimah. Each villa also has its own plunge pool and shaded cabana out on the beach.

    Rooms are equipped with Bose surround sound, complimentary Wi-Fi access, a large flat-screen television, mini-bar (extra), tea and coffee making facilities, silk bathrobes, an oil burner, incense and prayer mat.

    Overview 8.70 /10

    The exclusive beach hotel, which lies on a small sand bar, is accessed via a short boat (less than 5 minutes) ride from the mainland. The hotel's isolation and small size gives it an intimate atmosphere that can't be found anywhere else in Ras al Khaimah. Once off the boat and on the jetty, guests are wrapped in an luxurious beach ambiance that remains in-keeping with Banyan Tree Hotels all over the world.

    Guests stay here to relax and to get away from it all. Indeed, if you don't look behind you at the frightening hotel constructions scarring the mainland, you could be at the very edge of the world here. The sand bar curves in a crescent shape and stretches out to sea. Close to the arrival jetty is the main hotel building, with the reception, restaurant and infinity edge pool. Although very simple, the materials used for the décor are of high quality and create a completely different look and feel to the other hotels in the city - even the Banyan Tree al Wadi, which is a lot bigger than this small boutique affair.

    Food and drink 8.70 /10

    There is one restaurant, Sands, which is set up on a beautiful deck looking out to the Arabian waters, the beach and pool - there is also the option of sitting inside. The food served is mainly Italian although a few European staples like burgers are also on the menu. As Banyan Tree hotels are quite upmarket, prices aren't cheap and aren't included in the room rate. The wild mushroom pasta and mezze selection come highly recommended. Private dinners on the beach or in your villa can be organised by the hotel staff (extra cost) with at least 48 hours' advance warning. Guests can also opt for dinner at Banyan Tree al Wadi.

    Spa 7.7 /10

    The small Thai hotel spa is located right at the other end of the sand bar in a pavilion looking out to the sea. A perfect little haven of peace and tranquillity. As the spa isn't very big, booking at least 48 hours in advance is necessary.

    Beach 7.70 /10

    The beach runs the length of the sand bar and lines beautiful turquoise waters that recall the Pacific or the Indian Ocean. As there are only 34 villas, privacy is easy to obtain as the hotel never gets overrun with guests. Guests can use available deck chairs and are left to themselves. He beach is clean, the sand (although mostly imported) is clean and fine, and the water is turquoise and transparent.

    To know

    Banyan Tree RAK Beach guests can also make the most of facilities at Banyan Tree al Wadi, a short drive or boat ride away. As the hotel banks on giving its guest the utmost privacy, guests staying here include many families from the gulf.

    Equipment

    • Shuttle bus
    • Car park
    • Restaurant
    • Internet access
    • Air conditioning
    • Spa

      sauna, spa, Turkish bath

    • Swimming pool
    • Sports equipment

      gym, horse riding, golf, fitness

    • Private beach

    advantage

    • The beautiful and tranquil seaside setting on a sand bar.
    • The upmarket tented beach villa accommodation.
    • The possibility of using the facilities at the sister hotel, Banyan Tree al Wadi.

    disadvantages

    • Can feel quite isolated as it is very small.

    Traveller Reviews

    • Overall Score nc/10
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