Banyan Tree Al Wadi

Romantic and luxurious, Bedouin-style desert resort where each exotically furnished villa has a private pool. Although there’s a vast spa, nature walks and archery, this place is all about relaxing and staring at the sand dunes. The spa is the star of the show at Banyan Tree Al Wadi, and covers a whopping 4000 sq metres. Famed for their holistic, traditional approach, Banyan Tree spas are all about relaxation and rejuvenation - many treatments taking over two hours. There’s also a colossal Rainforest hydrothermal experience and 24-hour gym - should you feel so inclined. Villas are modern Bedouin-style - plenty of teak, intricate fretwork panels, Arabic-style lampshades and swathes of gold silk drapes. Each has several rooms and a private pool surrounded by decking. The most luxurious have tented ceilings; some have private butlers. Set around a nature reserve - you’ll see free-roaming oryx and gazelles - privacy is guaranteed. Eating choices range from smart Thai to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean plus there’s romantic sand dunes’ dining. Various activities such as nature walks and camel riding are on offer, or tootle around the grounds on the free bikes. Most people, however, drift in and out of the spa or sit by their pool and gaze at the sand dunes.

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
Guests love staying at Banyan Tree Al Wadi because it is an oasis of peace. The hotel is the United Arab Emirates' first desert resort to offer an all-pool villa concept with integrated facilities comprising Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spa facilities, dedicated nature reserve where you interact with Arabian gazelles, camels and oryxes, 18-hole championship golf course and access to Banyan Tree's private Ras Al Khaimah Beach.

What is there to do in the area?
As an alternative to (or to complement) the usual beach holiday, guests are always on the hunt for new experiences and adventure-driven holidays. To support this, Banyan Tree Al Wadi and Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach now offer guests the opportunity to explore the surrounding desert landscape and immerse themselves in the UAE culture. From 1st November, guests who book a villa at either resort can enjoy a complimentary guided nature walk, archery lesson, falconry show and selected kids’ activities.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
Full buffet breakfast.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
Food lovers can experience a new cuisine concept in Ras Al Khaimah - the Soul Food culinary experience at Banyan Tree Al Wadi. Adding a bespoke touch to the standard cookery class, Soul Food takes guests on a gastronomic journey to discover traditional cuisine that is at the heart and soul of the local area. From selecting ingredients in a nearby market to serving up sensational dishes in the stunning surroundings of Al Waha Restaurant, guests will be able to explore UAE culture.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
All of the room types are popular for different reasons. With 70 Al Rimal Deluxe Pool Villas and 31 Tented Pool Villas, this oasis of indulgence offers a contemporary adaptation of traditional Arabic architecture amidst rolling sand dunes. Each villa is a tribute to the local heritage, finished with polished wood, high ceilings, elaborate Arabic-style lattice woodwork, stylised motifs and intricate arabesque carvings. All villas offer a tranquil view of the desert oasis for quiet contemplation, while the external area of each villa features a personal temperature-controlled pool. Plush with the finest furnishings of soft linen and silk brocades, the villas are the epitome of romantic luxury. Quintessential modern comforts include a plasma TV, DVD player, mini audio system, wireless internet connection, IDD telephone, air conditioning and in-villa safe in every villa. Standard features include a mini bar, hairdryer, bathrobes and a turndown service in the evenings.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ?
Children can make the most of the experiences on offer with a variety of exciting, fun and educational activities at the Kids' Club. Children can take part in an hour-long Feathered Friends programme that takes them on a bird watching journey around the resort via an open-air buggy. Each child is provided with a checklist to record bird sightings and binoculars so they can spot resident and migratory birds. They can also enjoy Trail Tails, where they have the chance to discover the reason for the intriguing tracks left on the natures reserve’s sand dunes and learn about the surprising diversity of wildlife in the desert.