A long day out in the desert majestically ended with a close encounter with luxury that can only be offered at Banyan Tree Al Wadi Hotel - one of the finest resorts I've visited to date. This hotel in Ras Al Khaima, UAE, offers extraordinary luxurious surprises from the minute you reach until you leave.
Banyan Tree offers a signature blend of romance and travel with a green conscience. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, residences, spas, retail galleries and destination club is based on rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul – a Sanctuary for the Senses. With attentive yet discreet staff, this hotel provides naturally luxurious, ecological, culture-sensitive experiences for the demanding traveler. Welcomed by a professional, happy and smiling staff, we were offered refreshing towels and a cold drink before being invited to a small saloon where fruits and dried dates were offered. I was happy to know that Internet here was fast and free of charge without the hassle of registration and access codes. A few minutes after, a golf cart was ready to accompany us to our rooms.
Amid stretches of desert sand in tranquil Wadi Khadeja, an oasis of peace awaits at Banyan Tree Al Wadi. A sanctuary surrounded by the evergreen ghaf tree, a luxury desert resort offering all-pool villas. Experience magical Arabian nights and the romance of living like the nomads of yore, complete with Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spa facilities and a dedicated nature reserve.
As my room door's opened I was amazed to discover this superb and gigantic suite. To the left is a super large bathroom; a closed walk-in closet faces the entrance before accessing the main room. Facing the bed is the working desk, TV and reception area overviewing the private pool. A CD was already installed; I pressed play and enjoyed some soothing music.
I recommend you listen to "Embracing the Wind" by Kevin Kern as well as another compilation from various artists called Infinity.
A tribute to the heritage of the region, the villa is finished with polished wood, high ceilings, and elaborate Arabic touches of lattice woodwork, stylized motifs and intricate carvings in arabesque design. All villas offer personal pools and a tranquil view of the desert oasis for quiet contemplation.Plush with the finest furnishings of soft linens and silk brocades, the villa is the epitome of fine resort living. Quintessential modern comforts include a Flat screen TV, DVD player, BOSE mini stereo system, wireless internet connection, ID telephone, mini-bar, hair dryer, air conditioning and in-villa safe. A turndown service is organized every evening.
The room little details:
- With two air conditioning units, the room's temperature can be adequately controlled
- A high ceiling relaxes your senses
- In the middle, the bed is placed over wood flooring and a large chandelier pends from above
- An aroma set can be lit and enjoyed
- A large TV screen broadcasts a wide variety of local and international channels
- A professional Bose music system plays music all over the rooms as well as the bathroom
- A complete section is dedicated to the mini bar filled with drinks, snacks and alcohol bottles from all kinds
- Three sofas can host a large family or welcome guests in the room
- A working desk with its relaxing chair makes time pass so quickly while you finish your pending jobs
- Every section of the room can be separated by closing the doors
- A large walk-in closet has enough space to fit in a month's worth of cloths
- Ladies and gents, two different sized slippers are offered. It's so relaxing that I took it back home with me
- Two bathrobes are ready to be used
- Two green apples are offered with two complementary water bottles
- Two umbrellas are at your disposal
- An ironing board
All day in room dining options:
- Breakfast
- Arabic corner
- Thai corner
- Late night dining
- Kids corner
- Destination dining
- Beverage list
- Wine list
The bathroom is twice the size of my room back home. Decorated with a round leather sofa, two sinks and two mirrors, the space is enough for six people to prepare themselves at the same time. The best part is the large bathtub, majestically posing next to the window. You can relax in a foam bath while enjoying some sun spells. Enjoy the black marble and reflective surfaces. Luxury at its finest.
The bathroom amenities:
- A toilet bag filled with anything you desire
- Two toothbrushes and toothpaste
- A shaving kit
- Shampoo, conditioner and body lotion
- Vanity kit
- Two bottles of mouthwash
- Cotton buds
- A sewing kit
The only two annoying things:
- It would have been better to have one button that turns off all the lights. I had to go around the whole space to turn all the lights off before sleeping. One single bottom should do the job.
- What I found weird and hope it's a technical problem, the music systems are connected between rooms. What I play or change, my neighbor will listen to and vice versa. I personally couldn't enjoy the music much since the neighbors continuously shut it down every time I turned it on...This is a major unprofessional issue that needs to be solved ASAP.
With awe-inspiring views of the lush green oasis, tinged with the terracotta hues of the scorched desert sand, the 158 sqm Al Rimal Pool Villa features a personal terrace and swimming pool. The architecture resembles traditional mud brick Arabic homes presented in a modern, sophisticated way.
The pool is heated. It calls out for you to come and enjoy some relaxing moments. I grabbed a beer and spent a couple hours that afternoon relaxing all my senses. It was a lovely experience.
The things I loved the most, although everything was simply great
- Dinner was organized at the Moon Bar, located on the upper deck of Samar Lounge. Overlooking the sprawling desert and rolling dunes, it is the perfect stage for watching a beautiful sunset while lounging on the spacious daybeds, with a drink and shisha in hand.
- I loved waking up at 7am to blast the music high before hitting the shower (although my neighbor kept turning it off). I enjoyed the fresh sunny spells that found it's way into the bathroom while the sounds of chirping birds will just transport you into another dimension. At to that the strong water pressure - an enjoyable shower to say the least.
Unfortunately we had to leave the hotel early; otherwise I would have spent a whole day at the pool. Supreme luxury starting at $500 a night. A reasonable price to pay for a family of four including all the amenities offered. I'll be back with my family some time soon.
