A new serving of all-inclusive resort living is upping the luxe in Ras Al Khaimah
The setting
At the gateway to Marjan Island sits SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, the first in a series of high-profile openings coming to the isle over the next 18 months. The beachfront property unrolls along Marjan Beach, and is cleverly designed so that all of its rooms, suites and leisure facilities face the sea and the rapidly-changing Marjan Island skyline.
The arrival
We’re welcomed into a bright, kaleidoscopically-hued lobby that leans into SO/ Hotels’ stylish roots. Check-in is swift and friendly, a watermelon juice and a refreshing towel greet us while the all-inclusive concept – and the roster of activities available during our stay – are explained. But should you happen to forget, everything is accessible on the QR code handily printed on the room key.
The room
We’re upgraded to a ninth-floor signature club room. It’s bright and spacious, flooded with natural light from the stretching sea views. Where the public spaces are a rainbow of colour, our room is more muted, calmer, its colour palette inspired by the desert and ocean landscapes of the emirate. The balcony looking out over the expansive resort grounds serves as a great spot to watch the sun set, and we loved the nightly turndown service where a silky scrunchie and eye mask were left on the pillow.
The food and drink
Cabini
Elevating the all-inclusive concept far beyond a boring buffet, there are plenty of places to eat and drink. The Market serves as a typical all-day dining restaurant, with modern interiors and an expansive terrace, serving a plentiful breakfast buffet that showcases fragrant curries and pizza as well as all the typical breakfast dishes. For lunch, we head to Cabini, set adjacent to the family pool, where crowd-pleasing eats include nachos with homemade guacamole and a steak sandwich served with chunky chips. Dinner at Chiano, a beautiful Italian restaurant, is a real highlight. Although it’s too cold to enjoy the pretty alfresco terrace, the cosy vibe inside is instantly welcoming. We peruse the à la carte menu before ordering a creamy mushroom risotto with subtle truffle notes and a beef ragu – both are excellent. For dessert, the deconstructed pavlova is a must-try.
Those looking to make the most of the all-inclusive offering can expect plenty of bars, from the sultrily lit Savant on the top floor to Bungalow, which sits next to the adults-only pool.
A special mention should be given to the entertainment – despite the hotel’s infancy, music has been well curated across the property, from the sounds of a harp playing during afternoon tea at The Concept Store – SO/ Ras Al Khaimah’s lobby lounge, to an electric violin at Chiano and live percussion poolside at adults-only.
ALSO READ: The best hotels in Ras Al Khaimah
The activities
Two pools, a children’s splash pool, a golden stretch of beach lined with loungers – this resort is made to make the most of its seaside location. Although it’s worth noting the pools don’t get sun until the afternoon, so mornings are best enjoyed on the beach. Alongside the sea-facing fitness centre, impressive outdoor gym complete with juice bar and a pavilion for instructor-led workouts, the daily fitness activities also include boxing classes, water aerobics, aerial yoga and a retreat experience, the latter we join for a rejuvenating Sunday morning of yoga and breathwork.
There’s also daily art workshops, which range from candle making to vision boarding and ceramic sculpture – so it’s impossible to get bored.
What’s On the bill
A one-night stay in February starts from Dhs2,250 based on an entry-level Sea View all-inclusive room.
The details
Location: Marjan Beach, Ras Al Khaimah
Check-in and check-out: Check in is at 3pm and check out at 12pm.
Contact: Tel: (0)7 202 9999. so-hotels.com/ras-al-khaimah
> Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
