The UAE has its fair share of beach resorts and escapes, but with summer here, one is offering something different – and it’s perfect for families
The UAE summer has truly set in, and with it comes a waning desire for outdoor pursuits and beach days. What isn’t slowing down is the desire to get away, to enjoy a fun-filled family staycation of escape and make lasting memories. With school holidays in full swing, many residents and travellers yearn for something different: the chance to see the UAE’s beautiful coastline, be entertained and spend time with loved ones, or enjoy one of the current staycation deals in the UAE. Enter Rixos Bab Al Bahr, a UAE beach resort with a difference – not resting on the laurels of its stunning seafront location but instead offering a world of adventure, entertainment and excitement in the ultimate summer escape package.
Sitting on the pristine shores of Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s northernmost emirate and a haven for adventure and beach escapes (just an hour from Dubai), Rixos Bab Al Bahr is the archetypical beach resort. But it is its incredible array of activities, dining, adventures and of course, all-inclusive offering that sets it apart from its coastal neighbours. This summer, the five-star resort has launched a special ‘Sun, Sand, and Smiles’ package – inviting children under 12 to stay for free when families book a minimum two-night stay at five-star property.
Bright and spacious rooms and suites offer up to three bedrooms; all-inclusive dining
The ultimate UAE staycation
For families, there are few better escapes than Rixos Bab Al Bahr. For starters, its location on the golden sands of Al Marjan island is nothing short of spectacular, but it’s what awaits on the grounds that truly cements its status as a top UAE staycation hotel. 16 restaurants and bars are on offer, most included in the famous all-inclusive offering, from authentic Italian and fresh seafood to laid-back pool fare and Asian. Keeping little ones entertained and offering adults some much-needed downtime, the famous Rixy Kids Club is on-site, offering hours of entertainment and education with Rixy disco, musical games, cooking classes, talent shows, and treasure hunts, among others. Tweens and teens can socialise and make new friends at the Teens Club over billiards or foosball.
This is an escape made for memory making and adventure, the ideal stay for summer weekends and school holidays. Throughout the season, the resort offers a thriving calendar of concerts and festivals, meaning, for repeat guests, no two visits are the same. As temperatures rise, entertainment moves indoors, spanning live music performances at the Aisha Lobby Lounge, live musical themed nights and more.
All guests are also granted full access to the facilities of the famous Avitane Spa – the largest spa in Ras Al Khaimah and an immersion into Turkish healing traditions. Offering separate spaces for men and women, the space transports you to an Ottoman palace – inspired by traditional Turkish hammams and bygone grandeur. Relax and replenish the mind and body with a secluded private swimming area, sauna, steam room and reading and relaxing areas, or indulge in a signature treatment for an additional charge. Across the property, guests can book a training session in the state-of-the-art gym or classes at the Exclusive Sports Club.
Family Suites will delight children; the luxurious Turkish hammam
The package
Rixos Bab Al Bahr’s sprawling grounds offer many exciting activities, which guests are free to use as part of its all-inclusive offering and UAE summer staycation deal. There are eight swimming pools, ensuring every guest has space for sunbathing and unwinding and offering fitness sessions like Pilates, yoga, Zumba, paddling and aqua classes. Families will love the volleyball and tennis courts, along with table tennis, billiards, table football and darts. Come evening, and after sipping sundowners in the waterside bars, guests can enjoy dance shows, a resident DJ, pop-ups and kids’ discos. The all-inclusive ‘Sun, Sand and Smiles’ package starts at AED 799++ per night of stay and invites children under 12 the chance to stay for free. The package includes dining, pool and beach access, kids’ club and activities.