THE HIDDEN COV E عئاضلا جيلخلا

When we come across resorts in the UAE that make us feel like we’re relaxing on faraway shores, it’s usually a secret we like to keep to ourselves. However, Hadag’s latest staycation escape was so breathtaking that it would be a crime not to share. Welcome to The Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah…

As the very first Rotana property to have opened in Ras Al Khaimah, The Cove Rotana Resort sure has set the standards sky high. The sprawling hospitality favourite has become a sanctuary for many in the UAE who want a clean escape from the weekly nine to five grind, and a holiday of charm and culture for international and regional visitors. It’s no surprise as to why the stunning resort has gained so much popularity, and so quickly, you only have to step inside the relaxed yet elegant hotel reception area to have your first impressions and expectations exceeded.

Hugging the idyllic water inlet on the Ras Al Khaimah beachfront, overlooking the glittering Arabian Gulf and boasting 600 metres of pristine beach, it’s sometimes hard to remind yourself that you are in fact still in the UAE, where hot and humid reigns supreme – but the excitement of cool weather means more time for splendid staycations.

A very friendly front desk member of staff – dressed in immaculate, traditional local attire, greets us. It’s so great to see and be welcomed by a local. This adds a sense of genuine allure and uniqueness that many hotels in the UAE lack – the presence of someone warm, efficient and, most importantly, local to meet guests at check in. We instantly love the charisma of this resort!

LAGOON LUXURY

A total of 204 cosy rooms, designed with a distinctive Nubian touch, and 78 comfortable villas are serenely dotted around the resort. Whether you want to be in the hills or the lagoon, there’s plenty of accommodation choice to please every member of the family. Our large twin room is part of a duplex, three-bedroom villa located in the lagoon. You know what this means, right? Wonderful views, of course. Our ginormous balcony-cum-terrace has ample space from which to lounge and sip your morning cup of tea or coffee, whilst admiring the beach scenes (and you can pretty much get a good idea of how full or empty the beach is from here, in case you’re planning to hit the loungers for a tanning sesh).

The room has everything you could dream of; intricate arch details with simple, earthy décor and some of the comfiest beds, ever. Most of all, there’s a great amount of space with the bed area being separated via some steps from the living room; great for those who may have a little bit of work to catch up on but don’t want to do it whilst in bed, or for those who want to lounge in front of the TV. To top that off, the bathroom is one of the nicest we’ve had in a resort. It’s big enough to twirl in with a large shower and vanity area, plus all your lush amenities – perfect.

We loved that there was already an iron and ironing board in the room and that we didn’t have to call housekeeping to get this, like in many other hotels. It’s the simple things in life! Cleanliness, comfort and convenience is at the forefront here and we indulged in our room, to the max.

Foodie Fix

Considering that you’re surrounded by sea and desert, the food options at The Cove Rotana Resort are rather impressive. For breakfast, at Cinnamon All-Day Dining, you’ll find everything from an egg station to a crepe counter, pastry haven, big fry up style food such as sausages, hash browns, beans (all that good stuff) as well as cereals, yogurts, cold cuts, cheese, fruit and more. Coffee, tea and juices flow nicely, and the views from the outdoor dining area are a gorgeous way to start your morning.

Throughout the day and evening, you have the choice of three beach and pool bars as well as the lobby lounge to snack, nibble, feast – however hungry or laid back you feel.

What’s a staycation without a lovely dinner? Treat yourself to mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine at Basilico Mediterranean Restaurant, a casual fine dining venue with a variety of traditional choices blending Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian emphasis. Complete with arched brown brick ceilings that create a spacious atmosphere and complemented with warm wood furniture, Basilico also has an open kitchen with live cooking station which is sure to impress. Be amazed by the breath-taking view overlooking the Arabian Gulf and leisurely enjoy the best that life has to offer “La Dolce Vita.”

Some of the must-have dishes include the creamy burrata, the tempting arancini, the juicy messy prawns and the tenderloin steak with sautéed spinach. If you have room for dessert (and you should definitely try and keep some) the tiramisu is a classic winner and so is the selection of ice creams. When it comes to food, you’re covered!

All For Fun

For those of you want a good balance of fitness and relaxation, The Cove Rotana Resort has it all. The state-of-the-art facilities at Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club kept us pumped for a good couple of hours, making sure

طيحم نيأ ،نكلو .تابورشملاو ةريغصلا تابجولا ىلع لوصحلا لجأ نم لا ءاشع ةبجوب عاتمتسلاا نود نم عئار عجتنم يف ةماقلإا ةعتم خبطملا ميدقتل زهاج ناروتسير نايناريتيديم وكيليزاب ؟ىسنت قابطلأا نم ةعومجم عم ةيمسر هبش ءاوجأ نمض يطسوتملا رثكلأا يلاطيلإا خبطملاب يطسوتملا خبطملا طلخت يتلا ةيديلقتلا نم ينبملا سوقملا فقسلا عم لمتكت ةليصأ ةبرجت .ةيبعش تاشورفملا عم ةصاخ ةئفادلا ءاوجلأاو ةباحرلاب يحوي امب بوطلا خبطلل ةصنم عم حوتفم خبطمب اًضيأ وكيليزاب زيمتي that we hit our steps and exercise goals for the day. There are a variety of fitness classes alongside cardiovascular and weight training too which can be followed by some well-needed chillout time in the jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, or even one of the seven massage rooms. Catering to both the younger guests and custodians, when you’re not lounging on the beach, let the little ones enjoy Flipper’s Kids’ Club, the family Sunset Pool, or the fun kids pool. For any couples or groups of friends, you’ve got the Sandal Beach Club and a dedicated infinity pool for adults only (16+). Furthermore, adrenalin junkies can have their share of fun with plenty of cool water sports and offsite activities such as desert and fishing trips – take your pick!

There are few places in the Northern Emirates that can transport you from the high-rise city life to the tranquil lair of rest and recreation; but The Cove Rotana Resort succeeds in doing just that. Staycations have never been SO good!

Visit The Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah.

Call (0)7 206 6000 for reservations and more information.

Celebrating the refined elegance of the Ferrari lifestyle and the chic collections of Saks Fifth Avenue, Hadag’s latest exclusive photo shoot brought together two luxury frontrunners in a 5-star location at the ever-stunning Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. Live the winter dream through the effortless lines of the Ferrari Portofino and the indulgent designs of Saks, as we bring together two of the most lavish brands on the scene.

LOCATION: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel , Bahrain

CAR: Ferrari Portofino, Ferrari Bahrain CLOTHES: Saks Fifth Avenue Bahrain HAIR & MAKE UP: Dessange Bahrain PHOTOGRAPHY: Ali Nader photography