THE first thing that hits you about the Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort is, well, the beach - it is enormous.
Even when the resort is busy, it is possible to find a discreet spot away from other guests in which to relax and absorb the UAE sunshine.
That beach is arguably the major selling point of this Ras Al Khaimah escape, one of several Hilton-operated properties in the emirate.
The approach road in, next to the spacious Al Hamra Mall, passes homes and tributaries sparkling in the light, before the lush fairways and greens of the golf course with its satisfying views over inlets leading from the Arabian Gulf.
Manicured gardens are also a strong selling point of this established RAK staycation favourite. Tidy lawns, neat bushes and palm trees are a visually rewarding buffer between the main hotel buildings and that expansive beach.
The approach road in, next to the spacious Al Hamra Mall, passes homes and tributaries sparkling in the light, before the lush fairways and greens of the golf course with its satisfying views over inlets leading from the Arabian Gulf.
Manicured gardens are also a strong selling point of this established RAK staycation favourite. Tidy lawns, neat bushes and palm trees are a visually rewarding buffer between the main hotel buildings and that expansive beach.
VIEW WITH A ROOM: Lush gardens lead to the villa blocks and the beach
They also punctuate the traditionally designed garden villa-style buildings that house rooms with garden or ocean views, topped with wind towers for a look in keeping with the area.
A winding path connects each to the main hotel building and also the hotel’s Lebanese restaurant, Al Jazeera.
Our bed for the night was in a King Guest Room, as spacious as that suggests, with a bathroom to match. In fact, the bathroom alone is the almost size of some standard London hotel rooms, sporting a decent sized tub and a shower cubicle stocked with Crabtree & Evelyn hair and body products.
A winding path connects each to the main hotel building and also the hotel’s Lebanese restaurant, Al Jazeera.
Our bed for the night was in a King Guest Room, as spacious as that suggests, with a bathroom to match. In fact, the bathroom alone is the almost size of some standard London hotel rooms, sporting a decent sized tub and a shower cubicle stocked with Crabtree & Evelyn hair and body products.
TERRACE TIME: Le Chalet offers daytime refreshments and a fine sundowner vantage point
Handsome standalone dark wood furniture and ceiling beams lend warmth to accommodation that is elegant rather than contemporary, also blessed with a discreet balcony, in our case facing the broad beach and embracing bay beyond. It’s a tranquil setting in contrast to the lively family friendly pool, one of two lounger-lined pool areas.
When you’ve done with soaking up the rays, the resort has a spa tendering a range of treatments, tennis courts, table tennis situated on lush lawns, and a secure kids play area for guests with restless little ones. For “older ones”, the 18-hole golf course offers a picturesque landscape against which to practice your swing. Designed by Peter Harradine, it is a par 72 course that works around four inter-connected lagoons with five varying tee options on each hole.
When you’ve done with soaking up the rays, the resort has a spa tendering a range of treatments, tennis courts, table tennis situated on lush lawns, and a secure kids play area for guests with restless little ones. For “older ones”, the 18-hole golf course offers a picturesque landscape against which to practice your swing. Designed by Peter Harradine, it is a par 72 course that works around four inter-connected lagoons with five varying tee options on each hole.
TAI TRAVELLER: The irrepressible Trader Vic's serves up the Mai Tai Lounge at this Hilton for fun food and beverages
All of which leads to an appetite - and you’ve got options.
Live music and a belly dancer accompany the authentic Lebanese cuisine at Al Jazeera.
Also away from the main building, Le Chalet is a prime spot for sundowners, as well as pool and beach refreshments during the day.
And Scirocco – a bar that curiously claims to resemble a village pub in Cornwall, UK - is ideal for watching sports, but also hosts a singer.
There’s more live music at Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Lounge, a branch of the Polynesian-themed restaurant and bar chain. Seating is outdoors and in with an inventive menu that mixes up some enticing flavours with exotic results; try the beef cho cho skewers, on accompanying flames, and sweet and spicy volcano prawns.
Live music and a belly dancer accompany the authentic Lebanese cuisine at Al Jazeera.
Also away from the main building, Le Chalet is a prime spot for sundowners, as well as pool and beach refreshments during the day.
And Scirocco – a bar that curiously claims to resemble a village pub in Cornwall, UK - is ideal for watching sports, but also hosts a singer.
There’s more live music at Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Lounge, a branch of the Polynesian-themed restaurant and bar chain. Seating is outdoors and in with an inventive menu that mixes up some enticing flavours with exotic results; try the beef cho cho skewers, on accompanying flames, and sweet and spicy volcano prawns.
SPA A THOUGHT: One of the mild-mannered treatment rooms for couples massage
One of the highlights is arguably the tropically inspired cocktail menu – home to the likes of the Samoan Fog Cutter - served in often elaborate ‘vessels’, including a ceramic conch shell.
Like Al Jazeera, the venue seems to be something of a local hub and fills up as the night, and the band set-list, moves on.
For a broader food choice, Al Shamal is a street market-inspired international dining restaurant that will suit families with younger kids.
It is here that breakfast is served; a busy affair that runs until 11am on the weekend, allowing for that lie-in or shepherding the family downstairs.
All in all, Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort is an established resort that is in touch with its surroundings and local culture while blending modern creature comforts and facilities without being flashy.
Like Al Jazeera, the venue seems to be something of a local hub and fills up as the night, and the band set-list, moves on.
For a broader food choice, Al Shamal is a street market-inspired international dining restaurant that will suit families with younger kids.
It is here that breakfast is served; a busy affair that runs until 11am on the weekend, allowing for that lie-in or shepherding the family downstairs.
All in all, Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort is an established resort that is in touch with its surroundings and local culture while blending modern creature comforts and facilities without being flashy.
SAND DESIGNS: The sprawling beach that gives this Hilton getaway a generous chunk of UAE shoreline
It has an easy-going and family-friendly appeal that makes it a good target for Dubai couples or parents looking for a good value escape without having to travel far.
DETAILS:
HILTON Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort, is at Vienna St, Al Jazirah, Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah
A GARDEN view family room, with breakfast, costs AED612 (plus 10 per service charge) per night based on advance purchase, checking in October 19.
CONTACT 07-244-666 or browse https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/uae/hilton-al-hamra-beach-and-golf-resort-RKTAHHI/index.html for more.
DETAILS:
HILTON Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort, is at Vienna St, Al Jazirah, Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah
A GARDEN view family room, with breakfast, costs AED612 (plus 10 per service charge) per night based on advance purchase, checking in October 19.
CONTACT 07-244-666 or browse https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/uae/hilton-al-hamra-beach-and-golf-resort-RKTAHHI/index.html for more.
