UMM Al Quwain may not be top of the list for first time visitors to the UAE but it offers a great staycation spot for residents.
For sure, the smallest emirate in terms of population lives in the shadow of Dubai, but in early 2021 the Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain became the first branded hotel there.
For sure, the smallest emirate in terms of population lives in the shadow of Dubai, but in early 2021 the Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain became the first branded hotel there.
And it has been showcasing an area that includes lush mangroves in a sometimes overlooked corner of the country ever since.
MustDoDubai checked out the five-star hotel and surrounding area...
MustDoDubai checked out the five-star hotel and surrounding area...
VIDA Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain is easy to pick out as you drive beside the Al Khor coast.
It proves less easy to spot any furry in-house guests during the next two days, but more on that later…
It proves less easy to spot any furry in-house guests during the next two days, but more on that later…
PLUSH SEATS: The Vida's large lobby is ideal for grabbing a coffee or simply plotting the day ahead
A handsome light grey building, the hotel sits just ahead of UAQ Creek Waterfront, a smart development of public beaches, promenade shops and food trucks that currently come to life during the evening.
The hotel is positioned as an affordable luxury offering as part of Emaar in a portfolio that includes five-star hospitality brands such as Armani Hotels & Resorts and Dubai’s The Palace Downtown.
And the sense of ambient calm you would maybe associate with the latter is immediate in the main lobby, in spite of it being reasonably busy when we arrive - and the place smells really good.
Cold towels and chilled drinks are dispensed and luggage taken ahead of us as we are checked-in and wood-effect keycards dispensed.
The hotel is positioned as an affordable luxury offering as part of Emaar in a portfolio that includes five-star hospitality brands such as Armani Hotels & Resorts and Dubai’s The Palace Downtown.
And the sense of ambient calm you would maybe associate with the latter is immediate in the main lobby, in spite of it being reasonably busy when we arrive - and the place smells really good.
Cold towels and chilled drinks are dispensed and luggage taken ahead of us as we are checked-in and wood-effect keycards dispensed.
PRIVATE COMFORTS: The outlook from one of the resort's group-friendly beach chalets
White boarded lifts continue the hotel beach theme, opening upstairs onto a stylish landing leading to bright corridors and the hotels’ contemporary accommodation.
Comprising 143 keys in total, these include city and beach view options, some with balconies, and the largest which can host four people and features a spacious private terrace.
Beyond the main building, a selection of two-bedroom seaview beach chalets can accommodate five adults, or three adults and two children under 12.
Meanwhile, Vida’s pet-friendly policy means animal lovers can book into one of five dedicated rooms with their furry pal and utilise pet accessories and beds on request, along with dedicated pet zones.
Comprising 143 keys in total, these include city and beach view options, some with balconies, and the largest which can host four people and features a spacious private terrace.
Beyond the main building, a selection of two-bedroom seaview beach chalets can accommodate five adults, or three adults and two children under 12.
Meanwhile, Vida’s pet-friendly policy means animal lovers can book into one of five dedicated rooms with their furry pal and utilise pet accessories and beds on request, along with dedicated pet zones.
FRESH DIGS: Light and airy decor on the sea side of the hotel allow the views to do the talking
Our second floor Deluxe Room Seaview King feels large, partly thanks to walls painted white with a blue wash effect above the bed and uncluttered design. With plenty of natural light from two windows, the carpeted room is contemporary but friendly.
Lighting is simple to control and furniture includes a modern armchair plus small coffee table, a work/dressing table area, plus a small smoked glass wardrobe with a handwritten welcome message, and useful sized mirrors. The bathroom is fresh and functional, with an easy-to-work Grohl shower in a large cubicle.
Sustainability initiatives include glass-bottled water instead of plastic - sadly very evident by the pool and beach - signs prompting guests to re-use towels and turn off the AC if opening windows, plus delicious-smelling Grown Alchemist leave-behind shampoo, wash gels and hand lotion.
A flatscreen TV faces a comfortable bed while amenities include a fridge, a kettle with tea and coffee, a safe, ironing board, and decent robes.
Lighting is simple to control and furniture includes a modern armchair plus small coffee table, a work/dressing table area, plus a small smoked glass wardrobe with a handwritten welcome message, and useful sized mirrors. The bathroom is fresh and functional, with an easy-to-work Grohl shower in a large cubicle.
Sustainability initiatives include glass-bottled water instead of plastic - sadly very evident by the pool and beach - signs prompting guests to re-use towels and turn off the AC if opening windows, plus delicious-smelling Grown Alchemist leave-behind shampoo, wash gels and hand lotion.
A flatscreen TV faces a comfortable bed while amenities include a fridge, a kettle with tea and coffee, a safe, ironing board, and decent robes.
HEALTHY LOOK: The stylish gym at this hotel makes working a pleasure and not a hardship
Vida - meaning ‘life’ in Spanish - mixes a laidback culture and occasionally playful demeanour with quality finishes supported by friendly, efficient service befitting the brand’s upscale lifestyle angle. Although it also exhibits a sense of humour…luggage tags ask: “Who are you calling an old bag?”
With its mid-boutique feel, this proves to be an easy to navigate property. That large lobby contains lots of comfortable seating areas either side of a central thoroughfare that connects the main entrance to an ocean view courtyard.
Four large Macs support a dedicated co-working space while, on the other side, the Stage2 cafe offers food and drinks including afternoon tea, 3pm-7pm daily.
With its mid-boutique feel, this proves to be an easy to navigate property. That large lobby contains lots of comfortable seating areas either side of a central thoroughfare that connects the main entrance to an ocean view courtyard.
Four large Macs support a dedicated co-working space while, on the other side, the Stage2 cafe offers food and drinks including afternoon tea, 3pm-7pm daily.
WET DECK: A good list of snacks and drinks are available at the pool to keep guests refreshed and hydrated
The Spa by Vida provides signature massages and treatments while the country club-style fitness centre comes with dark wood flooring and armchairs beside state-of-the-art equipment. Guests can use a tennis court - free for one hour daily - and bikes are also available gratis to in-house guests to explore the area. And, while nearby roads are currently being upgraded, UAQ National Museum is within easy reach along with UAQ Creek Waterfront.
Plenty of loungers flank a generous infinity pool overlooking Vida’s private beach, just steps away. Families with children can access the Qix play area (four to 12 years) and a dedicated splash zone. Daily activations such as water polo and stretching sessions aim to keep guests active.
Plenty of loungers flank a generous infinity pool overlooking Vida’s private beach, just steps away. Families with children can access the Qix play area (four to 12 years) and a dedicated splash zone. Daily activations such as water polo and stretching sessions aim to keep guests active.
THOUGHT FOR FOOD: Origins is Vida's signature all-day dining restaurant, offering buffet and a la carte options
Hotel grounds include an abundance of trees and green landscaping, such as a dedicated grass area for weddings and events.
A water sports concession offers an extensive if slightly pricy list of activities such as dives, water bikes, wakeboarding and boat trips, including to nearby mangroves.
Guests can also rent turntables and vinyl records during their stay.
Origins is Vida’s signature restaurant for breakfast service and an international buffet for lunch and dinner.
The kitchen excels at cold plates, including Thai beef salad and Vietnamese fish salad, as well as typical regional flavours, such as muhammara. Hot dishes rotate through tasty staples like Thai green curry, stews, barramundi fillets and pasta dishes.
A water sports concession offers an extensive if slightly pricy list of activities such as dives, water bikes, wakeboarding and boat trips, including to nearby mangroves.
Guests can also rent turntables and vinyl records during their stay.
Origins is Vida’s signature restaurant for breakfast service and an international buffet for lunch and dinner.
The kitchen excels at cold plates, including Thai beef salad and Vietnamese fish salad, as well as typical regional flavours, such as muhammara. Hot dishes rotate through tasty staples like Thai green curry, stews, barramundi fillets and pasta dishes.
SO COOL AT SOCAL: Vida's intimate rooftop bar is good for sundowners and dinner under the stars
The a la carte menu includes artisanal pizzas, pasta favourites and a filling club sandwich. Stage2 offers the same menu and evening meals at both can be enjoyed inside or on a spacious terrace where live singers entertain during cooler months.
The Pool Bar yields a good range of drinks and a strong menu selection ranging from Bento box varieties, salads, wraps and pizzas, and pool bites such as panjabi samosa or spinach and cheese empanada.
Rooftop bar SoCal, meanwhile, channels California vibes with a relaxed setting and ocean views. Its 7pm-9pm happy hour means two-for-one on drinks, backed by a menu of bar bites up to a 200g filet mignon. Sharing plates include crispy calamari and fish tacos.
The Pool Bar yields a good range of drinks and a strong menu selection ranging from Bento box varieties, salads, wraps and pizzas, and pool bites such as panjabi samosa or spinach and cheese empanada.
Rooftop bar SoCal, meanwhile, channels California vibes with a relaxed setting and ocean views. Its 7pm-9pm happy hour means two-for-one on drinks, backed by a menu of bar bites up to a 200g filet mignon. Sharing plates include crispy calamari and fish tacos.
SHORE TO PLEASE: Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain delivers precisely what its name suggests...with style
DETAILS:
FIND Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain at Al Raudah, Al Khor 1.
ROOMS cost from AED414 (US$113) per night.
OR more, visit www.vidahotels.com/en/resorts/vida-beach-resort-umm-al-quwain/
