IF the only challenge of your afternoon is trying not to nod off during a massage you know you are surely in a good place.
Then the sound of snoozing might well have been taken as a job well done by the East European masseur whose skilled hands teased the tension from this stressed soul.
There’s a real sense of escape as well as rejuvenation at Zen, the spa at Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, based on holistic Asian philosophies with a contemporary lean.
Then the sound of snoozing might well have been taken as a job well done by the East European masseur whose skilled hands teased the tension from this stressed soul.
There’s a real sense of escape as well as rejuvenation at Zen, the spa at Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, based on holistic Asian philosophies with a contemporary lean.
In fact, escape is a word that pops up a few times during our 48 hours on the northeastern coast of the United Arab Emirates.
For UAE residents and natives, Fujairah and its resorts offer escape from the rapid pace of cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Not only does the terrain change as we cross through the Hajar Mountains, the emirate is graced by a greater variety of climate and a more relaxed nature, as hinted by the smaller, traditional towns passed through during the 90-minute drive from Dubai.
Our destination, the 2015 World Luxury Hotel Awards nominee Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, lies in the far north of the emirate. The 250-room and suites property has a remote feel to it, lying as it does closer to Dibba and the Oman governorate of Musandam on the tip of the peninsula than Fujairah City.
But the sandy shoreline of Al Aqah Beach is molded by the same Indian Ocean waves, a little more lively than those of the Arabian Gulf and arguably better suited to surfing. On calmer days, this stretch of water also supports celebrated diving and snorkeling opportunities; all offered by a water sports centre at the resort that runs trips to nearby Snoopy Island.
Not only does the terrain change as we cross through the Hajar Mountains, the emirate is graced by a greater variety of climate and a more relaxed nature, as hinted by the smaller, traditional towns passed through during the 90-minute drive from Dubai.
Our destination, the 2015 World Luxury Hotel Awards nominee Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, lies in the far north of the emirate. The 250-room and suites property has a remote feel to it, lying as it does closer to Dibba and the Oman governorate of Musandam on the tip of the peninsula than Fujairah City.
But the sandy shoreline of Al Aqah Beach is molded by the same Indian Ocean waves, a little more lively than those of the Arabian Gulf and arguably better suited to surfing. On calmer days, this stretch of water also supports celebrated diving and snorkeling opportunities; all offered by a water sports centre at the resort that runs trips to nearby Snoopy Island.
Extensive amenities – including the Flippers Kids Club - and a setting far enough away from major conurbations makes Rotana’s property a self-contained vacation spot as well as an ideal weekend destination for people on holiday in Dubai and craving diversity.
Two beachfront restaurants make the most of location with seating close to and on the beach.
Sharkeys serves up casual dining options during the day and early evening and drinks by night while Waves delivers delicious seafood from sundown, including a hefty seafood platter, in a trendy environment.
Inside the main building, all-day dining restaurant Mozaique presents an impressive buffet with exciting cold and hot food options in a simple yet refined setting for family groups. Across the lobby, the tropical-themed Tabu bar serves a nightcap and Cuban cigar.
If you’re feeling guilty about that extra helping of biryani or crème caramel then the resort has a well-equipped gym.
Beware, however, the treadmills give an uncluttered glimpse of the Zen spa and a rival to your fitness aspirations. Not that time there is poorly spent; the couple’s massage is a special treat made more so by the intimate, flower-flanked Jacuzzi bath that follows.
Two beachfront restaurants make the most of location with seating close to and on the beach.
Sharkeys serves up casual dining options during the day and early evening and drinks by night while Waves delivers delicious seafood from sundown, including a hefty seafood platter, in a trendy environment.
Inside the main building, all-day dining restaurant Mozaique presents an impressive buffet with exciting cold and hot food options in a simple yet refined setting for family groups. Across the lobby, the tropical-themed Tabu bar serves a nightcap and Cuban cigar.
If you’re feeling guilty about that extra helping of biryani or crème caramel then the resort has a well-equipped gym.
Beware, however, the treadmills give an uncluttered glimpse of the Zen spa and a rival to your fitness aspirations. Not that time there is poorly spent; the couple’s massage is a special treat made more so by the intimate, flower-flanked Jacuzzi bath that follows.
While that pampering is likely to send you into a haze of relaxation, there is good reason to step beyond the confines of the resort.
Fujairah is celebrated for its historical sites, most notably Al Badiyah Mosque, believed to be the oldest in the UAE.
Also known as the Ottoman Mosque and Al Bidya, the renovated 1446AD building is easily found by driving along the coast road.
Tourists and historians also make a beeline for Awhala Fort, a 250-year-old landmark in the tourist village of Ain Al Ghamor, and Al Bithnah Fort, built in 1735 but later destroyed and rebuilt 13km west of Fujairah in Haam Valley. Al Hayl Fort lies 13 miles southwest of Fujairah while Fujairah Fort watches over the city and coast around 500 years after it was first built.
Central Fujairah was still putting the finishing touches to a new site of religious importance during our visit; the stunning granite and marble Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a significant addition to the city skyline and, with a capacity for 28,000 worshippers, second only in size to Abu Dhabi’s collosal Grand Mosque.
Although no-one was able to confirm when it would open, this impressive structure is likely to provide a strong reason to visit the city itself as it seeks to entice tourists from simply heading to the resorts 35 minutes drive north.
Back at the Rotana and another choice has to be made; pool or beach. With the former featuring a swim up bar and day beds, the decision is easy.
Then again, there’s always the following day...
DETAILS:
Find prices for the five star Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa at www.rotana.com
Fujairah boasts an international airport, although most visitors fly into Dubai.
For more on Fujairah forts, mosques and other places of interest, go to www.fujairahtourism.ae
Fujairah is celebrated for its historical sites, most notably Al Badiyah Mosque, believed to be the oldest in the UAE.
Also known as the Ottoman Mosque and Al Bidya, the renovated 1446AD building is easily found by driving along the coast road.
Tourists and historians also make a beeline for Awhala Fort, a 250-year-old landmark in the tourist village of Ain Al Ghamor, and Al Bithnah Fort, built in 1735 but later destroyed and rebuilt 13km west of Fujairah in Haam Valley. Al Hayl Fort lies 13 miles southwest of Fujairah while Fujairah Fort watches over the city and coast around 500 years after it was first built.
Central Fujairah was still putting the finishing touches to a new site of religious importance during our visit; the stunning granite and marble Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a significant addition to the city skyline and, with a capacity for 28,000 worshippers, second only in size to Abu Dhabi’s collosal Grand Mosque.
Although no-one was able to confirm when it would open, this impressive structure is likely to provide a strong reason to visit the city itself as it seeks to entice tourists from simply heading to the resorts 35 minutes drive north.
Back at the Rotana and another choice has to be made; pool or beach. With the former featuring a swim up bar and day beds, the decision is easy.
Then again, there’s always the following day...
DETAILS:
Find prices for the five star Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa at www.rotana.com
Fujairah boasts an international airport, although most visitors fly into Dubai.
For more on Fujairah forts, mosques and other places of interest, go to www.fujairahtourism.ae