The New Anantara Brings Maldives Style Over-Water Villas To UAE

25.03.2024 - 18:59 / forbes.com / Mina Al-Arab

The United Arab Emirates boasts an abundance of luxury accommodations where opulence and grandeur take center stage, offering guests an unparalleled level of hospitality. But for a select few like me who want something different, a trip to Ras Al Khaimah Emirati, an hour’s drive north from Dubai, comes highly recommended. Here the majestic Hajar Mountains (yes, UAE has mountains) rise almost 1973 meters, and lush mangroves hug the coastline. The new Anantara Mina Al Arab is the first of its kind that brings traditional Maldives-style over-water accommodations to the Middle East. The resort is set on a private peninsula that overlooks protected mangroves and the open Arabian ocean.

In January, just weeks after the resort’s grand opening, I found myself soaking in all that UAE hospitality in a place that is still fairly off the beaten path for the typical Dubai visitor.

Design and Accommodations

Anantara Mina Al Arab features 174 rooms, which are a mix of suites and villas that have been designed with nature in mind. The pool villas and overwater villas are inspired by the world’s most luxurious destination, the Maldives. They have dhoni (fishing boat) shaped roofs, vaulted ceilings, and an overwater deck with a private pool that overlooks the mangroves. The rooms are spacious and full of classic luxury for which Anantara is known, as well as indigenous elements that add a sense of place. In true Maldivian style, the bathroom seamlessly flows from the inside out, with dual rain showers and stunning ocean views from the freestanding tub. My favorite ritual during my stay was enjoying my morning coffee and evening cocktail on my private deck, watching the tide roll in and out of the mangroves outside my villa.

The main building, Arabesque in design, houses many of the resort’s rooms and suites. Others are hidden away in the gardens, with groups of 6-8 clustered around riads (courtyards), the ideal set-up for extended families.

Dining Around the World

With six restaurants and bars, as well as in-room dining and Anantara’s signature private dining concept, there were many options to choose from during my stay here. First up was Sea Breeze, a restaurant with a cosy modern setting, bright interiors, and a stunning terrace overlooking mangroves, this was my go-to spot for breakfast and all-day dining. The breakfast setup was elaborate, with both made-to-order options as well as traditional buffet-style dishes that were a mix of continental and Asian. And when it came time for lunch and dinner, I found a feast waiting for me, with delights from the wok, wood-fired grill, and tandoor oven.

Beach House, on the other hand, served fresh Mediterranean cuisine in a laidback yet stylish atmosphere. Dinner service