Tag Archives: Luxury Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

The Arrival By Boat

Artificial Islands

After a great stay at the Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, we arrive at the very recent Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, open in the spring 2018. First nice surprise: to go to our villa from the reception, we take a small boat. Very nice view of artificial islets, under a early afternoon blinding light.

The luxurious resort has only 32 villas. From the reception desk, you are welcomed in a very personalized way. It feels more intimate than in hotels with larger capacities. Everything is on human scale, which gives the Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, a very exclusive character. Second excellent surprise when arriving at our villa: the transparent infinity pool with sea view (second photo below).

Our Tent

Less is more

Now, you know now how much I love the moment when I discover a hotel room. Where I make my pictures before unpacking my suitcases. The interior of the villa as well as the exterior are inspired by the Bedouin traditional architecture. You are elsewhere.

Canopy bed, bathroom with a large walk-in shower (and separate toilet) and lounge area: the villa is bright and very comfortable. Our cameras in hand, we cross the pleasant garden to reach the large deserted beach and sea of the Arabian Gulf.

    

The Beach

A Late Afternoon

I like this feeling of emptiness. In contrast to the effervescent Dubai, the coastline of Ras Al Khaimah is not crowded with multiple towers yet, which is very relaxing. Facing the sea, on my left: the impressive silhouette of the Waldorf Astoria (photo above) and to my right, the villas of the Ritz Carlton Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach.

The Shore House

  

The Breakfast

As our activities program in Ras Al Khaimah is very busy (including the famous zipline …), we didn’t have time to explore all the possibilities offered by the resort, such as the spa. Except for The Shore House restaurant, where we had breakfast (the first two pictures below) and dinner in a beautiful setting. 

Undoubtedly, one of the best breakfast buffets, exciting! I fell for the delicious fresh fruit juices (lovely mocktails)! With a wide choice of quality products, very neat presentation and efficient smiling team. Besides, we had a hard time leaving the terrace, rocked by the sound of waves.

The Dinner

In the evening, the ambiance of the Shore House is different, still chic and casual but more lively. Part of the terrace is also a bar, where you can have a drink with friends. 

Fish is the speciality of the restaurant and it is delicious (photo below). The dishes are simple and tasty. As a starter, I chose these colorful sushi. Bon apetite!

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Related articles : Hotel Review Destinations

Many thanks to Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and all the team of the Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach for this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions.

Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

A Luxury Resort In The Desert

The Arrival

We landed at Dubai International Airport at 6 a.m. Then we took the road to Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Located in the Al Wadi Nature Reserve. the Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert looks like a luxury oasis opened to the desert. 

From the lobby (first photo of the post), it feel so different and exotic with a friendly welcome. After a quick stop to our villa to cool off, a kart drops us off at the Kaheela restaurant for breakfast. Soothing view of an elegant fountain (third picture below), with a large selection of Arabic, Indian and Western cuisines. Exciting!

    

The Villa

  

View Of The Pool & Desert

Our villa of 158 square meters is oriented towards the desert. When I got in for the first time, I was impressed by the height of the ceilings and the “Hollywood” vast and extremely comfortable bathroom.

I really enjoy the space and distribution of rooms which offers a great intimacy, each one can breath without disturbing the other. Inspired by Bedouin culture, the interior design is contemporary, sober and functional.

I also like the woodwork, the dressing room and the king size bed with direct views of the pool and the desert. Besides, I stayed in the pool for a long time to look at the dunes … 

  

The Equestrian Centre

Horseback Riding In The Desert

On the program, we planned a ride on Arabian horses in the desert. It promises to be wow! Problem, I did a horseback ride once in my life, in Mexico a long time ago.

In short, today I did not spend more than five minutes on the saddle. Colombo, my horse is adorable, but I do not feel comfortable (it moves, lol). I need to take some lessons to gain confidence.

I decide to stay at the Al Wadi Equestrian Adventure Centre (which is in the property of the hotel) and discover the other horses, while two small gazelles run in front of me! So cool!

You can take private riding lessons, unfortunately I will not have time during this short stay. So I will bike (yes, guys!) because each villa has bicycles available.

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Related articles : Hotel Review Destinations

Many thanks to Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and the Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert for this beautiful invitation. As always these are my opinions.

Japan: The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara

A View To Fuji San

Our Second Stop in Hakone

We arrive at the very exclusive Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara, near Hakone, in the middle of the day, after many adventures on the road (we lost ourselves several times! Lol). This small establishment of 11 gestrooms with a modern architecture, is a real art museum.

In a refine decoration with many elements from Italy, I discover paintings, draws and serigraphs numbered of Japanese and Western masters (Kataoka Tamako, Chagal, Buffet, Miro …). The owner of Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts, a fine art collector wanted this hotel to be dedicated to gastronomy and farniente.

Here, no long list of activities: our private onsen with water from either Ubako spring or Owakudani spring (both having beneficial effects on the skin) is in the center of our large bathroom / terrace overlooking Fuji San. Early morning, the view is stunning (photo above taken from our room). A feeling of euphoria floats in the air …

  

Beauty is Everywhere

The elegant suite-sized room is a haven of “luxury, calm and pleasure” (Beaudelaire). For a better soundproofing, in front of each room, a private glass corridor and carpet insulate noise (7th picture below).

And if like us, you are fond of beauty and space, this bathroom is a dream! I don’t leave my onsen anymore, staring at the top of the trees, Fuji San and the horizon (photo above). 

I also liked the sliding panels that allow you to modulate the space and hide things like TV. The wide and leather sofa design is a monster of comfort. I don’t even talk about bedding! Everything, every detail is perfect!

     

The Gourmet Restaurant

  

The Dinner

On the two photos above: the view from our room of the garden at night and in the background, the silhouette of Fuji San. Picture below: the stretch of water seen from the main hall of the restaurant. The cuisine of chef Kenjiro Yoshikoshi is as captivating to see as to taste. 

At dinner, the plates looks like paintings. The pleasure of sight associated with that of taste, with an exciting experience of flavors and textures, colors and shapes. Rarely, I have seen such beautiful and good dishes. For example: on the second and third picture photo below, the “Spaghetti puttanesca with marinated abalone“. In fact, the chef specialized in Italian cuisine, recommends mixing spaghetti with the whipped white sauce. It’s divine, so inexpected, top!

I will be able to list all dishes served, with my lean culinary vocabulary (I am not a food critic). But I just want to add that Chef Kenjiro Yoshikoshi’s cooking is art. His cuisine is hedonistic, generous and cheerful. 

Like the chef, his cuisine excels without pretension. As just as all the people who work in this hotel. The service is amazing and very warm. Domo arigato gosaimasu to all the (last picture)!

    

The Breakfast

  

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara

Planning your trip with Exclusif Voyages

Flying to Japan : direct flights from Brussels & Paris with ANA

Related articles : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks to Exclusif Voyages, Ryokan Collection and all the team of The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara, for this beautiful and warm invitation. As always theses are my opnions.