Tag Archives: Sea

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

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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.

Our Second Roadtrip in Andalusia, Spain: Marbella

  

A late afternoon in Marbella

  

Olá Marbella!

After a first roadtrip in Andalusia few weeks ago, here we are again! The itinerary between sea and mountain is differen. We arrive at 4 p.m. from Mijas, a very pretty (and very touristy) village in the mountains. Olá Marbella! First surprise: the city is much bigger than I thought.

We park on the beach side of Marbella, at Playa del Faro, where we start our discovery of the city. The long walk stretches along a huge beach (first photo of the article). Many 70s-80s buildings, some cafes and restaurants. The whole remains really pleasant despite a lack of architectural harmony. 

As night quickly falls, we prefer heading towards the very charming old town with its small streets and squares, mandarin trees and old stones. Second surprise, everywhere people are friendly. I like to walk without a goal. At a random street, we have a drink in a lovely small hotel.

    

A Short Stop in Puerto Banús

Before Marbella city,

we made a stop in Puerto Banús, the marina of Marbella. To be honest, I was not impressed. The buildings housing luxury shops and restaurants are outdated and deserve a facelift.

Of course, there are yachts … But I saw some more impressive ones in the beautiful small port of Bonifaccio (Corsica). My advice, go directly to Marbella, much more nicer! 

     

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

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Madeira: Encumeada, Porto Moniz, Cabo Girão &…

Madeira-Portugal-Encumeada-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Encumeada

Madeira-Portugal-Arrival-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le Arrivée

Intense Blue From My Window!

The Atlantic Ocean, landing on the narrow track, then road to Calheta to stop at the Saccharum Hotel – Resort & Spa. Followed by a very nice dinner with our small team at the hotel’s Restaurante Engenho. Where I enjoyed an excellent salad with octopus and filmed my first Periscope (epic)! Yep now you can also follow my streams (live video where you can interact with me) on Periscope! We laughed a lot!

This morning I’m a little late (big mess with the time change, my phone etc …), starting at 9:15 am instead of 9 am (okay)! First stop: the Encumeada viewpoint at 1007 meters. Magnificent panorama of chains of very green mountains overlooking the northern and southern coasts of the island and valleys of Ribeira Brava and São Vicente (photo 1 & photo montage below).

We continue towards the northwest of Madeira: Porto Moniz.

Madeira-Portugal-Encumeada-Pico-Ruivo-Sao Vicente-West-Side-Of-The-Island-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Porto Moniz

Madeira-Portugal-Porto-Moniz-Natural-Swimming-Pool-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The Famous Natural Pools

As we head the north of the island, the vegetation changes and the sky is overcast with clouds when we reach the village of Porto Moniz. Pretty impressive weather contrast between the South and North of the island.

What fun discovering the natural pools: shaggy rocks with the ocean in the background … Like a decor of the golden age of Italian cinema. Awesome! The water is cold but not more than Sagres (which is the colder water of all over Portugal for me!). Occasionally a clearing in the sky… Great experience!

Delicious fish for lunch on the lovely terrace of the Aqua Natura Madeira restaurant with direct views to the pools. I am hypnotised by the ocean, horizon, waves, rocks and sometimes the blinding brightness … (photos below). And my tweets (LOL)! I take this opportunity to visit this charming family hotel, with new facilities and ideally located with stunning ocean views.

Madeira-Portugal-Porto-Moniz-Natural-Swimming-Pool-Lunch @ Hotel AquaNatura-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KMadeira-Portugal-Porto-Moniz-Natural-Swimming-Pool-Lunch @ Hotel AquaNatura-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Cabo Girão

Madeira-Portugal-Cabo-Girao-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Light & Vertigo

After a detour via the Saccharum, here I am at 580 meters above the sea level, on one of the highest cliffs in the world (no, these are not my feet)! Enjoying the different blues of the Ocean and beautiful golden light of late afternoon!

Madeira-Portugal-Cabo-Girao-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K Madeira-Portugal-Cabo-Girao-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Câmara de Lobos

Madeira-Portugal-Camara-de-Lobos-Fishing Village-Dinner @ Vila-do-Peixe-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Picturesque Fishing Village

with colored boats (xavelhas). The specialty is fishing for black swordfish. It makes me think about Hemingway and The Old Man and the Sea … The navigator João Gonçalves Zarco who discovered Madeira in the fifteenth century, founded the first colony on the island in Câmara de Lobos (House of Wolves in English).

Dinner of very good fishes cooked on the grill at the Vila do Peixe terrace, enjoying the relaxing view (pictures below) … Time is pending. I could stay hours just for the peaceful view. To be continued

Madeira-Portugal-Camara-de-Lobos-Fishing Village-Dinner @ Vila-do-Peixe-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KMadeira-Portugal-Camara-de-Lobos-Fishing Village-Dinner @ Vila-do-Peixe-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

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Visit Madeira, Visit Portugal & TAP

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks for this beautiful invitation to Visit Madeira, Visit Portugal and TAP. As always all my opinions are mine.