At first glance, the stunning gold-domed, arabesque Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates looks like a palace, and with 346 rooms and suites, the resort is certainly big enough to be one. However, you don't have to wear a crown to get the royal treatment.
On one side, the property flanks the Arabian Gulf, complete with a private white sand beach and plenty of cabanas and services to make it not just a beautiful spot to relax, but extra luxurious as well. On the other side of the hotel, you will find the Al Hamra Golf Club and the 18-hole, Peter Harradine-designed course. Look even farther for stellar views of the majestic Hajar Mountains, the highest peaks found in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula.
Though, with two, temperature-controlled pools, an underwater-themed spa and eight restaurants and lounges, there's plenty to eat, drink and enjoy right on the property.
- Facing the gulf or the mountains, the cream-, white- and champagne-colored rooms have a sumptuous feel. And the suite décor features unique patterns on the rugs, molded ceilings and Arabic-style window cutouts. Some spaces have pops of bright, sea blue, too, mimicking the crystalline waters of the gulf below.
- Not only does Camelia offer a high-end hookah experience as a shisha bar, but it also serves as a tea lounge. Here more than 40 teas from around the world are offered any time, but for a truly extravagant service, make reservations for afternoon tea.
- Children staying at the Ras Al Khaimah hotel receive their own mini-sized bathrobe and slippers, coloring book and access to the kids' club. Little ones also get a special water park, children's menus at all the restaurants and the chance to learn about running a hotel with the Little Hotelier program.
- Stay active with the two inviting pools, the beach, the modern gym, fitness classes and the fully equipped sports center (which carries tools for having fun in the water, playing tennis and any other activity you might want to do). Golfers should opt to play a round on the adjacent championship course — there’s even an opportunity to play in the evening under the stars.
- Visit the 1,650-square-foot Waldorf Astoria Spa where you can release tension in a mineral-rich Turquoise bath, a 90-minute Magenta four-hand massage or the Restoring Ripples facial, which uses seaweed to help revitalize and refresh the skin. There are 12 treatment rooms as well as steam rooms and herbal saunas in each locker room, and products from Bellabaci and Margaret Dabbs London.
- Lexington Grill & Bar offers burgundy leather chairs to sink into while nibbling on Carrara wagyu tenderloin, an iconic Waldorf salad, saffron risotto or butter-poached black cod. Or go all out and order the tomahawk steak for two, which gets carved tableside. The mood is steakhouse chic, with rich woods and warm lights adding to the cozy atmosphere.
- Wander into Peacock Alley for a light bite, Turkish coffee, high tea service or an expertly crafted cocktail. The space is a signature of the hotel brand, and each iteration features an exquisite clock designed and built by the 300-year-old company Smith of Derby.
- Enjoy Japanese fare from the teppanyaki grill at Umi. The best way to sample this restaurant is by ordering the multi-course kaiseki menu, which includes a starter such as eel sushi, shrimp salad and duck loin; followed by a sashimi sampler; some shrimp tempura; a main course with rice and miso; and a dessert of seasonal fruits and mochi ice cream.
- There's nothing like spending the day by the water and having all the meals and drinks brought right to the cabana. Azure Pool & Beach Bar makes plenty of refreshing cocktails, such as specialty spritzers, cucumber-laced gin drinks and cooling classics like the piña colada and mai tai. Also order a vegetable-heavy smoothie, thin-crust pizza, locally made burrata with crispy lavash, smoked eggplant dip or housemade gelato. And, if you prefer to take a break from the sun, Azure Restaurant serves the same delicious spread inside.
24-hour room service 
Babysitting services
Bar
Beach
Fitness classes
Golf
Gym
House car
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Tennis
