When most people think of the United Arab Emirates, they typically think of Dubai with its shiny skyscrapers, fancy malls, and beaches. Others think of Abu Dhabi with its rich culture or the Formula One. But there’s so much more to the UAE away from its better known places. One rich gem off the beaten path is in Al Ain, an area blessed with rugged mountains, green landscapes, and cultural treasures. A wonderful way to see all that this area has to offer while being accommodated in five star service and accommodations is at the Al Ain Rotana.
Al Ain is a beautiful and slower paced town two hours from Abu Dhabi. It is known as the Garden City as there are numerous green areas with gardens, sculptures, and verdant landscapes. It is also an agricultural centre producing fruits and vegetables for the surrounding areas.
There’s a lot to do and see in Al Ain and the most impressive attraction is the Jebel Hafeet which is a 1340 metre high mountain which dominates the Al Ain skyline. From town, the 30 minute drive to the peak is a spectacular and winding drive with many places to park and take in the vista along the way. At the summit there are more lookout venues as well as a refreshments restaurant. Al Ain is a great location for families as well, with the Al Ain Zoo, amusement parks and a water park.
The Al Ain Rotana is a large resort with 242 rooms and suites, pools, tennis courts and restaurants. The lobby in the main building has an impressive four storey cathedral ceiling with plenty of places to sit and take in the scene as locals, businessmen, and vacationers dally about. International travellers and the UAE residents travel there for a weekend getaway or for a week long stay. With all there is to do in the area as well as all of the services offered at the hotel, it’s a great holiday for families and romantic couples.
The Falaj Wing is a ” hotel within a hotel ” concept offering another level of luxury accommodations and service. There are several modern buildings with plush accommodations and large balconies centered around a pool oasis. There are palm trees and water fountains making the pool as beautiful to look at as it is to cool off in its temperature controlled water.
The Falaj Suite is an immersion in lavish décor, amenities and services. The design is ulta-modern with spacious places to stretch out and enjoy. The living room has a large couch, dining area and entertainment system. The separate bedroom is equally as remarkable with television, and uber comfy king size bed. The design is absolutely delicious with rich brown textures contrasting with white alabaster walls and marble floors. Outdoors there is a lovely terrace perfect for morning tea.
A memorable dining experience is a key ingredient of any five star resort experience and the Al Ain Rotana does not disappoint. There are several cuisine options here from Middle Eastern Dishes, Asian, and casual dining.
Many have been to the Trader Vics. It is known for its timeless Polynesian vibe and décor with rattan tables and chairs and big cocktails with umbrellas. It is also a great spot for entertainment and dinner while in Al Ain. This is an area hot spot with local expats and hotel guests coming together for good food and dancing. As evening turns to night, an in house Cuban band plays pulsating salsa music as well as a DJ playing top 40 dance tunes as couples get down on the dance floor.
The dining experience at Trader Vic’s provides a delicious dining experience with an Asian and intercontinental cuisine in a laid back and casual setting. The menu is extensive with everything from seafood to steaks and Asian cuisines. An evening at Trader Vic’s at the Al Ain Rotanta is a wonderful dining experience of great food, cocktails and entertainment.
There’s so much to do at the Al Ain Rotana from their health club and tennis courts, to an attentive concierge service that can sort out all the areas attractions, shopping, and activities. But for those looking for another level of relaxation, they don’t have to look very far as it is steps away in the Zen Spa.
The Zen spa is a spacious and elegant venue with modern décor and babbling water features which create a soothing environment. There are separate areas for men and women with eight treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools and a Hamman.
A day in the spa for some Me Time is just what weary travellers often seek for their vacation experience. The Zen Spa offers several treatment rituals such as the Recharge Ritual which combines a traditional Hamman, full body massage and foot reflexology in two hours of rejuvenation.
The Middle Eastern Hamman ritual begins with a steam sauna to release and heat the body, continued with black soap applied with a exfoliating mitt and then moisturising oils. This is then followed by a therapeutic massage using eastern and western techniques of massage and pressure points to loosen muscles and release tension. The last part is a foot reflexology treatment using thumbs on the pressure points to activate reflex points and improve circulation. The Zen Spa provides a wonderful refuge leaving its guests refreshed and re-energized.
The Al Ain Rotana is a holiday experience perfect for families and romantic couples. It’s a different type of vacation filled with the natural beauty of the area with forts to explore, theme parks, and mountain peaks to discover. After your days of exploring the area you’ll have a respite to retire to, offering its own gamut of experiences from the wonderful spa, activities, and great dining. The accommodations, especially at the Falaj Wing of the resort, make it all the more worthwhile in a luxurious pampering environment. The Al Ain Rotana, a fantastic holiday experience.
