With its mix between sea, city, mountains & desert there are plenty of holiday experiences you can enjoy in the Northern Emirate of Ras al Khaimah (RAK).
With the family front of mind (and romantic getaways too!) we take a look at the best resorts – perfect for weekend staycations or longer getaways for overseas visitors.
With traffic on your side, RAK is less than an hour and about 2.5 hours from Abu Dhabi.
Our Top 6 favourite Family Resorts in Ras al Khaimah
- Al Wadi Desert – a Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel
- Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
- Waldorf Astoria
- Rixos Bab al Bahr Marjan Island
- The Cove Rotana
- Hilton Ras al Khaimah Resort & Spa
Let’s take a look at them in a lot more detail now; why we love them and what you can expect to pay on average for a family of 4 (prices will be highly variable depending on the dates you choose – you can see more on when UAE Holidays fall and when you can expect rates to be higher here)
The Ritz Carlton Ras al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
Best For: Romantic Desert Retreats
We love it because: Every spacious villa comes with its own private pool, yet there are loads of entertainment options on offer too. There are daily shows such as falconry, desert safaris, nature walks and archery on offer. The Amara Spa with its hydrotherapy pool and rainforest experience comes highly commended.
Set on a nature reserve, it is equally known as a great romantic retreat as it is for a well-rounded family adventure into the desert.
Check out more UAE resorts that come with a private pool.
What does it cost? One night in a private pool villa (large rooms but only one extra large double bed) will set you back $985 / 3600AED + taxes.
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Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
Best for: Families with little ones and outdoor sports lovers
We love it because: This Marjan Island resort has seven swimming pools (including two dedicated kids pools) 600m of beach frontage, kids club including arcade zone and our favourite – the Pirate Boat Aqua Zone! – your very own slide and water splash park on-site.
Heading into the Gulf waters you will find the Jungle Float diving platform with trampolines, dive board and rope swings, in addition to a large outdoor playground to suit different age groups.
There are 14 restaurant choices and the choice of two spas – including a ladies-only spa & pool.
The rooms in the villa suites overlook lush gardens and are really generous in size. There are plenty of grounds to explore, before taking in awesome Marjan Island sunset views from the 9th floor.
You can read a full review of Doubletree Marjan Island here.
What does it cost? Prices for a King Bay Beach Club Room which includes a double and sofa bed to fit 4 start from $295USD / 1100AED + taxes.
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Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah
Best for: Luxury indulgence weekend with family & friends
We love it because: This is a great choice for a spoil yourself special occasion without the wallet being too ridiculously scathed. Everything here is on grand scale, with its own private beach, 18-hole golf course, luxury spa, tennis courts, swimming pools.
Add to the mix for kids there is a complimentary kids club, along with indoor and outdoor play parks and babysitting can be arranged if you’d like a night out to try one of the ten on site restaurants – plus you have access to everything Al Hamra Village has to offer for dining & entertainment.
What does it cost? Their rooms are larger than average with family rooms and suites that can fit up to 5 making them great for the larger family. Prices for a family of 4 (deluxe family room – 2 queens) start at $285USD / 1080AED+ taxes
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Rixos Bab Al Bahr Marjan Island
Best for: Older kids and partying
We love it because: the only ultra-all-inclusive offering, you know exactly what you’re getting for your money and a great party atmosphere with 14 dining options and an extensive entertainment program.
Although it is billed as a bit of a party hotel, it has plenty of family-friendly leisure facilities too, including the Rixy Kids Club, Teen Republic and babysitting (for over 3’s only).
What does it cost? Prices for a family of 4 start from $500USD / 1846 AED + taxes for a family suite with Garden view.
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The Cove Rotana Resort Ras al Khaimah
Best for: Beautiful views & family groups
We love it because: This gem of a resort is neatly hidden from the main road into Ras Al Khaimah by giant sand dunes. Inside you will find beautiful Arabian styling, a private beachfront, centrepiece lagoon and village-like feel.
Villas here with private pools are a great option for families and groups. Facilities include six onsite restaurants as well as Flippers Kids Club and a kids pool, along with spa and leisure facilities.
If you’ve tried the Marjan Island & Al Hamra resorts before and are looking for a change of pace, this would be another great option.
Try to time your visit for the weekend GourMed brunch. A stunning setting overlooking the Gulf, you can’t beat this brunch for views and a wonderful spread of both ordered plates and buffet.
You can read a full review of Cove Rotana Ras Al Khaimah here.
What does it cost? Prices for a family of 4 (in a two-bedroom villa) start at $479/ 1700AED + taxes.
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Hilton Ras al Khaimah Resort & Spa
Best for: Top value pick for families in a central RAK location
We love it because: Set further up the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, near to the central Al Nakheel area you will find the beautiful Hilton Ras al Khaimah. Offering 1.5kms of sandy white beach frontage on to the Arabian Gulf, there is the main hotel complex as well as villa accommodation (some with private pool) overlooking the Gulf.
There is a choice of 11 international dining options, a pool bar and beach bar, along with the choice of seven swimming pools (one with slide), fitness centre and spa and a large kids club so the whole family can enjoy.
What does it cost? Family rooms (2 double beds) for a family of four start at $230USD / 845AED + taxes
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Top Resort Booking Tips for Ras al Khaimah
- Always be on the lookout for whether the rate you’ve been quoted includes taxes and charges. In Ras al Khaimah you can expect a 10% service charge, 5% VAT and 20AED per room per night municipality charge.
- If you are a larger family, check room sizes. Sometimes adding an extra child to your booking adds a lot more than it should in the search engines. Larger rooms over approx 40sqm you should be able to fit both a sofa bed and an additional bed/cot if you need to fit 5. You may need to play with this when searching and call the hotel after booking to add the extra bed later.
More about visiting Ras al Khaimah
Before you go, don’t forget to check out these handy guides for things to see and do during your stay in Ras al Khaimah, in between lapping at the rays at the beach, of course!
This post is in no way sponsored by any of the resorts mentioned, however, our editor has on occasion been a media guest of some of the resorts. This page contains affiliate links. If a purchase is made we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Prices based on groups of four as at October 2019. You can see our full website terms of use here.
