Ras Al Khaimah is just a 45-minute drive from Dubai airport and couldn’t be more different from its glitzy neighbour. Anantara is opening an eco-resort in this lesser-known emirate, which is a much more nature-driven destination with deserts, beaches, and mountains. Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort is on the Arabian Gulf coastline in 1.5 kilometres of mangroves and lagoons in a natural reserve on Mina Al Arab Island with a backdrop of the Hajar mountains.
Designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, the new-build eco resort features 174 guest rooms, suites and villas, including the first over water villas in the emirate. All the accommodation has been built in a sustainable fashion, with furniture and fittings using eco-friendly materials such as sustainable wood and recycled fabrics and plastics. With its location amidst a mangrove lagoon, protected coastal wetlands and natural beaches, the area is home to abundant wildlife, including turtles, dolphins, the rare dugong, and birds such as flamingos, ibis and migrating species passing through. A key priority for the resort will be to preserve and respect its local environment, which will be a focus of the sustainability initiatives.
www.anantara.com/mina-al-arab-ras-al-khaimah
Abu Dhabi – Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat
A boutique escape from the city, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is located in Ghantoot, an unspoilt enclave of coast approximately halfway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The 22-room hotel offers uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, away from the towering skylines of the cities in either direction.
Created to reflect the iconic buildings of its namesake island, the low-lying white buildings of Anantara Santorini overlook the private beach and outdoor pool. Bespoke spa treatments will be offered in private beachside cabanas and 24-hour butler service will ensure guests are looked after around the clock. The culinary experiences at Anantara Santorini will include a restaurant dedicated to the heritage of the region, where local ingredients and spices are brought to the fore, plus in-keeping with the property, an ocean-side restaurant will serve delicacies from Greece. Anantara Santorini is a 25-minute drive from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport and 35-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
www.anantara.com/santorini-abu-dhabi
Phuket – Anantara Koh Yao Yai
With Thailand confirmed as the setting for Season 3 of the much-lauded TV show, White Lotus, the Land of Smiles will enjoy the same spotlight as Hawaii and Sicily did before it. After a few months soft opening, Anantara Koh Yao Yai fully opened in December on one of Thailand’s last untouched islands, located in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, halfway between Phuket and Krabi. Occupying a space on the water’s edge, the 148 room Anantara Koh Yao Yai is on one kilometre of white sandy beach set against a backdrop of limestone formations that rise out of the waters of Phang Nga Bay.
Designed for families and couples alike, one- and two-bedroom beachfront pool villas sit right on the beach, while the penthouse has wide sea views and an upper deck with infinity pool. The resort has its own private jetty allowing easy access for guests transfers from Phuket (40 mins) or Krabi (20 mins). This lesser-known island is characterised by sandy shores, mangroves and rubber plantations and dotted with tiny fishing villages.
