Spending 3 days and 2 nights at The Cove Rotana Resort seems like the cherry on top of all my getaways for so many reasons! My entire staycation was so pleasant and relaxing, I totally felt the urge to stay longer however, impossible. I couldn’t be more thankful enough to spend a quick and short, yet much-needed escape from my busy daily routine, at no less than a 5-star-hotel and beachfront property, located in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah! I reckon it’s incomparable with other Rotana hotels that I’ve known for cleanliness, friendly service and good food. It’s actually one of the best hotel-resorts that I’ve experienced, not only in the United Arab Emirates but beyond as it’s world-class to say the least!
Admittedly, I expected the road trip from Dubai to RAK would be so infinitely long and sluggish. I also thought the resort might be fancy but far-flung. Before you crucify me and call me cynical, I confess that all my biases and prejudice were proven wrong! Following about an hour from the time I left a Metro Station in Dubai, I found myself being welcomed at the check in counter of the The Cove Rotana Resort! The location’s right across the public intercity bus terminal, and easily along the highway, making it very accessible to everyone and all!
That moment when the staff handed me the keys to my private villa, I realised that I stepped into a world built where we can appreciate the sun, frolic in the sand and indulge in relaxation!
The Cove Rotana Resort is more than a beach getaway. With its expansive span, it actually looks an entire community by the Arabian Gulf! For me, it’s like an oasis that quenches thirst for something beautiful and so good!
I was spoilt rotten by the outstanding services they’ve rendered. Imagine, riding a chauffeured buggy or golf cart from the reception until the door of my room, and being picked up by the same each time I call to request. Then, I was provided with a one-bedroom premium villa with a patio and a private mini-swimming pool. I was bedded down in a sumptuous and spacious room with pillows where I had the most restful sleeps in years! The entire resort’s rich in staff who remarkably went extra mile in providing nothing but stellar hospitality; everyone left a very nice impression on me! And did I already mention that the food from all dining options within the resort were good enough to (re)visit to Ras Al Khaimah? Before I bore you with all hallelujiahs, allow me to share proofs of how pleasing and relaxing my weekend that was, at The Cover Rotana Resort.
Here’s a photo-essay of what I enjoyed in the gem of a paradise in Ras Al Khaimah! Enjoy!
- CHECK IN RECEPTION AND BREAKFAST
Relaxing outdoor and terrace lounge, Breeze Bar and Lounge Cafe.
What welcomed me at the resort? American Breakfast from Breeze Bar and Lounge Cafe!
- MY ONE BEDROOM VILLA PREMIUM
The One Bedroom Villas are 119 sqm, overlooking the Arabian Gulf and located either in the hills or in the lagoon. The Villas are duplex with a staircase going to the master bedroom having a king size bed with a living room located on the ground floor with a private terrace and features comfortable sofas.
Amenities: Daily housekeeping service, mini bar, in-room safe, 32 inch LCD TV, multilingual satellite TV channels including music channels, bathrobes, hairdryer, walk in shower, IDD telephone, iron & iron board, tea & coffee facilities, Wi-fi connection.
Yes to private pool in a villa by the lagoon! Love you, Cove Rotana Resort!
Even my travel buddy, @GeloTheBear agrees that Cove Rotana Resort is amazing!
- A STROLL AROUND THE COVE ROTANA RESORT
- It felt like I was teleported from Middle East to a paradise in the Mediterranean or somewhere, sans visa and passport control requirements. I only had one hour of road trip from Dubai and The Cove Rotana Resort welcomed me with its utterly beautiful view and a very relaxing and stress-free vibe! Everything’s fantastic from sunrise to sundown! Every corner’s picturesque!
Fancy a relaxing massage or romantic dinner by the beach? Cove Rotana has it!
One of the most glorious sunsets I’ve ever experienced!
- BREAKERS BEACH BAR AND LOUNGE
Relax on a beach with pristine sand and shimmering waters.
Sip on tropical cocktails and discover our delicious menu catered by Breakers beach bar while unwinding under the sun. It’s good food, nice drinks and beautiful sunset session with music rendered by the pretty, DJ Kristina.
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. Weekends: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
The kid in me was so happy at Breakers Beach Bar and Lounge!
Jalapeño Cheese balls + Calamari + Beer on my second day at Breakers Beach Bar.
- SUNSET BAR
Modern rattan furniture, canvas, umbrellas and thick cushions set the mood for guests preferring to linger by the poolside. The Sunset pool bar is a breeze refuge located by the upper pool, overlooking the Resort with breath taking views.
The pool bar offers cold snacks accompanied by an appealing selection of fresh juices, cocktails and iced drinks.
Opening Hours: Everyday from 10 am to 7 pm. Daily Shisha timing will be from 2 pm – 7 pm.
- CINNAMON ALL DAY DINING RESTAURANT
Featuring extensive and diverse choices of international buffet with oriental highlights and an outdoor terrace, Cinnamon is the place to socialise over a casual meal or celebrate your occasions with a circle of friends.The restaurant also offers you an “à la carte menu”.
Opening Hours:
7:00 am – 11:00 am (Breakfast), 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm (Lunch), 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm (Dinner)
Friday Brunch – 12:30 – 4:00 pm
- BASILICO MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
This unique casual fine dining restaurant offers a variety of traditional choices of Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian emphasis. Complete with arched brown brick ceilings that create a spacious atmosphere and complemented with warm wood furniture, Basilico also has an open kitchen with live cooking station which is sure to impress.
Be amazed by the breath-taking view overlooking the Arabian Gulf and leisurely enjoy the best that life has to offer “La Dolce Vita.”
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Wednesday from 6:00 pm – 12:00 mn (Dinner only), Thursday to Saturday from 12:00 nn – 3:00 pm (Lunch), 6:00 pm – 12:00 mn (Dinner), Friday from 12:00 noon – 12:00 mn (All day operation).
Seafood Orange Salad. A perfect toss of greens, baby octopus, tiger prawns & squid.
Seafood Paella. Hallelujiah!
Trio of Creme Brûlée : Classic, Coffee, Pistachio. Super toothsome!
On my second night, I had Spanish Seafood Soup for appetizer.
Lobster Tail Rissotto for my main entree on my dinner on my second night.
And Tiramisu to end an incredibly perfect dinner!
If those delightful dishes and sublime desserts aren’t compelling enough for you to troop to The Cove Rotana Resort to experience everything and dine at Basilico, try this.
BBC Good Food Middle East Awards 2017
recognised Basilico Mediterranean Restaurant as
Restaurant of the Year, Northern Emirates!
Well done, Basilico, Bravo, The Cove Rotana Resort!
Basilico Mediterranean Restaurant is currently offering an epicurean treat with its GourMed Brunch where you can savour an extensive and delightful variety of dishes from the buffet spread, together with a delectable a la carte menu of mouthwatering dishes cooked lively in their open kitchen, complimented by breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf!
Enjoy live music entertainment whilst the little one’s are enjoying their time at Flippers Kids Club.
Be there every Friday from 12 nn till 4 pm / Packages starting from AED 255.
Upgrade your experience by enjoying beach and pool for the day by adding AED 100!
- BREEZE BAR & LOBBY LOUNGE CAFE
Situated near the main lobby, Breeze lobby lounge and bar is an ideal placefor afternoon coffee or tea or for sampling an excellent selection of cocktails and mixers. It offers snacks, cakes and pastries from the cake counter as well as shisha in the evening on its spacious terrace.Opening Hours:
8:00 am – 3:00 pm (Lobby Coffee Service), 3:00 pm -2:00 am (Lounge Bar & Terrace), 4:00 pm – 1:00 am (Snack Service), 10:00 am – 11:00 pm (Cake Counter), 2:00 pm – 1:00 am (Daily Shisha Timing)
Mojito served with popcorn and nuts to cap my night!
- BODYLINES FITNESS & WELLNESS CLUB
- This is where I had one hour of super relaxing Swedish massage of my shoulders and feet. It was extremely relaxing, I almost fell asleep! Go figure what I’ve experienced when you book at Bodylines when you get a chance!
Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club offers a selection of massage treatments including Swedish massage, Balinese massage, Thai massage, as well as specialty massage treatments available only at The Cove Rotana Resort.
Gym is open from 6:00 am – 10:00 pm, Spa from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm, Swimming pools from 7:00 am – Sunset, Flipper’s Kids Club from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm.
For more information, please contact Bodylines reception desk on 971 7 2066341, or email them at bodylines.cove@rotana.com.
Other recreational facilities and activities that guests could enjoy while at The Cove Rotana Resort include
- 600m pristine beach
- Jacuzzi, steam, sauna, 7 massage rooms, fully equipped gymnasium, fitness classes, cardiovascular and weight training
- Flipper’s Kids’ Club (Baby sitting service and kids menu)
- 2 outdoor infinity pools and a Kid’s pool
- Water Sports Activities and offsite activities include sight seeing trips, desert trips, fishing trips
A paradise to spend quality and relaxing time with yourself and/or with your love ones. An entire resort that offers great food and drinks, good music, friendliest service, unparalleled view. What more can you ask for? The Cove Rotana Resort is perfect for corporate functions, events like weddings or intimate celebrations, honeymoon or simply a quick getaway from the usual city life!
The beautiful and welcoming lobby of Cove Rotana Resort.
Thank you so much, Cove Rotana Resort!
The Cove Rotana Resort | Al Dhaith South, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates | Telephone number +971 7 206 6000 | Fax : +971 7 206 6200 | For more details and reservations, visit their website at :
https://www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/unitedarabemirates/rasalkhaimah/thecoverotanaresort
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Of course, you can arrange a hotel service to and from the airport, however for those who opt to take public transportation, here’s how to commute from Dubai to The Cove Rotana Resort in RAK and return :
- Take one of the intercity buses in Union Metro Station in Dubai that goes directly to RAK.
- The bus station in RAK is located right across The Cove Rotana Resort.
- In return, you may take Al Hamrah Bus from RAK bus station just across the resort. Travel time is roughly an hour and half without traffic jam.
- Below are the details and ticket costs of Al Hamrah Bus trips as of February 2018 :
- RAK – Umm Al Quain – 10 dirhams per pax
- RAK – Ajman – 15 dirhams per pax
- RAK – Sharjah – 25 dirhams per pax
- RAK – Dubai -25 dirhams per pax
- Al Hamrah buses from RAK leaves every hour from the station; you may call 800-1700 for queries.
- Alternatively, you may take taxi cabs from Dubai to RAK and back.
Again, thank you so much to the entire staff and management of The Cove Rotana Resort for being so accommodating and welcoming, and made me feel so at home during my 3 day-stay in the resort!
I loved every moment I spent in The Cove Rotana Resort! What a gem at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah!
***While I was an invited guests by The Cove Rotana Resort, all photos and opinions on this article are my own and were never influenced by anyone.