Ras Al Khaimah: The UAE’s hot new destination

Ras Al Khaimah has all the advantages of Dubai and Abu Dhabi… with a more sedate pace in which to enjoy them.

Situated just 70 minutes’ drive from Dubai, with a back drop of the rugged Hajar mountains, secluded beaches, stunning mangroves and swathes of untouched desert, Ras Al Khaimah is the most pristine of the emirates. This northern emirate also boasts some of the best golf courses including the famed Tower Links. Touted as the most natural golf course in the United Arab Emirates with as many as 11 out of the 18 holes meandering around a mangrove reserve, the course is fast becoming one of the must visit destinations for any golf enthusiast.

The weather in Ras Al Khaimah can be up to five-to-10 degrees cooler than Dubai, with snow even recorded on Jebel Jais in the months of January and February, so to say it has it all is an understatement. Aside from playing golf, there are a multitude of activities to keep you entertained, with the beaches and hotels offering a variety of activities while the desert and mountains are ideal for safaris and nature trails. 

Introducing Tower Links

Located in the rapidly developing Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and within an hour’s drive north of Dubai International Airport, Tower Links Golf Club in the City of Ras Al Khaimah is a must-visit golf destination for the international golf enthusiast. Meandering through a mangrove reserve, framed by the Al Hajar mountain range and touted as the most natural golf course in the Emirates ensures that Tower Links will be enjoyed by the novice golfer right through to the touring professional.

One of the highlights of the course are holes five to seven with the par-5 5th featuring as number 1 index on the course. This treacherous hole challenges the golfer to take on a natural water carry across the Mangroves with their tee shot as well as navigate the manmade lake for their third shot when approaching the green.

The 6th is a par 4 that features another unique feature in the way of a split fairway, so your shot shape will determine which route you take, but be careful, as if you manage the rare feat of hitting the straight ball you will no doubt find the sandy waste area and the oasis of palm trees that are waiting for you.

If you think you can rest easy, think again, for the 7th is another par 5 boasting a fairway that resembles a moguls ski run as well as the mangrove reserve running the entire length of the right side of the fairway, so precision with your shot making and some luck are most definitely required if you want to walk away with a par. Once you have finished your round, Tower Links boasts several food and beverage outlets depending on your requirements, allowing you to sit back and enjoy a sumptuous meal or relax over a cold beverage while overlooking the green oasis that is the golf course.

For the golf enthusiast, the best times to visit the region are between mid-November to mid-April, where the temperature is consistently around 32 ̊C, making it ideal to keep your muscles loose or to top up your tan around the pool or beach.

Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Khaimah

The newly renovated 240 guest room Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Khaimah is the closest hotel to Tower Links – a mere 10 minutes’ drive. The hotel is located in the city centre and overlooks the creek. It is also within walking distance to the two major shopping malls in Ras Al Khaimah, making it the perfect place to stay when planning for a golf holiday. As you walk into the Hilton Garden Inn, you will be amazed by the generous space it offers.

Settle into an inviting guest room with a range of amenities for work and relaxation. Watch the 43-inch HDTV and keep in touch with complimentary WiFi. After a good night’s sleep, start the day with a delicious breakfast – choose from the extensive buffet and remember to save some space for the famed homemade American waffles. Perfect for a relaxing meal, the Garden Grille restaurant also serves internationally inspired cuisine for lunch and dinner. For those seeking solace after a long day of golf, unwind with cocktails at the Garden Bar or pick up snacks, drinks, and travel essentials at The Shop.

The hotel’s 24- hour room service is ideal for those feeling peckish in the late evenings. Despite the variety of restaurant and bar offerings, it is also easy to maintain your exercise regime in the hotel’s fitness centre. For other leisurely pursuits, unwind by the outdoor swimming pool, have a game of tennis before taking a stroll inside the nearby Al Naeem Mall, which houses an assortment of retail shops.

Exploring Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is also home to the tallest mountain in the UAE, Jebel Jais, which boast the longest zip line in the world. The 30km of spectacular road heading towards the peak provides a magnificent backdrop for a scenic drive with breathtaking scenery around every corner. Ras Al Khaimah is filled with a host of adventure activities that you can add to your bucket list and get your adrenaline pumping.

For a start, challenge yourself on the world’s longest zipline that will see you y face- down in a superhero position at speeds of up to 150kph. Alternatively enjoy a carefree kayak session from the creek beside Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Khaimah into the mangroves… Be sure to also take time to go on a desert safari where you will experience dune bashing, camel rides and exotic belly dancing. For culture vultures, Ras Al Khaimah is home to numerous important historical sites including the Dhayah fort as well as the abandoned village of Al Jazira that is famed for its houses made entirely out of coral rocks. From September through to April, catch a glimpse of the time-honoured camel race at the Al Sawan camel track.

Want To Know More? 

Email: reservations_hgirak@hilton.com
Web: www.hgirasalkhaimah.hgi.com (For Hilton Garden Inn)
Email: proshop@towerlinks.ae or 00971 7 227 9939 for Tower Links.

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