Minor Hotels has revealed that Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, the brand’s ninth property in the UAE, will open in Q4 2023. Set along the Arabian Gulf coastline on with a backdrop of the Hajar mountains, Anantara Mina Al Arab is situated amid 1.5 kilometres of mangroves and lagoons in a natural reserve.

Designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, the newbuild will comprise 174 guestrooms, suites and villas, including the first overwater 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. The resort will also feature a range of sustainable initiatives including greywater waste recycling, thermodynamics and solar panels for water heating and a water bottling plant.

All accommodation options offer a balcony or terrace with views of the lagoon, sea or surrounding landscapes, with the peninsula and overwater villas also featuring a private pool. The latter will be home to luxurious living spaces and terraces for al fresco dining, while access to a private beach – each with its own cabana and a la carte service – are also part of the offer.

For rest and recreation, the spa comprises seven treatment rooms catering for males, females and couples, along with a wet area and relaxation spaces. A menu of signature spa journeys inspired by Arabian and Turkish culture will be available, including hammam rituals.

Continuing the wellness theme, a fitness centre overlooking the lagoon will provide equipment for workouts indoors, combined with a regular programme of activities around the resort including padel tennis courts. A large outdoor pool, featuring its own sunken bar, is also located just steps from the resort’s beach, where guests can enjoy motorised water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking.

A selection of dining options will include piquant journeys around Southeast Asia at Mekong, grilled fish and seafood at Beach House, and international specialities from breakfast through dinner at the all-day dining restaurant. In addition, a pool bar and a deli café will each offer light bites throughout the day, with a lobby lounge also serving Champagne, fine wines and gourmet nibbles in the evening.

With its location amidst a mangrove lagoon, protected coastal wetlands and pristine 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.

“We look forward to welcoming guests into sustainable luxury at the upcoming Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort,” says Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President for Middle East & Africa at Minor Hotels. “The stunning natural setting amid the mangroves, combined with the heartfelt service Anantara is known for, will provide guests with an unforgettable escape in this magnificent emirate.”

Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, developer of Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, comments: “When RAK Properties developed Mina Al Arab, we wanted the island to embody the essence of Ras Al Khaimah, and to find partners that are truly aligned with our vision. Collaborating with leading internationally recognised hospitality brands is part of our strategy to bring high-quality investment opportunities to our beachfront developments. Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort will enrich the island’s offering with a luxury beachfront experience that also respects the natural and stunning beauty of its surroundings, and we’re very excited for the vision to become reality at the opening.”