The Ritz-Carlton, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

About an hour up the coast from Dubai lies the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, a place that’s no slouch in the “stark desert beauty” department. It’s also home to a Banyan Tree beach retreat that serves as a companion piece to its bigger sister, the nearby desert oasis of Banyan Tree Al Wadi. Although situated only twenty minutes away, this beachfront hotel is no mere offshoot — this is a fully self-contained experience, typical of Banyan Tree’s meticulous approach, but with an intriguing Bedouin fishing-village flair.

Bringing the plunge-pool villa concept to the shores of the Arabian Gulf isn’t just a matter of checking the boxes of some eco-resort formula. The designs that make a certain kind of aesthetic sense in Thailand would feel off-kilter here — hence the nomadic inspiration. These villas are ingeniously tented, with canopied ceilings providing a sturdy shelter for modern Arabic interiors. It’s a cozy, intimate take on desert living, with plenty of flowing drapes and tied-back sheets contributing to the atmosphere. Just outside, each pool is fully equipped with a covered daybed and cabana, creating a living arrangement that feels like a luxury outpost at the edge of the world.

If you’re craving a bit of socialization, there’s plenty of public space, including yet another pool. And if you run out of things to do in the immediate vicinity — there are plenty of snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing opportunities — the proximity to Al Wadi proves to be a blessing. Simply head into the desert to take advantage of the larger resort’s facilities, including one of Banyan Tree’s legendary spas.

How to get there:Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach is located approximately 45 km (28 miles) from Dubai International Airport.