“This treatment brings Arabian culture to the forefront with a healing scrub made from dates and honey harvested locally from the mangroves around Ras Al Khaimah.”

The Azure Road Take

In a country known for its over-the-top opulence set among glitz and glam, the new Anantara Mina Al Arab is the first of its kind to bring over-water accommodations to the Middle East. It is located on a private peninsula in Ras Al Khaimah, just one hour north of Dubai, and is surrounded by thick mangroves against the backdrop of the Hajar mountains and the Arabian gulf. The luxurious spa at the resort combines the brand’s Thai heritage with Emirati hospitality to provide guests with wellness offerings that showcase a deep sense of place and local culture.

Sustainability Chops

In keeping with the Anantara philosophy, the hotel upholds the three main pillars of the brand – Indigenous, Expertise, and Authentic Living – in everything that it does, and this can be felt all over the property. The 174-room resort was designed by Wilson Associates and Perkins Eastman introducing Maldivian-inspired style to Ras Al Khaimah. The accommodations are sustainably built, with furniture and fittings using eco-friendly materials, recycled fabrics, and plastics. The surrounding mangroves are protected by the local government and are a huge part of the hotel’s ethos. A Mangrove Discovery Center, opened in May 2024, encourages a love for nature through interactive experiences. community initiatives, and environmental education.

The Treatment

I opted for the signature 60-minute Ras Al Khaimah ritual at the resort’s onsite spa and wellness center. This treatment brings Arabian culture to the forefront with a healing scrub made from dates and honey harvested locally from the mangroves around Ras Al Khaimah. My therapist spent time giving me an enveloping full-body rub while sharing the health and beauty benefits of honey and dates. Mangrove honey is light in density, and its slight salt content makes it high in antioxidants, antibacterial, and antiviral. Once I showered away all the grit and grime of my long 22-hour travel thanks to this enriching mixture, she proceeded with a soothing back, neck, and shoulder Thai healing massage which focused on the body’s ‘sen’, or meridian lines, bringing harmony to both physical and mental states.

Spa Location

Like many Anantara properties worldwide, the Spa at Anantara Mina Al Arab combines ancient healing traditions with relaxation and wellness. There are seven treatment rooms, including two couple suites. Other facilities include a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool for men and women, a beauty salon, and gender-specific relaxation areas. The menu is extensive, with signature treatments including the four-hand massage, chakra balancing ritual, and Tibetan singing bowl healing. In keeping with the Arabic culture, treatments can also be scheduled in-room for guest’s privacy. Wherever possible, locally sourced materials are used, like dates from the region and honey from the surrounding mangroves – an indigenous-designed experience that uses ingredients endemic to the region.

Staff Vibe

The staff at the Spa and the resort overall are very welcoming and friendly. They are committed to ensuring guests have a positive experience and take the time to know and address any health or medical concerns before beginning treatments. Guests can request male or female therapists and even schedule sessions in their villas or suites for additional privacy.