Ras Al Khaimah is not just a destination; it’s a mosaic of experiences waiting to be unravelled. Imagine soaring across the UAE’s highest peaks on the world’s longest zipline or uncovering hidden pearls within oysters. This emirate offers a tapestry of exhilarating adventures, making it the quintessential haven for honeymooners seeking a blend of elegance and thrill.
Bathed in ethereal morning light, Ras Al Khaimah’s coastline shimmers like gold, setting the scene for an unforgettable escapade. Positioned elegantly against this backdrop, The Cove Rotana Resort stands as a testament to luxury and tranquillity, its Arabian charm harmoniously blending with cultural authenticity. This pristine enclave—Rotana’s dazzling debut in the emirate—boasts an expanse of 600 meters of unspoiled sandy beach, where the lulling whispers of the Arabian Gulf craft an idyllic retreat. Conveniently close to the city centre and international airport, The Cove promises seamless accessibility without compromising the serene seclusion every honeymooner craves.
From the moment you step into the grand marble-clad lobby that gracefully gives way to lush gardens and twin shimmering pools, you are enveloped in an aura of opulence. As the horizon blushes with the sun’s descent, the resort transforms into a paradise of possibilities. From plunging into fabulous pools adorned with thrilling water slides to indulging in serene dips in the azure sea, it becomes clear that The Cove is an epitome of balanced bliss. The lively entertainment programs add a touch of spirited fun, making it a perfect blend of activity and relaxation. In Ras Al Khaimah, every moment is a beautiful story waiting to be written.
ON THE WORLD’S LONGEST ZIP LINE
In the breath-taking tapestry of Ras Al Khaimah, an adventure tailored for thrill-seeking couples awaits—Jebel Jais, home to the world’s longest zipline, beckons just an hour away. Here, adventure and tranquillity harmonize, leaving an indelible mark of excitement and serenity—a truly unparalleled honeymoon destination. Perched atop the UAE’s highest peak at 1,934 meters, Jebel Jais offers a vantage point that is both majestic and intimidating.
This exhilarating zipline, stretching nearly three kilometres, promises an adrenaline rush unmatched anywhere else. Reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h, daredevils are treated to a three-minute airborne journey over jagged peaks and deep ravines. With over 70,000 adventurers having safely completed this feat, its safety and allure are well-established, encouraging even the most hesitant to take the plunge. The journey from the city of Ras Al Khaimah to Jais Adventure Park is a scenic, effortless drive, heightening the anticipation. Upon arrival, the process is meticulously organized and efficient. Required forms are signed, safety briefings are conducted via a demo video, and adventurers are equipped with suits, helmets, GoPro cameras, and harnesses. Transported to the launch platform, final preparations begin. The landscape stretches below, a visual feast of unending beauty and rugged charm.
On the launch pad, the moment of truth arrives—harnesses are secured, nerves are steeled, and a final exhilarating reminder that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity takes hold. Launched into the open sky, soaring above the expansive mountains, the world below becomes a blur. The rush of wind, the vastness of the panorama, the sheer thrill of flight—these moments encapsulate the essence of adventure. Reliving the experience, couples can share tales of their daring feat, enveloped in awe and admiration from all who hear. For honeymooners seeking the perfect blend of excitement and romance, Jebel Jais and its record-setting zipline offer memories that will last for a lifetime. A great idea is to dine at 1484 by Puro, the highest restaurant in the U.A.E post all that adventure taking in the fresh mountain air.
A HONEYMOON ODYSSEY
In the heart of the UAE, where adventure and romance intertwine, honeymooners are drawn to The Jais Sledder—a sleek, adrenaline-pumping track weaving through the majestic Hajar Mountains. Hurtling at a thrilling 40 km/h, lovers navigate 1,840 hairpin turns, all while soaking in breath-taking vistas of rugged mountains and the distant allure of the coast. The best part? You can control the speed, making each descent uniquely theirs. Perched at an impressive 1,770 meters, Camp 1770 emerges as the jewel of the journey. This high-altitude haven, where one can witness the sunrise over the Indian Ocean and the sunset casting golden hues over the Arabian Sea, offers a honeymoon experience beyond compare. During November to January, the camp metamorphoses into a cosy retreat. Wrapped snugly in warm jackets by a crackling bonfire, couples savour the crisp 3°C air, sharing moments over steaming coffee and the sweet delight of dates.
Each evening, a lavish Emirati dinner, crafted by local families, delivers an authentic taste of the mountain communities, making every meal a heartfelt celebration. The adventure continues to the Al Wadi Desert the next morning, where dunes gently ripple with sparse, wild vegetation. Amidst this enchanting landscape, a vibrant Bedouin-style camp beckons, offering exhilarating activities like sandboarding, quad biking, camel rides, and the heart-pounding thrill of dune bashing. As dawn breaks, a captivating Ras Al Khaimah safari unfolds. Aboard a sleek 4×4, couples encounter gazelles, Arabian oryx, and a vibrant array of desert wildlife, culminating in an intimate blend of excitement and wonder. From taming dunes to exploring rustic camel and date farms, each moment is a woven tapestry of adventure and discovery.
DISCOVERING HIDDEN OCEAN TREASURES
The allure of the sea calls to the honeymooners, leading them on a traditional boat voyage across the shimmering Arabian Gulf. Gliding through azure waters past serene mangroves and the enchanting desert shores dotted with camels, they arrive at Suwaidi Pearls—the Arab world’s pioneering pearl farm, a brainchild of Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi. The guide, Obaid, unfolds the fascinating chronicle of pearl farming, blending history with sustainable techniques.
After an insightful tour of a traditional pearl diving boat, he demonstrates modern oyster farming by retrieving a basket from the sea. With eager anticipation, you can volunteer, to plunge an arm into the tank of oysters and carefully select one. Seconds later, if you are lucky, you will see the reveal of a lustrous white pearl. Only 60 percent of farmed oysters produce a pearl, making this extraordinary moment a cherished memory. The desert and sea odyssey, replete with thrilling adventures and soulful discoveries, etches an indelible mark on the journey of love—an exquisite story of Desert Thrills and Chill.
(Awarded the “Best food writer in the country” by the Indian culinary forum, WACS and the ministry of Tourism, Rupali Dean writes on food and travel.)