by Rhiannon Oliver
You might not yet have ventured to Ajman, but it boasts a surprisingly large crop of luxurious hotels – Ajman Saray, A Luxury Collection Resort is one of the best and a beachside gem that is certainly deserving of a visit.
The hotel has a calm, modern vibe.
Decorated in a range of natural browns and taupes with splashes of gold and deep red, the feeling is one of relaxed luxury. In the lobby, plush velvet chairs, vast chandeliers, and impressive flower displays lend a real grandeur.
The hotel’s 205 rooms and suites are well equipped, with plenty of space and all mod cons. The bathroom offers Elemis products, a brilliant drench shower, and a notably deep bath: sea view rooms have strategically placed windows to allow you to gaze over the Arabian Gulf as you soak.
Ocean gazing continues outside: the hotel is directly on the Ajman Coast and offers a private beach for guests. There are plenty of sun-loungers and circular canopied day-beds, all well spaced out on the sand and around the hotel’s two large swimming pools. One pool provides a great chance for lengths, the other, a ‘bubbling pool’ demands that you merely waft and float! Bab Al Bahr Beach Bar and Grill serves drinks and food directly to your sun-lounger, and a buzzer system means you need not take a break from the lounging! Water features around the pool area lend a relaxing air, and a small ‘honour library’ allows you to borrow books for the day.
If you’re looking for more action, an onsite water-sport outlet hires out water-skis, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards, as well as ‘bananas’ and ‘donuts’ (of the non-edible, water adventure variety).
There is also a gym, squash court and the chance to join in a daily ‘sunset stretch’ on the beach. If you want to venture further afield, there is also a free shuttle service to Dubai Mall (40mins) and a daily trip to a historical attraction.
The fantastic Kids Club means that Ajman Saray, A Luxury Collection Resort is a great place for a family holiday. As well as a small kids pool, an outdoor play area and a sand pit (inside a cave!), the Kids Club offers an indoor space well stocked with toys, games and dressing up clothes. Staff, including the very friendly Helen, engage brilliantly with the children and provide a packed activity schedule including face painting, a kids disco and movie time. If it all gets too much, there are even a couple of beds ready to receive all ‘partied out’ little ones! The Kids Club is just a stone’s throw from the pool area and children over 4 can be left without their parents. (Make the most of the alone time by heading to GOCO Spa for some serious spa luxury!)
Kids are also welcome and well cared for in the 5 restaurants. Vista offers themed lunch and dinner buffets and an excellent breakfast (including Prosecco should you want it), Al Shorfa serves drinks, ice-cream and beautiful cakes and patisserie (check out the Ladies High Tea!), and Safi Seafood Restaurant offers an outstanding ‘Sushi Wednesday’ with some of the best Sushi and Japanese delicacies you’ll taste in the UAE.
A short drive from Dubai, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain, Ajman Saray, A Luxury Collection Resort, is a great bet for a beachside staycation. The hotel is luxurious, the restaurants are excellent, and staff are thoughtful, warm and attentive.