Oh, what a fun place!

The restaurant’s name should have warned you… Pura Vida is Spanish language meaning “Pure Life”, but rather than herald back to the original land of Spain, it is a Latin American motto and philosophy of life – Costa Rican, in particular, I believe – but representing all of Central and South America.

And if you know anything about Latin America, you know they are the world’s fun party people!

Pura Vida restaurant carries that vibe, and it adds a wonderful selection of fine Latino food for your delight.

But first, relax!

You’re at the Hilton Ras al Khaimah resort and Spa – chillax!

There’s no hurry, and you let the city stress out of your system… here is Pura Vida – you, your loved ones… nothing else matters.

Take a seat – have an apertif or cocktail to get you settled in…

Ah, you like the fresh fruit juice? No worries: Pura Vida!

Wait, you’d like a shot of Caribbean rum in that – yes, can do!

Pura Vida…

Or you’d prefer to see the wine list? Pura Vida presents South America’s finest from Chile – you know they are now challenging the old-school European wineries for quality awards?

At Pura Vida, at the Hilton RAK, the entire continent of South America is there to please you.

The music, the rhythms, the ambience… are we really in RAK?

And the food!!!

The Hilton Ras al Khaimah Resort and Spa prides itself on transporting you and your loved ones away on a worldclass vacation out of this galaxy – and at Pura Vida indeed you feel that.

Ceviche with Palm Hearts! Vegetarian, too!

An incredible and exotic combination of citrus and coconut flavors – spicy a little, tangy a little more, this dish defies description and you simply enjoy it, eyes closed, trying to figure out what that amazing dance is happening on your tongue!

Another ceviche right away, please!

This one more traditional – with leche de tigre (tiger milk) and marinated fish – oh, you didn’t know they milked tigers in South America? Well, Pura Vida…

The menu is full of Latin American specialties, and the waiters are keen to explain – I’m not sure about you, but in the UAE there are few and special Latin American restaurants, so if you are unsure, simply follow your waiter’s advice – or, ask for the Manager, a lovely Latin American native who will explain every dish to your satifacton.

We went the for the traditional fare!

We trusted her and were rewarded with an amazing culinary journey.

Dear Hilton RAK, you really did say you’d take us a million miles away, on an unforgettable journey!

Well, at Pura Vida the ambience and food takes you on a fantastic journey of discovery if you are new to Latino food, while at the same time it takes you home if you are familiar – spectacular.

The lamb shank was slow-cooked and marinated with exceptional adobo herbs and spices…

Just look at this beauty!

And the sauce was fabulous, as was the bed of mashed potato.

But ask me to explain the flavors, even of the regular-looking mash, and I’d be lost for words – indeed the exotic flavors are beyond my vocabulary – delicious, surely, and enticing, yes – yet there were spices that I had never tasted before – mysterious, enhancing, exciting, but not totally foreign, just teasing with a touch of South American berries, or jungle herb!

And so went every dish – exceptionally delicious and exotic, yet familiar.

And for the carnivores, you’re in for a treat!

South American churrasco – their barbeque and grilled meats – are legendary, And at Pura Vida this is clearly evident.

But there’s more – a lot more than I can hope to present in a few paragraphs…

And so, before the incredible desserts tango you away in an embrace of sweetness,

followed by an exceptional coffee,

let me invite you to Pura Vida, a restaurant that goes above and beyond, and actually serves as a gateway into Latin America – a continent of joyful foods and delicate dishes, and flavors that will dance on your palate – at Pura Vida restaurant, hosted at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa!