Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, the undiscovered UAE

It is always interesting to consult travel websites before choosing a hotel these days, and the entries for the Le Meridien Al Aqah are almost universal in their praise. Many guests could not wait for their next visit, and the location and service figured high on the list of positive comments.

As AME Info discovered this is an exceptional location. Aside from being far from the madding crowds of Dubai, a 90-minute drive away on good roads, this hotel nestles cheek by jowl against a mountain with a broad stretch of yellow sandy beach laid out in front. Two hotels are under construction on either side, but at some distance, and for the moment this is the only resort in this pretty setting.

The sand here is yellow and not the muddy colour it assumes further down the coast at Fujairah town. The water is crystal clear. Swimming in the sea is a pleasure. There is no urban sprawl in sight.

High-rise comfort

Only opened three years ago the Le Meridien Al Aqah is a well designed, high-rise modern five-star hotel. All 218 exceptionally spacious rooms face over the Indian Ocean and the top five floors of this high-rise property are dedicated to club facilities with a club lounge enjoying a spectacular view.

Catering is highly praised by former guests. Executive chief Suzanne Ayer Storms presides over a series of restaurants with an accent on Asian and international cuisine. The Thai restaurant is particularly good with an al fresco balcony, while guests also liked the Indian and poolside restaurants. In the centre of the ground floor of the hotel is a buffet-style, all-day dining restaurant in a splendid atrium setting.

Outside the hotel boasts a large swimming pool and two bars leading down to the beach and gardens. There is a Penguin club to entertain children, and this resort is popular with divers who have access to the Musandam peninsular and the best diving sites of the UAE.

Full spa options

Away from the beach the Le Meridien Al Aqah offers many other diversions, including a small cinema and games rooms in the basement, and a full spa. Here the possibilities range from beauty treatments to a de-stressing massage, a perfect complement to a day on the beach. The Balinese staff certainly knew how to look after tired guests.

For those who prefer a more private setting the hotel offers a bath spa in your own room which includes rose petals and candles to transform the atmosphere to one of tranquility and relaxation.

Since opening this hotel has been extremely popular and when AME Info stayed the occupancy was 97%. This is high even by the elevated levels common in the UAE, and perhaps the best compliment that guests can pay to this unique beach property. Less surprising were the recent awards for the 'Middle East's Leading Beach Resort' and the 'Middle East's Leading Presidential Suite' at the World Travel Awards in London.