Since returning to the UAE in December, we’ve been making the most of our time here by exploring nearby, we’ve had friends visit and rediscovered some fun tourist attractions together, we also had a night out sampling a new desert dining experience and we’ve also been getting outdoors more.

Ben and I spent a few hours kayaking in the nearby mangroves, and I even took a ride at the Emirates Equestrian Centre, which was the first time I’ve been out for a proper horse ride in years. I was out of practice, but it was a great way to get back in the saddle.

This past weekend, we took a day trip to explore Ajman and Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK), two of the northern Emirates. They’re just a couple of hours from Abu Dhabi, and there’s a lot to see and do in both.
Wellcation in Ajman
Our first stop was ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort in Ajman, where we were treated to a short Wellcation experience as part of The Wellness Travel Expert. The session included oxygen therapy, a waterbed massage session, Swedish massage, and some time in the sauna and cold plunge pool. It was the perfect way to relax and recharge, especially after a busy few weeks.




Anantara Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah
From Ajman, we drove about 45 minutes up to Ras Al Khaimah to check out the new Anantara Mina Al Arab. This five-star resort is home to the UAE’s first overwater villas, which sit above the mangroves—giving guests an incredible view of the water and the surrounding nature. The property itself is stunning, with plenty of activities nearby, making it a great spot for a getaway.
We also made a stop to check out the future site of the Wynn Resort in Ras Al Khaimah. It’s set to open in 2027 and will be the UAE’s first-ever casino. It’s expected to be bigger than the original Wynn in Las Vegas, so it’ll be interesting to see how this changes the tourism scene when it opens.




What’s Next?
As I’m writing this, Ben is off to Europe for work, and I’ll be heading to Croatia for our first house sit of 2025. We’re looking forward to more travel and all the adventures ahead!