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I'd fly halfway around the globe to stay at this new hotel — here's why

March 04, 2022
5 min read
view of pool, beach and palm tress
I'd fly halfway around the globe to stay at this new hotel — here's why
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Every year here at TPG, we scour the globe for the most exciting destinations and hotels where you should spend your hard-earned points, miles and cash. It's a difficult job (seriously!) because there are so many incredible places, new hotels, attractions and events worth traveling for, but each year we whittle it down to make travel planning a little easier for you.

For 2022, some incredible places made the list, including Ghana, Norway and recently reopened Australia. But one place made the list you might not have heard of — at least yet — that's a stone's throw away from Dubai: neighboring emirate Ras Al Khaimah. The rugged-meets-luxurious escape from gleaming Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, roughly 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport (DXB), is full of high-end beach resorts, mindblowing desert camps and even the world's longest zip line.

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And now, a new IHG resort we've been keeping a close eye on is finally open to guests to make the already incredible emirate even better. Meet the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa.

(Photo courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts)

With 351 sea-facing rooms, suites and private pool villas, Interncontiental, the iconic brand currently celebrating its 75th anniversary is making its grand debut in Ras Al Khaimah. Inspired by the original three tribes of the area (the Desert, Mountains and Sea), the resort's design is a melting pot of "modern conveniences with Arabian aesthetics."

If you make the journey to the emirate, which could be considered a Hamptons-like escape from Dubai, deciding what room to book will be difficult. Standard rooms are large, light and airy, with soaking tubs, rain showers and large balconies with sweeping views of the sea. Or, do you go big like they do in the UAE and book an over-the-top suite or one-bedroom pool villa that's more than 1,500 square feet and soak up the region's heat on a lounge chair?

(Photo courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts)

And since it is an InterContinental, there's also the option to book a Club InterContinental-level room that comes with exclusive perks like a dedicated check-in area, a lounge that as its own pool and à la carte breakfasts, afternoon tea and evening cocktails carefully crafted by an on-site mixologist.

(Photo courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts)

But even if you skip out on a club-level room, there are still six culinary outlets to experience during a stay. There's modern Levant-influenced food at Levant & Nar which has 360-degree sea views and alfresco dining by a fire pit. If you're craving a taste of home, NoHo serves up craft cocktails worthy of New York City, sharing plates with a side of late-night entertainment. And ShaSha has pool-side dining with frozen cocktails, alfresco snacks and even movies under the stars and sunrise yoga and salsa classes.

If you're traveling with little ones in tow, you can drop the younger members of the family at the Planet Trekkers and Teens club while you head to the spa and health club (think: a Turkish hammam, fitness studio, a tennis court and saunas).

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(Photo courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts)

But the water may very well be the resort's main attraction. Guests can post up at the infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Sea, cocktail in hand, or head down to the beach and splash around in the water.

Standard rooms seem to start around $230 per night, while award stays start at 39,000 points per night. With the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card, you earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

The opening of the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa is an exciting moment, but it isn't the only hotel making waves in Ras Al Khaimah. The Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah, which is expected to open later this year, is another hot hotel to keep your eyes on. With Maldivian-style overwater bungalows, a "beachfront playground" and other Anantara luxuries, there are more than a few reasons to start eyeing a getaway to the UAE this year.

Featured image by Paul Thuysbaert
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
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  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

3XEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2XEarn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
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  • Intro Offer
    Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

    Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles
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  • Annual Fee

    $250
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.

Pros

  • Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
  • Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
  • First checked bag free

Cons

  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
  • SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
  • Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees