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

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.

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?

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.

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).

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.