TTN’s outing to Ras Al Khaimah has never been disappointing. This time, it was Rixos Bab Al Bahr that stepped up to impress. Well-known as an all-inclusive resort, to truly understand its decadent offerings, one has to enjoy the Turkish pizzazz when it comes to entertainment options, and Middle Eastern flair when it comes to F&B pampering.
Let us begin at the beginning. No sooner than we entered the man-made island of Marjan, than we drove into the sprawling driveway of Rixos Bab Al Bahr. Bab Al Bahr means gateway to the sea. And true to its name, the property is among the first to raise its flag on the island and has the benefit of prime and pristine beachfront location.
Rixos Bab Al Bahr is paradise for kids. As we prepare to check in, several roving cartoon characters come hugging and greeting children. As a result, the reception lobby already feels like a place of jubilation and celebration with lots of children spotted giggling. And when kids are smiling, parents are happiest, on that sweet note, guests are checked in at Rixos Bab Al Bahr.
Aisha Lobby Lounge, in the reception hall offers relaxed setting although it’s also abuzz with guests making full use of their all-inclusive, all exclusive brand of hospitality. We see guests sipping an array of tasty concoctions at all times of the day and night, thanks to the in-house mixologist. The sprawling yet cosy setting is like a town square where you meet and hang out with fellow residents of Rixos town.
On that promising first impression, we are guided to our family suite, aptly named Kids Family Escape Suite. It is a charming farmhouse themed bunk bed in the kids’ bedroom that is the centrepiece of this suite. All of 70-sq-m of two connecting rooms, with a king size bed for the grownups in one bedroom, and the comfortable bunk bed in the other. Such is the charm of the farmhouse room, that even the we grown-ups gave the bunk bed a try and, we can (sheepishly) confirm that it is comfortable and spacious for adults too.
Up to three children under the age of 12 may fit in the kid’s room. The farmhouse room, aka the kid’s bedroom, featured inviting farm visuals on the walls, and bean bags for lazy seating. Separate kids-focused bathroom with customised toiletries featuring adorable cartoon characters from the well-known Cocci Nella brand showed Rixos is leaving no soap unturned to delight the little ones. The spacious common hallway connecting the two bedrooms provided ample space for the family members to have their individual privacy.
If the Kids Family Escape Suite was impressive then, wait for the plethora of kids’ activities that become the mainstay of the staycation. The Rixy Kids Club is a magnet for kids. During the course of our stay, we made many trips with our 7-year-old, demanding that her chosen activities are not missed. And there were many such unmissable acts – take a pick from Rixy disco, musical games, cinema, treasure hunt, creative arts and craft workshops, beach and pool games, talent shows and hands-on fun-and-learning activities like sushi-making and crepe making.
Taking timeout away from Rixy Kids Club, we discovered that there is an equally popular hub for teenagers called Teens Republic. Youngsters were seen huddled at gaming consoles, pool tables and table soccer were equally popular. Daily tournaments and workshops kept young adults on their toes. Talking of workshops and classes, the resort’s health and fitness activity sheet is equally impressive. Not many all-inclusive resorts offer free weights, yoga, aerobics, and other classes by experts, but Rixos does as we found out sweating it out.
For those who believe that a dip is the best way to keep summer at bay, Rixos Bab Al Bahr offers a choice of eight swimming pools including an aqua park, an infinity pool, and a children’s pool. Not to mention a sizeable stretch of sand and sea. After sundown, the resort’s two entertainment stages come to life. Life acts include lively music, dance shows, acrobatic acts, and theme nights.
Rixos Bab Al Bahr offers a collection of 14 outlets to match a diverse array of F&B cravings and moods. Think sports bars, pool bars and specialty dining, one can genuinely feel spoilt for choice. Speciality Oriental, Middle Eastern, South American restaurants apart, there is the all-day dining restaurant, Seven Heights, a big draw among guests.
Our first impression was Rixos Bab Al Bahr makes the junior guests feel most special, this was further confirmed at Seven Heights. We found a cute corner of low-height buffet corner with child-friendly favourites, a place where the little ones serve themselves to their hearts’ full. Special mention goes to the tireless waiting staff at this massive open-buffet concept restaurant featuring more than a dozen counters of lip-smacking dishes, serving a wide selection of international cuisine, and satiating the palate of up to two thousand diners on a busy day.
* Meet Rixos Bab Al Bahr on stand S7-200