Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah has quickly become one of the UAE’s premier family destinations, offering a blend of natural beauty, upscale amenities and thoughtful programming for all ages. Open since 2022, the 418-key beachfront resort, which includes rooms, suites and chalets, is managed by General Manager Fabien Chesnais, who has led the property since its inception.
“We’ve been open for three years now and we’re very proud to be part of the growth of this destination,” said Chesnais. “Ras Al Khaimah is authentic, beautiful and offers a unique setting that perfectly matches our brand values.”
Designed with families in mind, every guestroom at Mövenpick Al Marjan Island includes a sofa bed, making it easy for families of four to stay comfortably. The resort's standout feature for younger guests is its multi-zoned Starfish Adventure Kids Club, which runs an age-specific, rotating two-week programme with a blend of indoor and outdoor activities. “We didn’t want the typical kids club with just colouring books,” said Chesnais. “We take the kids out to the dunes, the water parks and provide hands-on, educational play within the resort too.”
Not to forget the latest edition mini golf, the first of its kind on Al Marjan Island with unique course features, multiple markers, the perfect outdoor game for couples and families with kids to enjoy.
We didn’t want the typical kids club with just colouring books. We take the kids out to the dunes, the water parks and provide hands-on, educational play within the resort too
– Fabien Chesnais
Teenagers are not forgotten. The Xscape Teen Zone includes dedicated PlayStation 5 consoles, retro arcade machines like Pac-Man and pinball and a full-fledged, supervised games room, all complimentary for resort guests. The floating water park built by Wibit, Ras Al Khaimah’s largest, adds another layer of excitement for adventurous families.
“Ras Al Khaimah offers something different from the rest of the UAE–more nature, more authenticity and more space to truly relax,” said Chesnais. “And we believe our resort brings all of that together in one unforgettable experience.”
Dining is a key part of the experience. The resort features several outlets including the all-day dining Market restaurant, rooftop NEO Sky Bar with panoramic views of the island and Ula, a chic adults-only beach lounge with a lively ambiance. A children’s buffet is available in the main restaurant to cater to younger palates. “We’ve created an environment that caters to both families and couples,” Chesnais added. “Ula offers something more modern and relaxed for those seeking a weekend escape.”
The resort attracts both international guests staying a week or more and GCC residents who come for quick getaways. “We manage our occupancy carefully to serve both audiences well,” he noted.
Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is also pet-friendly, with designated areas and walking routes – extending to the beach – so that guests can enjoy their stay without leaving their furry companions behind. “We understand how important pets are to many of our guests,” said Chesnais. “It’s part of the inclusive, welcoming environment we strive to offer.”
Sustainability is deeply embedded into the Mövenpick brand and the Al Marjan Island resort is no exception. It holds EarthCheck Bronze Certification and has eliminated single-use plastics across its operations. “Last year we focused on reducing energy use and this year we are focused on water conservation,” said Chesnais. “We’ve also introduced AI-driven food waste tracking to reduce kitchen waste significantly.”
Mövenpick has also taken steps to make sustainability visible and engaging to guests. Menus across restaurants now feature vegetarian options and label the CO2 emissions per dish. Chesnais added that he hopes to add calorie information in the near future as part of a wider wellness initiative.
To add to this, the resort just got certified by International Sustainability Awards 2025.
Social responsibility goes beyond the environment. “Sustainability is also about people,” said Chesnais. “We’re proud to have team members of determination, including colleagues on the autism spectrum and others who are hearing-impaired. They bring incredible talent to our team. We’re not doing this for PR–it just feels right.”
