I visited 'best kept secret' desert paradise only 1 hour away from Dubai and 30C in winter

The United Arab Emirates has become one of the UK’s most-loved holiday destinations in recent years - and it’s easy to see why.

The country boasts deserts, oases, mountains, valleys and more.

There’s truly something for everyone and that’s before you consider the millionaire, or billionaire, lifestyle on display all year round.

The UAE also holds jet-setting jewels such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in its hospitality crown.

But, there is another desert paradise, just an hour away from Dubai, that has been dubbed the country’s hidden gem by visitors.

Harry Leach set off for the man-made Al Marjan Island, in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) – the northernmost of UAE’s seven emirates, in November seeking adventure.

He did not have to look hard upon arrival to find it.

“Ahead of me, adrenaline junkies shoot across the world’s longest zipline, Jais Flight, reaching hair-raising speeds of up to 100mph on the 1.75-mile journey," he said.

"Suspended in Superman positions, 4,869ft above sea level, I can just make out their gleeful shrieks as they reach safety after a three-minute dopamine hit.

“To my right is the Jais Sledder: a 1.14-mile mountainside toboggan on a low-slung track. It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, and I’d argue far more exhilarating than any rollercoaster at Alton Towers.

“This is Ras Al Khaimah, only a short 45-minute drive away from Dubai airport. It’s a thrillseekers’ dream destination while also a relaxing desert paradise.”

Harry spent four nights in the five-star Mövenpick Resort, located on one of the four coral-shaped islands, lapped by the Persian Gulf’s turquoise waters, that make up the Al Marjan Island.

“When I arrived in late November, temperatures were still reaching 30C and above, despite being on the cusp of winter,” he said. “Thankfully, a cool sea breeze prevented the sunshine from ever being anything other than pleasant; and that’s coming from someone who needs to apply factor 50 at all times in British summertime.”

The hotel was filled with tourists old and young, families and loners, thrillseekers and deck chair-snoozers.

There were a plethora of activities for Harry to try his hand at, including a spa, an online gaming cave, an arcade, a children’s play centre and regular live performances.

He said: “I followed up a tough gym session by treating myself to the best post-workout meal available: Mövenpick’s 'chocolate hour' – 60 minutes of complimentary eclairs, truffles and choccy fondue. It’s pure indulgence.

"There’s a lot going on, a lot to see, a lot to do, but it never feels overwhelming.

"It goes without saying that Mövenpick, a well-established Swiss hotel management brand in Europe, has exceptional dining options – with four first-rate restaurants on site, all focusing on sustainability and fresh food, each with their unique style, character and draw.”

The hotel’s food hall, The Market, opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner and was the beating heart of the hotel, according to Harry.

“It’s about creating meals from the heart,” chef Rajiv Ranjan Singh told him one evening while teaching how to cook Switzerland’s national dish, rösti.

The Mövenpick is well-known for its luxurious Neo Sky Bar which is currently overseeing the 24/7 construction of the UAE’s first casino which is set to open in 2027.

The £3billion development will be just a short car journey away from the resort and promises to further boost tourism on Al Marjan island, which at only 12 years old, is still relatively new and undiscovered as a holiday destination for Westerners.

Harry added: “I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived here. But after five days, I left feeling revitalised and refreshed. The warmth and friendliness of locals and the tranquillity of the island made it a tough goodbye on the final morning.

“Dubai gets most of the attention, and grabs the headlines, and perhaps that will always be the case.

“But I’m fine with that because Al Marjan Island is currently the country’s best-kept secret.”

Fights from the UK to Dubai are available with Emirates, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from around £420 return. Ras Al Khaimah transfers take around an hour.

Rooms at the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah start from around £152 a night. movenpick.accor.com

More info at visitrasalkhaimah.com