Covid-19 has undeniably affected every aspect of our lives. Whether it’s our schedules, our date nights, or our work routines, we’ve all had to make some changes. Newlyweds have swapped honeymoons in Bali for staying at home or had to vacation in their own country. For those with children, romantic lunches have been replaced with homeschooling. For those who’ve had to move in with parents or in-laws, there’s a distinct lack of privacy – someone is always around!

During the pandemic, divorce rates have soared. In the US alone, there’s been a 34% increase in divorce filings. So now more than ever, it’s important for couples to get some time alone. A romantic getaway doesn’t have to be to a far-flung destination – a nearby hotel will do. Book a break and rekindle the flame… before it’s too late. 

Time To Getaway

Personally, I reached my breaking point a few weeks ago. Me and my husband are used to traveling 3-4 times a year. We never stick around in Dubai for more than two and a half months or so. Yet my passport hasn’t seen the light of day for 9 months. It’s heart-wrenching not being able to travel – my biggest love! I survived lockdown and the virus itself, but the inability to move out of the country has pushed me over the edge. Amongst other journeys, I planned to accomplish my dream to solo travel to Japan in October. However, Japan and many other Asian countries have not re-opened their borders to tourists yet. Many Asian countries require you to quarantine for two weeks on arrival. For a lot of travelers, this just isn’t doable (myself included). Japan will have to wait, but domestic travel doesn’t have to!

Gratitude

I feel incredibly grateful for the way in which Dubai has handled the coronavirus outbreak. The residents here are extremely well cared for. Testing is available in abundance; it’s the only country to have tested over 80% of its population. Many people may look at the transmission numbers and consider them high. However, it’s important to note that this is because of the huge numbers of tests taking place. Any country with more testing will have more positive cases. Having said this, our rate of recovery is significantly high as opposed to the number of cases. This is thanks to our healthcare system and the swift measures implemented by the government. We’re very lucky to live in an area where the virus is kept at bay!

Staycation in Ras Al Khaimah

With all the above facts in mind, we decided to take a break. A break from coronavirus, from social media, work, life, family, home and everything else. Why put our life on hold anymore? This is our new way of life – let’s live it. So, for our first vacation in 8 months, we booked a staycation in Ras al Khaimah. Located just a 60-minute drive from Dubai, Ras al Khaimah is one of the 7 United Arab Emirates. It’s one of the most authentic locations in the Middle East, offering year-long sunshine and unique activities. 

For our staycation in Ras al Khaimah, we opted for the 5* Marjan Island Resort & Spa. Located on the man-made island of Al Marjan, it promises sun, sand and sea set against the luxurious Arabian Peninsula. 

What To Expect during your Staycation in Ras Al Khaimah

Al Marjan Resort & Spa is simply beautiful. Upon arrival, you’re met by a magnificent marble interior, imposing white pillars and two grand staircases. The resort is a destination unto itself – you could easily stay here for a week without needing to venture out! The property is beautiful and lends itself to rest and relaxation. With a spa, designated swimming pools for men and women, beach activities and watersports, there really is something for everyone. Expect intricately-designed, luxurious bedrooms and lavish décor at this beautiful hotel. 

We booked a standard room for our stay (it cost 1008 AED for three nights), but we were pleasantly surprised when upgraded to a premium room! Premium rooms feature a seating area, huge bed, a bathroom (with a tub!) and a spacious balcony overlooking the sand and ocean. A great added extra is the coupons for use at the spa, as well as two complimentary activities at Jebel Jais Adventure Park.

Not Ready to Go Home Yet!

Having enjoyed our stay so much, we decided to extend our vacation for an extra night. We were blown away when we were upgraded again to a one-bedroom suite. The room features the same aspects as the premium room, but has a separate bedroom, a powder room and a huge bathroom with both a tub and a stand-alone shower. One side overlooks the pool, with the other boasting spectacular sea views, perfect for watching the sunset. 

The resort is compact but has so much going on. Another of our favorite areas was the arcade – though meant for children, it has a great range of games, air hockey and pool tables, and other fun activities. We loved spending an afternoon here when the pool was too busy! I did find that the crowd control of the pool wasn’t strict enough, however, you can avoid this by getting up early to be the first at the pool. I got up super early to go and I wasn’t disappointed – it was lovely and peaceful (though very cold!).

If you’d like to explore the nearby beach, it’s a short walk away, or you can hop in the resort’s club car for the journey. Here, you can kayak, jet ski or simply paddle in the water.

Overall, I absolutely loved our stay at this beautiful resort. It really does have everything you need for a perfect staycation in Ras al Khaimah.

When To Visit

Ras al Khaimah is a year-round destination, so you can visit whenever you like! However, the best time to visit would be from December to February. This is the winter season, so the temperatures aren’t as high. 

It’s best to book your stay on weekdays too, if possible. Most people check out on Sunday, so the hotel is super quiet from Monday onwards. This means you get to enjoy all the amazing facilities to yourself!

COVID-19 Safety Restrictions 

When we arrived for our staycation in Ras al Khaimah, we had to fill out declaration forms regarding COVID-19. The hotel has lots of other measures in place to help stop the transmission of the virus too. For example, you must adhere to social distancing guidelines and sanitize your hands regularly. The rooms are sanitized (I could actually smell it when we walked in) for your safety, as are the seats on the club car to the beach. When you sit down to eat, you’ll also have your temperature checked, and will need to sanitize your hands. The restrictions in place aren’t dissimilar to the measures across the country, so it’s nothing you won’t be used to. All the measures are in place for our own safety, after all!

Where To Eat during your staycation in Ras Al Khaimah

The resort operates breakfast on a booking-only basis to help with crowd control. However, we weren’t told this at check-in. Luckily, they let us in for breakfast anyway, but this diminishes the point of booking in the first place. Breakfast itself is amazing – there are so many options to pick from. The breakfast would is served buffet-style, though it’s no longer self-service. You can pick from a vast range of pastries, cereal, meats and spreads, all dished out by the staff. There’s also an omelet bar and made-to-order pancakes, crepes and waffles. 

For dinner, there are multiple restaurants to choose from (though a couple are closed due to COVID). There’s even a shisha lounge to relax at. We opted for Lebanese food at the hotel and it was delicious; it’s a great atmosphere and there’s beautiful ambient lighting too. Staying at the hotel to eat is just as good as dining out! The resort is an alcohol-free hotel, so it’s a great option for those looking for a property of this type.

Explore Ras al Khaimah 

There’s so much to see and do in Ras al Khaimah, but I’d recommend heading to Al Jazirat Al Hamra. This perfectly-preserved area is frozen in time and has a mysterious air to it. It’s said to be haunted by ancient ghosts too. Another must-see is Jebel Jais, an incredible mountain range with breath-taking views and an adventure park. You’ll have to read my next blog to hear more about exploring Ras al Khaimah though!

Things To Keep In Mind For Safe Travels During The Pandemic

All we can do is be responsible for our own actions. The pandemic, the virus, the vaccine and other people’s habits are out of our control. So, let them be and focus on what you can do to keep ourselves and those around us protected. 

Tip 1: Check the Local Requirements and Guidelines Carefully

Ras al Khaimah doesn’t require you to have a negative COVID-19 certificate before you travel there. However, if you wish to get yourself tested prior to the trip, you can do so in Saudi German Hospital. They have a drive-through option and it costs Dhs. 150 per person. You get the results in 24 hours. There are government hospitals here that would do it for free, however the test results could take a while. Also, I called the resort prior to my booking to check what precautions were they taking to make sure we are safe. I would also suggest getting tested after your trip. We both have our respective parents here in Dubai, so we will be getting a test done before we see them again. 

Tip 2: Always Wear Your Mask

This goes without saying. Even if you’re not planning on hopping on a flight, if you’re stepping out of your house and into a public space, you need to wear a mask! Wearing a mask will keep you and those around you safe. Transmission rates are proven to be minimal when both parties are wearing a mask. You also need to remember to keep your face mask over both your nose and mouth for it to be effective.

Tip 3: Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer

Don’t get caught without a bottle of hand sanitizer. Keeping your hands clean is important reducing the spread of the virus but washing your hands might not always be an option. Be sure to pack a bottle of hand sanitizer in your carry-on or backpack wherever you go. Make sure that your hand sanitizer contains over 60% alcohol for maximum effectiveness.

Tip 4: Avoid close contact with anyone who isn’t from your household

If you’re traveling with your spouse, try to remain as distant from others and stick to yourselves. This means not mingling with other households in restaurants or public spaces. If you do need to interact with someone, be sure to keep some distance between you. Given this is a romantic getaway, I doubt it should be a problem 😉 

Tip 5 – Opt for room service and outdoor dining/activities

We are two lazy souls, and luckily, we love to eat in. However, if you wish to go out and enjoy the ambience of the resort or a restaurant, make sure you either pick a spot that has outdoor dining or has restricted occupancy to allow more social distancing. 

Staycation in Ras al Khaimah – The Verdict

Unfortunately, it seems as though this pandemic isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. We can still travel, though, as long as we stick to strict sanitizing measures to slow the rate of transmission. I’m hesitant to openly encourage people to travel at the moment. There are, of course, risks associated to traveling. However, it’s down to us to adapt and overcome the new challenges we face. Traveling safely is entirely possible, it just doesn’t look like the travel we once knew. If you follow the proper precautions, travel will continue (see my tips above!). It’s important to consider the locals and residents of the places you’re visiting, not just yourself. So be kind, be considerate, and keep safe. By following the safety measures in place, we can all enjoy the much-needed breaks we deserve. 

Read more about the 9 Road Trips To Plan During this Pandemic. And don’t put your life on hold. Go for it!