Intercontinental Fujairah Resort: A Little Slice of Heaven
A super-plush InterContinental experience with beach and mountain vistas in Fujairah.
Fujairah, the paradise of the Gulf, is an opulent canvas of nature framed by the Hajar Mountains to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east. Blessed with pristine shores, mighty mountains that gently roll into the sea, and over 40 million palm trees ~ the Emirate of Fujairah ~ is a decadent heaven for luxury travellers. Amidst this gorgeous work of nature is situated man’s luxurious interlude ~ the InterContinental Fujairah Resort ~ where guests can revel in unmatched Emirati hospitality in a paradise setting!
Set in 69 acres, along the picturesque Al Aqah beach against the background of the spectacular Hajar Mountains, the idyllic resort is designed in a contemporary manner while retaining an Arabesque spirit. Each room in the resort is sea-facing with expansive balconies offering uninterrupted panoramic views. Besides, there are lush gardens, two swimming pools {including an infinity pool}, a private beach, delicious food, and a luxurious Spa by L’Occitane to unwind or keep yourself engaged during your stay.
My husband, Vikram, and I were recently invited to spent four unforgettable days in this thoughtfully designed resort, and returned to Bangalore, our home, refreshed and rejuvenated.
This review is based on my personal experience at the resort. It will serve as a useful guide for you if you are looking for a staycation, or simply want to celebrate life with one of the top hotelier brands globally.
My Experience
Starting, at the Start!
I had heard much about the charming landscape of Fujairah and its delightful beaches, that boast of some utterly romantic and affluent resorts. So, when Vikram and I were invited to take a short break from the city’s hustle, as guests of the InterContinental Fujairah Resort, we were but pleased ~ the glistening shoreline and the signature Intercontinental elegance and hospitality beckoned us.
For our visit to UAE’s first InterContinental resort, we set out on a two-hour road trip from Dubai to Fujairah {we’d flown with Emirates to reach Dubai from Bangalore, India}. The InterContinental is located 45-minutes away from the city of Fujairah and is one of the newest additions to the lavish Fujairah coast, not too far from Snoopy Island, which is also the area’s main attraction.
The resort offers private transfers from Dubai airport, which is a convenient way to start your staycation in a hassle-free manner. The route was scenic with some panoramic vistas and the occasional camel train lazily crossing the sandy dunes, setting the pace for an indulgent extended weekend we had been looking forward to.
The First Impression
A pristine, all-white façade hollered a warm welcome as we entered the resort; we feasted our eyes on the muted elegance of the interiors, a far cry from the garishness of city life. The walls of the lobby were decorated with mosaic-patterned tiles and beautifully complemented the rich, marble flooring and traditional furnishings in a well-lit area that opened into a terrace overlooking the imposing mountains on one side, and the sea on the other. A classic rim chandelier, the focal point of the décor, gently swayed to the rhythm of the salty breeze that wafted through the terrace and slowly melted away the humdrum of daily life from our body and mind.
‘Marhaba,’ the sweet greeting echoed in our ears upon arrival as the staff escorted us to the exclusive Club InterContinental Lounge for check-in, which was quick and seamless. Meanwhile, we were offered a much-needed cup of tea, which was well-brewed and deliciously fragrant, accompanied by delectable sweet treats.
Our Room; an exclusive slice of Arabic luxury
Soon, we were ushered to our expansive suite, intimately decorated with the colours of nature. The suite had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, including a Nespresso coffee machine and delightful bathroom amenities by Amouage {an indulgent fragrance brand from Oman}. The room opened into a large, recessed balcony that offered magnificent views of the resort’s enchanting gardens and the sea beyond. The comfortable seating in the balcony was my favourite space; the perfect spot to indulge in silence and reflect amidst the dynamic sea and rugged mountains.
After spending a few quiet minutes on the balcony, taking in the gorgeous scenery around us, we decided to refresh a little, lazing in the plush bed for a while. A couple of hours later, it was time for a refreshing swim, followed by a long walk along the beach.
With the soft sand tickling our feet, we watched the sunset against the backdrop of the rustic mountains, dancing to the music of the gushing waves. The imposing mountains swallowed the sun, spreading myriad hues of orange across the sky as dusk took over. This particular evening we felt so mesmerised by the quaint scenery that had we been living in Dubai, we would have driven down to Fujairah every weekend, just to catch a glimpse of the spectacular sunset.
Satiated in spirit, we wrapped up the day early with a delightful meal at Drift, one of the two restaurants at the resort, which is an alfresco beach bar and grill. Eye-pleasing cocktails and tantalising flavours teased our palate while our eyes feasted on gorgeous views of the ocean. Quite a magical closure to our first day at the resort, indeed.
A Warp in Time
We started the second day of our vacation with an early morning jog on the resort’s private beach. And what a pleasant start it was, with the colourful morning sky radiant with the energy of the rising sun.
Having indulged our eyes during a long run at the beach, it was time for breakfast at NAMA Restaurant, which offers all-day dining options to guests. The restaurant features an open-plan design with French windows and the outdoor patio offers panoramic views providing the perfect setting for the first meal of the day.
The breakfast spread was quite lively, with dishes to please the most fastidious eaters. However, what I loved the best was the sweets station loaded with delectable treats by a creative chef who infused local flavours in his creations.
Talking about breakfast, Club InterContinental members can enjoy breakfast by a private pool with scenic views of the mountains at the club lounge. Afternoon tea is also served here, as well as some delicious cheese to go with your wine in the evenings.
After breakfast, we took a short stroll at the beach before retiring to our room for a nap. In the afternoon, we headed to Nama Restaurant for lunch. Here, for both lunch and dinner, the buffet is accompanied by an à la carte menu that features eclectic Levantine cuisine.
After lunch, we embarked on a sight-seeing tour to explore the city of Fujairah. We started the tour with a visit to the Fujairah Museum that houses several relics from the early Bronze Age. After walking through the historical part of the city for some time, we moved to our last and favourite sight, the iconic Fujairah Fort, which is also one of the oldest forts in the United Arab Emirates. You may read more about our tour here.
The Resort’s Pièce de Résistance
On our return, we visited the premium O Spa by L’Occitane, a swish spa in the Emirates. Spread over 2,025 square metres, the sanctuary of wellness incorporates a sprawling, timeless design with elements of nature to create a serene and relaxing atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from the Hajjar mountain range as a source of copper and water, the spa features several indoor gardens and water bodies set against earthy, timber walls. The marble flooring adds grandeur to the Mediterranean-style setting complete with richly decorated furniture in neutral colours.
In this ethereal environment, we both indulged in some tempting treatments, lulled by the soft sounds of the Arabian Gulf. We literally walked on clouds post our treatment; all our worries washed away. It was a perfect end to a beautiful day.
Sweet Memories
After two amazing days at the resort, on the third day of our staycation, we woke up rejuvenated, to a lovely morning. We walked to our balcony, blanketed in peaceful seclusion, taking in the spectacular views of the ocean and the thoughtfully designed property’s many facilities ~ long sandy stretches of the secluded Al Aqah beach that soothe the soul, two swimming pools with a wonderful pool bar and cabanas, a broad sweep of lawn with swaying palm trees, and gastronomical marvels at the most pleasant restaurants providing unparalleled views of the sea and mountains.
A refreshing swim and breakfast followed, after which we set sail with the Captain on a voyage from the private beach to Snoopy Island, a gorgeous snorkelling location in Al Aqah. This popular spot is blessed with vibrant underwater life and is a preferred spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. Jumping at the opportunity, we put on our snorkel masks and dived into the water to explore the magical underworld.
Once we returned, tired and tanned, we decided to retire to bed early but not before feasting on some delicious treats that were served by the chef at the Club Lounge that evening.
The next morning, we strolled along the sandy beach, reminiscing our short but eventful stay, before heading to Nama for breakfast with our bags packed. Soon, we were on our way to Dubai, and back to Bangalore. But there was an evident spring in my step and my spirits soared, recharged by the refreshing stay at the InterContinental Fujairah Resort.
The Verdict
The InterContinental Fujairah Resort is a bright feather in the crown of the luxury hotel brand that delivers the signature InterContinental experience and hospitality with aplomb. A warm and welcoming beach getaway, the resort offers a stress-free and personalised vacation with a large dollop of Arabic hospitality. Do you need anything more for a memorable break from routine?
Have you stayed at InterContinental Fujairah Resort? Share with us your experience if you have!
Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from The InterContinental Fujairah Resort. Due judgment and care have been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review.