The Rixos - Bab Al Bahr

I somewhat feel that I didnt get to experience the full benefits of Rixo Bab Al Bahr and all it has to offer but compared to other all inclusive hotels, this one is surely more classy than others, even though I don't think it could be classified as 5 star when you are comparing it to other 5 star resorts such as The Chedi or the Shangra-La. Right on the beach on route to RAK sits the Rixos, plonked inbetween other hotels of a similar style which stretch across the coast line.

Made up of six pyramid shape towers, the Rixos is vast accomodating 655 rooms as well as host of restaurants, activities, bars and a long sweeping beach with the whitest sand i have seen in a while (all complete with a banana boat of course.). For a new hotel, as expected, the rooms were clean, with plain and un-fussy furnishing, rugs and bathroom - classic and simple! Our room wasnt huge, but cosy, fitted out with a large bed, sofa, desk and TV. The bathroom was also nice (it was lacking a bath..) however the main feature was the balcony. The largest of any of the hotels I have been too, it wrapped around the side of the building slightly making a massive square terrace, which conveniently overlooked the sea, making it the perfect place to watch the sunset. The hotel also offers up a number of multi bedroom suites for families or larger parties and due to the all inclusiveness of the hotel, the contents of the mini bar are also complimentary... bonus!

The grounds surrounding the pyramids are vast with small winding passages in places (I got lost a few times after a few free Pina Coladas), playing host to 3 large swimming pools, 7 restaurants, 6 bars/cafes and 1 funky disco suitably named Infernos. We had dinner at Meat Point which serves up a selection of grilled meats from Argentina and Brazil. With a great selection of wine and tasty tender meat, it was definitely the best meal of our trip and definitely won over the other restaurants where we had lunch and breakfast. However, no kids are allowed - strictly adults only. The beach is another brilliant addition to this hotel - a huge stretch of white sand dotted with sunbeds. They also offer activities on the beach including football as well as watersports including diving, sailing and wakeboarding.

We stayed at the Rixos one weekend during Ramadan, and considering the rest of the country was dry, its was unbelievable how The Rixos got away with keeping the all inclusive offer going (booze included). Due to this and the 899aed price tag, The Rixos turned into the UK version of Bultins for the weekend. Pools filled with people and Pinas, volley ball and water polo, karaoke and all you can drink daiquiris - heaven on earth for all expats in Dubai during the holy month.  However, due to this, it has slightly tainted The Rixos for me and I look forward to returning to make the most of the hotel, facilities and especially the beach. Only an hour from Dubai its well worth it for a stay-cay and a place to visit whilst its still under a year old.