Ziwira Travel August

THE BANYAN TREE BEACH RESORTThere are plenty of hotels to choose from in RAk, such as theHilton and Ramada, to name a few. But this particular one hasa special connection with nature. The Banyan Tree Al Wadi onRas Al Khaim Beach rests amidst 100 hectares of private naturereserve and is home to indigenous plants and wildlife. This oasisof indulgence offers a unique experience with its spacious villas,pools, and 3,999 square meters of Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spafacilities, as well as a dedicated nature reserve that offers wildlifeenthusiasts popular outdoors activities. The activities include dailydiverse and interactive falconry displays, horse riding, guidednature walk, archery and a wide range of water activities on thebeach side. With a variety of restaurants guests can plan an intricatedinner adventure like no other, with the raw majesty of the Al Wadinature reserve under the moonlit sky.CULTURE & DININGIn many ways, Ras Al Khaimah portrays the real flavor, ofArabia. Its native values, heritage and culture continue to thrivein the modern look, infrastructure, facilities and moderately liberallifestyle that are today an essential characteristic to the Emirate.The culture of RAk is rooted in a long tradition of literary work,camel races, falconry, traditional artwork, fishing, pearl farmingand cultural exchange through trade. The local museums and fortsprovide visitors with a glimpse of this cultural life, history andheritage.Usually, when people think of cities in the UAE, they imaginesoaring skyscrapers, but this particular emirate is far richer intradition. Many of the locals are either fishermen, tradesmen orfarmers. Visitors will notice date palm farmers, Bedouin tribesroaming the desert and fishermen by the coast, with a contrastingimage of modernization. The emirate and its leaders are keen topromote and preserve its heritage, while foraging into contemporarytimes with concepts like sustainability coming to the fore.Due to RAk’s strategic location as a trade hub, many differentspices, exotic plants and recipes from all over the world have beenbrought into the emirate. Local dishes often burst with internationalflavor, influenced by tastes of India, Egypt, Iran and Turkey.August Issue 1 2015