Anantara Mina RAK: Luxurious Private Overwater Villas Surrounded by Protected Mangroves

It is important to note that these are the emirate’s first overwater villas, and they have set an incredibly high bar. As soon as I step out from the buggy, the first thing that hits me is the sense of space. This isn’t just a villa; it’s a sanctuary. The separate living room leads to a walk-in wardrobe—a must for any long-stay traveler—which in turn opens into a spa-inspired bathroom.

The bathroom itself is a sanctuary, featuring a double vanity, a deep-soaking separate tub, and a rain shower. For those who want to feel the coastal breeze, there is an outdoor rain shower that offers total privacy under the open sky. However, the pièce de résistance is the expansive sun deck. Stepping out, I found my own private pool perched directly over the turquoise water, with uninterrupted views of the mangroves. It felt as though the villa was breathing with the tide.

My villa host escorted me to my room, allowing me some time to settle in and admire the view. I spent the first hour unwinding on the sun deck, soaking in the silence.

Dinner was an alfresco affair at Mekong, the resort’s signature Asian restaurant. The setting is evocative, celebrating the cultures that line the great river. We began with the Grilled Duck Roll, a decadent start featuring foie gras and pomelo, balanced by the herbal snap of shiso leaf.

The Mekong Basket of dim sum followed, a colorful array of chicken shu mai, lobster and scallop dumplings, and a particularly rich wagyu dumpling. For the main course, the Ginger Lotus Seabass was the star—wrapped in fragrant lotus leaves and infused with kumquat sauce, it was a masterclass in delicate coastal flavors. We finished with Mango and Sticky Rice, a classic that, when done this well, feels like a warm hug.

The second day began at Sea Breeze. Sitting on the terrace, I watched the morning light hit the over water villas while enjoying a spread of fresh pastries and a vast international buffet. There is something deeply grounding about eating breakfast while watching the magical view through the shallow turquoise waters just yards away.

After breakfast, it was time to get closer to the ecosystem. I set out for my first-ever Mangrove Kayaking expedition. Paddling into the heart of the protected reserve, the silence was only broken by the rhythmic dip of the oar. This area is the heart for wildlife, home to flocks of pink flamingos and elegant herons. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation. Seeing the resort’s commitment to teaching the next generation about nature through these outings was truly heartening.

The appetite I’d worked up on the water was addressed at Beach House. The vibe here is pure Mediterranean relaxation. We started with Seabass Ceviche with a zesty cilantro dressing and a Hamachi Crudo accented with mandarin. The Crab Salad with green apple and avocado was exceptionally fresh.

The highlight of the grill was the Grilled Octopus, charred to perfection and served with an olive tapenade, and the Seared North Atlantic Sea Scallops, which were perfectly complemented by a saffron foam and romesco sauce.

The day concluded with Italian Night at Sea Breeze, a convivial evening of handmade pastas and rustic flavors that brought a touch of the Mediterranean coast to the Arabian shore.

The final morning was the one I had been anticipating most. Waking up in that overwater villa on a Sunday morning is the definition of a “living fantasy.” The staff delivered the Floating Breakfast.

There is truly nothing better than waking up in the morning and watching the sun rise over the private peninsula with a hot English Breakfast Tea in hand. As the golden rays flooded the deck, I enjoyed breakfast from the comfort of the private pool. Watching the light dance across the protected mangroves while drifting in the water is a morning ritual that redefines luxury. It is quiet, it is private, and it is perfectly Anantara.

My stay at Anantara Ras Al Khaimah was a masterclass in 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙡𝙪𝙭𝙪𝙧𝙮. Often, high-end resorts can feel detached from their environment, but here, the environment is the protagonist.

• The Service: From warm welcome to the attentive villa hosts, the service was proactive without being intrusive.

• The Accommodation: The Over Water Pool Villas are a game-changer for Ras Al Khaimah. They offer a level of privacy and Maldivian flair that was previously missing in the region.

• The Food: The culinary journey from the spice-routes of Mekong to the sun-drenched plates at Beach House ensures that you never feel the need to leave the resort.

• The Soul: What stayed with me most was the Mangrove Kayaking. To have a luxury resort that acts as a custodian for such a delicate and beautiful mangrove ecosystem is rare.