By Jeremy Harschoff
The cool December breeze has descended, ushering in the arrival of the much-awaited desert winter and weeks of festive season fun.
We decided to go on a staycation getaway at Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah, an “ultra all-inclusive” resort, as the classy five-star Turkish brand puts it, that is just an hour’s drive from our place in Dubai.
Arriving, we all had that feeling that our days will be that of pampering, enjoying the sea and indulging in great food – a journey into Turkish gastronomy.
We were not mistaken!
Lunch was divinely superb with a sumptuous eclectic selection at Seven Heights all-day dining restaurant. Food was all over the place. Indeed, a weary and hungry travellers’ dream. Roasted beef, grilled chicken, salads…the whole line-up.
There is no shortage of things to do at Rixos Bab Al Bahr. For one, you can play volleyball on the pristine Marjan Island white sands next to the sea, or hit the gym then enjoy sauna in the spa.
By nightfall, we had once again built up an appetite and were soon on your way to the epicentre of the fun thing: the entertainment square, which has a stage by a swimming pool and is in the middle of at least five dining venues: just perfect.
On our first night, we were treated to a lemon-flavoured salmon gravlax, prawn saganaki, grilled salmon and fish ‘n chips at Fish Bone restaurant. This, while enjoying back-to-back performances on stage, including a breath-taking balancing act, a captivating pole dance and soothing music by a violinist.
The next morning’s breakfast at Seven Heights was a culinary experience of cheeses, crepes, salads, eggs and cold cuts, plus the all-time favourite Turkish pide made with beef and egg; and a spinach pide.
Ready for another big day, we took a stroll across the sprawling property highlighted by its somewhat pyramidical structures and the glistening sea.
Lunch was at the L’Olivo Italian restaurant where we indulged in – yes – pasta, pizza and lots of olives.
That evening, we decided to lose our way to the Lalezar Turkish restaurant where we were treated to gavurdagi salad for starters, saray katmeri, described as a “beautiful medley of flavours and a traditional savory layered pancakes with spinach, cottage cheese, robust mushrooms and jalapenos.”
We also had Turkish mucver for appetizers.
Mains was a splendid dish of mashed eggplant, bechamel sauce and sautéed lamb – hunkar begendi or Sultan’s Delight, indeed a fitting name.
Of course, cold mezzes were everywhere, among them yaprak sarma – grape leaves stuffed with aromatic rice, fresh Mediterranean herbs and spices.
And as in the previous evening, the live, world-class, signature Rixos performance under a full moon was enthralling, to say the least.
Indeed, our Rixos Bab Al Bahr getaway was one for the books! Can’t wait to be there again.