After almost two years of COVID restrictions, cancelled holidays and dreary winter evenings in front of the TV, I jumped at the chance of a weekend away in the sun-drenched city of Ras Al Khaimah – Dubai’s neighbouring Emirate.
Pitched as a trip for thrill-seekers, I was keen to see what it had to offer – particularly as it's only a 45 minute drive from glitzy Dubai, famous for its bottomless brunches, fancy restaurants, sky-scrapers and reality star clientele.
Just how different could it be? Well, very, actually. While it still has the luxury accommodation we have come to expect from the UAE (we stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, which boasts 4 swimming pools, a near-private beach and 13 luxury restaurants), once you leave the hotel gates, it’s the traditional landscape of mountains and deserts where you’ll get your kicks - not the nearest pool bar.
Our first stop was the Bear Grylls Mountain Camp, created by the adventure man himself. Run by a team of highly trained instructors, you can do anything from a full survival course to rock climbing and archery.
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