Romantic Weekend Escape at The Cove Rotana - Day 1 | Lady & her Sweet Escapes

Aug 16, 2013

Romantic Weekend Escape at The Cove Rotana - Day 1

Ed and I felt it was just right to celebrate Lady and her Sweet Escapes' first blogversary by an escape from the chaotic city life. Since we were too caught up with a long-term goal, a trip abroad was out of the picture. Instead, we decided to have a mini-vacation within the UAE, but in a place that can magically make us feel like we are out of the country. With that magical getaway in mind, The Cove Rotana in Ras Al Khaimah was the first and only resort that I could think of. 

With idyllic water inlets and a long stretch of pristine beach on a prime location adjacent to the Arabian Gulf, The Cove Rotana is breathtaking, unique and romantic. It is perfectly made for sweet escapes as it resembles a beautiful Mediterranean village by the sea.  In fact, The Cove Rotana is one of the recipients of the prestigious Signum Virtus (Seal of Excellence) from the 2013 Seven Star Global Luxury Award; an honor given to the creme de la creme of hospitality and lifestyle companies around the globe! 

The Cove Rotana in Ras Al Khaimah


On a weekend, Ed and I arrived at The Cove Rotana minutes after 1pm though check-in time was still at 3. We were THAT excited! :) The moment we hopped off the taxi, the "magical vibe" that we were hoping for started to set in. The resort's lobby is astonishing! It is cozy and very sophisticated; the brick-dome ceiling, the cylindrical lamps and the classic decorations create a spectacular sight!   

We arrived at a very busy check-out time, yet our check-in process was still a breeze. A staff handed over cool refreshing towels while we were waiting. We approached the reception hoping that they could grant an early check-in, though we had a back-up plan in mind if we must wait for the 3pm check-in time. Much to our delight, the receptionist handed over the room key. She happily informed us that our room is ready and we even got a complimentary upgrade! :)

The Cove Rotana Resort grand lobby

Arabic decors at The Cove Rotana's lobby

Brick-dome ceiling at The Cove RotanaTraditional Architecture at The Cove Rotana


From The Cove's lobby, we were taken to our accommodation by a buggy service. As the resort is extensive, we carefully listened  to our golf cart chauffeur; he gave us a short introduction about the resort's amenities and locations, but he told us not to worry as a golf cart can always pick us up. We had a fun and scenic ride. When we passed by the lagoons, I asked him about our upgraded accommodation,  he casually said, "We are on our way to your One-Bedroom Villa!" What? A villa?! Our Classic Room was upgraded to a lavish Villa; an accommodation that costs twice as much of what we have booked! I smiled, tried not to let my jaw drop, though I was absolutely in complete euphoria! 

Still startled by the amazing scenery and the unexpected turn of events, we delightedly walked inside the villa and we were greatly impressed. Our One-Bedroom Villa is situated by the lagoon, and is very near the beach. It has a chic living room and dining area, a kitchen with well-stocked mini bar and coffee making facilities, and a private terrace overlooking the tranquil lagoon. By the foyer is a staircase to the mezzanine master bedroom with a comfortable king bed, a large bathroom and a terrace with a great view.   
    
One-Bedroom Villa at The Cove Rotana

One-Bedroom Villa's living room at The Cove Rotana

Foyer and staircase in a One-Bedroom Villa at The Cove RotanaDining area and Mezzanine in a One-Bedroom Villa at The Cove Rotana

Brick-dome ceiling in a One-Bedroom Villa at The Cove Rotana

Awesome view in a One-Bedroom Villa at The Cove Rotana


After gushing about how blessed we were for receiving a superb upgrade, Ed and I prepared for our pampering session at Bodylines Spa. We asked for a buggy service over the phone, and our door bell rang in less than 10 minutes. I peeped at the front door and asked, "Are you taking us to the Spa?", and I got "Yes, anywhere you want to go!" as an answer! Whoa! Are we bound to be spoiled all weekend long? 

Ed and I spent the whole afternoon at Bodylines, The Cove's Leisure and Fitness Club. It was the best way to start our weekend stay at The Cove. Fresh from the very hectic month of July, we both needed to loosen up and welcome August with a relaxed body and mind.  Read about our revitalizing time at Bodylines here

Bodylines Spa at The Cove Rotana


The sun was about to set after our Couples Massage at Bodylines Spa. Already refreshed and relaxed, Ed and I went for a walk around the resort. Adjacent to Bodylines is the Sunset Pool which was on renovation that time. The Sunset Pool glistened at sundown. It would have been the best spot to bid goodbye to a wonderful day, but since it was under maintenance, we went for a stroll and found more romantic spots. The Cove became more enchanting as the sky wonderfully turned from golden to dusky grey! We were in awe as we passed by the villas, the Laguna Bay infinity pool, and the long stretch white sand beach.

Sunset PoolThe Cove Rotana

Villas and Laguna Bay pool at The Cove Rotana

Cabana by the beach at The Cove Rotana

Sun loungers and the beach at The Cove Rotana


At dusk, we walked to our villa hand in hand. We could easily ask for a buggy service, but the ambiance was so perfect for a romantic stroll. Moments after we arrived at our villa, a staff delivered a bunch of unexpected Blogversary gifts; a lovely cake with "Congratulations" written on the side, a tray of fresh fruits and a box of deluxe dates filled with caramelized nuts and candied orange peel! 

gifts from The Cove Rotana


For dinner, The Cove Rotana has several options. For a fancy Mediterranean/Italian dinner, there is Basilico. The Breeze lobby lounge, on the other hand, offers light snacks in a relaxed ambiance. And there is Cinnamon, an all-day dining restaurant which is a popular choice amongst hotel guests due to its dinner buffet with diverse choices. 

Since we were on a half-board package, we had our dinner date at Cinnamon. That weekend night, Cinnamon was packed with families. The air was filled with squeals and giggles of little kids. The ambiance is casual and fun, rather than romantic, but it doesn't look like a regular family restaurant. It has delicate fixtures and a lavish dinner buffet; Cinnamon is bursting with elegance! More about Cinnamon restaurant here.

Cinnamon Restaurant at The Cove Rotana


After a fantastic dinner, Ed and I decided to take another stroll around the resort. The Cove Rotana is also captivating at night! We walked along the dimly lit pathway by the sea. Whenever we gaze at the lovely Mediterranean-inspired resort, we couldn't help but stop for some time and adore its beauty!   

The Cove Rotana Resort at night

The Cove Rotana's Mediterranean-inspired village at night


When we were about to call it a night, we contemplated about the overwhelming surprises from The Cove Rotana; on how sweet and generous the staff are, and on how the simple Blogversary celebration turned into a luxurious getaway. Just when we thought it's all over, we discovered another surprise at the mezzanine; our king-size bed was decorated with red rose petals while we were out! And so, the magical day ended with a slumber on a bed of roses! ♥

Bed of roses at The Cove Rotana

Location:
The Cove Rotana
Ras Al Khaimah

More of The Cove Rotana:

♥ Book your Sweet Escape at The Cove Rotana here  






Comments
5 Blogger Comments