The Al Marjan Island
Al Marjan Island is located in Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates in the Persian Gulf. It is a group of 4 coral-shaped islands in a man-made archipelago namely the Breeze Island, Treasure Island, Dream Island and View Island.
It extends a vast 4.5 kilometers into the sea, and covers an area of 2.7 million square meters. Ras al-Khaimah is an emirate with a well preserved history, rich archaeological heritage and ancient cultural remnants.
Several resorts, beaches, tourism destinations and residential projects are located in the four islands, being one of the UAE’s top tourism spots. The Breeze Island counts with several hotels; the Treasure Island is a prominently residential area; the Dream Island is an extensive beach area; while the View Island has residential and hospitality urban core.
The Pacific Building
The Pacific has apartments with modern finishes and ocean views. Facilities include rooftop swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, Jacuzzis, sauna and steam rooms, indoor and outdoor gymnasiums, and direct access to a secluded beach. It has a range of properties with stunning ocean views, including studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, as well as Gulf suites and beach duplexes.
Location Address: Marjan Island Pacific Bora Bora 918, Ras al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Our First Stay
It was 22nd of July 2021 (Eid al-Adha), when we booked our first stay at the Pacific through Booking.com.
Holiday Rates
At the time of our stay, the Eid Holiday Season was going on, thus the rates are quite higher than the normal days. We have paid AED 600 (or USD 163) for a studio room for one night, including taxes and other charges.
The Room
Our room number was B905 which was located in the 9th floor (Building B I guess as there were 3 Pacific Buildings) giving us a good view of the ocean, though you would see the other building right in front of the balcony. The bed was not that soft nor that hard, just perfect for a good night’s sleep; they have few pillows, extra foam bed and several towels; the appliances were complete – TV, washing machine, medium-sized fridge, oven, stove and dining utensils, even condiments such as salt, pepper, cooking oil were there; as well as of course, bathroom items like shampoo, chair conditioner and body soap gel.
Our Second Stay
After the magnificent experience we had on our first stay, we have decided to book for another one-night stay during the holiday (Islamic New Year) which was on 12th of August 2021. Actually, it was also a special day for my husband since it was his birthday too!
However, this time, we booked it directly with a lady named Ms. Jailyn, who I think was the assistant of the owner and takes care of the room rentals. Mr. Noman, the same caretaker we met on our first stay, was also there to assist us with all our luggages.
Holiday Rates
I wasn’t not sure about the reason, but that date was not considered as a holiday, therefore, the rates were very less, even when checking with Booking.com We have paid AED 300 (or USD 82) for a night stay. With her, we paid 50% of the total amount as an advance payment and 50% upon checking in to the room.
The Room
This time, we had a different room in Building A, room number A138 located on the first floor giving us a full view of the ocean. It was almost as good as the first one, however, then don’t have a television and WiFi! Yes, you heard me – they don’t have a TV and WiFi! Have you heard of a hotel room without a TV? Haha..
Anyways, the caretaker said that the owner just got the room for rental few days ago and haven’t completed arranging all the appliances including the TV and the wiFi which are the most important things in a staycation. The owner said they would fix it but I hesitate because we were already inside the room, so I asked them to fix it some other time.
Nevertheless, we tried to envision the situation positively thinking this is a great time to unwind while being away from our gadgets and indulge ourselves to other facilities on the location.
The Rooftop Pool With Jacuzzi
You may have already seen the pool as shown on top of this blog and it was magnificent! It’s length is huge, the water wasn’t that deep nor shallow, I’m 5’4″ so it was just above my shoulder. The crowd wasn’t too much neither, actually, there were only less than 10 people including kids who were at the pool for 3 hours that we’ve been there. Since it was located on rooftop level, it was picturesque with a full ocean view. There was also a Jacuzzi where you can get soaked and relaxed.
The Public Beach
Here, we were able to enjoy the salty beach water which was open from 7 in the morning until 6 in the evening. And, you don’t have to worry if you have kids or if you can’t swim, just like the swimming pool, a lifeguard will be there to ensure your safety. In addition, there were a number of beach benches by the shore where you can sit, lie down and relax under the sun and have a tan! For I don’t need as I already have dark skin. 🙂
The Gym
If you are a fitness enthusiast, gym facilities are also available. It was located at the same level as the swimming pool. So, after exercising on the treadmill or doing some bench press and squats, you could relax your stiff and tensed muscles by swimming on the pool or just sit and relax on the Jacuzzi!
A Walk By the Bay
Once you got tired of all the swimming you did at the pool and at the beach, you can relax by walking along the sea bay. It was also great to watch as the sun sets and observe the boats, Jet Skis and ships move along the coastline.
Conclusion
1. Our first stay at Room B905, Building B:
I’m rating it with 4 stars only because the balcony doesn’t provide a ‘front sea view’ as advertised in Booking.com, rather it was a “building view’ where you can see the other building form its side.
2. Our second stay at Room A193, Building A:
I’m giving it only 3 stars because of the absence of TV and WiFi. I know it’s not a justifiable reason, but they also didn’t have complete cooking and bathroom facilities, compared to what has been provided on our first stay. Due to this, I might not book again with Ms. Jailyn, and rather arrange our stay through Booking.com which is a much reliable site to plan our staycation.
3. The swimming facilities:
For this, I’ll give 4.5 stars, almost perfect! The pool, the Jacuzzi and the beach were superb. We loved the view, the location setup and of course the friendly and very helpful bodyguards.
4. Value for money:
If it’s normal rate during standard normal days, AED 300 for 1 night is good enough. But doubling that value, even during special occasions is a bit high for me. Nevertheless, the memories you’ve created from your staycation is totally worth it, unforgettable and joyful. So enjoy to the fullest rather than thinking about the money you’ve spend, ‘coz you also need time to relax and unwind.
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5. Overall Rating:
I’m giving it 4 stars as an overall rating. Even if there’s pandemic going on, we have had peace of mind that we’re safe. We might even consider booking our third stay soon! I heard they have huge show of extravagant fireworks during the New Year! So, who knows? We’ll be back there before you know it! 🙂
Resources:
1. Al Marjan Island Main Website
2. Al Marjan Island From Wikipedia
3. Pacific Al Marjan Island Main Website
4. Booking.com: Exclusive Rentals In Marjan Island
A Word From The Author
It doesn’t matter where the location is, what matter is that you’ve enjoyed your stay with a good company. Even if there’s no TV or no WiFi, it’s totally fine! A meaningful conversation is enough.
Cheers!
Have you been in Marjan Island?
I would love to know your thoughts.. If not, I would still love to hear from you. 🙂
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This place looks really good to me. I wouldn’t mind having a room with no TV since I don’t watch TV when travelling. I’d be far too distracted by this amazing sea view.
This looks fabulous! And the price was amazing….but no TV or WiFi?? That may be a game changer for us! LOL
I have always wanted to go to the UAE and stay at one of their resorts. This one looks so awesome I will have to check it out sometime. Great thorough review, and less than $90 per night sounds like a very good price. Much cheaper than resort hotels here in the States.
Despite some unwanted expriences you had… I think everything will be covered up quickly by the stunning view of the sea. That swimming pool area is truly the best spot for me. Never been to UAE but i have some relatives working there… Hopefully i’ll get a chance to visit this place someday
This looks awesome, the rooms looks comfy and have pretty view. Definitely would love to give it a visit.
Oh wow what a cool staycation! Such a great experience!
This is the first time I heard about Al Marjan Island. It looks like a paradise to me. Wow!
Wow, I have never heard about the emirate Ras al-Khaimah or those Islands before! Would love to have the no TV/no WiFi experience one day, this will definitely enhance the experience on site!
I haven’t been to Al Marjan island before. I did it see a number of times in the magazines before construction of it ended and loved it instantly. I’d love to visit it in person!