An introduction to Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort

Looking for a place in the sun where all the family can have a lot of fun and you can go off fishing Then I think I have found such a place Its the Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort sits on a 230m stretch of unspoilt golden beach, nestled between the Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean at Fujaira just 90 minutes from Dubai.

The Resort is perfectly placed for you to make the most of the United Arab Emirate’s year-round sunshine, its range of mountain, coastal and heritage attractions, and fishing both fly and lure fishing with diving and snorkelling opportunities. On top of its unique location, the Resort hosts lot of amenities that cater for all tastes, from relaxing with a treatment at the Ayurvedic Centre, or playing beach soccer, then dancing the night away in the rooftop bar.

There are a variety of species to be caught ranging from Blue, big eye, black skipjack and yellowfin tuna, Barracuda, King mackerel and Queen fish, Rainbow runners, Dolphin Fish(Dorado) and on the odd occasions, the elusive Sailfish. In the shallow areas there are Groupers, Red snappers, Sherries and several other species which I can offer some good sport on light tackle gear or fly fishing. If your fly fishing remember you need fly lines designed for the tropics. I will shortly be visiting the area in the hope of tangling with some big fish, and looking for bonefish which are rumoured to be in the Khor Fakkan area. It will be an interesting trip.
.Its perfect for all the family, not just the grown-ups - there's a children's club, staffed by fully qualified professionals who supply fun-filled activities daily for the under 12s, from treasure hunts to face paints.

After a day on the water fighting some of the toughest fish that swim you can then replace all those lost calories from a wide selection of dining options, to tempt your palette. It could be a beachside barbecue or an a la carte dinner - and Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort really has it all - offering a true getaway for its guests.

Location Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort lies at the foot of the majestic Hajar Mountains where they meet the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. It's situated just 50 kilometres from Fujairah city - a popular tourist destination - and a 90 minute drive from Dubai, both of which can be accessed via the regular shuttle services running from the Resort. It's also within easy reach of the area's natural attractions, including ancient fjords, spectacular dive sites, palm groves, picturesque waterfalls and hot springs, and a host of historical landmarks.

The coral reefs off the coast of Fujairah, which are home to many exotic species of fish, give you the opportunity to enjoy some of the best snorkelling, diving and deep sea fishing on offer anywhere in the region. Back on land, the Hajar Mountains are most spectacular during the winter months when the trees and shrubs burst into life, forming a mosaic of colours along the hillside.

Accommodation Every one of the Resort's 218 rooms has its own spacious terrace or balcony with breathtaking views across the Indian Ocean. Room sizes vary from 48 sq m to the 750 sq m Presidential Suite and include:* 42 Deluxe Rooms* 130 Superior Rooms* 35 Royal Club Rooms located on five exclusive floors - guests of the Royal Club can enjoy private check-in and check-out, a personalised butler service, a wide range of complimentary refreshments throughout the day and access to the Royal Club Lounge with its daily Happy Hour from 7-8pm
* 10 Executive Suites - offering fantastic views from their floor-to-ceiling windows, each suite contains a separate lounge with guest bedroom and adjoining bathroom
* 1 Presidential Suite - 750 square metres of private luxury -three bedrooms, a large living room, lounge, dining room and Jacuzzi. The layout was created by a top Italian designer and the custom made furniture imported from Italy.

All the rooms are fully equipped with a host of amenities including satellite TV, computer port, safety box, IDD telephone, walk-in wardrobe and mini bar. The hotel's guests can also benefit from 24-hour room service to ensure that all their needs are met.

Food and Drink There is a wide range of restaurants and bars within the Resort, catering for every mood or occasion, including: Taste restaurant - serving a fusion of mouth-watering Thai and Indonesian cuisine in a highly traditional setting. - a 24-hour brasserie offering elaborate buffet breakfast, lunch & dinner and an impressive a la carte menu. Tea and Dates - the airy lobby café serving an assortment of scrumptious pastries and cakes, sandwiches and salads.


At the Baywatch Village - a feast of outdoor bar and restaurant options located around the pool, including a swim-up bar, grill restaurant, beach café and pool snack bar. Victory's Bar nightclub - a split-level discotheque where DJs play the latest tunes and belly dancers provide entertainment daily. Astros rooftop bar - located on the 20th floor it provides spectacular views as well as a full range of drinks, and a resident band that performs a wide selection of modern and most requested songs. Such an array of choices makes the Resort the perfect setting for hosting an anniversary or birthday celebration, wedding or other event. And of course, guests who fancy a quiet night in can indulge their taste buds from the comfort of their room via the 24-hour in-room dining service.

Leisure activities Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort boasts a variety of leisure facilities from kayaking to yoga. On the water, the Resort can offer:* Beach and water sports including beach volleyball, waterskiing and sailing* Deep-sea fishing on the Resort's very own 30' fully rigged sport fishing boat, Ocean Aqah* A professional dive centre with access to the country's best dive sites and which offers a full range of PADI courses. On land, the Resort boasts:
* A fully equipped health club with gymnasium, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi* The UAE's largest free-form swimming pool* Three floodlit tennis courts and squash court* A variety of indoor pursuits including a games room and cinema room * Dance aerobics, personal training, body sculpting, Pilates and 'stretch and tone' at the Wellness Centre.

Off-site guests can enjoy:* Traditional dhow cruises along the coast * Mountain biking or hiking in the Hajar Mountains* Mountain, coastal and heritage discovery tours * City excursions for shopping and sight-seeing* 'Wadi bashing', a four-wheel drive expedition. The Wellness Centre The Wellness Centre is staffed by a team of internationally trained and experienced therapists, offering beauty and relaxation treatments that combine the traditions of the East with the science of the West.

Cleopatra Spa Rooms The Resort's exclusive beauty rooms, with their ancient Egyptian theme, afford guests with a large choice of 'wellness' therapies. Treatments range from Elemis Aromapure and Exotics to Thai, Balinese, European and Aromatherapy massages and facials. Softouch Ayurvedic Centre Those looking to rejuvenate their mind, body and soul will benefit from exclusive treatments available in the Ayurvedic Centre, based on ancient, natural regimens that originated in the Southern Indian State of Kerala. Guests can choose from exotic massages or a range of health programmes specifically created for them by one of four qualified Ayurvedic practitioners, who can be consulted for ailments such as sleep disorders, backache and stress. Salon The Resort also provides a ladies and gents salon with a wide range of beauty treatments available.

Fun for the children It's not just grown-ups who benefit from top amenities at Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort. The Penguin Club aims to give children the chance to make the most of their holiday too, all under the watchful eyes of qualified child minders. The Club, which has its own secure indoor and outdoor play area and covered splash pool, provides fun and educational programmes of activity for children of all ages. The entertainment includes mini basketball, balloon blasting, sandcastle competitions, supervised water sports and treasure hunts. More sedate activities include paper and painting contests, puzzles and face painting.

For any budding performers, there's a chance to get dressed up and take part in fancy dress competitions, or be a star for a day at the singing or dancing contests, which take place in the Kids' Disco. And kids can catch up with their favourite cartoons or films in their very own Movie Room. The daily programme of events runs from 9am to 6pm and a special Penguin Club menu is available all day. The Club can also provide baby-sitting facilities in the evening, for parents wanting to leave their children in safe hands, while they make the most of one of the many restaurant or nightlife options at the Resort. E-mail [email protected] See pictures