Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort provides menu of options

Providing a gateway to a world of adventure, the opening of Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort will help launch a new destination to both overseas visitors and local residents, according to hotel manager Patrick Antaki.

"It may seem a small step initially with the opening of a single 218 room hotel, but the potential of the UAE East Coast is unlimited," he said. "What we have here at Al Aqah is a fantastic two kilometre silver sand beach, year-round sunshine and the Indian Ocean as a marine playground, which in itself would be a great sell.

"However, the region offers so much more in terms of 'soft adventure', from 4WD safaris to explore the Hajjar mountains to ancient forts, hot springs, wildlife, mangroves and even the unique spectacle of bull-butting - a type of sumo wrestling for Brahmin bulls," he explained.

Located in the emirate of Fujairah, the resort aims to provide a jumpstart to tourism to the East Coast offering every facility to assist visitors in discovering its unique charms.

Within the hotel are car hire and tour companies, while Al Boom Marine has been contracted to operate an on-site dive centre for watersports and boat hire, while dhow cruises are also bookable on the spot.

Arabian Adventures has coincided the launch of its dedicated Fujairah brochure with the opening of Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, and offers a full range of expeditions covering city, sea and mountain sites, as well as traditional desert safaris.

"Coming from Dubai and its metropolitan attractions, the greatest appeal of the East Coast is its unspoilt scenery and virgin coastline," said Antaki. "Easy access to the dive sites and fjords of the Musandam region is another plus point, and one that may surprise even long-term UAE residents who have never explored the farthest reaches of the country."

Dhow trips, night dives, sunset cruises, fishing forays and short snorkelling sessions are all on the agenda at the resort, but there are many alternative options for visitors who do not wish to get their feet wet.

"Again, we have an extensive menu of land-based excursions, to the UAE's only waterfall for instance, its oldest mosque, castles and forts, hot springs, pottery handicrafts at the (daily) Friday market, heritage museum or provide a guide to explore trekking and climbing opportunities in the Hajjar mountains," he said."

Close to the hotel is the Dibba fishing harbour, where a fleet of traditional boats brings in a daily catch for a great photo opportunity, while the brightly decorated house doors and inquisitive children are also very camera friendly."

Topping off the East Coast experience is Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, with its spacious rooms all providing vistas of sea and sand, fringed by the stark mountain scenery.

A joint venture between Emirates airline and the Hotel & Resort Investment Company, managed by Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, it boasts the UAE's largest free-form pool, Wellness Centre featuring Cleopatra Beauty Rooms, the Baywatch Village restaurant complex and four additional bars and restaurants.

"With an opening rate of Dh250 per room, it's an unrivalled opportunity to test the waters of the East Coast - as well as its many other attractions," concluded Antaki.