Fairmont Ajman | UAE | anexpatabroad

“Combining hospitality and elegance with impeccable service, Fairmont Ajman promises a truly memorable experience during your stay.” Fairmont Ajman

Reminiscent of a British seaside town, albeit with an Arabic twist, Ajman’s palm lined seafront is quaint. Its promenade with beachfront cafes and hotels line one side and shops and restaurants are opposite, ss you drive along the popular corniche there’s stretches of beach and a tidal pool, I was half expecting to see a fish and chip shop and an amusement arcade.

We were in Ajman, the smallest of the seven emirates, to enjoy a short staycation at the five-star Fairmont Ajman, a majestic fourteen-story beachfront property located on a two hundred metre stretch of golden sand. Located in amongst a glut of international hotels, the Fairmont Ajman’s distinct exterior and public areas are notably influenced by traditional Arabic design whereas in comparison the rooms, health club and spa are much more modern.

The large hotel, that opened in May 2015, offers two hundred and fifty-two rooms and suites that all benefit from an unobstructed seaview. We stayed in a spacious and opulent junior suite on the top floor, an open-plan style with separated bedroom, bathroom and living room areas. The large, stunning bathroom space had a standalone and walk-in wet room, personalised Le Labo toiletries were a nice touch and a new experience. The huge, comfortable bed was scattered with rose petals ahead of our arrival. The living area had an oversized L-shaped sofa and business desk as well as tea and coffee making facilities. The sizable balcony had plenty of seating with a view of the pool and Arabian Gulf beyond.

Plenty of leisure facilities and an abundance of dining options make this hotel ideal for the discerning traveler whether travelling alone, as a couple, with friends or as a family with children of all ages. The logo emblazoned infinity-edged swimming pool is definitely a highlight as is the private beach with its inflatable floating water park and Driftwood, a brightly coloured Caribbean style beach bar. Fancy a cocktail or some shisha by the pool? Not a problem with Salt & Sea swim-up pool bar that offers drinks and light bites or just enjoy personal service from the comfort of your sun lounger. Arriving by helicopter? Not an issue with the hotel’s private helipad on one side of the beach. Water sports are available too for the energetic as well as a children’s entertainment programme at the kids club.

Dining choices are varied at the eight different outlets; authentic style Italian classics combined with attentive service is offered at Gioia where we enjoyed a very nice dinner, the antipasto platter was notable and a definite winner with my dining companions. Traditional Turkish cuisine, decor and entertainment is available at Kiyi where you can expect plenty of hot and cold mezze dishes and an abundance of meat and seafood grills and kebabs. We finished off our evening with nightcaps and a couple of games of darts in the underground Cave Bar, a dimly-lit bar decorated with sports memorabilia, tv’s playing sporting highlights and pub-style games.

All-day dining restaurant Spectrum offers traditional Arabic cuisine and international favourites where you can dine around the world for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected the weekend breakfast service was busy, one might even say chaotic and I was disappointed with my order. A simple request of poached eggs on toast was served incorrectly twice, firstly undercooked and then second time served without yolks which was a first for me, at this point I gave up and left!

The focal point of the hotel is the open plan Azrak lobby lounge with its stunning oversized sea life inspired chandelier and further outdoor seating on the adjacent terrace, the perfect spot to grab a coffee and pastry, light lunch or enjoy an afternoon tea. Badr Lounge offers Middle Eastern cuisine while XOLO Bar is the place for cocktails.

The mezzanine level is home to the fitness centre with separate male and female areas as well as sauna and steam rooms and the standalone Nine Degrees Spa. While the spa reception area is modern with brightly coloured furnishings, the nine treatment rooms that includes one couples space and relaxation area are more traditional in nature. There’s a varied menu of signature journeys that range from eighty minutes to six hours, face and body treatments as well as six different massages including a pregnancy massage option. There’s also a Turkish Hammam area as well as steam and sauna rooms.

I had a 55-minute Citrus Essential Facial using the Natura Bisse products from Spain. Although initially skeptical as to how effective it would be due to such low lighting in the room, my therapist Soukayana from Morocco, who may not have been the most commutative, was indeed skillful. The multi-step treatment is designed to recapture the skin’s luminosity and firmness using citrus aromatherapy products that infuses the skin with Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant. An all over face mask applied as a paste, including over the eyelids and lips, was another first. I was pleased with the overall results, not only did the products smell divine but they also left my skin looking radiant and firm, I would recommend it if you are looking for an anti-aging and hydrating facial.

Ajman is becoming more and more popular as a golf destination and that in fact is why we were there. The other half played two rounds at the Al Zorah Golf Club, a Troon Golf 18-hole championship course set in a nature reserve in the mangroves with its own unique tidal flow. The course is located a mere ten minute drive from the hotel and there’s ‘stay and play’ golf packages available.

Ajman, which is bordered on three sides by Sharjah, is easily accessible and ideal for a weekend staycation for those who reside in Abu Dhabi and Dhabi. The Fairmont Ajman is an elegant hotel and certainly offers everything you need to relax and enjoy your stay with good and plentiful dining options, leisure facilities, comfortable accommodation and friendly, helpful service.

The Nitty Gritty

Fairmont Ajman, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Ajman

Telephone: + 971 6 701 5757

Email: ajman@fairmont.com

Website: www.fairmont.com/ajman/

Check-in: 3:00pm

Check-out: 12 noon

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The Good……..

Pool and beach

Luxury accommodation

Comfortable bed