Fujairah’s Al Aqah beach coastline is one of the most beautiful spots in the UAE. The cool waters of the Gulf of Oman, which feed into the Indian Ocean, are on one side and the dramatic backdrop of the Hajar mountains is on the other.
For many years, it has attracted tourists looking for an escape from city life. While the region has plenty of big hotels and resorts, the newly opened Naama Beach Villas & Spa brings something different, offering a boutique experience with low-rise, independent pool villas for complete privacy.
The National checked in for an exclusive first review of the now-open resort.
The welcome
After journeying through the scenic Hajar mountains, we arrive at the private entrance of what feels like a private island resort in the Maldives.
The resort team welcome us with apple mocktails in the spacious lobby, which also houses Nafourah lounge. There, guests can enjoy drinks while diving into a good book from the nearby library. Fashion lovers can head to the hotel’s boutique, which features resort wear and accessories from a selection of international brands, all chosen for their handmade approach.
Check-in is fuss-free and our personal butler soon escorts us to our one-bedroom villa via buggy, where our luggage is already waiting.
The neighbourhood
Nestled in one of Fujairah’s most desired coastlines, the hotel is located between the mountains and Al Aqah Beach.
Just off the shore is Jazirah Al Aqqa. Known locally as Snoopy Island, it is a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. I highly recommend booking an excursion, which can be arranged by your butler. An array of other trips and adventures are also available, and these can be customised to your interests.
The room
Naama has 44 private pool villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms and from 325 square metres to 1,050 square metres. There are sea-view and mountain-view options, each offering unique benefits. Sea-view villas have direct beach access, while mountain-view accommodation ensures complete privacy.
Each villa has a large outdoor area with a private pool and jacuzzi, as well as a sauna and/or a steam room inside. The decor is an interesting twist on traditional Arabian architecture with modern touches and accent lighting making it feel spacious and airy. Lights, curtains and room temperature are controlled by an iPad system, and the bed is super-comfortable with one of the thickest mattresses I’ve slept on.
Other highlights include a spacious living area, outdoor shower and a huge round bathtub ideal for soaking in while enjoying the mountain views.
The service
Each villa comes with a personal butler. My butler, Arif, assures me that no request is too big or too small, even if it is a 3am phone call. Contactable by phone or WhatsApp, the butler team is on hand to help with bookings, travelling around the resort, restaurant reservations and more.
Staff throughout the property are incredibly friendly. From Mohammed, our waiter in the restaurant, to Pawan, the bartender, and our fantastic spa therapists, Teena and Septi, everyone goes out of their way to help.
The scene
Although The National's review took place during the soft-opening phase, the resort already has a homely feel. Each villa is surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear ponds, adding to the tranquillity and I can imagine that walking around the garden areas in winter would be a delightful experience.
The hotel is the only one in the area with its own completely private beach. Outside guests not allowed to stroll along the front of the resort, adding to the sense of seclusion. For those seeking to be active, beach runs are a must and there's also a paddle court and fitness area.
The food
When you leave a hotel feeling full, you know you must have eaten well. And I certainly did.
Despite operating a preliminary menu, the hotel’s offering is impressive. There are dishes to suit every taste, including charcoal-grilled meats, freshly caught fish, wood-fired pizzas and more. The resident Sri Lankan chef prepares everything in-house, including delectable baked bread and pastries. Highlights include perfectly cooked Wagyu tenderloin (Dh350); burrata served with white asparagus, truffle flakes and heirloom tomato jelly (Dh100); and a creamy New York cheesecake (Dh70) for dessert.
There are two restaurants – fine-dining destination Aseelah and the more causal Amara Bar. Guests can also choose to eat in the privacy of their villa, and at the beach or pool area.
Highs and lows
Naama Beach Villas & Spa’s privacy is a standout, with accommodation designed for ultimate seclusion. This is truly a place for those looking to getaway from it all.
The hotel is still in soft-launch mode during our visit, but this will change when it fully opens in September.
The insider tip
A visit to ESPA, the on-site spa, is a must. This serene retreat is one of the largest spas in the area. It has changing areas for men and women, with a steam room, sauna, plunge pool and jacuzzi in each. In between, there's a large indoor pool and lounge area, which is a perfect place to relax when the temperature outside is warm.
Treatments use products from British brand ESPA. I recommend the 90-minute sleep ritual in the early evening to set you up for a great night’s sleep. The Fusion Hammam experience is also worth trying. It is one of the best I have tried in the UAE and features a peppermint black soap cleanse; Kessa exfoliation; verbena clay rhassoul; cooling mint foot and leg ritual; and an argan and green tea hair cleanse.
The verdict
This Maldivian-inspired tranquil retreat is a perfect escape for those with busy lives. Although still in its early stages, Naama looks likely to remain a hidden gem, offering its five-star facilities to in-house guests only.
The bottom line
Room rates start at Dh4,800 for a one-bedroom villa. Check-in is from 3pm and checkout at noon; however, the resort is flexible with the timings where possible, so advise of a time that suits in advance; www.naamavillas.com
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
All you need to know about Formula E in Saudi Arabia
What The Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix
When Saturday
Where Diriyah in Saudi Arabia
What time Qualifying takes place from 11.50am UAE time through until the Super Pole session, which is due to end at 12.55pm. The race, which will last for 45 minutes, starts at 4.05pm.
Who is competing There are 22 drivers, from 11 teams, on the grid, with each vehicle run solely on electronic power.
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X
Price, as tested: Dh84,000
Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km
The biog:
Favourite book: The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma
Pet Peeve: Racism
Proudest moment: Graduating from Sorbonne
What puts her off: Dishonesty in all its forms
Happiest period in her life: The beginning of her 30s
Favourite movie: "I have two. The Pursuit of Happiness and Homeless to Harvard"
Role model: Everyone. A child can be my role model
Slogan: The queen of peace, love and positive energy
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The specs: 2019 Haval H6
Price, base: Dh69,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
UK’s AI plan
- AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
- £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
- £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
- £250m to train new AI models
