Rixos Bab Al Bahr

★★★★★Al Marjan Island, Ras Al KhaimahSpecialist pick

Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Overview

Rixos Bab Al Bahr is a large, Turkish-run all-inclusive resort on Al Marjan Island, built as three pyramid-shaped towers on the beach. It is the kind of place UAE residents book for a Friday-to-Sunday break rather than a quiet escape, and it suits families and groups far more than couples chasing peace and quiet.

The beach is real, private and about 450 metres long, backed by eight pools including a dedicated kids' pool and an adults-only infinity pool. Days roll between sunbeds, pool bars and the Rixy Kids Club or Teens Club, with buffet meals at Seven Heights and a rotation of à la carte restaurants in the evening. Entertainment Square runs shows and live music most nights, so it never feels sleepy, and reviewers consistently flag that the pools and buffet get genuinely crowded at peak times.

If you want calm, this isn't it — Oyster's own review notes it suits families more than couples wanting to relax, and the pool areas can be loud. Booking à la carte restaurants ahead is worth doing since slots fill fast in high season, and summer heat pushes most of the action towards the pools rather than the beach itself.

beachfront on al marjan island
eight swimming pools
adults-only infinity pool
rixy kids club and teens club
avitane spa with turkish hammam
three pyramid-shaped towers
ultra all-inclusive dining
seven restaurants and bars
nightly entertainment square
private beach access

Rooms

Good to know

Meal plans: All-inclusive
Paid at the hotel: The tourism dirham fee and any security deposit
Cancelling: Each room shows its own terms; cancel online from My trips while they allow

Eating and drinking

Seven Heights — The all-day buffet with live cooking stations, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is where most families end up most nights, and it takes children easily with its own kids selection.
Lalezar — À la carte Turkish restaurant serving dinner, reflecting the resort's Turkish hospitality roots. Reservations are needed as it operates on a rotation with the other à la carte venues.
Aja — Asian fusion restaurant covering Japanese, Thai, Indonesian and Indian influences, open for dinner. Lively rather than formal, and reviewers rate the sushi and seafood dishes here.
Fishbone — The seafood restaurant, serving dinner with fresh catches, sushi rolls and grilled fish. A favourite among guests for both quality and variety, though à la carte slots book up quickly.
Meat Point — The steakhouse, open for dinner with grilled and South American-style meats. Has a fun kids menu of its own, so it isn't off-limits for families despite the grown-up feel.
L'Olivo Ristorante — Italian restaurant with live pizza making, open for lunch and dinner. A reliable, relaxed choice with children in mind — the pizza is consistently popular with younger guests.
Toast 'N' Burger — Casual daytime spot for snacks, burgers and quick bites by the pool or beach. Useful for a low-key lunch between activities rather than a sit-down meal.

Getting there

It's roughly an 80 kilometre drive from Dubai and about 70 kilometres from Dubai International Airport, generally an hour or so depending on traffic through Ras Al Khaimah. The resort sits on Al Marjan Island itself, with parking on site; given the distance, most residents either self-drive or arrange a transfer rather than take a taxi both ways.

Ask about Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Another room type, more than one room, or a date that is not showing — send it over and a specialist replies with what is available and what it costs, usually the same working day.