SO/ Ras Al Khaimah: A Bold New Chapter for Design‑Led Luxury on Al Marjan Island
Ras Al Khaimah has long been celebrated for its expansive desert landscapes, dramatic mountain ranges, and peaceful coastal stretches, but until recently, it remained a relatively untouched frontier in the UAE’s design‑driven hospitality scene. That changed with the opening of SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate’s first ultra all‑inclusive, fashion‑forward lifestyle resort on Al Marjan Island.
This opening not only introduces a fresh creative energy to Ras Al Khaimah but also marks a significant moment for SO/ Hotels, a brand renowned for its bold fashion collaborations and expressive, design‑centred approach to hospitality.
Reception / Lobby
A Fashion‑Forward Statement on the Arabian Gulf
SO/ Ras Al Khaimah instantly sets itself apart with an aesthetic that blends the brand’s couture DNA with the natural beauty of Al Marjan Island. Designed by Kristina Zanic Consultants, the resort embraces a confident colour palette inspired by its surroundings: sunset oranges, oceanic blues, and lush natural greens.
These hues flow across public spaces, guestrooms, and dining venues, but always with a SO/ twist: think tactile walnut wood, sandstone, and bronze details, and layered textures that invite touch. The result is a mood that is at once warm, expressive and contemporary, perfectly echoing the sun‑washed vibrance of the Arabian Gulf.
Art is central to the resort’s visual identity. Curated pieces and handcrafted accessories from Curio, a global platform of 100+ artisans, add authenticity and individuality to each space. Rather than feeling decorated, the resort feels composed, as though each object plays a role in an overarching narrative about craftsmanship and self‑expression.
Collection Corner Suite
Public Spaces with Personality
The moment guests enter the resort, the SO/ attitude is unmistakable. The lobby sets the tone: sculptural furniture, bold silhouettes, and a gallery‑like arrangement of curated artworks, all paired with expansive sea views that pull the outside in.
Across the resort’s ten floors, the design team ensures no corner feels generic. Corridors feature unique art moments; lift lobbies balance curated minimalism with statement colour; and landscaped outdoor areas follow a soft‑sculptural aesthetic that makes them feel more like contemporary gardens than resort walkways.
This sense of aesthetic clarity carries into the pool and beach zones. Multiple pools, including adults‑only areas, offer distinct atmospheres, from laid‑back tropical to sleek and urban. Even umbrellas, loungers and cabanas reflect the resort’s fashion‑inspired personality, with design details that feel editorial rather than resort‑standard.
Icon Suite
257 Rooms and Suites Designed for Style‑Seekers
Every guestroom at SO/ Ras Al Khaimah faces the sea; a design decision that adds a natural uniformity to the experience. But within that framework, the rooms offer plenty of character.
There are seven room categories, ranging from the intimate SO/ Collection Sea View to the ultra‑exclusive Signature Club suites that feature private pools and direct beach access. Across all categories, expect:
layered textures in natural and custom fabrics
statement lighting pieces
sculptural seating and custom cabinetry
palettes that echo island landscapes
soft curves and organic shapes that counterbalance modern architecture
Bathrooms follow a refined spa‑style language, using stone, brushed metal, expressive mirrors and warm lighting to create a retreat‑like atmosphere.
Suites, particularly the ‘Iconic Suite’, represent the pinnacle of the resort’s style persona, combining couture‑inspired details with expansive spaces built for entertaining, lounging and fully disconnecting.
Hadaba Restaurant & Bar
A Creative Culinary Landscape
SO/ Ras Al Khaimah’s food and beverage programme mirrors the resort’s creative direction. Rather than ubiquitous all‑inclusive dining, the property embraces a more curated approach, with four distinctive venues:
The Market
A vibrant all‑day dining destination that redefines buffet culture with open kitchens, locally‑influenced produce displays and a buzzing, marketplace‑meets‑atelier atmosphere.
The Market Restaurant
Chiano
Mediterranean cuisine presented with design flair, expect airy interiors, sculptural tableware, coastal colours and a refined, Riviera‑influenced menu.
Hadaba
A tribute to Levantine flavours, pairing deep, earthy tones with tactile materials and warm lighting. The ambience feels both sophisticated and soulful.
Savant
The resort’s signature cocktail lounge offers live entertainment and an aesthetic inspired by contemporary fashion houses, mirrored surfaces, rich textiles, and a daring palette, making it one of the standout interior moments on the property.
Two pool bars, including the adults‑only Bungalow, and a dedicated beach club complete the offering, ensuring guests have a different atmosphere to explore every day.
Cabini Restaurant & Bar
Wellness, Adventure and the SO/ Lifestyle
Wellness is integral to the resort’s identity. The spa features treatment rooms, a sauna, a jacuzzi pool and a highly stylised aesthetic rooted in calm, natural materials. The gym offers complimentary classes in beautifully designed spaces filled with natural light.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, the surrounding landscapes offer an authentic Ras Al Khaimah experience: hiking, horseback riding, golf, and kayaking are all within reach, connecting the resort's haute‑couture energy with the raw beauty of the emirate.
A New Era for Al Marjan Island
SO/ Ras Al Khaimah opens at a pivotal time for Al Marjan Island, which continues to evolve as one of the UAE’s most exciting waterfront destinations. With its bold aesthetic, curated creativity and all‑inclusive luxury, SO/ Ras Al Khaimah feels like a natural extension of the SO/ brand, but one that embraces its island home wholeheartedly. For design‑driven travellers, it offers a refreshing blend of couture‑inspired style, coastal serenity and expressive hospitality.
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