If the big all inclusive resorts are not your style, Banan Beach Resort is the relaxed, barefoot alternative on the Marjan Beach coast in Ras Al Khaimah, just south of Al Marjan Island. It is a boutique glamping retreat built around pastel wooden cabanas, beach swings and bonfire nights, and it has quietly become one of the most photographed spots in the emirate. Here is what it is, what to do there and how to visit for the day or stay over.
What is Banan Beach Resort?
Banan Beach started life as a much loved beach camp in Dubai and brought the same bohemian feel up to Ras Al Khaimah. The look is Greek island meets desert beach: white washed walls, tessellated pavements and pastel coloured wooden tents with their own waterside terraces. It sits right on the sand at the southern end of the Marjan Beach coast, just below Al Marjan Island near the Umm Al Quwain border, so you get calm Gulf water, soft beach and a laid back, switch off kind of vibe rather than a buzzing resort.
Things to do at Banan Beach
- Beach and pool: a private stretch of sand and calm shallow water, easy for families and groups.
- Beach swings and photo spots: the sea facing swings and pastel cabanas are the reason Banan blew up on Instagram.
- Outdoor cinema: film nights under the stars by the water.
- BBQ and bonfire nights: barbecue feasts and beach bonfires with laid back music.
- Pet friendly: one of the few spots in RAK where your dog is welcome on the sand.
Day passes and staying over
You do not have to stay the night to enjoy Banan Beach. Day passes are available and usually include beach and pool access, recently from around AED 100 per person, so check the latest rate when you book. If you want the full experience, you can stay over in one of the glamping cabanas and wake up to the sea on your terrace. Weekends and holidays book up fast, so plan ahead. For more options across the emirate, see our roundup of the best day pass offers in Ras Al Khaimah.
How to get there
Banan Beach sits on the Marjan Beach coast just south of Al Marjan Island, about a five minute drive from the island, around 15 minutes from Al Hamra Mall and roughly 30 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. From Dubai it is about an hour by car on the E311 or E611. It makes an easy pairing with a wider day out on the island, which we cover in our full guide to Al Marjan Island.
Frequently asked questions
It is on the Marjan Beach coast just south of Al Marjan Island, about a five minute drive from the island, 15 minutes from Al Hamra Mall and around 30 minutes from RAK International Airport.
Yes. Day passes are available and usually include beach and pool access, recently from around AED 100 per person. Rates change, so confirm the current price when you book.
Yes. Banan Beach is one of the more pet friendly spots in Ras Al Khaimah and welcomes dogs on the sand. Check the latest pet policy before you go.
Yes. As well as day passes, Banan Beach offers glamping stays in pastel wooden cabanas with their own waterside terraces. Weekends and holidays get busy, so book ahead.
