Long overdue review... However For three years, our family has celebrated Christmas at The Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah. What started as a holiday getaway has turned into a beloved tradition.
Firstly:
The cove is absolutely beautiful, even as soon as you enter into the lobby, you are greeted by elegance and warmth, which continues throughout your stay. The resort spills out into wide, stunning vistas of the ocean, and then there are the villas, which spill down into the hillside. Each villa and hotel room is stunning in its design, balancing comfort and luxury.
Cinnamon was our daily breakfast and main dining spot most days, as the choices on offer are always incredible, always offering a theme of a particular culture. Moreover, it changes every day, ensuring that one does not eat the same food twice. The restaurant has several options that guarantee a difference in meals every day.
Basilico is a paradise for Italian food lovers, as it provides genuine Italian dishes that appeal to all kinds of palates. It truly shines, though, in its Saturday brunch, which is a must-not-miss occasion that is a culmination of indulgence, innovation, and ambiance in a singular culinary encounter.
However the main reason we choose the cove over and over again is thanks only to the wonderful team who makes us feel more like family than guests.
This review is for those whose warmth, professionalism, and genuine care make each stay unforgettable.
Leadership & Management
Klaus ensures everything runs smoothly. His style blends luxury with heartfelt hospitality, creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout the resort. He is not just a general manager; he genuinely cares. He takes time from his busy schedule to visit us at the beach, even in his nice shoes, always with the biggest smile. That gesture says a lot about who he is. You can see why his staff are so amazing and why they choose to follow his lead. His compassion, humility, and connection inspire everyone at the resort. And thank you for the German biscuits; they were delicious, according to Hendrix.
Ibrahim in our breif encounters was always attentive. He efficiently & silently handled requests and made us feel valued.
Momtaz was a truly consistent presence, he always added a personal touch to every interaction. His careful oversight ensures the resort feels like a home away from home.
Rishabh was always dynamic and approachable, made us feel instantly comfortable. His enthusiasm added memorable touches to our stay.
Club Member Beach Team
More than just a staff member, Ahmed feels like a brother from another country. Every reunion is filled with joy. Our son has seen him on all three of his birthdays at The Cove, and this year, Ahmed made it even more special by decorating the cabana before we arrived. To our son, Ahmed is his favourite person in the whole UAE. His thoughtfulness and kindness are incredible, embodying the family spirit that makes this resort special. We cannot wait to see him again. Ahmed is a unique person, and The Cove should appreciate him every day for the effort and love he puts into his work.
Junaid (“Uncle”) is not just a team member for our son; he is “Uncle.” Year after year, he has been amazing, bringing energy and positivity to every encounter. Our son looks forward to seeing him, and his enthusiasm has become part of our family’s Cove tradition. Junaid’s spirit is infectious. We’ve even joked about needing to hit the gym just to keep up with his energy. He is a true gem of the resort, mixing professionalism with genuine warmth that brightens each stay.
Hashan: A master of hospitality, his warmth made every seaside moment special.
Godson: Calm and kind, Godson keeps the beach a relaxing sanctuary.
Cinnamon Restaurant Team
Tinu always welcoming with a bright smile & coffee's on hand at the drop of a hat! Tinu made breakfast and dinner feel like a family gathering.
Mathachan had amazing professionalism and attention to detail which enhanced every dining experience.
Tharindu always cheerful and engaging, he brought us joy and laughter at every interaction.
Pallavi... Year after year, she makes sure we have everything we could possibly want. With her, we are never without; her attentiveness and genuine care make every meal feel complete. She deserves full credit for how she enhances the Cinnamon experience, representing the kind of hospitality that makes The Cove outstanding.
Chef Jaya: The heart of Cinnamon’s kitchen, Chef Jaya consistently produced some of the most amazing food we’ve enjoyed at the resort. Beyond daily excellence, he crafted beautiful cakes for our son’s birthday, adding a personal and unforgettable touch to our celebrations. Thank you for our leaving treats Chef!
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Basilico Brunch:
Sundaram (Pasta Chef): His artistry with pasta is unmatched. Each dish is crafted with love and precision, always delivered with a smile.
Washim (Sushi Chef): A magician with sushi, his creations are as beautiful as they are tasty. He always makes sure my plate is full of the very best.
Paneeth dedicated and attentive, he ensures Basilico remains a highlight of every stay.
Dinesh adds a personal touch that makes dining special. Top lad for jokes!
Manoj, warm and friendly, Manoj makes Basilico feel like a place of connection.
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Villa Team
Rahul, Jayram, Rashid, Azahar, Tej (Villa Cleaners): This remarkable team of lads make our villa feel like a sanctuary. Their attention to detail and kindness make returning to our villa each day a joy. Also - the daily folded towel animals made Hendrix smile daily!
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Buggy Drivers
Nabeel was always a delight. His warmth and conversation always makes every buggy ride memorable. He was always there when we needed him, no matter where we needed to go in The Cove, ensuring our journeys were seamless and stress-free. His attentiveness and cheerful personality turned simple transfers into moments of connection, and his consistency made him an indispensable part of our holiday.
To the rest of the buggy team: I apologise boys for not remembering all your names. Each ride was filled with interesting conversation, and I often forgot to note them down because you all had me laughing uncontrollably. Please know that your kindness, professionalism, and genuine care never went unnoticed. You are a key part of why our stays feel seamless and welcoming.
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Other Stars of the Resort
Arnest (Ice Cream Truck): A favorite for Hendrix as he always left with TWO ORANGE ice lollies! His cheerful presence with our son and sweet treats brought smiles each afternoon.
Dheeraj & all staff at Breeze: Each year we’ve returned, Dheeraj has given his all to ensure our family has a great time. His skill at the bar is matched only by his warmth and attentiveness, making evenings at Breeze enjoyable and memorable. He embodies consistency, passion, and genuine care, which enhance every stay and make him invaluable to The Cove experience.
Anjali was the first person to welcome us on our initial stay, and her warmth set the tone for everything that followed. She has always been amazing, wearing a smile and providing top-notch service that makes every arrival and departure feel easy. Her consistency and genuine care are part of why we return year after year; she represents the hospitality that makes The Cove Rotana feel like home.
Rossel was fantastic from start to finish. No request was too much for her. She balanced professionalism with humor, bringing lightness to every interaction while ensuring everything was handled flawlessly. Her jokes, warmth, and dedication made each encounter special.
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Final Thoughts
Three consecutive Christmases at The Cove have shown that this resort is more than just a place to visit, it truly is our second home. The staff listed above are not just employees; they are the heart of the resort, creating moments of joy, care, and tradition.
Their collective dedication makes every stay not only luxurious but also personal. For our family, The Cove is where Christmas magic lives, not just in decorations or festivities but in the people who welcome us back year after year with open arms.
To Klaus, Ahmed, Junaid, Pallavi, Ibrahim, Momtaz, Rishabh, Chef Jaya, Nabeel, and the entire team: thank you for making us feel like family. We look forward to many more Christmases together.
I’ve missed so many others and feel bad, but we hope to see you all again soon. The Cove is our family. Thank you for the amazing memories.
