INTERVIEW - MOHAMED MAHMOUD, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL RAS AL KHAIMAH MINA AL ARAB RESORT & SPA RAS AL KHAIMAH: "A LUXURY HOTEL IS A SANCTUARY FOR THE SENSES, LIKE A HOME AWAY FROM HOME". (United Arab Emirates)
With more than 21 years' experience with InterContinental Hotels Group, Mohamed Mahmoud's ambition is to make the property he manages the benchmark in Ras Al Khaimah, an emirate where the luxury hotel sector is experiencing strong growth
INTERVIEW - MOHAMED MAHMOUD, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL RAS AL KHAIMAH MINA AL ARAB RESORT & SPA RAS AL KHAIMAH: "A LUXURY HOTEL IS A SANCTUARY FOR THE SENSES, LIKE A HOME AWAY FROM HOME". (United Arab Emirates)
With more than 21 years' experience with InterContinental Hotels Group, Mohamed Mahmoud's ambition is to make the property he manages the benchmark in Ras Al Khaimah, an emirate where the luxury hotel sector is experiencing strong growth
On the shores of the Arabian Sea, with the desert as a backdrop and the Jebel Jais mountains on the horizon, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah displays all its treasures and invites travellers to immerse themselves in the riches of its centuries-old history and heritage.
On the artificial island of Hayat Island, the immaculate façade of the InterContinental rises like a Bedouin tent, offering comfort and top-of-the-range services to visitors. The 351 generously sized, tastefully furnished rooms all have balconies overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Persian Gulf. In terms of accommodation, the property also offers 24 villas with terraces, some of which are connected, a 200 m2 presidential suite and five beach villas, each with a private swimming pool.
When it comes to dining, the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa is on the same wavelength, with creative cuisine, an elaborate wine list and refreshing cocktails served in the hotel's six elegant restaurants. Each restaurant offers a unique experience: dining with a 360-degree sea view at Levant & Nar, a New York ambience at NoHo or a taste of the world at any time of day at Saffar.
The hotel also boasts one of the finest spas in Ras Al Khaimah, with treatment rooms in the shape of pearls, the symbol of the emirate. It also offers a plethora of treatments in collaboration with the most prestigious institutes, and undoubtedly, one of the most spectacular Turkish hammam in the Middle East.
At the helm of the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa for almost three years, Mohamed Mahmoud has over 21 years' experience within the IHG group, in particular with InterContinental. He started out as front office manager at the InterContinental Regency Bahrain, before moving on to become director of rooms and quality continuous improvement, and then executive assistant manager at this property.
After a few months as hotel manager at the InterContinental Dubai Marina, he took on the role of resort manager at the property in Fujairah, also in the United Arab Emirates. In 2019, and for a period of 18 months, he took over the management of Saudi Arabia, where he officiated at the Intercontinental Durrat Al Riyadh.
Backed by this solid experience, Mohamed Mahmoud agreed to discuss the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, where the multitude of amenities available to visitors demonstrates, if it were still necessary, that at InterContinental, as in this part of the world, hospitality is not an empty word.
Journal des Palaces : What is your definition of luxury hotels?
Mohamed Mahmoud : For me, luxury is synonymous with intuitive service and personalization. A luxury hotel is a sanctuary of the senses that feels like a home away from home.
What is the situation of the luxury hotel industry in Ras Al-Khaimah?
Ras Al Khaimah hotel industry is currently booming, with many 5-star hotels in the pipeline. The current luxury hotels and resorts are landmarks in the destination, redefining luxury in the adventure-filled Emirate, providing the perfect haven for beachside rest and relaxation before setting off on the many exhilarating experiences Ras Al Khaimah has to offer.
When was the InterContinental Ras Al-Khaimah established?
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & SPA opened its doors on 25 February 2023 and has become an overnight sensation in the destination.
What type of clientele do you have? Which nationalities stay at the hotel the most?
The resort offers three distinct resort experiences, the promise of the InterContinental life is fulfilled to all types of travellers. Sea-facing rooms and suites ideal for families, a Club experience with exclusive lobby, pool and dining offerings, as well as villas for guests seeking bespoke intimacy and to live the ultimate InterContinental Life. The resort follows the destination trends in terms of feeder markets, with Russia, UK, and Germany at the top of the list. The resort is also very popular for staycations, with local and expat residents choosing to escape the bustle of the city and embrace island living in Ras Al Khaimah.
How many employees work at the InterContinental Ras Al-Khaimah?
We have 369 colleagues hailing from over 35 countries, we are lucky to have an extremely diverse team, all dedicated to providing an exceptional guest experience.
How does the InterContinental Ras Al-Khaimah differ from other resorts in the emirate?
Personalization, meaningful spaces, endless horizons and genuine human connection are the core of what differentiates InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah from the hyper-competitive luxury destination of Ras Al Khaimah. Furthermore, with our distinct resort experiences, the promise of the InterContinental life is fulfilled for all types of travel.
What experiences do you offer your guests? How are they unique to Ras Al Khaimah?
The perfect day to visit InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah consists of arriving in the majestic courtyard, illuminated by the firepits reminiscent of the campfires lit by the Bedouin tribes of the region. The guest is welcomed by a concierge dressed in the traditional Arabic qandoura, saluting them with the traditional Arabic, Marhaba. They are then whisked away to the exclusive Club InterContinental Lounge, where they can enjoy a welcome refreshment while they check in at the dedicated Club Lounge desk. When entering the Club InterContinental building, guests are greeted by the floral aromas emanating from Spa InterContinental, before being escorted to their suite. From there, their expansive terrace offers wraparound views of the scintillating Arabian Gulf. After a soak in the freestanding, deep soak tub with ByRedo amenities, guests are welcomed by name at the Club Lounge where they can enjoy evening cocktails before heading for dinner at the iconic Levant & Nar, where they can immerse themselves in the authentic flavours of the Levant.
The resort offers two types of private villas. What is special about them?
Both villa types perfectly mix modern comforts with Arabian design touches. The Seafront villa offers a 100 sqm space for everyone with king or twin beds, contemporary design and a grand living and dining area, with the added convenience of being near the beach and pool. Guests can step onto the terrace and take in the ocean views or relax in the deep soaking tub. Larger families can combine with a villa next door and gather in the shared outdoor living area.
Meanwhile, our 150 sqm Beachfront Pool Villas artfully combine the essence of Arabian aesthetics with stylishly modern interiors and state-of-the-art technology. Bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs and luxury amenities. Private terraces come with day beds and a private pool, exclusively for you and your guests.
What restaurants does the hotel offer?
The resort offers 6 dining experiences, ensuring even the most selective palates a delightful culinary experience. Guests can visit New York at NoHo, dine like an Ottoman at Levant & Nar, travel around the world at Saffar, wherever they choose, satisfy their sweet tooth at Ramsa Lounge, enjoy a cocktail at Amarbar or poolside light bites at ShaSha Pool & Beach Bar. They can savour dining experiences that offer cuisine for any taste, in venues with their own unique stories.
What is special about the hotel's superb spa? What types of treatments does it offer? Do you have a specific collaboration with a brand for the treatments provided?
A Sensory Sanctuary (safe space for your senses) nestled amongst the Mountain, Desert & Sea of Ras Al Khaimah. The Spa Intercontinental experience is the epitome of modern Arabia's hospitality and finesse, and a culmination of the heritage left behind by Bedouin tribes over the millennia.
In partnership with Aromatherapy Associates, Proverb, and Maison d’Asa, we have curated a selection of treatments and experiences that deliver the promise of ultimate relaxation, refreshment, and rejuvenation. The Spa InterContinental signature scent is inspired by the Mediterranean summertime countryside, with notes of citrus, flower, vegetation and soap, greeting guests as they enter. They are then escorted to the welcome lounge, where a floor-to-ceiling window offers indescribable views of the Mountains and the Sea.
In the morning and the afternoon, the sun hits the arabesque motifs on the walls, creating enchanting patterns on the wave shaped corridor. The 10 opulent treatment suites are shaped like oysters, with the guest cradled in the centre like a pearl. The lavish Turkish Hammam employs ancient Anatolian designs and rituals for guests to be transported to the heart of Turkey and succumb to ultimate relaxation.
After their treatment, guests can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the relaxation lounge, embracing the positive vibrations that inhabit the space, before retreating to their rooms or suites feeling relaxed, renewed and rejuvenated.
What is the hotel's CSR policy?
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah holds Corporate Social Responsibility at the heart of our way of doing business. From sustainability practices engrained in both guest experiences and operations, strong relationships with local NGOs and a strong internship program focused on the local community, the resort aims at responsible hospitality.
With the development of tourism in Ras Al-Khaimah and the arrival of new luxury hotels, particularly on Hayat Island, what projects do you intend to develop within the hotel?
Our biggest focus for the future is Guest Satisfaction and continuing to deliver the InterContinental Life and delight our guests with exceptional service and unforgettable memories.
What advice would you give to a young person who wants to work in the luxury hotel sector?
I would say that attention to detail, perseverance, passion, and dedication are all qualities you need to succeed in luxury hospitality.
A journalist for 20 years, Guillaume is a fan of exclusive places where comfort, quality of service and gastronomy are combined. All this, tinged with a simplicity and a smile that are the prerogative of the ultimate luxury.
