Islanders brunch review at: DoubleTree by Hilton, Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah

A view from the terrace of the Islander brunch offered by DoubleTree by Hilton on Marjan Island. Photo by Rebecca McLaughlin-Duane.jpg

Location:

Quite simply, spectacular. The brunch is held on a canopied terrace with panoramic views of the sea. Beachside and beautiful, this is somewhere you’ll want to take your time and linger in between courses.

DoubleTree by Hilton is a spa and resort located along Marjan Island Boulevard in Ras Al Khaimah. For directions from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, click here.

Atmosphere:

Brunch at the all day dining venue on the Friday we visited was lively and holiday-spirited. Fuelling the convivial atmosphere, a live band playing cheesy tunes spanning the decades from the 1960s onwards. Continuing the party after brunch, the hotel provided diners with sunset views, a DJ and dancers at their rooftop bar upstairs.

The restaurant had a diverse mix of people on the day we visited with large Arab families and groups of German and British expats and tourists. While the venue had a modern sunny bistro feel about it, there were nods to the style of 1960s with memorabilia including a vintage Mini Cooper and Vespa bikes on display as works of modern art.

Food:

The brunch deal DoubleTree offers is dubbed a ‘trio of flavours’, but it delivered in excess of that with at least five different cuisines of excellent quality.

One of the busiest stations was the fresh fish counter where local and foreign catches were being prepared as sashimi alongside a freshly dressed King crab with citronette dressing. The Sicilian octopus was juicy with just the right amount of bite, and the Mediterranean tuna carpaccio with beetroot was exceptional.

Italian foodies will love the selection of dishes from the hotel’s signature restaurant Vespa including fresh, made-to-order tagliatelle and the wild porcini mushroom risotto.

In addition to a bountiful salad bar there were further hot food sections inside the venue – serving everything from grilled salmon to moreish spring rolls.

Outside, there was yet more food and proving particularly popular was an Arabic tent serving succulent grilled lamb and beef, skewers, kebabs and kofta. Another triumph was the restaurant’s first rate fish and chips station.

If you have any space left, the Islanders brunch offers a small, but perfectly formed, selection of mini deserts and every cheese you’ve ever heard of.

Who’s it best for:

Highly recommended for families, groups on a getaway and couples exploring the delights of R.A.K. The vast balcony caters to parties of all sizes with plenty of room for restless tots to run around as well as romantic corners for duos to retreat to.

Verdict:

If you try this brunch, you’re pretty much guaranteed to return. Value for money wise, it trumps its peers in neighbouring emirates with packages ranging from Dh190-270 inclusive of beverages. It’s a generous deal when you consider that more refreshments are available at an after party venue called The Anchor until 5pm. Beach and pool access are available throughout the day for an additional Dh50.

The National was a guest of the venue.

Brunch at DoubleTree by Hilton on Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah takes place on Fridays from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Prices start from Dh190. For more information click here or call 072030000.