Hotel Snapshot
Bab Al Shams is a sprawling resort in a desert reserve less than an hour from the lights and skyscrapers of Dubai. Built in 2004, the property recently underwent a comprehensive renovation, giving the dated space a facelift while preserving its original North African-desert architectural charm. The new offerings include an elevated interior featuring multiple restaurants, a tranquil spa, as well as secluded villas. Spanning 16 buildings, the expansive hotel is made intimate by small in-room details and multiple places to escape the crowd — from porches perched atop buildings to sunken firepits and courtyards decorated with small pools and picture-perfect arches.
Design & Character
While you’re only 45 minutes by car from Dubai, Bab Al Shams wants to almost disappear into its desert surroundings. Embracing a contemporary concept of a royal’s escape, the interiors are overall refined and restrained by Dubai standards, leaning into Moorish architectural elements and Bedouin inspiration. Mostly awash in a sandy colored stone, the archways are plentiful, and pebble-stone-floored, shallow pools add dimension to the hotel's transitional spaces. Dedicated to fostering an old-school Arabian aesthetic, there’s even an outdoor amphitheater used for events and capable of hosting over 50,000 guests.
The Rooms
With 115 rooms, including family suites and multi-room villas with private pools, even the smallest of the guest rooms feels generous. All are more than just a place to rest, with places to lounge like charming window seats, and some even have outdoor patios. Turndown service includes the delivery of a box of dates and fresh fruit. The Villas are the latest additions to the property, with private dune views.
The Food & Drink Situation
For over a decade, Bab Al Shams had one restaurant: Al Hadeerah. It’s an iconic spot in its own right, hosting open-air dinner events with live performances that include falcons and camels, as well as folk dancing. There’s live-cooking that all takes place inside a sukh-like setting, where you can purchase things like sand art. It remains a hot spot (so much so that it was fully booked the night I was there). It’s the size of some small boutique hotels, casting lights into the air late into the night.
For anyone looking for less of a manufactured experience, there are multiple other dining options on the property, including three more restaurants, as well as a lobby bar and cigar lounge. Breakfast is a buffet format offering a selection of global cuisine. The poolside menu is all you want it to be — like French fries and salads.
Amenities
Bab Al Shams packs it all in, with amenities including four pools, one of which is adults-only with a swim-up bar (pro tip: get there early to reserve seats as it tends to fill up). There’s a curated selection of desert activities that give you a taste of the desert safari without having to venture that far, including desert drive tours, fat tire biking, and Arabian horse riding. There are complementary camel rides and falconry in the evenings. An incredibly family-friendly place, there is also a Kids Club and Emirati storytelling.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
The spa is just a short buggy ride away. It’s a truly secluded and relaxing space. Massages make use of skincare brands like Bamford, and begin with cleaning the feet in a warm-water basin — an excellent way to start a treatment. Facilities include saunas and steam rooms as well as intimate hammams for both men and women. There’s also a small pool to lounge at while enjoying a post-massage fresh tea.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
The hotel is situated near the Al Marmoon Desert Conservation Reserve, where desert tours can take place. It’s also close to the popular Al Qudra cycling path.
Fast Facts
Location: Mugatrah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Vibe: Luxury desert with everything in one place that’s family-friendly and easy to access by car from Dubai
Rating: 5-Star
Room Count: 115 (including rooms, suites, and villas)
Pricing: From $250 per night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Feeling of desert isolation without the long drive from Dubai and the secluded spa with private onsite hammam.
Dining: Four on-site restaurants serving global cuisines, including Greek and Mediterranean-inspired menus as well as Southeast Asian offerings. All include outdoor dining spaces. There’s also the lobby bar and cigar lounge, plus a swim-up bar and 24-hour room service.
Amenities: Gym; Spa with hammams; Four pools, including one adult pool; Kids club and play areas; Curated desert activities and experiences.
Nearby Attractions: Endurance City, Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve, Crescent Moon Lake.
Nearest Airport: Dubai International Airport.
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