Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai

rooms

Rooms and suites are tastefully styled, with views of the surrounding sands and rustic, Arabic touches such as lamps, rugs and carved wood furnishings. All feature free WiFi, espresso coffee machines and luxury bathroom amenities. There are four room categories - the Superior Room is the smallest but still has a cushioned seating area and separate bathroom. Terrace rooms are slightly larger and feature private patios, while Junior Suites and Deluxe Suites are larger still, with walk-in dressing rooms, rainfall showers and private terraces.

facilities & activities

The hotel offers guests complimentary camel rides at sunset, giving guests a short taste of the Arabian experience. For longer rides, guests can book onto a camel safari for a supplement (this option is also available for non guests). Other desert activities include Jeep drives and falconry, and horse riding can also be arranged. Archery lessons take place in resort (costing AED 100/£20 per hour for adult guest, AED 50/£10 for child guests) table tennis, mini golf and croquet are also available.

There is a spa with a sauna and steam room and skilled therapists offer relaxing treatments, such as massages and facials. There is also a gym and outdoor yoga area. The large infinity pool has lots of interesting sections and is a good place to cool off while admiring the surrounding desert.

dining

The hotel has eight restaurants to choose from, each with its own unique style, offering a range of different cuisines, including Indian, Italian and International. Dinner at the outdoor Middle Eastern restaurant, Al Hadheerah, features 14 live cooking stations - with theatrical extravaganzas of belly dancers and falconry as you eat. For a calmer dining experience, head to Masala, the low-lit Indian eatery, or Le Dune Pizzeria, which is decked out with furniture shipped from Italy. Al Forsan is a good choice for families with its Friday brunch, while the lamp-lit Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge is the place to go to enjoy the sunset with a drink. There is also a swim-up pool bar as well as Ya Hala Bar, a cosy area near the lobby serving afternoon tea and snacks.

family

This is a resort that’s popular with families travelling with children. The Aladdin’s Kids Club is available for children aged five to 12, and is open from 9am until 6pm daily. Supervised activities include card making, face painting and active games, such as musical statues. Children aged four and under are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

There is a dedicated children’s pool, and cots can be requested in advance. All the room types can accommodate two adults and one child (on a rollaway bed), but larger families would need to book multiple rooms. The Deluxe Suite is the largest room type, offering a little extra space for families.

The Al Forsan restaurant lays on a Friday Farmers Family Brunch (12.30-4pm), where families can enjoy a lavish buffet with different cooking stations, live entertainment and dedicated kids activities. Children aged between five and 12 get a 50% discount on the price of AED 345 (£70) per person.

location

The hotel is just a 40-minute drive from the city of Dubai with its international airport. And yet it feels a world away, with an Arabian Nights style setting that provides a nice contrast from the high rise buildings of the city. An oasis in the desert, its isolation is part of its charm, and adds to the overall relaxing feel. It offers an authentic desert experience within easy reach of Dubai.