RARE FIND

CHECKING INTO THE RENOVATED BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT & SPA

BY AMY ROBERTS

Opposite: Resort architecture reflects the natural landscape. From top: Rooms are replete with modern design and neutral tones; exploring nearby sand dunes.

IN A CITY OF OVER-THE-TOP EVERYTHING, IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO STAND OUT. But despite sharing a home with the world’s tallest building, indoor ski slopes, and the world’s finest hotels (complete with a gold leaf covering 19,000-square-feet of space), Bab Al Shams on the edge of Dubai still manages to evoke a sense of wonderment and awe. In part, that’s because when this resort reopens in early 2023, it will do so as the first property in the Rare Finds portfolio, a collection of diverse and distinct properties recognized for their proximity to rich culture, soul-rattling experiences, and genuine connection to the customs and history of their environment.

RENOVATION: Having earned its reputation as one of Dubai’s most sought-after desert escapes, Bab Al Shams has long been preferred by travelers seeking an authentic desert destination. The hotel is removed enough from the city’s hustle and bustle that gazelles, Arabian oryx, and other wildlife are frequently spotted, and the resort is framed by the surrounding sand dunes. This relaxed and unrushed vibe will remain when the resort reopens in the spring of 2023 to unveil a new look after nearly a year of extensive renovations. It will pay homage to local history, resembling a revived rural Arab village set against the backdrop of Dubai’s desert landscape. But the rooms, restaurants, and common spaces will celebrate a newly refined aesthetic and subtle opulence, punctuated by redefined experiences.

RECREATION: Some of those unique experiences include a robust selection of leisure and play options. The desert’s black canopy is ideal for star gazing with a local astronomer. During the daytime, the expansive vistas of sand and sky are best viewed from atop a camel’s back. Equestrian sports allow guests to connect with one of the UAE’s most cherished customs, while nature walks, archery, desert safaris, hotair ballooning, and wildlife viewing are also easily accessible in the tranquility of the Marmoom Desert Conservation reserve.

CULINARY: Why only have dinner when you can have dinner and a show?

Culinary experiences at Bab Al Shams will include Arabesque theatrical performances that tantalize all the senses. Live cooking stations that deliver mouthwatering mezze, kebabs, and other traditional Arabic cuisine are complemented with locally and responsibly sourced ingredients at the hotel’s quintessentially iconic Al Hadheerah restaurant.

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CALM: One of the most anticipated updates of the completely renovated Bab Al Shams is the resort’s Desert Spa, which will offer detoxifying and healing treatments, among others. Therapeutic sessions that draw heat and healing from the nearby sand dunes, along with an extensive list of massages, are also available. A couple’s treatment room, sauna, steam room, and relaxation area are part of the new space, and the temperature-controlled infinity pool, complete with private cabanas, will remain a favorite way to pass the time. If the desert air isn’t enough, guests can work up a sweat in the new state-of-the-art fitness facility or inquire about a customized training program.