Dubai, U.A.E.
Bab Al Shams
Revamped Arabian Star
What it is
A freshly redesigned retreat meant to conjure an ancient Arabian village, with opulent guest rooms, a hammam and spa, and souk-inspired restaurant with live cooking.
What it isn't
Boring. Curated activities on offer here are Instagrammable and exquisite, and include riding camels through the desert sand dunes and horseback rides on tassel donning Arabian steeds.
What we think
We love a gleaming high-rise as much as the next person, but when you’re in Dubai, sometimes you want an undeniably Middle Eastern experience. That’s exactly what you’ll get at the recently re-imagined Bab Al Shams, which is set amid the rolling sand dunes and looks like an ancient Arabian village sprung to luxurious life. Even the most basic “Deluxe Garden View Room” is a timeless treat: a 400 square foot dream with a marble-lined bathroom, intricate design details such as nailhead trim and arched built-ins, plus a window nook that peers out on a lush courtyard and optional balcony. The Deluxe Suite is worthy of a Sheikh, with a 700 square foot floor plan, sumptuous sitting area with a built-in bar, and a deep egg-shaped soaking tub that’s perfect for a soothing, post-camel ride bath.
You're here because
They don’t have a restaurant—they have a de facto souk, where you’ll wander alleys past musicians, dancers and falconers under the stars to sample Middle Eastern divinities like lamb ouzi and sticky date pudding.
The Moment
You loved your ride through the desert this morning—the Arabian horse lilting sweetly beneath you—but you love this lomi lomi massage at the spa even more. Knowing you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon steeping in the hammam? Heaven.
Restaurants & Bars
Al Hadheerah - Between the Arabian desert and the deep night sky, discover the Al Hadheerah experience, an Arabian theatre of open-air dining and live entertainment with its roots in ancient, diverse Arabic cultures. Enter a living souk and meander through alleyways of live-cooked authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, as dancers, musicians, falconers and camel riders come out to entertain.
Location
A 45 minute drive from Dubai’s city center, or an hour from Dubai International Airport.