Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

Geared towards tourists wanting to try the desert experience, Bab Al Shams offers an alternative to the glitz and glamour of central Dubai. It’s a sprawling and attractive building in the style of an Arabian fort, although much of the building is hidden by trees. There are a beautiful pool area and some stunning rooftop terraces with fantastic views. The rooftop decor, as with the restaurants and common areas, includes colorful woven rugs, traditional lanterns, and thatched-wood for a bohemian vibe. Couples and families with young children make up many of the guests, and it's also popular for conferences -- ideal for those wanting to host a business event in a more unusual setting. Being a five-pearl resort, there are thoughtful and luxurious touches like fruit and chocolates in the rooms, and fruit kebabs and iced towels by the pool. It’s not always the peaceful oasis that guests might expect, though -- it has a busier, more bustling feel than other desert resorts and isn’t as secluded. 

Due to the nature of the resort, there aren't shops, restaurants, or attractions on the doorstep here. It's around a 45-minute drive from central Dubai. However, guests shouldn't expect endless sand dunes, as other buildings and roads can be seen in the distance. An access road leads out to the main road, which also detracts from the isolation one might hope to feel at a desert property. It’s about a 45-minute drive from here to Dubai International Airport. 

Guest rooms have a desert or courtyard view and are traditionally decorated in a Bedouin style. They have stone-colored walls, dark wood furniture, ornate lanterns, and deep-red patterned rugs. The windows are small, so there's not a lot of natural light, and previous guests have complained that the rooms are too dark. The windows do have sweet wooden shutters, and cozy window seats piled high with cushions. Each room is air-conditioned and has a minibar, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tea and coffee facilities, safe, and free Wi-Fi. Many rooms have balconies, and in-room massages can be booked. Bathrooms also have a traditional feel, with natural-color stone and wall lanterns; some have bathtubs and all have rain showerheads. 

There's 24-hour room service, and the hotel offers a good range of dining options, including an Italian Pizzeria, an Indian restaurant, and an international restaurant. The resort's most noted eatery is Al Hadheerah, where Arabic cuisine is prepared in outdoor wood-fired ovens, and guests can enjoy live music, traditional dancing, and even falconry, camels, and horses; weekend evenings end with fireworks. For drinks, there are rooftop lounges; a cozy, golden-lit bar off the lobby; and a pool bar serving pricey cocktails.The rooftop bar has cushioned seating areas, open fires, and water features -- it's very popular at sunset, as views are spectacular, and live music is performed by a traditional Oud player. A buffet breakfast is available, but is not included in rates and is on the expensive side. The hotel has a stunning infinity pool with desert views, and a separate children’s pool. The full spa has a sauna and hot tub, and guests can use the modern fitness center or visit the hair salon. Those not here on vacation can make use of the business center and meeting room. Parking and an airport shuttle are available for fees.