Bab Al Shams means ‘Gateway to the Sun’ in Arabic, and once you step over the threshold you will experience a very different take on luxury to a stay at one of Dubai’s high-rise city hotels. Modelled on a traditional Arabian fortified village, this tranquil desert oasis emerged from an extensive refurbishment in 2023 and has been brought bang up to date without losing any of its unique character. From the gentle trickle of water to the hypnotic gyrations of a whirling dervish, from the flicker of candlelight to the whoosh of a hot air balloon taking flight, Bab Al Shams is a multi-sensory experience that lives long in the memory.

1 hour form the airport

On the edge of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, 45 minutes’ drive from downtown Dubai and an hour from the airport.

The resort’s 115 rooms and suites have been given a noticeable facelift, with a more muted and up-to-date colour palette, subtly echoing the desert surroundings. All accommodation includes a private balcony or terrace with views of the dunes or the serene courtyard gardens, and in-room amenities include flatscreen HDTV, WiFi, tea/coffee making facilities and a luxurious en-suite marble bathroom. Deluxe Suites have a free-standing bathtub, while Family Rooms and Suites are externally connected and can accommodate up to four adults and two children.

Al Hadheerah remains the showpiece restaurant at Bab Al Shams, with its legendary live show that has to be seen to be believed, but the rest of the dining and drinking venues are new. Zala draws on the flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean, while Anwā is a chic rooftop lounge serving cocktails and pan-Asian bites. There is also a pool bar, cigar lounge and lobby bar, and the resort can arrange a wonderfully romantic private desert dinner under the stars, surrounded by a constellation of candles to create an unforgettable atmosphere.

The gorgeous infinity pool has graced many an influencer’s Instagram feed, with plush loungers set amongst the palm trees and views across the desert. There is also a separate pool for kids and a lap pool with swim-up bar. Revive yourself at the Bab Al Shams Spa & Hammam, with classes in yoga and meditation on offer, along with a range of treatments using high-end products from the likes of Bamford. The kids’ club has an outdoor playground and offers activities including origami, clay modelling and face painting, supervised for children aged 5-12 yrs (younger ones are also welcome but must be accompanied by parents). There are a host of different ways to explore the surrounding desert, from high-octane options like fat bikes and 4x4s to more serene excursions by hot air balloon or camel.