The Hotel
Bab Al Shams, the hotel under the Kerzner Brand who are self defined industry disruptors and the team behind the Atlantis Royal and One&Only Resorts, is based 40 minutes outside of Dubai. Bab Al Shams is a luxury getaway in the Dunes and when I booked I was expecting a bit more style than substance, but this resort exceeded my expectations in both areas.
The Arrival
The resort offers transfers from DXB Airport which is just over a 40 minute drive, however I used Wheely, a luxury chauffeur company, with prices not dissimilar from an Uber XL.
On arrival you are enveloped by the hue of seductive desert beige as you drive past the entrance fountain. What felt like the whole resort team were waiting outside the door to greet; I don’t think I have ever said so many hellos before, but it couldn’t help but be infectiously positive and a great first impression. The bags were collected by a porter from the vehicle and my fellow guest and I were shown to the welcome desk where we had a fresh juice and were given cold towels while we checked in. We were kindly upgraded to the terrace room that was available immediately for us to go to, which was a pleasant surprise as we arrived in the morning prior to check in which is at 15:00 (check out 10:30). A team member showed us to our room and ran through the room amenities.
The Room
The interior is inspired by ancient Arabian fortified villages, with the soft accents being a subtle nod to such history. The upholstered bed had a sense of grandness, the beams, the door blinds, the room decorative room fan (amazing AC is in all rooms) fan tiles and the lighting tied in to give a romantic feel of Arabian nights. The room had a very unique feel, as if all components were artisanally created. A plus was ample seating indoors to allow for a work space, an area to relax and an area to glam. The wardrobe in the room was sunken into the wall, making for a great use of space and storage, as well as being well lit with good shelving, drawers and hanging space, as well as housing a safe and ironing board. The bathroom transports you to a luxury Persian retreat and you feel like a Hollywood star on location in the 30s. Beautifully lit alcoves, a generous shower spacious enough for more than one was the focal point, with a beautifully tiled mirror and lanterns built into the walls and ledges. The beautiful toiletries were curated for Bab Al Shams by a artisanal Parisian Company and were beautiful, however given the amazing scent creation in the UAE, its odd a native supplier was not used.
The Amenities
The landscape of the hotel is like every spot was planned for a professional photo shoot. The lighting, landscape and levels of terrain make it like a maze you don’t want to stop exploring, however it is well very well signed and laid out so you will not get lost.
The multiple pools are sprawling. There is a large pool for families with jacuzzis and walk through water features. There is also a more private sunken pool, where I was the only person using it for an entire day. The hospitality team bring you towels and set up the beds. They also bring a water cooler with complimentary water throughout the day. There is a QR code for the menu so you can order with convenience. The poolside team were extremely attentive but not imposing.
The gym is accessible by walking, however the hotel team are readily available to drive you via golf buggy for the 1 minute journey; which I happily indulged in (the irony of buggying instead of walking to the gym, not lost on me…). The gym is airy and spacious, all the modern techno gym equipment as well as a smith machine and free weights, resistance bands and mats for stretching. There is fresh fruit water, towels, fruit and wipes. The gym also plays music, which avoids that often awkward workout session where you just hear yours and other guests heavy breathing.
The spa is a resort within the resort, offering signature treatments with Bamford product for full body wellness journeys, facials, massages as well as guided meditations, sound healing and Hatha yoga. The spa is also home to a beautiful green hued hammam where bath ceremonies are offered. I had a 90 minute B Strong Ritual massage, which I thoroughly recommend. It starts with a foot wash and massage ritual prior to laying on the massage bed for the treatment. Once the treatment is finished you are guided to the private spa pool and provided with a herbal tea and treats for utter relaxation.
The Dining
Before going I did hope there would be one restaurant that was great, as being 40 minutes out of Dubai meant you really have to commit to what the hotel offers. Thankfully they have great restaurants, so much so you will have to toy with whether you repeat visit or try new ones if you have a short break.
The hotel offers in room dining with an extensive western and middle eastern spread, however the main offering is in the breakfast spot Zala. On arrival you are shown to your table and asked which beverages you would like to accompany your breakfast. You are then guided round the breakfast area, where you need to spare a few minutes to asses, as it is expansive with delicious stations. A separate poached Egg station to the omelette station, western cooked breakfast station, curry station, fruit platters, wood fired bread oven delivering French and Middle Eastern delights, pastries, salads and juices that make you already want the next days breakfast whilst eating todays. The decor is light and contemporary, comfortable and has floor to ceiling windows delivering beautiful views over the desert. Zala is also open for Lunch and Dinner, offering a buffet which spans the globe. There is a pasta station where you can go rogue with your choices and the chef makes your choices into the most delicious pasta dish. There is a carvery of all meats bar pork a grilled fish section, salad stations, amongst so much more.
Nineve opened a second post (with the original in DIFC) at the resort in 2023, and the completely outdoor rooftop restaurant perfectly balances laid back vibes with traditional Persian yet contemporary design. The menu is Middle Eastern and they do not shy away from the luxury twists such as lobster tagine, as well as the classics, including the most delicious Lamachun I’ve ever had.
Anwa is a rooftop lounge offering Pan Asian small dishes. It has a cool focal point bar where any cocktail is on the menu. Standout dish if you like aubergine is the Miso Eggplant with almond flakes, which is divine.
A very unique dining experience at the resort is Al Hadheerah, an atmospheric open air live entertainment dining arena. A plethora of live cooking stations of middle eastern cuisine, while musciaians, dancers, camel riders and falconers perform. It is great for all ages and groups.
The pool area offers all day dining as well as an adult swim up bar, serving a mixture of sushi, pizza and light bites such as fruit platters. Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages are also served.
The Experiences
The resort sits on the edge of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the largest unfenced nature reserve in the UAE, spanning 10 percent of Dubai’s total area. With the reserve in the resorts effective back-garden, they offer off-road safaris with its fleet of Land Rover Discoveries and Ford Broncos. You’re likely to see endangered Arabian Oryxes and sand Gazelles as you bounce through the dunes. The resort also offers Camel trekking and picnics.
Next door to the resort is Dubai International Endurance City, not a city as such, but a collection of stables and training facilities for endurance horse racing. There are often events and horse riding experiences.
A new-ish addition to the neighbourhood is the Al Qudra Cycle Track. Not for the faint-hearted, this 86-kilometer track runs through open desert with no shade, but is hugely popular with the local cycling community on weekends. The resort has rental bikes for those who want to head out for a pedal, as well as guided electric fat-bike tours through the desert.
Also in the neighbourhood are the Al Qudra Lakes, artificial waterbodies that provide important habitats for waterfowl and migratory birds. Large flocks of flamingos and Egyptian geese can be spotted on many of the lakes, but serious ornithologists should bring binoculars for sightings of bee-eaters and Indian rollers.
The Hospitality
The front desk, the restaurants, the housekeeping and poolside team were all so warm and hospitable, greeting you by name and ensuring all children are treated as VIPs.
The Good To Knows
Wifi is complimentary and high speed throughout the entire resort, mobile signal is also good throughout the entire resort.
Accessibility if you find walking hard or are unable to is good, with ramps throughout the resort as well as accessible rooms and golf buggy to drive you around.
I stayed in the week and checked out on Friday and I noticed that the resort was understandably much quieter Monday to Wednesday, however it became slightly busier on Thursday and Friday, however the resort still catered perfectly to my every need despite the uptick in guests.
This is in a desert, so apart from stating the obvious, the reason I mention this is because it is open to the beauty of nature and the associated bugs. The rooms are fastidiously clean, however bugs do get in when opening doors, so it is best to be prepared to come across some creepy crawlies.
The Price
Stays start from £250-500 per night inclusive of breakfast depending on the room. UAE residents can get a discounted rate.
The TLDR Conclusion
A beautiful resort, substance as well as style in abundance. Great Service. Broad choice of food at a high quality. Large enough to feel like you have the resort to yourself, so works for couples, families or friends. Activities in abundance. Pools are spacious, beautifully designed and poolside service outstanding. Would recommend. Would stay again.
Room 2/3
Facilities & Amenities 3/3
Service 3/3
The Je ne sais quoi factor 1/1
The IRL Edit Score Out of Ten = 9/10
The IRL Edit. 