Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

Bab Al Shams sits about 45 minutes from central Dubai, but it feels much further. Set in the desert rather than on the coast, this resort is built around the landscape rather than against it, with low-rise Arabian-inspired architecture spread across 16 two-storey buildings. With only 115 rooms and suites, it is intimate by Dubai standards, and the atmosphere is deliberately serene. The name means Gateway to the Sun, and at sunset, with the dunes glowing amber, it earns it.

The rooms are designed with a modern Arabian aesthetic, using natural materials and warm tones. Each room overlooks either the gardens or the desert, and many have private terraces or balconies. The pools are shaded by desert palms and there is a spa that focuses on mindful, quiet treatments rather than high-tech facilities. This is a resort designed for slowing down.

What sets Bab Al Shams apart is its access to the desert itself. Guests can book hot-air balloon rides over the dunes, Arabian horse riding, camel trekking, falconry displays, and nature tours to the nearby Al Marmoom conservation area. The theatrical open-air dinner experience at Al Hadheerah is worth the visit alone, with live entertainment, fire displays and Arabic cuisine served under the stars. It is touristy in the best possible way, and families and couples alike tend to love it.

This is a strong choice for anyone who wants a desert experience without roughing it, or for a couple of nights away from the intensity of Dubai's beach hotels. It is less suited to those who need a full-service beach resort or who want to be in the centre of the action. For a taste of the desert with genuine style and comfort, Bab Al Shams is hard to beat.