Desert Serenity: Summer escapes at Bab Al Shams
Where Stillness Meets Splendour
As the mercury rises across the Emirates, the discerning traveller seeks more than mere respite from the summer heat — they yearn for transformation. Nestled 45 minutes from Dubai's gleaming metropolis, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort emerges from the rolling dunes like a mirage made manifest, offering precisely this alchemy of escape.
The resort, whose name translates poetically as 'Gateway to the Sun', has established itself as Dubai's original immersive desert experience since its inception in 2004. Now part of the Rare Finds collection under Kerzner International, Bab Al Shams captures something increasingly precious in our hyperconnected age — authentic stillness, punctuated by moments of sensorial delight.
"Here, the desert isn't a place to pass through, it's a destination to sink into," explains a resort representative. This philosophy permeates every aspect of the Bab Al Shams experience, from the architecture — inspired by traditional Arabian forts — to the thoughtfully curated activities that honour Bedouin heritage.
A Summer Rhythm Unlike Any Other
The resort's summer programme, running until early October, transforms the perceived challenges of desert heat into opportunities for deeper connection. Days unfold with an unhurried cadence: sunrise yoga sessions give way to lazy afternoons by the infinity pool, where the distinction between water and sky dissolves into the shimmering horizon.
For those seeking the ultimate summer staycation, the 'BAS Summer Ever' package offers compelling value with 25% off accommodation in beautifully styled rooms and suites, daily Mediterranean breakfast at Zala, and a generous AED 250 daily resort credit for spa or leisure activities. The 30% savings on dining experiences across the resort's venues provides further incentive to linger longer and sample the diverse culinary landscape.
Desert Wellness Redefined
The Bab Al Shams Spa & Hammam stands as a sanctuary within a sanctuary. This summer, guests can enjoy a 25% discount on treatments until 30th September, making it an ideal time to experience the resort's signature wellness offerings.
The spa menu traverses both traditional and contemporary terrain — from mineral-rich hammam rituals that pay homage to ancient Arabian bathing ceremonies to advanced facial treatments using cutting-edge skincare technology. Perhaps most memorable are the evening yoga sessions held under the canopy of desert stars, where the boundary between self and the infinite expanse seems to momentarily dissolve.
Social Rituals in the Sands
For those who find joy in shared experiences, Bab Al Shams has crafted several distinctive social gatherings. The 'BAS Friends Day' at AED 299 per person includes pool access, dining credit and discounts on spa treatments and leisure activities — creating the perfect framework for unhurried connection.
Female friendship finds special celebration in the 'Girls Summer Getaway' available every Monday and Wednesday. At AED 499 per person, this curated experience includes a 45-minute massage, full-day pool access, and dining credit at Zala restaurant or the Lobby Lounge. As one resort representative notes, it's "more than a spa day — it's a sun-drenched celebration of friendship in one of Dubai's most timeless settings."
For families or those seeking a simpler escape, the 'Pool Days in the Dunes' offer presents weekday access to the iconic infinity pool from AED 200 for adults, including F&B credit to enjoy at Zala or the Pool Bar.
Cultural Immersion Beyond the Ordinary
What truly distinguishes Bab Al Shams is its commitment to cultural authenticity. Guests can participate in traditional desert pastimes including falconry displays, camel rides, and archery sessions. More adventurous spirits might opt for horseback trekking through the dunes or nature tours to nearby Al Marmoom.
As twilight descends, the resort transforms yet again. The signature rooftop venue Anwā captures the magical hour when the sinking sun paints the dunes in shades of amber and gold. Here, against a backdrop of uninterrupted horizon, guests gather for sundowners and sharing plates, often accompanied by subtle musical performances that complement rather than compete with the desert's natural soundscape.
A Return to Essence
In an era where luxury is increasingly defined not by ostentation but by authenticity and meaningful experience, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort offers something genuinely rare — a return to the fundamentals of hospitality, set against one of nature's most dramatic landscapes.
This summer, whether seeking solitude, romance, or convivial gathering, visitors to this desert haven will discover more than an escape from the ordinary — they'll find an invitation to embrace a different rhythm entirely. One that moves with the sun's arc across the sky, that follows the ancient patterns of desert life, and that reminds us of the simple pleasure of being fully present in an extraordinary place.
For reservations at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, contact +971 4 809 6150 or email reservations@babalshams.com.
