It's one of the UAE's most popular desert escapes — an opulent Arabian fortress surrounded by swaying palm trees that feels as if it could be in the middle of nowhere, but is actually just a short drive from Dubai's shimmering skyscrapers.
And now the five-star Bab Al Shams has revealed a collection of ultra-private pool villas tucked among the dunes with their own private courtyards, cosy outdoor fireplaces and sprawling sun terraces.
Geared towards couples and families, the exclusive rooms span a generous footprint with a smooth, flowing design that echoes the contours of the surrounding sands while drawing inspiration from traditional Bedouin architecture.
Expansive windows in the one and two-bedroom hideaways – some of which come with their own private spa rooms – offer unobstructed views of the desert's stark beauty, bathing the cream-orange interiors in the warm, golden hues of the sun.
A personal concierge will curate custom itineraries for guests staying in the villas — something which owner Kerzner International, the company behind brands like Atlantis and One&Only, says shows a "dedication to creating immersive experiences".
To celebrate the launch of the new villas on October 1 this year, Bab Al Shams is offering a discounted rate and throwing in a package of benefits for all one-bedroom bookings during the inaugural month.
Priced from AED 4,950 per night, the deal includes complimentary breakfast at Zala plus daily archery, guided nature walks, a falconry display and short camel ride.
Bab Al Shams, which was launched in 2004, is just a short drive from Downtown Dubai — meaning high-end hot air ballooning, desert horse-riding, camelback trekking, falconry and nature tours are less than an hour away after flying in to the emirate's main airport from Saudi Arabia.
If you're looking to explore the desert closer to home, head to AlUla in the Kingdom's northwest for an otherworldly mix of ancient history and modern luxury among towering sandstone cliffs, expansive canyons and golden sands that stretch as far as the eye can see.
After exploring Nabatean-era tombs at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra and marvelling at Maraya Concert Hall – the world's largest mirrored building – check in to one of the area's spectacular resorts for a stay under the stars like no other.
