The newly renovated Bab Al Shams is now open in the Dubai desert. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
It's the first Rare Finds collection by Kerzner International, the parent group of Atlantis and One&Only
Embracing its dune-filled location and name that means ‘gateway to the sun’, the resort’s new design is inspired by the earthy tones of the desert as they change throughout the day
Keeping its well-known moniker, the luxury resort offers guests an oasis escape
Bab Al Shams is one of Dubai's longest-running desert resorts
Rooms and suites have been redesigned with subtle Moorish influences
Many of the rooms have private balconies or tropical gardens
Bab Al Shams acts as an oasis in the desert, with landscaped gardens and palm-lined walkways
The resort activity centre is where guests can indulge in a wide range of adventures
Biking, nature walks, camel rides, archery and more are on the agenda
Zala is the resort's new all-day dining space
The resort’s design is inspired by the earthy tones of the desert as it changes throughout the day
At the heart of the resort is the oasis-like pool
The renovated pool is surrounded by sun loungers and cabanas and has a swim-up bar
Outdoor dining at Zala comes with desert-filled vistas
Zala blends Greek and Ottoman cuisine
Design details at Bab Al Shams in Dubai
The culinary team offer a wide variety of cuisine for guests
Guests can cosy up beside fire pits under star-filled skies
Ya Hala is the resort's hidaway cigar bar
Bab Al Shams first opened 19 years ago
The hotel aims to cater to guests seeking calm and relaxation
Courtyard seating at Bab Al Shams
The newly renovated Bab Al Shams is now open in the Dubai desert. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
It's the first Rare Finds collection by Kerzner International, the parent group of Atlantis and One&Only
Embracing its dune-filled location and name that means ‘gateway to the sun’, the resort’s new design is inspired by the earthy tones of the desert as they change throughout the day
Keeping its well-known moniker, the luxury resort offers guests an oasis escape
Bab Al Shams is one of Dubai's longest-running desert resorts
Rooms and suites have been redesigned with subtle Moorish influences
Many of the rooms have private balconies or tropical gardens
Bab Al Shams acts as an oasis in the desert, with landscaped gardens and palm-lined walkways
The resort activity centre is where guests can indulge in a wide range of adventures
Biking, nature walks, camel rides, archery and more are on the agenda
Zala is the resort's new all-day dining space
The resort’s design is inspired by the earthy tones of the desert as it changes throughout the day
At the heart of the resort is the oasis-like pool
The renovated pool is surrounded by sun loungers and cabanas and has a swim-up bar
Outdoor dining at Zala comes with desert-filled vistas
Zala blends Greek and Ottoman cuisine
Design details at Bab Al Shams in Dubai
The culinary team offer a wide variety of cuisine for guests
Guests can cosy up beside fire pits under star-filled skies
Ya Hala is the resort's hidaway cigar bar
Bab Al Shams first opened 19 years ago
The hotel aims to cater to guests seeking calm and relaxation