Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa

Vanessa L

We had an absolutely phenomenal stay at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, and it exceeded our expectations in every possible way. From the moment we arrived, everything was flawless — the immaculate cleanliness, the beautifully maintained grounds, and the outstanding food across all restaurants made every day feel special. But what truly makes this resort extraordinary is the people. The entire staff went above and beyond to ensure we had the most exceptional, warm, and effortless stay. We genuinely felt cared for at every moment — not just as guests, but as people. A very special thank you to Rishap, May, and Salim, who truly made us feel at home. Their kindness, attentiveness, and genuine hospitality turned a wonderful stay into an unforgettable one. They are an absolute credit to the resort. Bab Al Shams is a place we will return to again and again — a rare combination of luxury, authenticity, and heartfelt service. We couldn’t recommend it more.

Yuan Chin Soh

We had a really wonderful time here! Really enjoyed the dining options (every single restaurant we tried here was good) and the activities. The free camel ride was quite good. Free falconry show was decent. The paid activities are excellent. We did the private falconry as well as the desert drive. Learnt about falconry and the history, as well as the chance to interact with a falcon and a hawk. The highlight for us though was definitely the desert drive. Super fun (and we had to tone it down since the wife was pregnant, so I can only imagine how thrilling it can be if we didn't). The guide, Umar, was very kind and helped to take memorable photos of us too. Our son had a wonderful time on the desert drive. The spa is excellent too, did both the massage and the hammam and it's so relaxing. Finally, the staff at the hotel were all very friendly and helpful. Great stay and definitely the highlight of our Dubai trip!

Dani ela

This hotel is definitely an impressive place, with a beautiful and well-maintained property that leaves a strong first impression The rooms are very nice, clean, and comfortable, and the pool area is nice, although it does show some wear in parts, such as torn umbrellas and some dirty sunbed cushions. Our luggage was handled quickly and efficiently, which we really appreciated. The restaurant service team deserves special mention: the staff were consistently kind, attentive, and polite. The food itself was excellent in both taste and quality, with a good variety of dishes to choose from. The chefs and bakers were extremely friendly and helpful, always happy to answer questions and assist with anything food-related. At times, however, there were very large group travelers, which could make certain areas feel crowded. The check-in experience unfortunately lacked warmth; some of the reception staff appeared rather distant and not as welcoming as we would have expected from a hotel and experienced from other hotels in this price range. The check-in situation was a bit confusing (probably a lot of check-in and check-outs at the same time!?) and the process took quite a longer time. All in all, this is a special and impressive place, but it does have some weaknesses when measured against other hotels within the same price segment.

Pi Sadhaka Wandering Yogini

I have always loved this desert resort and have visited many times over the years. It has always been a special place — peaceful, beautifully maintained, and a place I genuinely enjoyed returning to. Unfortunately, my visit today was deeply disappointing. The prices were increased dramatically just because of the public holiday, with no added value to justify it. For example, a simple mimosa by the pool was 155 AED (average price 70/90 aed), which felt unreasonable and like an attempt to take advantage of guests. On a positive note, the lunch buffet was excellent and worth the 200 AED. Great variety, fresh food, and very attentive staff — definitely the highlight of the day. Beyond the pricing, several details reflected a decline in the quality and care that once made this place exceptional: The towels at the pool were damaged and worn out, something I would never expect from a resort of this level. The local still water, which has always been complementary, was no longer included — another small but significant sign that guest experience is being compromised. I fully understand that prices can vary on special dates, but this level of markup, combined with a drop in service quality, left a very negative impression. Nothing about today’s visit reflected the increase in cost — no special services, no added experiences, no improvement in comfort. It truly changed the way I feel about a resort I once recommended to many friends and looked forward to visiting regularly. I sincerely hope management reconsiders this direction, especially for loyal guests who valued the authenticity, quality, and fairness that used to define this place.

Valerie Levine

It was a wonderful experience during a special event. Michael at the reception demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism while handling a very specific situation with great care and confidence. As a member of several private hotel clubs and concierge services, I truly appreciate such high standards of service and would like to sincerely thank Michael for the excellent outcome and impeccable etiquette. I look forward to returning soon to enjoy the spa and other services.