Bab Al Shams, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A lantern-lit desert escape near Dubai

Less than an hour from Dubai, out on Al Qudra Road in the Margham desert, Bab Al Shams swaps skyscrapers for sand and sky. The resort stays low and fortress-like, built in warm, desert-toned stone that blends into the landscape, with shaded walkways and inner courtyards that feel cool, calm, and wonderfully unhurried. Part of Rare Finds by Kerzner, it’s designed for guests who want Dubai’s polish without Dubai’s volume.

Rooms and suites keep things intentionally understated by local standards: earthy tones, subtle Arabian details, and plenty of space to breathe. Every stay comes with a private terrace or patio, so the outdoors is always part of the plan. Garden-facing rooms feel sheltered and peaceful; desert-facing categories are the ones you remember, with dunes stretching out like a private backdrop at sunrise and golden hour. For the most secluded escape, the Desert Pool Villas add a deeper layer of privacy, with your own pool and the desert right there.