Stay & Play

The Al Bait Sharjah Hotel Dubai

by Olivia Balsinger

Just 25 kilometers north of Dubai along the Arabian Coast’s southern peninsula, yet feeling worlds apart, Al Bait Sharjah is the region’s jewel that is still most entirely off the mainstream tourist radar—and thus right up my alley! It is widely known as the United Arab Emirate’s cultural hub and is filled with a historic legacy stretching back some 6,000 years, intriguing museums and captivating souqs. It also boasts stunning mountains on one side and dramatic coastline on the other, creating a beautifully scenic picture. Oh and if that isn’t enough, it is one of the hot new international art destinations. So it goes without saying that I am incredibly excited to stay at newly opened Al Bait Sharjah.

The five-star hotel is a boutique property with just 53 rooms and suites inside four converted heritage houses that were once owned by local families who made an impact on Sharjah’s history either culturally, politically or intellectually. The name Al Bait Sharjah actually translates to “The Home” in English, and staying here really feels like sleeping in a really wealthy friend’s vacation home. The rooms come in a number of sizes and styles. I loved the Heritage Rooms, which are each uniquely decorated and come with a stylish “Asian meets Arabian” aesthetic. They also look out over a private traditional inner courtyard filled with greenery and a water fountain and there are plenty of cushions and rugs to sit on and stare out the windows from. The suites are also sweet (aptly named!) and come with all the modern comforts you can think of and plenty of space to move around. I loved the living room with its traditional rugs, cushions and lanterns and the minimalist vibe in the bedroom.

The property is also part of a larger bespoke historical restoration project known as Heart of Sharjah, which merges Islamic heritage with contemporary open design. Beyond the hotel, Heart of Sharjah is filled with restaurants, galleries, cafes and atmospheric local bazaars. There are also plenty of amenities on the hotel grounds to take advantage of. Don’t skip a service at the spa, which is a luxury oasis that offers a range of Middle Eastern influenced treatments using organic artisan products. There is also a state of the art gym on the property with Technogym equipment and a pool.

For onsite dining there are no less than four choices, always. Try The Arabic Restaurant if you want gourmet Emirati fare served family style; while The Restaurant does a more traditional international menu. The Cafe is where to get your caffeine buzz on with a cup of Arabic or Turkish coffee as well as some excellent people watching. And finally, my favorite, having a sweet treat at The Ice Cream Shop, which creates an array of homemade flavors that are far from your generic chocolate and vanilla selections.

The Emirate of Sharjah also hosts a number of internationally acclaimed events including the Sharjah Formula 1 Powerboat Grand Prix, The Dubai World Cup of horseracing and The Sharjah Biennial, one of the Middle East’s most prestigious art events. In an area of the world so modern and extravagant, The Al Bait Sharjah does a stellar job at maintaining its authentic, timeless charm.

Ghmhotels.com/en/al-bait-sharjah