About forty minutes outside of Dubai, the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa presents a panorama reminiscent of David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia. Its tiered pools, shady niches and traditional Arabic-style, low-rise buildings landscaped with palm trees, cascading fountains and wide, white umbrellas provide plentiful space to relax. As with many of Dubai's resorts, visitors who do not have overnight reservations can purchase day passes that include lunch, pool access, camel rides and tennis. At dusk, the hotel's Al Sarab rooftop lounge - complete with the sounds of the Oud and shimmying belly dancers - is bathed in fading light. Sunset is the perfect backdrop for cocktails and Shisha.
For more than a basic dune bashing or camel ride excursion, upgrade to a full-blown desert safari. With most tour companies, trips typically begin with a hotel pick-up around 3 pm and end with drop-off at 9 or 10 pm. Expect to start the tour by dune bashing, with stops along the way to photograph the sunset over the desert landscape. The caravan then stops at a Bedouin-style campsite, where Arabic coffee and dates welcome visitors. Camels lope on guided tours around the encampment and visitors can enjoy a standard barbeque buffet dinner while lounging on cushions in carpeted tents. Shisha smoking, henna tattoos and belly dancing ensue. Some companies offer overnight safaris, as well.
ETT- Kenya Safaris Desk
Etton Travel and Tours
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