Nestled into the sand dunes and about a 40-minute drive from Dubai, Bab Al Shams Resort & Spa is a desert oasis in the truest sense. Our room epitomised five-star luxury but in a very low-key way that felt a million miles away from the usual high-octane glitz and glamour of Dubai. But we weren’t there to simply lounge in our temporary Arabian abode for the day and after check-in immediately made our way to the temperature controlled pools to enjoy the resort’s Private Cabana Experience. It was undoubtedly the best way to relax into our surrounds and switch off.

If perching poolside for hours on end isn’t your thing, the resort also offers several activities including desert tennis, a desert drive, nature walks, bike riding and horse riding excursions. Plus guests can enjoy a complimentary camel ride at 5pm every day followed by a falconry display. The uninterrupted views for miles around are particularly stunning at sunset and after a blissed out day by the pool, we toasted our idyllic surrounds in the resort’s rooftop lounge, Al Sarab, before turning in for the evening. The next morning we were treated to a hearty breakfast in Al Forsan restaurant where egg dishes and crepes were made to order. After reluctantly peeling myself away from the buffet, a final dip provided the perfect end to a tranquil stay before sadly bidding farewell to Bab Al Shams and headed back to the city, relaxed, refreshed and plotting my return.

Find Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa at Al Qudra Road, Opposite Endurance City, Dubai, UAE. Call +971 (0)4 381 3231 for reservations or visit babalshams.com