Page 37 - MASALA Vol 8 Issue 6 June-July 2017

Al Hadheerah desert restaurant Al Forsan restaurant

After a rest, we headed o to the pool for a dip just in time to surroundings started to change as trees, as if out of nowhere, entered
catch the last rays of the sun. A good signage system helped us the scene. At rst, there was just the odd one or two, then there were
navigate the way. We knew the pool was impressive, from the groups of them, and gradually this deserted landscape came alive
website, but we couldn’t imagine one without a sea view. It just with animals of unusual beauty. On the two-hour trip, we saw the
wouldn’t feel right, surely. Whether it was the sheer size of the Arabian oryx and desert deer. Eventually, we came to a man-made
in nity pool or its many features, we soon stopped caring as we lake, which seemed so out of place we thought we might be dreaming.
took in the unusual sights and sounds, and enjoyed the many Trees and plants sprouted around the water, while ducks played
relatively private spaces the large pool a orded. Clearly this noisily in its depths.
was a pool that was the heart and soul of the resort. One section
was even temperature controlled, providing deliciously cool Back nearer to the resort, we had our last activity lined up — a half
temperatures during the piercing heat of the day. hour with a falcon and its owner. As if straight out of the old Arabian
movies, the white robed owner approached, with a gleaming large
The sun had almost set when we left the pool for the falcon balanced on his hand. He acknowledged us kindly, and allowed
Pool Bar, where refreshing options even extended to shisha. We us — one by one — to hold the bird ourselves, and to take pictures.
downed our fabulously invigorating sun downer cocktails as the What an experience! Other activities o ered at Bab Al Shams include
sun set over the sandy horizon, and soon returned to our room camel rides, archery and the Aladdin’s Kids Club.
for a shower and to get ready for the highlight of our visit.
After a quick lunch, it was time for us to check out of the resort, but
The hotel’s Al Hadheerah is one of Dubai’s most famous not without regret. Despite all that sand, the resort’s total tranquility,
restaurants, and it did not take us long to nd out why. So big that beauty and exciting activities had made a deep impression, and my
it can serve up to 2,000 guests, the restaurant’s gigantic bu et wife and I are hoping to return someday soon. Meanwhile, check this
really does provide a rich bounty of Mediterranean cuisine, while space, for I have become a desert resort convert.
numerous live cooking stations guarantee an e cient supply of
freshly cooked o erings — all served in generous portions. As for
the entertainment, it was phenomenal. A combination of traditional
dancing, light and sound shows, with narrated stories and singing,
the entertainment was unquestionably world class, and the
Turkish dancing and belly dancers were memorable.
When we nally tore ourselves away from this superb venue, we
discovered on our way back to our rooms that the temperature Hotel exterior
had dropped to a pleasant 24 to 25 degrees Centigrade. It was a
welcome change from the grueling daytime temperatures.
After a comfortable night, we were up early and eager to explore
more of this desert paradise. We started the day at all-day dining
restaurant Al Forsan for a breakfast that satis ed even my own
exacting standards. Then we set o to enjoy some adventures that
would stay in our memory for years to come.
As we set o with a specialist desert navigator cum chau eur in an Al Sarab rooftop lounge Turkish dancer at Al Hadheerah
open-air jeep for a safari trip with a di erence, we wondered aloud desert restaurant
how animals could possibly survive in these vast expanses of
desert. There was nothing to see but sand. Nothing. I kept looking For more information or reservations, visit
at the chau eur for I knew for certain we would be lost without www.meydanhotels.com/babalshams
him. There wasn’t a single landmark in sight. Slowly but surely, our

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