When the heavy teak doors to Al Bait Sharjah swing open, guests are transported to a different time: a world of elegant simplicity and warm Arabian hospitality, where the traditional values of Emirati culture have been distilled in a lovingly restored historic setting. Love is really at the heart of the story for this exquisite boutique hideaway, built on the foundations of four heritage buildings once owned by some of Sharjah’s most influential families.
Meaning ‘The Home’ in Arabic, Al Bait Sharjah is styled as a collection of grand Emirati homes: a tribute to the past, where everything from the architecture and design to the lighting and soft furnishings hark back to a bygone era. The 53 rooms and suites in eight different categories are wrapped in sandstone walls and polished cement floors, each richly decorated to an exceptional standard, with local elements such as homespun rugs in vibrant colours, hand-carved teak headboards and antique furnishings. Overhead, barasti style thatched-roofs and Arabesque patterned lanterns create a warm atmosphere when the sun goes down, and larger suites feature their own majilis area and outdoor patios shaded by coral walls.
Situated in the Heart of Sharjah, a historical restoration project managed by the Sharjah Investment Authority Shurooq, Al Bait Sharjah has taken on the responsibility of preserving the history of the four historic buildings. Inside the Ibrahim Al Midfa building, which housed Sharjah’s first post office during the British era, The Museum and The Library are home to a collection of unique artefacts and books that document the history of early Sharjah and the Al Midfa family.
This refined urban hideaway celebrates Sharjah’s rich and evocative history, but there’s no compromise on modern luxury. Guests can opt to be met at the airport by a 1967 Mercedes Pullman limousine or one of a fleet of contemporary models, or perhaps have their pilot touch town on the hotel’s own helipad. For inner city indulgence, The Spa at Al Bait Sharjah has dedicated areas for men and women, each with a luxurious hammam, relaxation lounge and steam and sauna, while ladies also have hot and cold plunge pools to enjoy.
Past and present come together at Al Bait’s restaurants: traditional dishes are given a modern makeover and served family-style at The Arabic Restaurant, while international favourites are presented with creative flair at The Restaurant. Guests can sip Turkish coffee and nibble on decadent pastries at The Café, a relaxing outdoor space at the foot of the only circular barjeel (wind-tower) in the UAE, and the whole family will be delighted with sweet treats at The Ice Cream Shop, where homemade camel milk and traditional ice cream is crafted into show-stopping creations.