The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah – Overview

Assume the United Arab Emirates and the glittery bling of Dubai or the highly effective glamour of Abu Dhabi instantly come to thoughts. Nevertheless, the lesser-known emirate of Sharjah – situated north of its extra well-known, flamboyant ‘siblings’ is the cultural capital and historic heartbeat of the UAE. How becoming then, that the Chedi Al Bait Sharjah – situated deep throughout the outdated city – consists of seven adjoining Emirati heritage homes, lovingly restored over quite a lot of years and opened in 2018 as an intimate, boutique resort. Often called the ‘Al Bait’ till it was acquired and rebranded by the posh Chedi group in 2020, the property gives 65 bedrooms and suites organized throughout a low-rise association of interconnecting buildings and organised round a collection of inside courtyards. Services embody a spa, outside swimming pool, fitness center, a wide range of eating venues and a devoted library. Public areas are set amongst shaded walkways, decorative gardens and open-air quadrangles which pay homage to the resort’s heritage whereas imbuing it with a secluded, sanctuary-like really feel. To expertise Chedi Al Bait first-hand, The Luxurious Editor checked in. 

Historical past

The story of The Chedi Al Bait is inseparable from the story of Sharjah itself. ‘Al Bait’ actually means ‘the house’ in Arabic, and the restored historic homes, which date again over 100 years, have been as soon as house to outstanding native households – retailers, students and neighborhood leaders whose lives formed Sharjah’s function as a buying and selling and cultural centre alongside the Gulf. Somewhat than erasing the properties to create one thing new, the restoration targeted on preservation – thick coral-stone partitions, wood beams, wind towers (barjeel) and inside courtyards rigorously conserved and repaired utilizing conventional strategies and strategies. Historical past is alive within the structure, but up to date requirements of consolation have been subtly integrated. 

Location

The property is positioned inside Sharjah’s heritage district, occupying a discreet, low-rise enclave unfold throughout a number of thousand sq. metres and a number of adjoining plots somewhat than a single, consolidated website. This provides the resort an uncommon sense of scale for such a historic setting. Company are inside straightforward strolling distance of a lot of Sharjah’s museums, cultural establishments and restored souks, making the placement significantly interesting for these eager to discover on foot. Though on the very coronary heart of Previous Sharjah, the streets closest to the resort are comparatively quiet, giving it a way of privateness regardless of its central location. As soon as inside, it feels fully faraway from metropolis life and like entering into an oasis of calm. This juxtaposition is likely one of the property’s best strengths. On a extra sensible be aware, on-site parking and valet parking can be found. The Corniche, seashores and Sharjah’s trendy business areas are all a brief drive away, whereas Dubai Worldwide Airport will be reached in roughly 20 minutes by automobile. From March 2026, Air Arabia will launch direct flights to Sharjah from Gatwick. 

Examine-in

It was nighttime after I arrived on the resort from Dubai Worldwide Airport and whereas the encircling streets have been hushed within the darkness, arriving at The Chedi Al Bait felt like chancing upon a form of magical fairyland. Softly illuminated pathways, heat swimming pools of sunshine washing over stone partitions, courtyards glowing beneath a myriad fairy lights. . . this interaction of shadow and illumination created a dreamlike calm that was intimate, enchanting and romantic in equal measure. This sense was enhanced by the discreet presence of employees – clad in conventional flowing Emirati robes – who greeted me with scorching flannels to clean off the journey and a deliciously refreshing, welcome drink flavoured with lavender. I used to be led to not an nameless foyer to examine in however to one of many reception rooms – a secluded, quietly atmospheric area with delicate lighting casting smooth shadows throughout textured partitions and architectural particulars, and tastefully furnished with locally-sourced antiques. It was extra refined, unique salon than resort reception and, I mirrored, fairly probably one of the pleasurable check-ins I’ve ever skilled. I used to be then proven to my room – a swift raise experience as much as the second ground earlier than a captivating amble alongside slim, lantern-lit passages and mysterious, maze-like landings earlier than finding my lodging. My baggage was already in-situ. In fact. 

Rooms and Suites

The 60-plus rooms and suites at The Chedi Al Bait are outlined as a lot by ambiance as by measurement or class. The restored home aesthetic is mirrored in a tranquil sense of calm that’s noticeable as quickly as you step inside. Quietly luxurious somewhat than showy, the Deluxe Rooms present beneficiant area, king-size beds and chic bogs with walk-in showers. Deluxe Patio Rooms prolong this expertise outdoor, with personal courtyards that improve the sensation of seclusion. Grand Rooms and Grand Patio Rooms provide further seating areas, making them significantly nicely suited to longer stays. The Al Bait Heritage Rooms incorporate authentic architectural particulars equivalent to excessive ceilings, authentic wood beams and roof timbers, and deep-set home windows – traits which intensify the connection of the property to Sharjah’s historical past. The Chedi Suites, Heritage Suites and Grand Suites introduce separate dwelling areas, bigger bogs with bathtubs and a extra spacious lay-out. Choose suites throughout the Khalid Ibrahim Home embody personal patios or plunge swimming pools, enhancing privateness additional. Throughout all classes, sound, mild and structure are rigorously thought-about. Thick partitions, inward-facing courtyard and restrained interiors create a constant sense of peace and quiet, permitting every room to really feel like a personal retreat somewhat than resort lodging.

My Room

I stayed in one of many Al Bait Heritage Rooms. A way of area struck me from the second I stepped inside. Excessive ceilings with wood beams, thick heritage partitions and beneficiant proportions gave the room a right away feeling of openness, avoiding the enclosed ambiance that historic buildings can generally impose. It felt like a room designed to be correctly lived in somewhat than merely slept in. Darkish wooden furnishings introduced a way of heat and steadiness. Strong, fantastically crafted and understated, they gave the room a sure construction which felt neither overwhelming nor in any method dominant. This contrasted completely with a palette drawn from pure tones – sand, stone, smooth browns and muted lotions. A separate dressing space offered beneficiant storage, with wardrobes and drawers hewn from the identical darkish wooden, guaranteeing that all the things had its place with the outcome that the principle bed room remained a serene, uncluttered area.

A dish of complimentary dates and nuts awaited me on arrival – a stunning, locally-rooted contact which shortly turned a part of my morning routine. I’d nibble on them as I sipped freshly-brewed espresso from the in-room Nespresso machine whereas sitting within the seating space on a settee which was as is snug because it was ornamental. However again to mattress. . . the Tremendous King was completely positioned and an absolute pleasure through which to slumber. Enveloping myself in beautiful, high-quality linen whereas reclining on exceptionally smooth but supportive pillows felt like I used to be being cocooned in a cloud. I slept deeply all through my keep – aided by the quiet, the insulation of the heritage partitions and an general sense of stillness. The toilet mirrored the bed room in each scale and refinement. Easy stone finishes, a twin vainness, elegant brass particulars and softly calibrated lighting created a peaceful, inviting ambiance that I appreciated instantly. The spacious rainfall bathe was stocked with luxury-branded complimentary bathe gel, shampoo, conditioner and physique lotion – their delicate fragrances and textures including a sensory layer. Wrapping up in thick white towels after which a generously plush gown, I felt positively cosseted.  

Eating

Eating at The Chedi Al Bait is intentionally measured and nicely thought-about, echoing the resort’s wider strategy to luxurious. Somewhat than overwhelming with alternative, the eating places are distinct but cohesive, every providing a unique ambiance whereas sustaining the identical sense of restraint, high quality and a spotlight to element. On the centre of the property is The Restaurant – a sublime, all-encompassing eating area set throughout the resort’s restored heritage structure. The interiors mirror the calm palette and beneficiant proportions discovered all through the resort, whereas the adjoining open-air courtyard provides a relaxed, atmospheric various.

The menu attracts on a broad vary of worldwide influences, unified by considerate execution and a concentrate on steadiness somewhat than overt showmanship. For a extra up to date counterpoint, NOMANI gives a refined fusion of Japanese and Korean delicacies. Intimate in scale and trendy in really feel, it supplies a sharper, extra destination-led eating expertise whereas remaining aligned with the resort’s understated sensibility. Finishing the trio, The Café gives a relaxed setting beneath a fantastically preserved wind tower – very best for espresso, tea and lighter bites all through the day. Collectively, the eating places type a cohesive eating expertise – contrasting but complementary. 

Breakfast

Breakfast at The Chedi Al Bait stood out instantly for its calm, à la carte strategy served in The Restaurant or the courtyard. I used to be loving the winter solar so for me, it needed to be the latter. I used to be genuinely happy to not be confronted with a buffet – as a substitute, every morning felt thought-about and indulgent as I perused the menu and contemplated on the numerous selections. On my first morning, I began with a bowl of contemporary seasonal fruit and thick, creamy yoghurt – merely offered and refreshingly mild. Nevertheless, the poached eggs shortly turned a favorite. Cooked to perfection with the whites simply set and yolks smooth and golden, they arrived resting on heat sourdough, completed with a light-weight hollandaise that was wealthy with out being heavy. The steadiness was spot on – nothing overworked, nothing competing for consideration – permitting the standard of the components to talk for themselves. One other morning, I leaned into native flavours, choosing a extra Arabic-inspired breakfast. These parts have been significantly memorable – cool, silky labneh with a mild tang, loosened with olive oil and begging to be scooped up with heat flatbread that arrived smooth, pliable and faintly aromatic. The olives have been plump and correctly cured, providing a salty depth, whereas the dates—smooth, candy and virtually caramel-like—added a pure richness. Collectively, the mixture felt deeply satisfying but mild. The pastries with which I selected to shut breakfast arrived heat, delicately crisp on the surface and smooth inside, clearly baked with care somewhat than sourced en-masse. Espresso was persistently glorious – wealthy, nicely extracted and unhurried – encouraging me to linger longer than deliberate. The expertise felt private, composed and restorative – a breakfast designed to ease you into the day somewhat than rush you thru it.

Lunch

I intentionally skipped breakfast on one event as a way to pattern lunch at The Restaurant. I started with a number of chilly mezze, fantastically offered and filled with distinction – clean hummus with a clear, nutty end; smoky baba ghanoush with actual depth; and crisp, contemporary salads that tasted as if they’d been assembled moments earlier than arriving on the desk. The stuffed vine leaves have been significantly memorable – neatly rolled and glistening – with a young chunk that gave strategy to a aromatic filling of rice, herbs, and citrus. Heat bread arrived alongside, very best for scooping and sharing, and the pacing allowed time to get pleasure from every dish with out feeling hurried. The lamb chops have been one other spotlight – completely cooked, tender and so well-seasoned that flavour was added and enhanced somewhat than overpowered. Equally spectacular was my luncheon companion’s seabass, delicately cooked and served with aromatic rice and toasted pine nuts. The fish was mild and flaky, the pine nuts including heat and texture whereas the rice absorbed the flavours fantastically. The whole lot felt – and tasted – balanced and thoroughly judged.

Dinner

Dinner at NOMANI felt extra intimate and targeted than elsewhere within the resort, with a softly lit eating room that instantly inspired a slower, extra thought-about tempo. The menu’s Japanese–Korean steadiness got here by way of clearly, and I used to be glad to be guided in the direction of a sequence of dishes that showcased each side. I started with sashimi, impeccably contemporary and cleanly minimize, served merely sufficient to let the standard of the fish converse for itself. Every bit was delicate, cool and exact, setting a peaceful opening be aware. This was adopted by Korean-style beef brief ribs – slow-cooked till tender, glazed with a calmly candy soy and garlic sauce and completed with sesame and spring onion. Wealthy and deeply savoury, it introduced a welcome depth of flavour with out tipping into heaviness. My essential course was charcoal-grilled black cod, caramelised on the edges and fantastically flaky inside, and completed with a miso-based glaze that added richness with out overwhelming the fish. Alongside it, rice arrived aromatic and comforting, performing as a quiet counterpoint to the extra complicated flavours on the desk. 

The Library

Uncommon is the resort – even on the planet of luxurious hospitality – that homes its personal library and museum. Think about my delight, then, to find that the Chedi Al Bait can lay declare to such an honour. Each library and museum sit inside Bait Ibrahim Al Midfa, as soon as the house of one among Sharjah’s most influential mental figures, and the sense of historical past is palpable. What first drew my consideration was the exceptional door on the entrance. Often called the ‘Elephant Door’, it dates again to 1944 and nonetheless bears its authentic Arabic inscription above the arch. The heavy timber, hand-painted particulars and iron fittings converse of remarkable craftsmanship. As I handed by way of, it felt as if I used to be travelling again in time as I imagined those that had opened this very door previously to soak up information and focus on concepts, information and tradition. Strolling first into the library, I instantly really feel as if I’ve stepped into a phenomenal seat of studying somewhat than a resort. The partitions are lined with a thoughtfully curated assortment of antiquarian and up to date books, spanning historical past, journey, artwork and philosophy. Sitting at one of many carefully-appointed tables, I spent quarter-hour searching by way of a shiny artwork and design publication however the library, open from 9am-10pm, is someplace I may have fortunately spent hours. If solely there’d been time for a recreation of backgammon. Onto the small however completely shaped museum showcasing the historical past of the property and telling the story of the Al Midfa household. The displays embody photographs, artifacts and private objects linked to the person’s life and work. Bliss for a historical past buff like me. 

Fitness center

The fitness center amenities at The Chedi Al Bait are small however thoughtfully designed – very a lot consistent with the resort’s understated strategy. Whereas I didn’t personally use the fitness center throughout my keep, I took a glance and was struck by how nicely thought-about the area felt. It’s compact however nothing appears lacking — trendy Technogym tools is neatly organized with areas for cardio, free weights, practical coaching and stretching. Somewhat than attempting to compete with massive resort gyms, it feels curated for company who wish to keep their coaching routine whereas away. 

Spa and Wellness

Coming into the ladies’s spa at The Chedi Al Bait, I instantly appreciated the sense of privateness created by the clearly separate males’s and girls’s areas. Realizing the area was devoted solely to ladies made it really feel calm, respectful and deeply snug from the beginning. The ambiance was hushed and chic, with heat stone, smooth lighting, and the light scent of steam within the air. I moved slowly between the sauna and steam room, taking my time to unwind earlier than my therapy. The separation allowed the spa to really feel unhurried and intimate – an area the place I may absolutely calm down with out distraction. A wide range of therapeutic and rejuvenating therapies can be found, starting from traditional massages to holistic rituals. I opted for The Chedi Signature Therapeutic massage – a mix of remedial, Balinese, Swedish, and Lomi-Lomi actions that work on deep muscle rigidity. The therapist’s actions have been assured and intuitive, combining deep strain with lengthy, flowing strokes. Rigidity melted away, particularly from my shoulders and decrease again, leaving me feeling each bodily lighter and mentally calmer. Afterwards, I lingered longer than perhaps I ought to have on the plush loungers within the ladies’s rest lounge however I felt so snug, I merely didn’t wish to transfer.

Pool

Located inside one of many heritage courtyards and surrounded by stone partitions that soften the noise of the town whereas making it very enticing to have a look at, the pool on the Chedi Al Bait is neither massive nor significantly dramatic. Somewhat, it blends in fantastically with the resort’s ambiance of calm quietness and, though bijou somewhat than Olympic in measurement, it by no means felt crowded. I discovered it to be the proper place to chill off and refresh between sightseeing journeys. The well-spaced, uber-comfortable loungers mixed with shaded areas made time simply slip away – particularly with an excellent e-book in hand. One other plus? The service. Attentive sufficient to anticipate a drink or mild chunk but sufficiently discreet to protect the sense of calm.

Ultimate Ideas

There are resorts that momentarily dazzle, after which there are those who stick with you. The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah belongs within the latter class. It doesn’t depend on spectacle or scale, nor does it compete for consideration in a area identified for architectural bravado and glitzy bling. As a substitute, it gives one thing far rarer – a resort that champions authenticity, heritage and restraint and which gives the posh traveller a soulful various to the anticipated Center Jap opulence.

This property is included in our information to the perfect luxurious resorts in Sharjah