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Sensitively-restored buildings are at the heart of a new boutique resort in the core of Sharjah's heritage district, a luxurious new destination that gives guest the opportunity to explore one of the city's most important historical areas.

HERITAGE AND HOSPITALITY

A 53-key boutique resort in the AI Mareija area of the Heart of Sharjah heritage project, Al Bait Sharjah is a collection of five historical buildings that have been sympathetically restored to deliver a unique experience while maintaining the traditional urban fabric of the old city.

Award-winning architectural and design practice Godwin Austen Johnson was chosen to redevelop the existing buildings: Bait Ibrahim Al Midfa – The Library; Bait Eissa Al Midfa – The Reception; Bait Abdul Rahman Al Midfa – The Heritage Guestroom block; Bait Abdullah Al Mahmood – The Arabic Restaurant; and Ibrahim Al Midfa Majlis – The Café.

The development is connected by narrow streets, open courtyards and secluded entrance ways at ground level and connected walkways at first floor level.

The lighting throughout the development is discreet and aimed at recreating the ambiance of the old village.

This desire to give guests the true feeling of the heritage aspect of the development extends to the interiors of all the buildings – including the guest rooms, which maintain the specific proportions of the old village homes.

Also authentic is the colour of the material finishes, while the external walls remain thick, which allows for the provision of low built-in seating and recessed alcoves for displaying items.

Statement pieces include hand-carved decorative timber furniture such as four-poster beds and decorative trunks, and every room features carefully selected traditional Emirati fabrics, patterns and ornaments.

Elsewhere, the restaurant, library, reception and café all help to re-create the intimacy and character of an historic village.

The Arabic Restaurant embraces its rich history and features exquisite Persian floor carpets, silk drapes, carved timber beams and cornices with decorative Moroccan Zellige tile skirting, polished concrete floors and intricate etched metalwork detailing.

The Café leads off an intimate courtyard and has an adjoining majlis area with low cushion seating and decorative floor rugs, while the finishes are restrained to emphasise the goods on display.

Housed in the most historically sensitive building within the Al Bait complex, The Library features minimalistic interiors with chandal and timber ceilings, masculine leather and wood furniture, and coloured rendered plaster walls.