Business Traveller (Middle East)
The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah – a GHM Hotel
BACKGROUND Housed inside a collection of five stunning minimalistic heritage properties, The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah was once home to one of the most influential families of this historic port town. The property has been beautifully restored to house ultra-luxurious hotel suites that offer a deep dive into the history of the UAE.
WHAT’ S IT LIKE? Pure perfection. Every angle is flawless; the interiors and exteriors trace stylish lines, which are optimally lit. But The Chedi Al Bait’s greatest asset is its staff. Every need is anticipated, every want is fulfilled. You are constantly surprised by little treats: cold towels and juices by the pool, a delicious mocktail or small dish courtesy of the kitchen, a walking tour with a history lesson thrown in, and more.
WHERE IS IT? The Chedi Al Bait could not be more central as part of the renovated ‘Heart of Sharjah’ district. Literally on the doorstep of your suite you will find numerous museums and a charming souk. Here you can truly immerse yourself in genuine Emirati culture.
ROOMS The rooms are a minimalist’s dream. Fashioned in traditional Arabian style there is an Instagram-worthy post waiting around every corner. Within the charming interiors you will want for no modern touch. The sound system was so good I went home and immediately bought one myself! The bathroom amenities are pure luxury and you will find homemade chocolates and date bars waiting for you alongside eco-friendly refillable bottles of sparkling and still water.
Unmissable for those living and working in the UAE
FOOD AND DRINK The cusine at The Chedi Al Bait is exemplary. The hotel’s Arabic restaurant boasts delights from Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and the UAE, each more delicious than the last. The High Tea experience is an unmissable platter; it’s best described as magical fairytale on a bed of moss, with macaroons shaped like little toadstools and a mist of dry ice to add to the experience. Every dish is well considered and tasty and the prices are surprisingly reasonable.
BUSINESS The rooms centre around courtyards and each has a majilis; a perfect quiet area to take a zoom call or work on a proposal. Pick up the phone and the best Turkish coffee will magically appear in your room. With such soothing interiors it is hard not to feel inspired.
LEISURE While the pool is the place to laze and the gym is well equipped with the latest Technogym kit, the real star of this hotel is the spa. The treatments are blissful and the expert therapists give some of the best massages in the UAE. Again, the minimalist lines and perfect ambiance cannot help but sooth away the most stressful of days.
VERDICT Unmissable for those living and working in the UAE. A short drive from Dubai, it feels a world away from the bright lights and tall buildings. Just one night here makes you feel somehow more elegant than when you entered. Caroline Rowe