LIVING HISTORY

The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah offers a historical resort experience within the Heart of Sharjah

The Chedi Al Bait hotel in Sharjah combines traditional Arabian aesthetics with modern luxury and functionality to offer an engaging experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, without leaving it. That’s because the hotel is located within the Heart of Sharjah heritage area - one of UAE’s most ambitious historical restoration projects.

This five-star luxury hotel, spread over 10,000 square metres, comprises five heritage houses, all nearly a century old. These houses were once owned by prominent local families who made an impact culturally, intellectually and politically on Sharjah’s history with achievements in publishing, government and business. One of them is Ibrahim Bin Mohammed Al Midfa, recognised as Sharjah’s first journalist, whose influence inspired the galleries of “The Museum” nearby, and whose ‘majlis’ has been converted into the hotel’s Café.

These single-story houses were initially constructed with coral and gypsum walls, and teak and palm frond ceilings. Originally launched in 2018 as Al Bait Sharjah, it was renamed The Chedi Al Bait after its management was taken over by the Singapore-based General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM).

Under the guidance of GHM, UK architecture firm GAJ was tasked with transforming the carefully preserved historic structures along with newer buildings into the 53 elegant guestrooms and suites where Arabic influences meet the brand’s signature Asian design elements. Whether converting an old home into a modern library and museum or transforming Souq Al Arsah – the traditional open-air marketplace – into a pedestrian thoroughfare within the complex, the heritage of the area has been beautifully preserved.

Upon arrival, in true Arabian tradition, guests receive a grand welcome from the hotel’s “meet and greet” entourage in the lobby. The arrival experience includes a set of personalised welcome rituals and bespoke amenities that include warm scented towels and a selection of beverages and snacks.

The 53 well-appointed accommodations comprise eight different types of rooms and suites. There are five types of rooms under the Deluxe, Grand and Heritage categories, and there are three types of suites - Al Bait Heritage, Chedi Suites and Chedi Grand Suites.

The decor within the accommodations is simple yet sublime. Typical of traditional architecture in the region, the rooms have elevated ceilings, a majlis or a ‘place of sitting’ in Arabic, and antique-style furnishings. This includes the commanding king-size bed. The decor tastefully connects these personal spaces to the surrounding Heart of Sharjah neighbourhood, and the nearby Souq Al Arsah traditional bazaar.

The two Chedi Grand Suites are the most spacious and luxurious accommodations offered at the resort. Spread across more than 100 square metres, each suite is a classical Arabian abode with wooden ceilings. The interior space is thoughtfully divided among a master ensuite bedroom with its commanding four-poster bed, the grand dining area and a living room inspired by a traditional majlis, endowed with Arabian artefacts.

Ideal for long-stay guests, either for business or pleasure, the opulent scale of this suite is perhaps best embodied in the regal bathroom with its expansive bathtub, balanced by the thoughtful Asian design details for which GHM is known.

Chedi Al Bait offers guests a full-service all-day restaurant and two cafes as dining options. The Restaurant, the resort’s main dining venue, has a chic, understated dining room with classic Emarati design features. Tables are set indoors and outdoors in the charming open-air courtyard. The À La Carte experience menu offers a selection of contemporary, oriental and far east dishes, freshly made to order. The Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Al Bareed is a café managed by Shurooq. It is located within Bait Eissa Al Midfa heritage house and was once Sharjah’s first Post Office. Facing the beautiful Sharjah Creek, it serves artisanal coffee, ice-creams and pastries. Similarly, The Café is located in Majlis Ibrahim Al Midfa, featuring the only remaining circular wind tower (Barjeel) in the UAE.

The hotel’s spa and wellness facilities span a total of 500 square metres, spread across the property. Drawing inspiration from the original meaning of “Chedi,” a mystical paradise of enchantment and serenity, The Spa at The Chedi Al Bait offers traditional Middle Eastern beauty and wellness treatments, while incorporating tried and tested healing methods from the Far East.

The Spa is divided into men’s and ladies’ sections with two treatment rooms for men and three for women. In each respective area, there is a separate reception area, relaxation lounge, traditional Moroccan hammam, steam room, sauna and spa-boutique. The ladies section also has hot and cold plunge pools.

The menu of holistic treatments uses organic artisan products. The treatments include therapeutic and aromatherapy massages, body polishes, beauty rituals and facials, full-body exfoliation and exotic bathing ceremony for ladies.

The hotel has a world-class studio gym at its Fitness Centre, with modern equipment to suit most fitness routines from cardio to weights, as well as yoga classes. The hotel also has a 15-metre long swimming pool.

The Heart of Sharjah complex, which includes the Chedi Al Bait hotel, includes a collection of unique venues. The Museum, located within the hotel’s Bait Ibrahim Al Midfa heritage building, is a bibliophile’s dream. It has hundreds of antiquarian and contemporary books spanning a variety of subjects and interests. Guests can also enjoy some of the mocktails on offer while learning more about the Al Midfa family.

The Cigar Lounge, adjacent to The Library and also within the Bait Ibrahim Midfa house, offers an expert-curated selection of fine cigars and light beverages. Open only to the hotel’s in-house guests, this private refuge is a sophisticated escape and conversation space.

The Jewellery is a store selling some of the finest custommade Emirati-inspired jewellery pieces. Guests can also venture into the Souq Al Arsah – Sharjah’s oldest openair marketplace, which, like the Chedi Al Bait hotel, is a wonderful mix of old and new.

Vacheron Constantin re-opens its newly renovated Flagship in The Dubai Mall. The boutique features a new design inspired by traditional local architecture that conveys Vacheron Constantin’s dedication to high watchmaking artistry. The Flagship houses for the first time in the Middle East, a permanent Les Collectionneurs vintage watch offering, along with a permanent Heritage exhibition, highlighting some incredible timepieces originally by the region and its culture.

The Middle East clientele will get to experience a sensorial journey, immersive, client-first services that