The Sanctuary
A heritage hotel expands its homey offer.
By Nicola Chilton
Stepping into the carefully preserved courtyards, elegant rooms and intriguing little museum of Sharjah’s Chedi Al Bait hotel has always felt like travelling back in time. Now there is even more opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirit of the past with the addition of two more thoughtfully restored, early 20th century heritage houses.
Once the home of a pearl trader—after whom it is named—Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim offers a calm, contemporary feel, 12 new rooms and suites, shaded outdoor sitting and lounging areas, and inviting pools, one in each house.
Since 2018, The Chedi Al Bait has welcomed visitors who appreciate the fusion of luxury and heritage. While Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim builds on the past, this is very much a contemporary experience. With six bedrooms each, the two houses incorporate the traditional vernacular architecture of the region—coral stone, plaster, mangrove wood and palm leaf—combined with modern design, cooling fabrics, a calming palette of neutral tones, high ceilings with wooden beams, carefully curated furniture, and sleek, spacious bathrooms. It’s a beautiful balance of nostalgia and modernity, with details like coral-backed alcoves, once used for storage, housing contemporary lighting and objets d’art.
Rooms can be booked within each house separately, but the best way to experience the space is to privatise one—or both—of the houses entirely, ensuring you have a tranquil oasis of your own in the Heart of Sharjah.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHEDI AL BAIT
