Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, UAE’s iconic heritage resort, has curated a collection of enchanting offerings for families this festive season, between December 12 to 23, and on January 6 and 7.
This season’s experience kicks off with the Private Festive Roast in the Desert, requiring a minimum booking for 8 persons. Surrounded by the breathtaking desert landscape, guests can enjoy an intimate and exclusive dining experience. It includes delectable appetisers, festive roasts, and sumptuous desserts, making it a true feast. With the serene desert as their backdrop, guests can relish in the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with their loved ones. The Festive Roast is available from 12 to 23 December.
The Festive Afternoon Tea at Lobby Lounge, also available from 12 to 23 December, offers guests a festive-themed afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge. It combines classic favourites with seasonal delights, including mince pies, gingerbread bites, and traditional scones accompanied by clotted cream, all crafted to capture the essence of the holidays. To elevate the festive spirit, guests can choose from the traditional curated tea menu and savour signature non-alcoholic cocktails selected by the resident mixologist.
The Christmas Eve Dinner at Zala, on December 24, begins with tantalising entrees, featuring palatable delicacies like Foie Gras terrine, Scottish Salmon Wellington, and a Gin and tonic citrus-cured Salmon. The culinary journey culminates with a mouth-watering whole roasted Turkey, accompanied by all the quintessential trimmings. For a sweet ending, luxuriate in the decadent desserts on display, including the Mandarin Yuzu with Bitter chocolate log, making this evening a memorable and delectable experience.
The following day, we have the Christmas Day Lunch at Zala. It offers an alluring afternoon filled with scrumptious spreads, featuring seared Foie Gras and a grand seafood display with King Crab. Guests can feast on holiday specials such as the whole roast turkey and Beef Wellington and conclude with a traditional Christmas pudding and a chestnut chocolate yule log. The peak of the day comes with Santa’s arrival for gifting, a dedicated kids’ play area, pony and camel rides for the little ones, kids’ entertainment, and a live band delivering a jolly backdrop to the festivities.
The merriment continues with the Boxing Day Festive Lunch at Zala, on December 26. From sage-flavoured roast chicken, homemade terrines, fish roe stations, salt-crusted seabass, whole roasted turkey and trimmings, with Gugelhupf to complete the culinary selection. Featuring live music and a range of recreational activities for kids, including pony and camel rides.
For a more laid-back option, there’s Unplug at the Fire Pit, available from December 12 to 23. Nestled under the vast, starlit desert sky, the fire pit provides a serene and rustic setting that invites guests to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. With unlimited servings of warm and aromatic winter staples that are sure to chase away the chill and infuse the evening with a sense of easy comfort, including hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts.
On January 6, id the Orthodox Christmas Eve Dinner at Zala. This celebratory meal will include signature dishes such as Oliver Salad with Oscietra Caviar, Salmon Caviar, hearty Borscht and a Seafood Display showcasing the ocean’s finest treasures.
The following day is the Orthodox Christmas Day Lunch at Zala, featuring a festive banquet set against the musical backdrop of a live band. Classic dishes on offer include Pelmeni Russian Turkey Dumpling, Blinis and Sour Cream and Pistachio with Blueberry Yule Log. The day’s merriment includes Santa’s arrival and gift distribution, kids ‘entertainment activities, as well as pony and camel rides.
