Leaving Dubai’s cloud-piercing skyscrapers and gleaming malls behind and entering sister emirate Sharjah is like stepping back in time, where sand-coloured buildings blend harmoniously with the city’s many heritage sites and historical landmarks. Rising from the shoreline, like an opulent Arabian sandcastle, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa takes inspiration from traditional Middle Eastern architecture with fortress-style towers, domed roofs and barajeels (wind towers, originally used as cooling systems) but offers a contemporary spin with experimental cuisine and modern facilities.

Just a 30-minute drive from Downtown Dubai (complimentary shuttles run twice a day to and from The Dubai Mall) and five minutes from neighbouring emirate Ajman (where you can pop for a nightcap if you’ve had your fill of mocktails), the 349-room hotel – the first Starwood property in Sharjah – offers a great-value minibreak with the high standards and personalised service you’ve come to expect from the brand.

Gastronomy is a highlight with six venues offering a range of international cuisine that’s set to shake up the Sharjah’s dining scene. Executive chef Serkan Yelkenbasan combines Far Eastern and Indian flavours at seafood restaurant Marasea, which draws on the emirate’s fishing heritage with nautical décor like rope displays, a net-like carved ceiling and large fish tanks, and a menu of specialities including salmon carpaccio with truffle ponzu and seaweed salad, red snapper fusion and crispy rice with spicy tuna. Enjoy panoramic Arabian Gulf views from the terrace at Al Qubtan (meaning The Captain in Arabic), a relaxed beach grill with a Caribbean twist, with dishes like crab cakes, calamari and jerk-marinated chicken wings alongside tropical mocktails served in a coconut or pineapple. Emirati restaurant Arjwan opens this month, showcasing authentic dishes made using family recipes of local women, who will also do live dessert cooking demonstrations on the terrace. Gusti is an intimate Italian eatery and Al Mahattah Lounge is the place to wind down after dinner.

The signature Link@Sheraton Café beside the lobby is a boon for business travellers, who can enjoy the high-tech business facilities and stay connected while fueling up on light bites and freshly brewed Turkish coffee. Club Suite guests have access to the comfortable Club Lounge, with continental breakfast and snacks throughout the day, and a facility for booking meeting rooms. The hotel has nine meeting rooms in total and two large ballrooms with private entrances, making it well suited for conferences or events.

For a more relaxed time, spend the day by the two infinity pools – one with a swim-up bar and water-immersed sunbeds – on the private, palm-fringed beach. Launching later this month, the two-storey 1,100sqm Shine Spa will be home to 15 treatment rooms, a Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and the pièce de résistance, a Turkish hammam. Active types can take part in various water sports right from the beach or get a workout at Sheraton Fitness by Exos, which has a separate male and female gym and the latest Technogym equipment. Meanwhile, little ones are entertained at the kids’ club with a supervised outdoor play area and a calendar of activities.

With the Al Hisn Sharjah Fort, the Heritage Area, Sharjah Art Museum and Souq Al Arsah just 10 minutes away, the hotel acts as a base for venturing out and a tranquil retreat to return to. After a day of exploring, unwind on the comfiest Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed in one of the sumptuous suites, some with Arabian Gulf views. With the soon-to-be-opened Emirati Suite, with an outdoor whirlpool, or the Royal Suite and Presidential Suites, both offering a private pool on a sea-facing terrace, from where you can watch the sun set on the horizon, this is the latest address for a spoil-yourself staycation.

Link: https://www.cntravellerme.com/destinations/middle-east/uae/974-sheraton-sharjah-beach-resort-spa