AL Faya Lodge & Spa — Sharjah, UAE

Having spent the past three decades wooing big five-star luxury brands to their cities, Emiratis are discovering the joys of ecotourism in their own backyard, the desert. The newest opening is the five-room Al Faya Lodge & Spa, at the foot of Mount Alvaah, in the crimson sands of Sharjah. It’s the latest addition to the Sharjah Collection, a group of boutique hotels and eco-retreats located across the Emirate.
Eschewing the new-build model that prevails in the region, the eco lodge has been repurposed from two 1960s buildings (formerly a grocery store and café) by London and Dubai-based practice Anarchitect, who are also behind the interiors. ‘There are many organic farms and historical tombs in the region,’ explains Anarchitect’s British founder, Jonathan Ashmore. ‘Sharjah, and its art biennale, are attracting a new type of visitor who appreciates nature and heritage.’
Offering fine dining, a roof terrace for star gazing, an open-air saltwater pool and a variety of spa treatments, the lodge must be booked in its entirety. And given its remote location, that spells one very private party.
ADDRESS
Al Batayeh
Al Faya Road
Mleiha
Sharjah
UAE
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Emma O'Kelly is a freelance journalist and author based in London. Her books include Sauna: The Power of Deep Heat and she is currently working on a UK guide to wild saunas, due to be published in 2025.
-
Patek Philippe brings 15 new timepieces to Watches and Wonders 2025
The Swiss manufacturer showcases its intricate complications and elegant designs at the annual trade show with a suite of new models
By Anna Solomon Published
-
Watches & Wonders 2025: preview Richemont’s latest innovations, on show at the Geneva watch fair
Discover eight enticing timepieces from the luxury group, showcased this week at the Geneva fair
By Simon Mills Published
-
Masters of midcentury modern design and their creations spotlighted in new book
‘Mid-Century Modern Designers’ is a new book from Phaidon celebrating those who shaped the period and their notable creations, from furniture to objects
By Tianna Williams Published
-
The world’s most enticing new hotel openings
Explore the best new hotels in the world, from the revival of a grande dame in Madrid to the restoration of a gothic beauty in Prague
By Nicola Leigh Stewart Last updated
-
The Serai Wing launches its minimalist architecture in Sharjah
The Serai Wing opens in Sharjah to a design by Dubai-based studio Anarchitect
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Villa One at the One & Only Palmilla — Los Cabos, Mexico
By Chadner Navarro Published
-
Sixties sci-fi meets Dali at ‘Secret Room’ speakeasy in Dubai
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Martim — Wroclaw, Poland
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Tattersalls Hotel — Armidale, Australia
By Dimity Noble Last updated
-
KLoé Hotel — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
By Jennifer Choo Last updated
-
Casa Hoyos — San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
By Daven Wu Last updated