Desert Rose – Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and SPA

Cradled in the heart of the desert on the edge of Dubai is Bab At Shams Desert Resort & Spa -the ideal backdrop to capture enigmatic beauty Deepika Padukone.

The Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, meaning “gateway to the sun” in Arabic, is designed to resemble a fortified rural Arab village amid the desert landscape. It perfectly captures the essence of Middle Eastern traditions and showcases a balance of authenticity and modern comfort in each of its 115 rooms and suites.

The GQ team along with our smouldering cover star, Deepika Padukone, arrived at the award-winning five-star resort after a red-eye flight but the lavish breakfast spread awaiting us brought us back to life. After the feast we set out to explore our surroundings. Isolated from the busy outside world, every corner had the charm of Arabia —the small lanes running through the hotel, shaded courtyards, water.