Nakheel & Kerzner International has launched its first property Bab Al Shams, A Luxury Desert Resort & Spa, under its new brand, 'Rare Finds'. Rare Finds is a collection of resorts that brings to the forefront the essence of a place. Joining people together through authentic and soulful experiences, their proximity to rich cultures offers distinctly humbling journeys of incredible discovery.

With a design narrative centred around 'The Lost Princess', Bab Al Shams is her sanctuary of luxury and unforgettable journey. Interior design elements subtly weave through her iconic heritage tied deeply to her customs while celebrating the glamour of modern-day Arabia. The resorts limited and carefully considered architectural interventions integrate with existing forms and materials to provide an enhanced guest experience.

The overall fabric of the design is a seamless blend of the confluence between contemporary Arabic elements and sustainable heritage. Early during the concept phase, The design team paid special attention and made efforts to preserve and re-purpose key furniture pieces, iconic artwork and accessories into the new design, adding to the resort's overall sustainable value and heritage.

Bab Al Shams is a landmark heritage building that hadn't been renovated for almost two decades, so there were many surprises and unexpected challenges to consider. With only nine short months to complete the project, LW Design adopted an agile onsite mindset to ensure the rapid design and build decisions. Designers deployed a site supervision team from conception to completion until everything, including the spa and events centre, is finalised.

Art consultants, Capsule Arts, worked in parallel with LW Design to create a unified curated art collection to elevate the original hotel's existing items whilst bringing new pieces to complement the contemporary design. The team re-purposed the existing collection and stylishly presented them to juxtapose seamlessly with the new additions sourced from local artists and artisans who offered a refined, feminine and unique perspective to the resort.

Each piece of art, from handcrafted items and framed objects to textile artworks and contemporary photography, was carefully selected to contribute to the hotel's overall aesthetic while enhancing the story of the lost princess and her palace of treasures.