Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi

rooms

Built on a crescent-shaped dune, each of Qasr Al Sarab's 154 guestrooms and 52 villas face west, so no one misses out on those stunning desert sunrises and sunsets! Rooms are not as ostentatiously furnished as many other Middle Eastern resorts and instead are styled in a soothing palette of chocolate and bronze. They are dimly lit and understated, providing welcome visual respite from the dazzling sunshine outside. Most have views of the surrounding dunes, some of terraces or small gardens. 

The 52 private villas, once reserved solely for royal use, all benefit from an individual plunge pool and enjoy butler service as well as access to a private restaurant. Pleade note that villa accommodation is adult-only, keeping this exclusive area as quiet a sanctuary as possible.

facilities & activities

Facilities at the resort include a huge freeform infinity pool overlooking a valley and wadi complete with Arabian oryx as well as a state of the art gym, an impressive floodlit tennis court and a very well stocked library. Yoga enthusiasts will be in good hands with the hotel's team of experienced yoga instructors, or how about a spot of archery or perhaps cooking classes? Last, but by no means least, the Anantara Spa is the ultimate oasis-within-an-oasis, providing its specialised signature treatments and therapies, sauna, massage and body scrubs. 

However, the lure of this hotel is most definitely the spectacular setting and this is where things get really exciting! It’s one of the only resorts in the UAE that offers horse-riding, dune-bashing, mountain-biking, desert walks sunset and sunrise camel rides all in one place. You'll have plenty of opprtunity to experience desert traditons and skills such as archery and falconry. 

dining

The remote location belies the range of cosmopolitan dining options, all complimented by the extraordinary backdrop. With five restaurants there is plenty of choice even for longer-stay guests and when temperatures descend in autumn, themed dining events add culinary interest.

All day dining at Al Waha starts off with a buffet with live cooking stations preparing Middle Eastern and international cuisine; a live grill station at dinner serves delicious favourites such as lamb chops, steaks and seafood. In the evening, change things up by dining at Suhail, an upscale grill restaurant that is perfect for sunset cocktails and boasts an award-winning wine list.

The poolside bar Ghadeer offers refreshing drinks and snacks by day and at night transforms into a dining venue with shisha lounge and a menu consisting of local and regional signature dishes. Meanwhile, Al Liwan, located in the lobby, serves local food and drinks including strong Arabian coffee and mint teas as well as an array of other must-try delights.

For a bedouin experience, Al Falaj offers traditional fare such as a cold mezze and Arabic BBQ in the Bedouin camp-style venue with uninterrupted views of the surrounding sand dunes.

For more intimate or special occasion dining, you might want to book Dining by Design - amidst golden sand dunes and with the back-drop of stunning desert sunsets, guests are waited on by a private butler.

The Villa BBQ is hosted by a private chef and butler and served within the comfort of the guest’s own villa

family

Needless to say, the Qasr al Sarab is a fabulous destination for children, who have their own areas of the huge pool, a well run Kids and Teens Club snd special menu. Of course for closely supervised kids the surrounding dunes make for the most incredible playground with a plethora of family-friendly activities to keep everyone occupied. Rooms can accommodate between 1 and 3 children. NB that villas are adult-only.

location

Situated in Abu Dhabi's Liwa desert in the Rhub Al Khali – also known as the Empty Quarter – Qasr Al Sarab is surrounded by the largest expanse of uninterrupted sand desert in the world. Star Wars Fans might recognise it from Star Wars: The Force Awakens blockbuster! Its location in the middle of the desert can mean extreme temperatures in summer and nights can be very cool in winter.

Arrive in style by helicopter or transfer by road from Abu Dhabi (approx 90 minutes) or Dubai (approx 3hrs 30mins).