Review: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Published Dec 12 2024, 2:38 PM, Updated Dec 12 2024, 2:50 PMSet amidst the golden dunes of the world’s largest sand desert, the Rub’ al Khali, the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a secluded oasis on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi.

With its majestic palace-like architecture and immersive desert experiences, this luxury resort effortlessly blends Emirati tradition with contemporary comfort. Promising tranquility, cultural richness, and opulent accommodations, this resort is an escape into a world of adventure and indulgence.

Location

Tucked away in the legendary Liwa Desert, this resort boasts an enviable position in the heart of the Empty Quarter. Surrounded by sweeping desert vistas and endless dunes, it is approximately 130 miles from Abu Dhabi city and its international airport, making it a wonderful and secluded retreat far from urban chaos.

This remoteness creates a serene atmosphere ideal for stargazing, unwinding, or embarking on unique desert adventures. Its proximity to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the region also makes it a gateway to thrilling escapades while remaining a haven of luxury.

Style & Character

The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a vision of timeless elegance, rising from the sands like a mirage. Designed as a desert fortress, its architecture pays homage to Emirati heritage with turrets, courtyards, and tranquil fountains. Earthy tones and luxury fibers harmonize with the surrounding desert, creating a beautiful blend of nature and sophistication.

From the grand lobbies to the intimate villas, every corner exudes cultural richness and meticulous attention to detail. The resort’s design draws inspiration from Arabian traditions, providing an atmosphere that truly feels both regal and welcoming.

Service & Facilities

True to Anantara’s reputation for excellence, the service at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is world-class. Staff members are attentive, professional, and eager to ensure that every guest’s needs are met. The resort boasts an impressive array of facilities, including an adults-only infinity pool offering breathtaking desert views and a dedicated paddle court for casual matches.

For wellness enthusiasts, the Anantara Spa is a sanctuary of relaxation, featuring a Moroccan Hammam, Thai Sala (October – April), Jacuzzis, relaxation area with incredible views, ice bath therapy, private yoga sessions led by international experts and so much more. Guests can also enjoy the fully-equipped gym, floodlit tennis courts, and family-friendly amenities like the Kids Club and babysitting services.

Adventurers are spoilt for choice with incredible desert activities that celebrate the magic of the Liwa Desert. Guests can embark on camel treks across the dunes, glide down sand slopes with dune boarding, or enjoy the thrill of Polaris rides through the rugged terrain.

For those seeking a cultural connection, the Ezba Cultural Tour and falcon and saluki shows offer fascinating insights into the region’s heritage. Stargazing under the clear desert skies or participating in full moon activities creates an enchanting atmosphere, while nighttime desert walks and camel rides provide serene moments of reflection. These curated experiences, combined with the resort’s luxurious amenities, ensure that every guest leaves with memories to last a lifetime!

Rooms

Accommodations at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort are a study in luxury and comfort. The 140 rooms, 14 suites, and 53 pool villas are designed to maximize the desert’s beauty, offering expansive views of the dunes through sliding glass doors or private terraces. The Deluxe Garden Room is a perfect example, with its 45 square meters of elegant space, private shaded terrace, and sunken tub for indulgent relaxation.

Guests staying in villas can enjoy even greater privacy with their own plunge pools and direct access to the mesmerizing desert landscape. Regal Emirati design elements and modern amenities such as rain showers, pillow menus, and Nespresso machines create the perfect balance of tradition and convenience. For the ultimate indulgence, the Royal Pavilion Villas offers an unparalleled experience of opulence and exclusivity.

Food & Drink

Dining at the resort is as diverse as it is exceptional, offering gourmet flavors against the stunning backdrop of rolling dunes and breathtaking views. With multiple acclaimed restaurants, there’s a venue for every mood and occasion. Guests can indulge in Suhail, the rooftop lounge, where upscale international cuisine is perfectly paired with spectacular desert sunsets, or enjoy Ghadeer, a casual poolside retreat serving global flavors. Al Waha offers a semi à la carte menu blending Middle Eastern and international dishes, while Al Falaj enchants with its authentic Middle Eastern cuisine served outdoors amidst the dunes.

For a more intimate experience, private desert dining and romantic rooftop rendezvous are highlights of the resort’s personalized service. Sundowners in the desert, steak feasts, and family-friendly dining options ensure everyone’s tastes are catered to. Guests can also explore interactive cooking classes with Spice Spoons, where skilled chefs guide a hands-on culinary journey.

The Al Liwan lobby lounge adds a touch of Arabian charm to the dining scene, inviting guests to soak up its rich atmosphere. Enjoy a fine snack for lunch, a refreshing mint tea in the afternoon, or Shisha on the terrace as the sun sets. Each dining venue at the resort emphasizes fresh ingredients and artful presentations, ensuring a memorable gastronomic experience for all.

Conclusion

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a rare gem that combines breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and true luxury. From its secluded location and regal architecture to its attentive service and world-class amenities, it offers an escape unlike any other.

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Image(s) courtesy of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

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