As part of the Anantara Hotel Group, Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort is the epitome of informal luxury. The resort, on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi is synonymous with rich cultural traditions and natural beauty.
Driving along a winding 12 km track, through Rub al Khali, (Empty Quarter), you sense you’re on your way to somewhere special. In this post, we review our two night stay at one of Anantara’s stunning heritage Resorts.
QASR AL SARAB ANANTARA REVIEW
- Idyllic secluded oasis 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi
- 140 rooms | 14 suites | 52 pool villas
- Exhilarating desert adventures
- Award-winning spa including an authentic Moroccan hammam
- Check-In 3pm | Check-Out 12pm
WHERE IS QASR AL SARAB LOCATED?
Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort is a 90 minute drive from Abu Dhabi, in the middle of a vast sand desert. You leave the main highway along a track which traverses through the Empty Quarters uninterrupted sand dunes.
Liwi Oasis is located on the north-eastern edge of Rub al Khali, (Empty Quarter), which constitutes the largest portion of the Arabian Desert.
It is the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world.
The dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, so you wonder how a hotel can be built in this landscape.
And then seemingly out of nowhere a gate appears. Rising like a phoenix from the ashes, the luxury oasis of Anantara Qasr al Sarab Resort is in front of you.
A stay at Anantara Qasr al Sarab Resort, is an invitation to lose yourself to nature and unleash your adventurous side. It offers true opulence desert style, in a secluded oasis of calm.
We guarantee, once you check in, you will not want to leave!
ON ARRIVAL
The spacious courtyard leads to a staggering desert fortress with huge turrets. You feel somehow, that you’ve stumbled upon a film set starring Lawrence of Arabia.
Friendly professional staff, are immediately on hand to facilitate your arrival from the sun baked heat. You are warmly welcomed and swept effortlessly, into a cool, calm Middle Eastern inspired oasis.
You are soon nibbling pastries and sipping refreshing mint tea, while staff check you in for your stay.
If this style of welcome is meant to encourage all your worries to slip away, then it succeeds hands down.
The sprawling Resort is remote, romantic and opulent in every way. In fact, Abu Dhabi’s Royal Family have their own personal pavilion to the edge of the resort, and a helipad at their disposal 24 hrs a day.
The landscape is nothing short of spectacular. The meticulous detail of the resorts planning and design, leaves you feeling that you are alone in sampling this epic adventure.
The huge inviting library is all about two things.
First, the magnificent ornate shaped Arabic lanterns, dangling dramatically from the high ceiling.
Second, the large sweeping windows, providing framed snapshots of the stunning desert views.
The cool interior spaces are dressed in Middle eastern fabrics, local artifacts and exotic Arabic furniture. Each piece, managing to strike the perfect balance between historic and stylish.
The atmosphere is serene, yet inviting and relaxing. Every piece of furniture, vase, lantern and artwork, has been strategically placed. Nothing detracts from the incredible views outside.
This is an awe-inspiring 5 star hotel location.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
The hotel has 206 beautiful rooms and suites, ranging from the Deluxe Garden Room to the Three Bedroom Anantara Pool Villa.
We stayed in one of their 48 sq metre Deluxe Balcony Rooms, located on the first floor.
Each elegant room is luxuriously decorated in muted earthy tones, with beautiful dark wood furniture, white bed linen and marble floors.
Stunning bronze chandeliers hang from the ceiling and the decor is a nod to the resort’s Arabian Heritage.
Each bathroom has an over sized deep soaking bath, double stone sinks and a walk in rain shower.
Special touches included delicate shaped glass bottles with cork stoppers containing shampoo and bath salts.
A flat screen TV, CD/DVD player, air-conditioning, tea making facilities, Nespresso Machine, free bottled water, free WiFi, pillow menu and fluffy bathrobes come as standard.
Sumptuous as the guest room may be, there is a sense of restraint here.
Ultimately, the main attraction is beyond the sliding glass door leading you out to a private terrace. Stand and admire the breathtaking panoramic desert valley views.
After dinner, to sit and watch the sand dunes become a wonderful orange hue is nothing short of mesmerizing.
DINING AT QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT
There has been no expense spared in any area of the hotel which has a choice of amenities to suit every discerning guest.
There are a number of restaurants offering various cuisines. One thing is sure though, wherever you dine, you will be accompanied by outstanding desert views.
Choose from cocktails on the rooftop, afternoon tea in the lobby, refreshing snacks at the poolside bar, to fine dining and an Arabian experience in the desert.
You are treated to local delicacies, international favorites and an extensive range of vintage wines.
During our stay, we enjoyed afternoon tea at Al Liwan, in the lobby. The cakes were outstanding in both flavour and presentation.
As evening fell, we enjoyed cocktails and romantic fine dining, at Suhail, located on the rooftop terrace.
Our mains were pan seared duck breast, with beetroot puree, confit pear, anise sauce and crushed hazelnuts. Dessert did not disappoint either, and the service was exceptional.
What better way to enjoy fine dining, than under a starry sky in the middle of the desert!
Al Falaj offers a Bedouin-style dining experience during the cooler months.
The Resort takes on another persona come evening. Palm-tree lined courtyards twinkle with Arabic lanterns, and the lustrous deep blue sky, is studded with far reaching stars.
A perfect end to the day.
After a blissful sleep, wander onto the terrace to greet the morning and the beautiful desert landscape.
Rates usually include a generous buffet breakfast. Be sure to check out the made-to-order crumpet stand.
REJUVENATION AT QASR AL SARAB RESORT
If relaxation is what you enjoy, visit Anantara Spa, set around a serene fountain trickling courtyard. Indulge in an array of treatments including massages, body experiences and facials.
Work up a sweat in the steam room or sauna, or try a luxurious signature treatment.
POOLSIDE
A large infinity-edge free form pool shaded by desert palms provides views of the surrounding desert valley. Enjoy a refreshing swim, stopping now and then to order a cooling drink from the pool bar.
Rest up and recline on one of numerous loungers, or simply soak up the sun’s rays.
COMPLIMENTARY EXPERIENCES
Guests can exercise in the fitness center, play tennis, basketball and learn about the history of Liwa on a Museum Tour. Or just sit quietly in the book laden library and use the free wifi.
DESERT ACTIVITIES AT QASR AL SARAB
Experiences outside of the resort must be pre-booked by staff, after all this desert is unforgiving and vast.
Depending on the season these can include :
- Desert yoga
- 4×4 Dune Bashing
- Mountain Biking
- Camel Trekking
- Horse Riding
- Falconry
- Tours of the Liwa Desert.
- Fat Biking
- Sand Boarding & Sand Sledding
- Desert Walks
- Archery
We opted for a sunrise camel trek which was truly magnificent and totally unforgettable.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE OF QASR AL SARAB RESORT
Make no mistake, this is a truly luxurious Resort, with every available space making use of the stunning scenery.
However, you certainly pay for this privilege. Do we think it is a cost worth baring? A resounding YES!!
Watching the sunrise and sunset across the vast landscape is enthralling and mesmerizing.
Every part of the resort is sumptuous, relaxing and comfortable. Staff are engaging, friendly and helpful. You genuinely feel they want you to have a great stay.
This resort is up there with our all-time favorites.
Would I upgrade to another room? No, due to cost and to be honest I don’t think you would gain enough to make the extra cost worthwhile.
Our stay at Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort, surpassed all our expectations. We would highly recommend a stay here, if you are visiting Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
PACKING TIPS
It gets extremely hot here so be extra vigilant with sunhats and a higher factor sun lotion. (Think Factor 50).
The dress code is casual but you should cover up whilst dining. In the evenings the desert temperature gets cold, so pack a cardigan or lightweight long-sleeves tops.
Pack gym gear if exercising and swimwear if going in the pool.
For women who book a Liwa Tour, you will be required to cover your shoulders and knees to conform with tradition.
We hope that this post has inspired you to visit Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort,in the UAE. If you have any questions about the resort, please leave these in the comments below.
Read other posts on Dubai and Abu Dhabi to help plan your trip to the United Arab Emirates.
- Best Dubai Tours for an epic trip
- How to use Dubai public transport with ease
- The Etiquette Of Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque In Abu Dhabi
FINAL THOUGHTS : WHAT MAKES THE RESORT SPECIAL
- Truly Resplendent and secluded location, among the largest uninterrupted body of sand in the world
- Superb fortress architecture with charming Arabian décor
- Sumptuous accommodation
- Warm and friendly Arabian hospitality
- Fantastic choice of thrilling desert activities
Watching the sun set over the desert, this is the place to be for a divine view you are unlikely to forget anytime soon.
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