The fortress-like palace nestled within the dunes of the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert, Anantara Qasr Al Sarab welcomes you to embrace the epic adventures of rich desert culture with renowned luxury at this lavish oasis. Experience a luxurious retreat that blends Arabian heritage with desert tranquility.
Opened in November 2009, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is located just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi, set in an area steeped in tradition and bursting with legacy. Step back into traditional Arabia and journey into the fabled desert from the “Mirage Palace”.
Designed to absorb the region’s distinctive custom, the interiors of the 207 rooms, suites and villas are inspired by the simple grandeur of an old desert fortress and boast locally hand-crafted furnishings. Rich carpets and embroidered fabrics evoke ambient warmth and an inescapable sense of romance.
Adorned with hints of Bedouin tradition and exquisite reminders of timeless culture, guests are assured of feeling a million miles away from the fast pace of city life. Each of the elegant rooms at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara offers picturesque desert views. The luxurious accommodation is decorated to reflect the Arabian heritage of the resort’s location, with earthy hues, beautiful Middle Eastern fabrics and bronze chandeliers.
For travellers seeking unparalleled opulence in true Emirati style within ultimate serenity, the desert oasis offers the special chance to stay in complete privacy amid the blazing dunes at the new four-bedroom Sahra Villa and two-bedroom Al Sarab Villa, complete with its own private Majlis.
The 865-square-metre Sahra Villa is a palatial hide-away furnished in noble hues that can accommodate up to eight adults in its master bedroom and three twin bedrooms, each with a private terrace. The villa also boasts a private swimming pool with a cabana and sprawling indoor and outdoor living spaces including a magnificent terrace inviting guests to stretch their eyes across the boundless dunes.
At the newly opened regal Al Sarab Villa, guests are encircled by natural beauty from the moment they step into a secluded sanctuary guarded by palm trees. With two elegant bedrooms, the lavish villa comes with plenty of space for entertaining and enjoying starry nights by the fireplace.
The resort offers unique desert activities from the extensive list of experiences available for guests to explore the rugged beauty of the Rub’ al Khali. Traverse undulating landscapes atop a camel, follow in the Bedouin footsteps with a hike in the dunes, or roll on the towering sand hills with a thrilling Dune Bashing session, or a scenic Polaris ride for the ultimate desert exploration.
Learn more about the region’s fascinating heritage during the Falcon and Saluki show or discover the desert at night with a variety of activities to choose from. If your stay coincides with a full moon, embark on an unforgettable Horse-Riding experience in the moonlit valley. Try something new for the first time and go on a Fat Bike ride in the desert or rent a sand board and slide down giant dunes. Try your eye at Archery, take the little ones on the Traditional Animal Experience where they can approach local fauna, or experience the resort’s impressive Padel courts set against expansive desert landscapes.
For those in search of further cultural insight on the region, the Liwa Tour takes you to various points of interest in the oasis including the Liwa Fort, a palm tree farm, a camel farm, and a racetrack. Abu Dhabi tours are also available for guests who are only staying at the resort during their time in the Emirate.
After a day of enthralling activities, step into a world of relaxation and unwind at the Anantara Spa, a haven of Arabian traditions and Thai expertise nestled among a sea of dunes. One of the highlights is the Moroccan Hammam, equipped with a heated marble slab, Jacuzzis, steams, a sauna, and an ice room.
The healing oasis has introduced a new line of regenerative body treatments, facials and multi-day anti-ageing retreats using the French-cult favourite brand, Biologique Recherche products and methodology, The iconic brand is known for its revolutionary approach in skincare that puts personalisation above all else and focuses on delivering results.
Guests can choose from a collection of individual body treatments and facials ranging from detoxifying and purifying to firming and contouring, as well as being able to purchase Biologique Recherche products at the spa.
With floor to ceiling windows, five treatment rooms reveal soothing views of the desert. In this blissful environment, treat yourself to a facial, wrap or massages such as the Anantara Signature Massage using our own blend of oils, or the Desert Fusion Massage that combines hot stone and hot Liwa sand massage techniques. The resort also has its brand new Anantara Wellness & Meditation Centre which hosts a collection of yoga, meditation sessions including traditional, high intensity and prenatal yoga as well as sunset meditation, Tibetan singing bowl therapy and Pranayama.
For the most sportive ones, the Workout Room offers extensive fitness equipment (24 hours), personal coaching sessions with expert trainers, weight training, aerobics and step classes, desert or indoor yoga, outdoor tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts. The gym also has the latest technology including the Zwift bike. The free form swimming pool and its swim-up bar are an inevitable spot to beat the desert heat. Travelling with your family? The Kid’s and Teen’s Clubs are here to keep the youngsters busy with an array of activities under the supervision of our dedicated club’s attendants.
The resort offers a variety of enticing dining choices. Head to Suhail, the rooftop bar and restaurant, for a sunset drink and dine on the finest grills whilst taking in sweeping views of the starlit dunes. Indulge at Al Waha, a restaurant where Middle Eastern and international delights await. Ghadeer, the poolside restaurant offers two different ambiances - a relaxed atmosphere during the day, and dinner by candlelight at night, with delectable Mediterranean cuisine. Naseem Pool Bar for a relaxing time by the pool hosting a collection of signature beverages and relaxed dining. For light bites or treats Al Liwan lobby lounge is an idyllic rendezvous spot for friends and family, offering traditional blends of tea, rich Middle Eastern coffee and fine snacks.
During the cooler months of the year between October – April, guests can experience Al Falaj, a Bedouin-style restaurant with a menu that combines the best of Asian spices with vibrant colours of Iran and home comforts of the Middle Eastern cuisine.
For those looking for private and unique dining experiences, the Villa Barbeque is set in the intimacy of your own villa, attended by your private Chef and butler, while Dining by Design in the sand dunes, one of the world’s most romantic experiences, is ideal to celebrate a special occasion.
Sustainability is at the forefront of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, whose ethos can be summed up as ‘Sustainable Luxury’. In line with this, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara launches a host of sustainable initiatives that build upon a broad platform of existing energy and carbon-saving practices, staying strong to its core goal of protecting the environment. Initiatives include using biodegradable water bottles across the resort, made entirely from sustainable material. Furthermore, renewable energy has also been implemented across the property, with solar panels harnessing the power of the desert sun to create hot water for all guest rooms and villas, and for the resort’s laundry.
Engaging Arabian experiences with distinctive style amid Abu Dhabi’s majestic Liwa desert awaits your arrival at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Book your desert getaway at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara at https://www.anantara.com/en/qasr-al-sarab-abu-dhabi or call Anantara’s Central Reservations Office at +971 (0) 2 895 8700.
Editor’s Notes:
Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.
From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 40 stunning hotels and resorts located in Thailand, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Seychelles, Mozambique, Zambia, Tunisia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Portugal, Spain, Hungary and Italy, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
The brand’s premier vacation ownership programme, Anantara Vacation Club, extends the opportunity to own a share in the Anantara experience with a portfolio of eight luxurious Club Resorts as well as travel privileges at partner resorts and hotels worldwide.
For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/anantara; Twitter and Instagram: @anantara_hotels and @anantaraspawellness
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