Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
An Arabian desert fortress in the dunes of the Empty Quarter, with 53 pool villas, sunrise camel treks and One MICHELIN Key
The Privata Perspective
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara opened in 2009 in the Liwa Desert, on the edge of the Rub' al Khali, the Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world. Its name means the Palace of the Mirages, and it is built like a desert fort: turrets, courtyards and fountains around 140 rooms and 14 suites, with 53 pool villas set apart facing the sunset. It holds One MICHELIN Key, and it is one of Via Privata's favourite luxury resorts in the Gulf.
Via Privata spent three nights in 2022 in a One Bedroom Anantara Pool Villa, 195 square metres with a separate living room, a private plunge pool, a cabana and a villa host, and rode out on a morning camel trek into the dunes. The setting, the architecture and the sense of isolation are the reasons to go, and the desert programme makes the most of them: camel treks at sunrise and sunset, 4x4 dune drives, fat bikes, archery, horse riding, falconry and dinner by candlelight on the sand. Two things to plan around: the resort is just over two hours by road from Abu Dhabi's airport, and from May to September daytime highs pass 40°C.
Rooms and suites at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
One Bedroom Anantara Pool Villa
195 sqm · 2,099 sq ftDesert view
1 king
One of 29: a separate living room, a king bedroom, an oversized tub and walk-in rain shower, and a terrace with a private plunge pool, cabana, outdoor shower and dining area, for two adults and up to two children; the category Via Privata stayed in for three nights in 2022
Deluxe Garden Room
45 sqm · 484 sq ft
On the ground floor of the fortress, with a garden terrace
Deluxe Terrace Room
An upper-floor corner room with a terrace, dining set, sun lounger and sofas
Anantara Suite
106 sqm · 1,141 sq ft
1 king
One of 14 suites: a separate living room and a patio with sun loungers, with the option to connect a twin room
Two Bedroom Family Suite
178 sqm · 1,916 sq ft
Two en-suite bedrooms around a shared living room, with a garden terrace
Royal Pavilion Pool Villa
185 sqm · 1,991 sq ft
Ten adults-only villas a few minutes' drive from the main resort, each with a private plunge pool, an outdoor shower and a kitchenette
Two Bedroom Anantara Family Pool Villa
304 sqm · 3,272 sq ft
A king and a twin bedroom, with a private plunge pool, sun deck and outdoor shower
Three Bedroom Anantara Family Pool Villa
375 sqm · 4,036 sq ft
Set away from the main resort, with two king bedrooms and a twin
Sahra Villa
489 sqm · 5,264 sq ft
A four-bedroom villa with a private pool and a jacuzzi
Al Sarab Villa
853 sqm · 9,182 sq ft
Two bedrooms, a private pool and a jacuzzi, and the option to book a private majlis with it
Restaurants at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Al Waha
Breakfast
The Oasis: a semi à la carte breakfast of global dishes, 7 to 11 am
Suhail
Rooftop steakhouse
Dry-aged cuts and dishes from the Josper oven, with views over the wadi from armchairs outside or the air-conditioned room; bar from 3 pm, dinner 6 to 11 pm
Al Falaj
Levantine
Dinner in the open air beside the dunes, in the cooler season only
Amanie
Mediterranean
Beside the adults-only infinity pool: lunch for guests 18 and over, dinner for 12 and over; smart casual with closed shoes
Ghadeer
Global & poolside
Light meals and a pizza oven by the pool by day, dinner by night, noon to 10 pm
Al Liwan
Lobby lounge
Drinks and food all day, with desert views
Naseem Pool Bar
Pool bar
Mojitos and relaxed dining at the family pool
Dining by Design
Private dining
A candlelit table on the dunes with a butler for the evening, Middle Eastern or international menus, or one designed with a personal chef
Spa and wellness at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
The Anantara Spa combines Middle Eastern remedies, Thai expertise and Biologique Recherche, with desert treatments such as the Desert Fusion Massage (hot stones and a heated Rub' al Khali sand poultice) and the four-hour Arabian Desert Rose Ritual. Its thermal area has a Moroccan hammam, two heated jacuzzis, two steam rooms, a sauna, an ice room and a Thai sala from October to April, with a wellness and meditation centre offering one- and three-day programmes. The fitness centre is open 24 hours; there are three shaded, floodlit tennis courts and a padel court. Desert activities include camel treks at sunrise and sunset, 4x4 dune drives by day and night, fat bikes, archery, horse riding, a falcon and saluki show, desert walks, stargazing and Ezba, the resort's farm and cultural centre.
The best time to visit Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Oct–Mar
Anantara's cool season: sunny, crisp days, clear skies and nights around 12°C; daytime highs in the mid-20s to low 30s°C from November to March. Al Falaj and the falcon and saluki show run only now
Apr–Sep
The hot season: daytime highs pass 40°C from May to September, so activities move to sunrise and after dark
We Stayed Here
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara review
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