Hidden deep within the Rub’ al Khali, the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is more than just a destination—it is a mirage of dreams brought to life. Roughly 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi, the resort stands like a palace on the edge of time, seamlessly merging Emirati heritage with luxurious modernity. With its fortress-style architecture, the resort offers a rare communion with the desert that is as spiritual as it is spectacular.
From the moment one arrives at this desert sanctuary, there’s a palpable shift in rhythm. Time slows. Sand whispers. The imposing dunes that surround the property stretch endlessly into the horizon, their curves and colours changing with the light. At sunrise, they blush gold and pink. By evening, they cool into lilac shadows. And in between, Qasr Al Sarab offers guests a universe of possibilities—whether one seeks restoration, adventure, or pure indulgence.
The design of the resort takes its cues from the Bedouin spirit: strong, rooted in tradition, and reverent of nature. Earthy tones, handwoven textiles, and arabesque detailing accent every space. The 207 rooms, suites, and villas are a celebration of understated elegance, each offering desert views that seem painted for your eyes only. For the ultimate in privacy and opulence, the newly introduced Sahra Villa and Al Sarab Villa provide a palatial escape, complete with private pools, outdoor majlis spaces, and panoramic terraces overlooking endless dunes.
Beyond its tranquil interiors, Qasr Al Sarab is rich in curated experiences. A sunrise camel trek evokes a sense of pilgrimage, each gentle sway bringing you deeper into the heart of the desert’s quiet majesty. For the intrepid, there are exhilarating Polaris dune rides, fat biking sessions at golden hour, and soft drives through undulating terrain to spot desert wildlife—gazelles, Arabian oryx, and, if luck allows, the elusive desert fox. Cultural explorers can delve into the UAE’s heritage through traditional Saluki and Falcon shows or join a Liwa tour to discover ancient forts and verdant oases that have long sustained desert life.
Those seeking wellness will find the Anantara Spa an oasis within an oasis. Tucked amidst golden dunes, the spa is a place where ancient rituals meet modern luxury. The signature Desert Fusion Massage uses hot stones and warmed sand poultices from the surrounding Rub’ al Khali to ease deep-seated tension. Guests can also indulge in the Traditional Moroccan Hammam—complete with a black olive soap cleanse, steam, and kessa mitt exfoliation—or embark on multi-day anti-ageing retreats using the revered Biologique Recherche skincare methodology.
The new Anantara Wellness & Meditation Centre enhances this focus on holistic wellbeing, offering everything from Tibetan singing bowl therapy and pranayama sessions to dawn and dusk yoga beneath the wide desert sky. It’s here, in the open-air serenity of the dunes, that guests often rediscover their breath and, along with it, a quieter state of mind.
As dusk falls, Qasr Al Sarab transforms into a culinary haven. At Suhail, the resort’s rooftop grill and lounge, fine cuts of meat are paired with views that stretch beyond the visible world. For Mediterranean fare under the stars, Ghadeer offers an intimate poolside setting, while Al Waha’s open kitchens plate up vibrant Middle Eastern flavours. Come the cooler months, Al Falaj by Dina Macki reopens with a reimagined menu steeped in Omani, Persian, and African culinary traditions—a sensory journey made all the more atmospheric by the surrounding Bedouin camp-style setting.
Of course, no desert stay is complete without a private dining experience carved out of the dunes. Dining by Design offers exactly that—an exclusive evening where a personal chef and butler serve a bespoke menu under a sky ablaze with stars. It’s a memory woven from candlelight, silence, and sublime cuisine—a celebration of solitude in the most enchanting sense.
Families are equally embraced here, with thoughtfully designed kids’ and teens’ clubs, seasonal wildlife spotting adventures, archery, and sandboarding, ensuring younger guests find their own magic among the dunes. For moments of reconnection, the resort’s newly introduced padel courts provide a sporty reprieve set against a cinematic backdrop.
Sustainability remains at the heart of the resort’s ethos. From solar-powered hot water systems to biodegradable water bottles, Qasr Al Sarab leads by example in eco-conscious luxury. The property’s ongoing partnerships with environmental agencies also allow guests the rare opportunity to witness Arabian Oryx reintroductions and participate in conservation storytelling woven into the guest experience.
At its core, Qasr Al Sarab is a poetic intersection of past and present, a place where the soul of Arabia is felt in every grain of sand and every silken sheet. It is not merely a stay—it is a transformative retreat that invites guests to unplug, to wander, and most importantly, to feel.
For bookings and further details, visit Anantara Qasr Al Sarab or call +971 (0)2 895 8700.
