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Discover Anantara Qasr Al Sarab

Hidden deep within the vast dunes of the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali), the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is one of the world’s most extraordinary desert escapes, a place where ancient Arabian heritage meets world-class luxury. Just a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi, this iconic resort offers an immersive experience of serenity, authenticity, and desert adventure, ideal for both couples and families.

Location & Setting

Set within the Liwa Desert, one of the largest uninterrupted sand deserts on Earth, Qasr Al Sarab (meaning “Palace of the Mirage”) rises like an oasis surrounded by towering golden dunes. The journey there is as breathtaking as the destination itself endless sands shimmering under the Arabian sun, culminating in the resort’s majestic fortress-style architecture.

Its remote setting makes it a perfect choice for those seeking peace, nature, and cultural authenticity. Despite its seclusion, it’s easily accessible from Abu Dhabi International Airport (approx. 2 hours by car) or Dubai (around 3.5 hours) via a smooth desert highway.

Architecture & Authenticity

Inspired by ancient desert fortresses, the resort blends seamlessly with the landscape. The architecture features earthy tones, traditional Arabian courtyards, and intricate lantern-lit pathways that reflect Emirati heritage. Every detail, from hand-carved wooden doors to date palms swaying in the breeze, transports guests to another time, celebrating the region’s Bedouin traditions with sophistication and grace.

Rooms & Accommodation

Qasr Al Sarab offers a wide selection of luxurious rooms, suites, and pool villas designed with desert-inspired interiors, private terraces, and panoramic dune views.

• Deluxe Garden or Balcony Rooms: Spacious, elegant, and ideal for couples.

• One-Bedroom Pool Villas: Private oases with plunge pools and sundecks.

• Family Two-Bedroom Villas: Perfect for families seeking privacy and comfort.

• Royal Pavilion Villas: Exclusive desert residences offering the highest level of privacy and personalized service.

Every accommodation is designed with luxury in mind, with handcrafted furniture, deep soaking tubs, and soft desert tones that create a sense of calm and intimacy.

Dining & Culinary Outlets

The resort’s dining venues celebrate Arabic, international, and Asian flavors, with settings that range from elegant dining rooms to starlit dunes.

• Al Waha: The main restaurant serving international and Middle Eastern buffets.

• Suhail: A refined steakhouse and grill overlooking the dunes, perfect for sunset dinners.

• Ghadeer: A poolside Mediterranean restaurant with relaxed lounge vibes.

• Al Liwan Lounge: An atmospheric setting for Arabic coffee, teas, and pastries.

• Dining by Design: A private dinner experience on the sand dunes, one of the most romantic in the UAE.

Activities & Desert Adventures

Anantara Qasr Al Sarab transforms the desert into a playground for exploration and connection with nature:

• Camel trekking: Ride across the golden dunes like the Bedouins once did.

• 4x4 Desert Dune Drives: Feel the thrill of the rolling sands with guided off-road adventures.

• Falconry Displays: Witness the UAE’s ancient hunting tradition.

• Sandboarding & Fat Biking: Fun activities for both adults and kids.

• Desert Yoga & Sunrise Meditation: Reconnect with nature and yourself.

• Desert Walks & Photography Tours: Discover the quiet magic of the Empty Quarter.

The resort also offers guided excursions into the Liwa National Park, home to fascinating wildlife such as Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, and desert foxes, best spotted during early morning or evening tours.

Nature & Wildlife

Despite its harsh environment, the Liwa Desert is rich in biodiversity. Guests can often see herds of oryx, gazelles, lizards, and migratory birds in the surrounding dunes. The resort actively supports wildlife preservation and sustainable desert tourism, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Wellness & Spa

The Anantara Spa is a sanctuary of wellness offering Arabian-inspired rituals, hammam experiences, and holistic therapies using indigenous desert ingredients. The setting surrounded by silence and shifting sands makes every treatment feel deeply restorative.

Family-Friendly Features

While often chosen by honeymooners and couples, Qasr Al Sarab is also wonderfully family-friendly. The Kids’ Club offers desert-inspired activities, while families can enjoy joint adventures like camel rides or private villa stays with pools. Babysitting services are available, and family villas ensure privacy and comfort.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is between October and April, when the weather is mild and pleasant (22°C–30°C). During summer (May–September), temperatures rise significantly, but the resort remains open and offers special rates for off-season travellers seeking peace and exclusivity.

How to Get There

• From Abu Dhabi: Approx. 2 hours by private transfer or self-drive.

• From Dubai: Around 3.5 hours via the E11 and E65 highways.
  Private transfers arranged by Liberty Travel Albania ensure a comfortable, scenic journey through the desert landscape.

Unparalleled Luxury & Signature Experiences

Luxury at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab isn’t just about design; it’s about authentic desert opulence blended with intuitive service. Every experience, from the warm Arabic welcome to the private sunset dinners among the dunes, reflects the Anantara philosophy of “luxury with meaning.”

1. Signature Desert Architecture & Ambience
Every element, from handcrafted Mashrabiya latticework to antique lanterns and traditional majlis seating, has been curated to evoke the spirit of ancient Arabia. The resort’s lantern-lit corridors and palm-lined courtyards create a cinematic desert atmosphere unmatched anywhere in the UAE.

2. Exceptional Privacy & Villa Luxury
Guests staying in Royal Pavilion Villas or Anantara Pool Villas enjoy private butler service, exclusive check-in, and chauffeured buggies. Villas open directly onto panoramic dunes with infinity-edge pools, alfresco showers, and outdoor majlis areas for private dining or stargazing.

3. Exclusive Experiences for the Elite Traveller

• Private Helicopter Transfers: For VIP guests, arrivals can be arranged directly to the resort’s helipad for an unforgettable aerial journey over the Empty Quarter.
• Dining by Design: A hallmark of Anantara, this private desert dining concept allows guests to dine under the stars with personal chefs and bespoke menus.
• Starlight Astronomy Nights: Professional astronomers host desert sky observations with telescopes, a magical, educational experience unique to Qasr Al Sarab.
• Anantara Signature Spa Rituals: Couples and VIP guests can book the Desert Romance Journey, including milk baths, massages, and aromatic rituals inspired by desert flora and frankincense.

4. Sustainability with Style
Luxury here also means responsibility. The resort practices eco-friendly water management, supports the protection of the Arabian oryx, and sources organic ingredients locally. Even the spa and kitchen products use date-seed oil and camel milk, honoring desert traditions.

5. Refined Service Philosophy
Staff are trained in Anantara’s signature service ethos, “tailored yet discreet.” From remembering guests’ preferred coffee orders to preparing customized excursions, service feels deeply personal yet never intrusive.

6. Exclusive Desert Events & Private Occasions
Qasr Al Sarab is also a coveted destination for luxury weddings and private events. The Royal Pavilion Villas, or sunset terraces, transform into magical venues for intimate celebrations surrounded by candlelight and dunes.

Q&A – Plan Your Stay at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab

Q: Is the resort suitable for families with children?
Yes. Family villas, kids’ activities, and adventure programs make it ideal for all ages.

Q: Can you visit Liwa National Park from the resort?
Absolutely. Guided wildlife tours can be arranged through the resort’s activity centre.

Q: What is the dress code?
Smart casual for dinners; light, breathable fabrics for day excursions.

Q: Is alcohol served at the resort?
Yes, licensed outlets serve fine wines and signature cocktails.

Q: Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted at the property.

Plan Your Stay with Liberty Travel Albania

Experience the serenity of the desert with Liberty Travel Albania, your trusted travel agency in Tirana for tailor-made luxury holidays and exclusive rates at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort.

Our team will arrange every detail from flights and private desert transfers to villa selection, dining reservations, and curated experiences such as dune dining, spa escapes, and cultural tours in Abu Dhabi.

Contact Liberty Travel Albania today to plan your unforgettable desert retreat where timeless Arabian heritage meets five-star elegance beneath the endless stars of the Liwa Desert.

For more information, please visit the following link:

https://www.anantara.com/en/qasr-al-sarab-abu-dhabi?