QASR AL SARAB BY ANANTARA | ABU DHABI | A REFINED STAY REVIEW
Updated: Aug 19
The very first thought that crossed my mind, while sipping a chilled welcome drink after a long drive through the desert, was this :
A Desert resort so stunning, even Aladdin would have used all three wishes just to stay here.
There are places that feel imagined - too beautiful to be real—that's exactly how Qasr Al Sarab feels like — a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere.
IN THE MIDDLE OF ENDLESS SAND DUNES
Qasr Al Sarab is one of Anantara's most iconic desert resorts.
Miles and Miles of untouched golden sand stretched in every direction, and the closer we got to the resort, the more surreal it felt—and in the middle was this grand resort.
The resort sits within Rub' al Khali— the world's largest uninterrupted sand desert— in Abu Dhabi, around a three-hour drive from Dubai.
ROOMS & COMFORT
A Desert resort so stunning, even Aladdin would have used all three wishes just to stay here.
There are places that feel imagined - too beautiful to be real—that's exactly how Qasr Al Sarab feels like — a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere.
IN THE MIDDLE OF ENDLESS SAND DUNES
Qasr Al Sarab is one of Anantara's most iconic desert resorts.
Miles and Miles of untouched golden sand stretched in every direction, and the closer we got to the resort, the more surreal it felt—and in the middle was this grand resort.
The resort sits within Rub' al Khali— the world's largest uninterrupted sand desert— in Abu Dhabi, around a three-hour drive from Dubai.
ROOMS & COMFORT
I stayed in the Two Bedroom Pool Villa, with spacious indoor-outdoor living. The fact that the whole resort had this distinctive Arabian interiors that could have been in a fairytale depiction, but design with modern comfort..
The private terrace was easily my favorite part. Watching the dunes change from gold to amber as the sun began to set became something I looked forward to every evening.
DINING - ARABIAN FLAVORS WITH INTERNATIONAL TOUCHES
Dining was one of the highlights of the stay.
The menus embraced Arabian flavors while blending them with international cuisine with a twist.
One dessert I still think about is the Tiramisu. I never imagined I'd be enjoying tiramisu from my private cabana while overlooking what felt like an endless ocean of sand dunes.
The resort offers several dining options, each with different ambience. Suhail is perfect for sunset views, Ghadeer offers relaxed poolside dining, while Al Falaj became my personal favorite. The outdoor setting, illuminated by lanterns, elevated my candle light dinner expereince.
Whenever I needed a quiet break, I usually found myself at Al Liwan Lobby Lounge. Even the in-room dining exceeded my expectations and never compromised on the quality or service.
ONE OF MY FAVORITE POOLS
The infinity pool genuinely felt like an oasis in the middle of the desert. The main pool was equally enjoyable and became the perfect place for a long swim. It also has dedicated family and children's areas, making it suitable for everyone.
I realized this was probably the first resort where I had actually tried every pool—including the private one in my villa.
RELAXATION - A TRUE STAYCATION DESTINATION
If relaxation is what you're looking for in your next vacation, Qasr Al Sarab offers plenty of options. From Hammam rituals and couples' spa treatments to ice baths, there was something for everyone.
My favorite experience was the Traditional Moroccan Hammam. The combination of steam, exfoliation, and essential oils left me feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated.
ACTIVITIES THAT KEPT ME BUSY
I honestly thought I wouldn't enjoy many of the outdoor activities because of the desert heat. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Some of my favorites included:
Sunset Camel Trekking - A peaceful ride through the dunes, ending with refreshments in a traditional Arabian setting.
Dune Bashing - Easily one of the most exciting experiences. Equal parts thrilling and breathtaking—would recommend for the Adrenaline rush
Stargazing - Away from city lights, explore the night sky differently up close
Desert walks at Dawn - Watching the sun slowly rise from the dunes was one of a kind experience.
Ezba Experience - A wonderful introduction to Emirati traditions, including oud music, local crafts and pottery.
Falcon - Incredibly adorable and majestic at the same time
Clay Shooting - Surprisingly addictive. I enjoyed it so much that I came back for both the morning and evening sessions
Tennis - I never imagined I'd be playing tennis in the middle of desert, which made it one of the most memorable courts I've ever played on.
WHY THIS PLACE WAS EVERY BIT AS MAGICAL AS IT SOUNDED
This stay genuinely surprised me. I expected a beautiful luxury resort, but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. There was something incredibly calming about being surrounded by nothing but sand dunes, with no distractions and nowhere else to be.
Every corner reflected Arabian heritage and culture. Even today, I still think about the intricate woodwork and handcrafted details throughtout the resort.
Qasr Al Sarab didn't just exceed my expectations. It refined them. And if Aladdin really had three wishes, I still think he would have used every one of them to stay here.
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