Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort5

Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort leaves guests with the feeling of a genuine Arabian fairy tale come to life amid the endless dunes of the Rub' al Khali. Travelers unanimously call the hotel one of the best places they have ever stayed, noting the remarkable harmony of traditional architecture and first-class comfort. The private villas with their own pools opening directly onto the sand sea and the phenomenal level of hospitality inspire particular admiration. The only significant compromises for guests are the high restaurant and excursion prices, as well as the long drive from the UAE’s major cities.

Key Observations

Incredible level of service: The staff surrounds guests with care from the moment of arrival, creating an atmosphere of genuine family warmth and a royal welcome.

Unique seclusion: The deep-desert location guarantees absolute silence, stunning sunrises, and a starry sky without light pollution.

Trajectory: According to guests who have returned here over several years (including visits in 2024–2026), the resort has risen even higher thanks to the restaurant refresh led by Colombian chef Andres and the opening of a magnificent adults-only panoramic infinity pool.

Main Pros

• Stunning ancient Arabian fortress-style architecture, harmoniously integrated into the landscape.
• Luxurious rooms and secluded villas with private pools and personal butler service.
• Outstanding spa with a Moroccan hammam and highly skilled therapists.
• A huge selection of authentic desert experiences: sunset camel rides, jeep safaris, archery, and falconry.
• A very pet-friendly policy (they provide quality beds, toys, and treats for dogs).

Main Cons

• Very high prices for restaurant menus, spa treatments, and additional activities.
• Considerable distance from civilization and a long drive (up to 3–4 hours).
• In hot summer months, daytime outdoor activities are practically impossible, and pool water can be excessively warm.

Overall Grade: A+

Hotel Overview

Basic Information:

• Name: Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
• Address: 1 Qasr Al Sarab Road, Liwa Desert, Liwa Oasis, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Contact details: Tel: +971-2-8862088, email: [email protected]
• Year opened: 2009
• Number of rooms: 205–207
• Positioning and category: Five-star luxury desert resort

Description: The hotel’s concept is inspired by the grandeur of ancient Arabian fortresses. The architectural ensemble consists of low-rise buildings with towers, narrow lanes, and internal courtyards, recreating the atmosphere of a historic settlement. Interiors are finished with natural stone, wood, handmade carpets, and oriental lamps. Accommodation rates typically include access to the pools, the Technogym fitness center, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Target Audience: Couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary, families with children seeking an exotic and tranquil holiday, and lovers of secluded luxury and nature. The hotel will not suit fans of nightlife and city shopping.

Location & Transport

Location: The hotel is located in the Mahdar bin Usayyan area of the Liwa Oasis, on the edge of the Rub' al Khali desert, near the border with Saudi Arabia. Within a radius of more than 140 km there are no other buildings, only majestic fiery-hued dunes.

Key Points of Interest: The drive from Abu Dhabi takes about 2.5–3 hours, and from Dubai 3.5 to 4 hours. The main attraction around is the desert itself with its sand hills.

Transport: The hotel offers a paid airport transfer. Guests can order electric carts (buggies) to move quickly around the vast resort grounds — they arrive within a few minutes of being requested via app or by phone. For guests with cars, free valet parking and EV charging are available.

Walkability: The vast grounds invite evening strolls. Guests can freely and safely walk beyond the hotel directly onto the sand dunes to admire the sunset or sunrise.

Grade: A+

Rooms & Cleanliness

The resort offers terrace rooms, suites, and villas with private pools (ranging from 45 to 467 sq. m). The Royal Pavilion villas are especially popular, located as far as possible from the main building to ensure absolute privacy. Rooms are decorated in a traditional style and feature comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms. Housekeeping is performed twice daily with exceptional thoroughness. Soundproofing is superb — rooms are completely silent. The only guest complaint is the limited number of electrical outlets near the beds.

Grade: A+

Service

The staff provides an exceptional level of care. Many guests call the service here the best of their lives. The team pays attention to the smallest details and arranges complimentary treats and surprises for celebrations. Guests warmly highlight the work of guest relations manager Sasha, manager Arun, and butlers Lahiru, Islam, Rajith, and Faran. Restaurant staff members Shane, Mary Love, Mehraj, Leo, and Florencia, as well as guides Nazir and Satish, also receive excellent feedback. Communication is available in several languages, including Russian. During peak periods, occasional small delays in buggy requests or in-room dining delivery can occur due to staffing shortages.

Grade: A+

Dining

Breakfasts at Al Waha restaurant (buffet) have earned legendary status: the selection of European, Asian, and Arabic dishes is incredibly rich, with abundant fruit, fresh pastries, and made-to-order egg dishes. The resort is home to the premium Suhail steakhouse, the Mediterranean Ghadeer restaurant by the pool, and the Arabic Al Falaj, where dinners are served under the open desert sky with live music. The pool menu offers excellent burgers and snacks. Restaurant prices are very high, but the quality of the food and service matches the five-star status.

Grade: A

Facilities & Amenities

The main 55-meter pool delights with cleanliness and superb service (guests are offered water, fruit ice, and even have their sunglasses cleaned). A separate adults-only infinity pool with a bar is also available. The 24-hour fitness center is equipped with Technogym machines. The spa offers a magnificent Moroccan hammam and massages (special thanks to therapists Rita and Tshering). A variety of activities are available: camel riding, jeep safaris, archery, and sandboarding. Wi-Fi is stable and fast throughout the property.

Grade: A+

Important Notes

• Accommodation, dining, and excursions are expensive.
• In summer heat (June–August), daytime temperatures exceed +40 °C, making daytime walks uncomfortable.
• A standard UAE tourist tax is charged upon departure.

Practical Tips for Guests

• Book desert excursions and activities at least one day in advance, as spots fill up quickly.
• If you are traveling in the hot summer season, choose sunrise camel tours (they start around 05:00, when the air is still cool).
• Given the high restaurant prices at the hotel, it makes sense to bring a supply of light snacks, packaged snacks, or instant noodles, especially if you are traveling with children.
• Be sure to allow plenty of travel time: the drive from Dubai takes about 4 hours, so for a proper stay it’s best to book at least two nights.

Final Verdict

Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is a unique masterpiece of Arabian architecture and service amid the majestic dunes of the Rub' al Khali, delivering unforgettable impressions of desert seclusion.

Overall Grade: A+

Breakdown: Location: A+ | Rooms: A+ | Service: A+ | Dining: A | Facilities: A+ | Value for Money: B+

Best for: Connoisseurs of uncompromising luxury, couples seeking romantic seclusion or celebrating special occasions, and families with pets.

Not for: Budget travelers and those planning to actively combine their stay with trips to cities and shopping.