Experience tranquil luxury at Anantara’s Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
The Empty Quarter or the Rub’ al Khali is an expansive desert on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. Nestled amongst its dunes is a luxurious oasis – Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. The opulent desert resort offers many adventures, rejuvenating spa treatments, ritualistic hammams and exclusive suites. Read on to unlock your gateway to an extraordinarily memorable holiday at this majestic desert retreat in Abu Dhabi.
OPULENT ACCOMMODATION
Qasr Al Sarab at Anantara offers a variety of opulent rooms, suites and private villas. All rooms, suites and villa are inclusive of Wi-Fi and complimentary bottled water. Here are the details of all the accommodations at the desert resort:
ROOMS AT QASR AL SARAB
The luxe rooms at Qasr Al Sarab range between 45 to 50 square metres with indoor and outdoor spaces. Each room has massive windows with spectacular desert views. The rooms have three different types of terraces to choose from: garden, balcony or sun.
SUITES AT QASR AL SARAB
For a more luxurious stay, opt for the regal suites. The expansive suites have indoor and outdoor spaces, a terrace with a dining table, lounge area and sun loungers.
POOL VILLAS
Seeking privacy? Relax in one of the private villas at Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara in Abu Dhabi. The stunning private villas have between 130 and 210 square metres of indoor and outdoor space, a private plunge pool and a sundeck. These villas range from 2-to-3 spacious bedroom layouts and the dedicated villa host service will ensure you enjoy a completely comfortable stay.
ROYAL PAVILION POOL VILLAS
Royal Pavilion Pool villas are the epitome of luxury. Secluded from the rest of the resort, the Royal Pavilion villas have 130 square metres of indoor and outdoor space, a private pool, lounging and a dining terrace. These standalone villas with private plunge pools in Abu Dhabi are perfect for an intimate holiday in the desert.
RESTAURANTS AT QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT
Even though Qasr Al Sarab is tucked away in the dunes of Empty Quarter, the resort is still home to exquisite restaurants, lounges and bars. Explore the diverse flavours at these amazing Qasr Al Sarab restaurants. Note – non-hotel guests are required to make reservations before their visit.
AL WAHA
Al Waha at Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara is an international buffet restaurant. Start your mornings with a breakfast to remember, including beautifully flavoured Saj breads and Emirati pancakes.
- Timings: 07:00 am – 10:30 pm
- Average cost for two: AED 350
- Contact: +971-2-886-2088
GHADEER
Ghadeer is a Mediterranean poolside lounge and restaurant that offers a delicious spread of light snacks and refreshing cocktails. Ghadeer is also known for its romantic dinners after sunset.
- Timings: 12:00 pm – 09:00 pm
- Average cost for two: AED 410
- Contact: +971-2-886-2088
NASSEEM POOL BAR
Head to Nasseem Pool Bar at Qasr Al Sarab for signature mojitos and tempting snacks at this stunning swim-up bar.
- Timings:
- Pool: 07:00 am – 09:00 pm
- Drinks: 09:00 am – 09:00 pm
- Food: 12:00 pm – 09:00 pm
- Average cost for two: AED 315
- Contact: +971-2-886-2088
AL LIWAN
Enjoy light bites with beverages of your choice at Al Liwan. The stunning lounge is scented with distinctive aromas of Arabic-spiced brews, pastries and snacks with picturesque views of the desert dunes.
- Timings: 07:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Average cost for two: AED 290
- Contact: +971-2-886-2088
SUHAIL
Enjoy sunset cocktails and fine dining under the stars in Abu Dhabi at Suhail – an upscale lounge at Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara. This rooftop steakhouse offers the finest cuts of beef and world-class wine that will perfectly complement your meal.
- Timings:
- Bar: 03:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Dinner: 06:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Average cost for two: AED 750
- Contact: +971-2-886-2088
Besides these top restaurants at bars, Qasr Al Sarab also offers exclusive private barbecue dining in the desert, Bedouin-style dining experience at Al Falaj and an interactive chef experience at Spice Spoons. Private BBQ dinner in the desert requires 24-hour notice and is subject to weather conditions.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES AT QASR AL SARAB
When you visit this stunning desert resort in Abu Dhabi, there’s plenty of activities to keep you busy and entertained. From desert thrills to kids club and fitness centres – here are some of the best things to do at Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara.
DUNE BASHING
Dune bashing is amongst the most popular things to do at Qasr Al Sarab. Especially adapted 4×4 vehicles driven by experienced drivers and a guide take guests on an adrenaline-pumping adventure amidst the intimidating dunes of the Empty Quarter. Soft drives and Night Discovery drives are also available.
DESERT WALKS
Explore the majestic Empty Quarter with a guided desert walk. Learn about the area’s heritage, history and flora and fauna. Night Desert Walk is another experience you can’t miss. To behold the desert dunes under the moonlight is a spectacular sight.
CAMEL TREKKING
Embark on a journey dating back thousands of years ago on camelback. Explore the desert the traditional way by being a part of camel trekking tours at Qasr Al Sarab. The sunrise and sunset treks include a refreshment stop with an Arabian setting. Pick from the Sunrise and Sunset Quarter Exploration Treks and Medium Camel Dune Rides.
HORSE RIDING
Horses are a vital part of the Arabian culture and horse riding is still a popular way to transverse the desert. Guests can also be a part of horseback riding at Qasr Al Sarab. Horse rides are available for beginners and intermediate riders. The activity is available from October to May.
FAT BIKING
Fat Biking is another popular activity at Qasr Al Sarab, particularly for kids aged 14 and upwards. There are different treks and routes to pick from. Take these specially designed fat bikes for dunes on routes suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders.
ARCHERY
Try your hand at the ancient sport of archery at Qasr Al Sarab. The dedicated archery arena features static targets set for various shooting ranges. Archery is available for kids as young as eight years old and adults. Archery sessions are held throughout the day and each session takes about 90 minutes to complete.
FALCON AND SALUKI SHOW
Falcon and Saluki show is another popular thing to do at Qasr Al Sarab. Both Falcon and Saluki are national symbols. For centuries they have been trained to become hunting companions for Bedouin tribes. Saluki is agile and demonstrates impressive hunting techniques. Catch all the action at the Falcon and Saluki shows at Qasr Al Sarab.
SANDBOARDING
Thrill-seekers can also try sandboarding on the majestic dunes of the Empty Quarter. Race your friends down the slopes and see who reaches the bottom first!
GIANT CHESS OR JENGA GAMES
There’s a new giant games area in the desert sand that’s perfect for a fun time with friends or family. Play a chess match with giant pawns or a game of Jenga.
SAND VOLLEYBALL
Play volleyball in the sand and challenge your friends, family or other guests for a fun game.
SPA AND FITNESS
Experiencing the string of excitement and thrills at the resort could tire you out but the spa at Qasr Al Sarab offers signature treatments, hammams and other rejuvenating massages to help you unwind and relax. The cost of a spa treatment is AED 680 onwards. The resort also has a fully equipped gym and a health centre.
KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AT QASR AL SARAB
Little guests can also be a part of fun activities at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. The resort has a dedicated kids pool, kids club and other activities for little ones, such as cooking, yoga and dance classes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE QASR AL SARAB ABU DHABI LOCATION?
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara address is 1 Qasr Al Sarab Road in Jurayrah.
HOW FAR IS QASR AL SARAB RESORT FROM ABU DHABI?
The luxury desert resort is approximately 200 kilometres away from Abu Dhabi city centre.
HOW CAN I GET TO QASR AL SARAB IN ABU DHABI?
By private car or taxi. However, the resort does also offer car transfers. Contact the resort administration for more information. The best route to get there is to take the E65 Highway.
WHAT IS THE QASR AL SARAB CONTACT NUMBER?
The Qasr Al Sarab contact number is +971-2-895-8700.
That’s a wrap on our guide to Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Popular amongst tourists and locals alike, the remoteness and seclusion of the resort is why guests keep coming back to the Qasr Al Sarab. Just like other Anantara hotels and resorts in the UAE, Qasr Al Sarab is the epitome of luxury.
You’ll also find other impressive desert resorts in Abu Dhabi like Telal and Arabian Nights Village.
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