Quick Facts

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Location:

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Highlights:

★★★★★

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Car
Approx. 2 hr drive from Abu Dhabi city

Large

207

• Oasis luxury
• Private villas

• Iconic desert setting
• Diverse desert activities

Reviewed by Florian

Getting There – A Scenic Desert Arrival

Located deep in the Liwa Desert of the Abu Dhabi emirate, Qasr Al Sarab is about 2 hours and 15 minutes by car from Abu Dhabi city, and approximately 3 hours from Dubai. The drive itself becomes part of the experience.

As you leave the highway and begin winding your way through the dunes, the scenery becomes increasingly surreal. Towering sand dunes shift colors with the sun, and the sense of isolation intensifies in the best possible way. When you finally see the resort rising from the desert like a mirage, it’s truly awe-inspiring.

The final 15 minutes of the drive are particularly breathtaking. You feel like you’re entering another world, far removed from city life.

Our Stay – One Bedroom Anantara Pool Villa (N°16)

Let’s continue this review of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort with our beautiful villa.

We stayed in a One Bedroom Anantara Pool Villa, and from the moment we entered, we knew this was something special. The villa was incredibly spacious, offering a large living area, separate bedroom, indoor and outdoor showers, and, our favorite part, a private pool with panoramic views of the surrounding desert.

The villa's design blends traditional Arabian architecture with understated luxury. Think warm earthy tones, carved wooden details, and high-end amenities. The bed was one of the most comfortable we’ve slept in, and waking up to a sunrise over the dunes from bed is something we won’t forget.

The outdoor terrace is beautifully private, with sun loungers, shaded areas, and enough space to spend the entire day soaking in the view.

Fitness & Wellness in Top-Tier Facilities

The gym at Qasr Al Sarab is not just well-equipped. It’s among the largest and most impressive hotel gyms we've seen in the region. It features the latest Technogym equipment, multiple training zones, and ample space for cardio, weights, and stretching.

We also tried the Anantara Spa, which is every bit as serene as you’d hope. Tucked away in a quiet courtyard, the spa features luxurious treatment rooms, plunge pools, and a peaceful relaxation area. We both booked the Anantara signature massage, and it was exceptional: firm, precise, and deeply relaxing.

Whether you’re a wellness traveler or simply want to indulge during your stay, the spa and fitness options here are truly world-class.

Dining: A Culinary Highlight

Dining is another area where Qasr Al Sarab truly excels and that we wanted to cover in this review. Every meal we had was memorable.

The breakfast buffet deserves a special mention. It's vast, beautifully presented, and includes everything from traditional Middle Eastern dishes to freshly baked pastries, live egg and pancake stations, smoothie bars, and more. The pastries, in particular, were outstanding: crispy croissants, pain au chocolat, and local date-based sweets that hit the perfect balance of flavor and indulgence.

For lunch and dinner, there are several options including Al Waha (international and regional cuisine), Ghadeer (Mediterranean, set near the pool), and Suhail, the resort’s fine-dining rooftop grill with spectacular desert views. Every dish we tried was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with quality ingredients. Even room service was excellent.

If you're a foodie, this resort won’t disappoint.

The Pools:
Designed for All Seasons

The resort offers two beautiful pools to suit every guest’s mood. The main central pool is a large, palm-fringed oasis surrounded by desert gardens, plenty of loungers, and shaded cabanas. It is family friendly while still feeling serene and luxurious, with a dedicated children’s area and shallow zones. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend the whole afternoon soaking up the sun.

For guests seeking a quieter retreat, the resort’s new adults-only infinity pool (opened in 2023) provides stunning uninterrupted desert views and a peaceful, refined atmosphere.

Both pools are thoughtfully temperature-controlled - cooled in summer and heated in winter - so you can swim comfortably year-round. During our visit, we experienced cool desert evenings, and the heated pool made swimming completely enjoyable. It’s these extra touches that make the experience here feel so luxurious and well-considered.

Desert Activities – Unique and Unforgettable

No Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort review would be complete without talking about the incredible desert activities available.

We chose to do archery one morning, and it was a fun, well-guided session that took place in a scenic open area near the resort. The instructors were patient and made it enjoyable for all skill levels.

Later that afternoon, we booked a dune walk experience. A 4x4 took us deep into the desert where the silence is absolute, and the sand stretches endlessly in every direction. We spent about an hour walking barefoot over the dunes, just as the sun began to dip toward the horizon. It was a super nice experience and enabled us to enjoy a beautiful sunset on top of the dune.

Other experiences include camel trekking, falconry, sandboarding, and desert drives. These are perfect for those wanting to explore and connect with this remarkable landscape.

The Service – Consistently Excellent

Anantara is known for its warm, attentive hospitality, and Qasr Al Sarab lives up to that reputation in every way. From the check-in staff to the housekeeping team, restaurant servers, and activities coordinators, the level of care and professionalism was clear.

Every request was met with a smile, and service was always prompt, without being intrusive. It's the kind of resort where you feel genuinely cared for, but still enjoy plenty of privacy and space.

Final Thoughts: Review of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

Few places in the world offer the combination of natural beauty, comfort, and cultural authenticity that Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara does. It's a place that feels both grand and personal, remote yet accessible, indulgent yet grounded.

From our stunning pool villa and the inspiring desert activities to the world-class dining and impeccable service, our stay was flawless. It’s a destination we’d recommend for couples, families, and solo travelers alike, anyone looking to reconnect with nature, unwind in luxury, and experience the soul of the Arabian desert.

If you’re planning a trip to the UAE or live nearby and want a short but unforgettable escape, this review of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort makes it clear: this is one resort that absolutely lives up to the hype.

Contact us for more information or to book with the most competitive rates.

Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Resort Tour