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rains of golden sand dance across
the dunes, arabesque music fills
the air and the flickering flames
of the campfire lend a magical glow to the
Bedouin style dinner setting. What may
sound like an Arabian dream is delivered on
a golden platter to travellers who journey to
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara,
a resort that’s sure to earn a place on your
wish list due to its unique blend of Arabian
heritage, culture and luxury.
Located in the majestic Empty Quarter
(the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the
world), it feels a million miles away from
the capital, yet is just a two-hour drive from
Abu Dhabi’s Western region (Al Gharbia).
If you’re feeling flash, however, you can zip
there via helicopter in 50 minutes flat.
Emerging like a mirage amid the dunes,
this fortress-like resort offers relaxation and
Full of promise
For a quintessential Arabian desert adventure, look no further than this luxurious
resort nestled deep within Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter
adventure in equal measure. Rooms feature
hand-crafted furnishings made by local
artisans that evoke the spirit of Bedouin
culture. Stunning desert views come as
standard, so you feel fully immersed in your
surroundings at all times.
There’s so much more to do than gaze
at the shifting sands, however, thanks to
the extensive line-up of experiences that
make the most of the landscape’s rugged
beauty. From traversing the dunes atop
a camel to zooming over the sand in a
four-wheel drive and learning more about
the region’s fascinating heritage during
the falcon and saluki show, your passion
for adventure will be fired up here. There’s
ample opportunity to try something new,
from off-roading at your own pace on a fat
bike to renting a sandboard (it's Arabia’s
answer to snowboarding), and taking the
kids on an educational walk to learn more
about local fauna.
After a day of activity, Anantara Spa calls
you to unwind with a soothing treatment.
A highlight is the Moroccan hammam,
although the desert fusion massage
combining hot stone and Liwa sand massage
techniques is something out of the ordinary.
Dining against a desert backdrop never
gets old. For the most Instagrammable
views, head to The Sunset Lounge for
drinks. Next, make your way to Al Falaj
for a traditional dining experience. Get
comfortable on the floor cushions and let
the hypnotic sound of the qanun unwind
the mind as you tuck into delicious Middle
Eastern grills under a blanket of stars.
To find out more, call +971 2 886 2088
or visit anantara.com
WORLD TRAVELLER X QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT BY ANANTARA