World_Traveller_-_March_2019

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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

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Al Falaj restaurant

Moroccan hammam

Villa with private pool

Deluxe Twin Room with balcony