Qasr Al Sarab Resort (4.5*)

• Deluxe

Located on the ground floor and facing the desert, Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort’s Deluxe Rooms combine glorious royal Arabic décor with private terraces and access to the garden area. Stunning views of the uninterrupted desert valley are complimented by the interior’s sumptuous and inviting design, brought to life by a silver and bronze bejeweled chandelier. Lie back on the king-size or twin beds with high tread-count linen, or take a relaxing soak in the oversized round bathtub or rain shower. All the while, our desert accommodation’s luxurious amenities such as flat-screen TV with DVD player, media box, free wi-fi, personal Nespresso coffee machine, a pillow menu, air-conditioning and a work station await you.

• Deluxe Balcony

Located on Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara’s upper floor, our Deluxe Balcony Rooms come equipped with a private balcony and seating area from which to take in the dramatic desert valley view. Our luxury accommodation brings the splendor of the Emirates indoors, with Arabian décor designed to immerse you in a vibrant and majestic culture. Each room is fitted with an oversized round bathtub big enough for two and rain shower to wash away any aches and stresses. A host of five-star amenities including flat-screen TV with DVD player, media box, free wi-fi, personal Nespresso coffee machine, a pillow menu, air-conditioning and a work station provide for all your needs.

• Deluxe Terrace

With your own expansive rustic-style terrace, it will feel more like you’re in a suite when you choose a Deluxe Terrace Room. Each terrace provides not just uninterrupted desert valley views, but also an intimate outdoor dining area and day beds on which to recline in either the sun or shade. These corner rooms on the upper floor comprise 50 square metres of space finished to the highest standard of Arabian design. The perfect combination of indoor/outdoor living, whichever part of the room you choose to be you’ll be well taken care of with flat-screen TV, DVD player, media box, free wi-fi, personal Nespresso coffee machine, a pillow menu, air-conditioning and a work station.

• 1 Bedroom Sleep

The 14 One-Bedroom Suites at Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara each come with a palatial king-size bedroom, separate living room, and the option to connect with a twin bedroom for families. Bask in our Abu Dhabi hotel’s meticulous approach to tasteful Arabian décor, or sit out on your private patio complete with dining set and sun loungers. All suites come with additional Anantara benefits, including oversized round bathtubs, rain showers and kitchenettes. Accommodation features such as desert views, flat-screen TV, DVD player, media box, free wi-fi, personal Nespresso coffee machine, a pillow menu and a work station all come as standard.

• 1 Bedroom Villa

The 29 One-Bedroom Villas at Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara are designed for those who enjoy their privacy, plenty of space and top-of-the-line amenities. Bask in the sun beside your private plunge pool. Retire to the outdoor shade for a cocktail brought to you by your personalised butler service. Rinse down under the outdoor shower before slinking inside to relax amid fine Arabian décor. Our desert villas provide accommodation to suit the most demanding of requirements. Each luxury lodging comes equipped with a kitchenette, spacious bathroom with rain shower, flat-screen TV, DVD player, media box, free wi-fi, personal Nespresso coffee machine, a pillow menu, air-conditioning and a work station.

• Al Waha

Al Waha, or ‘The Oasis’, serves as an all-day dining haven of gastronomic delights. A tantalising buffet with live cooking stations showcases Middle Eastern and international cuisine with a touch of traditional Emirati flair. The authentic flavours of this Abu Dhabi desert restaurant include Makbous, Shawarma, Hareess and Biryani, all brought to life by selected theme nights featuring local performance artists.

• Suhail

Named after a star that Bedouins of old used to navigate through the desert, Suhail serves the finest cuts of meat and the freshest seafood from across the world. At this rooftop bar and restaurant, guests can enjoy a tranquil atmosphere and sweeping views of the wadi below while they partake in fine dining with a French touch. Bask in cosy armchairs on the roof terrace or retire indoors for air-conditioned comfort and private dining options. Exclusive degustation dinners and wine tastings can also be arranged.

• Ghadeer

Offering icy treats to help you stay cool at this poolside bar as well as popular grilled sandwiches and light meals on an adjoining terrace for casual outdoor dining. By night, Al Ghadeer restaurant transforms into a romantic retreat, offering local favourites like the Arabic Mixed Grill and Rabbit Leg as well as ethnic Mediterranean cuisine with influences from Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal.

• Al Liwan

With its name meaning ‘a gathering place’, Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort’s lobby bar takes on the flavour of a Middle Eastern bazaar. Local food and drinks such as strong Arabian coffee, mint teas, Arabic pastries and dates from Liwa offer distinctly authentic taste sensations. Must-try items include harerowa, ginger tea with milk, shay bezaafaran and chay halib bezaatar, all complimented perfectly by local decoration inspired by UAE culture.

• Pool at Night

Our freeform infinity-edge swimming pool overlooks the magnificent valley and wadi down below. Families and couples alike gather to soak up the island sun, plunge into the refreshing waters and gaze over the edge where animals graze and harbour for shade and water. Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort’s state-of-the-art fitness centre and yoga studio allow guests to maintain their fitness regimen throughout the day and late into the evening. The fitness room features a vast array of high-tech machines, ranging from cardiovascular exercise to free weights and other strength training machines. Practice your shots day and night at our impeccably maintained floodlit tennis court. We can provide all the equipment you need along with a little expert guidance. For those who want to avoid the day-time desert heat, the court stays open well into the night for evening play under the stars.

• Anantara Spa

Amid the arid desert landscape of Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter, the verdant qualities of oases have become a symbol of eternal life. Anantara mirrors this in a haven of absolute serenity at Anantara Spa at Qasr Al Sarab. Soothe your senses and cleanse your soul with the timeless ancient rituals of ayurveda and other massage disciplines, professional therapists and a range of therapeutic tonics blended from dates and other exotic ingredients. Anantara’s dedication to the wisdom behind the natural health beliefs of ancient traditions invites you to fulfill this journey amid a serene desert landscape. The luxury spa at Qasr Al Sarab is designed around central Hammam healing baths, which have served as a place of time-honoured rituals for cleansing and revitalising both body and soul for centuries. Deep in the desert, the spa is tucked into tranquil courtyards with trickling fountains and aromatic hanging gardens.