Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort
Arabian fortress fantasy meets genuine desert immersion. The interiors lean heavily into earthy hues, bronze chandeliers, embroidered Bedouin fabrics and jewelled lanterns — it's theatrical without being kitsch. Quiet during the day, magnetic at sunset.
Book the Deluxe Terrace Room if you want an upper-floor corner unit with a proper wraparound outdoor terrace — it's the sweet spot between rooms and suites
Why It Matters
One of the most dramatically situated hotels on the planet. The Rub' Al Khali (Empty Quarter) setting is genuinely remote and genuinely extraordinary. The fort-like architecture doesn't look out of place — it looks like it belongs. The property also has a private helipad capable of accommodating 14 helicopters, which tells you all you need to know about its clientele.
Qasr Al Sarab rises from the Rub' Al Khali — the world's largest continuous sand desert — looking like a fortress that has been standing there for centuries. All turrets, battlements, courtyard fountains and Arabic lanterns. It's 2.5 hours from Abu Dhabi and 3.5 from Dubai, down 12 km of desert track after the last fuel station. Getting here is half the theatre. The property spreads across a low-rise compound of 206 rooms, suites and villas, all facing the same thing: endless flame-coloured dunes that rise up to 250 metres. And here's the thing — every bathroom has an oversized soaking tub looking at those dunes too.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
Al Sarab Villa
Two-bedroom signature villa with private pool, outdoor terrace, butler service, and an optional private majlis. Steps from the open desert. Can be booked with the adjacent majlis space for group entertaining.
Two Bedrooms (King configuration)
Anantara Suite
Ground-floor suite with a separate indoor lounge and a large private terrace equipped with dining furniture and sun loungers. At 106 sqm it's over double the footprint of the standard rooms. King bed, connects to an adjoining twin room for families.
King · 106 sqm
Deluxe Balcony Room
Upper-floor room with a private balcony that frames the desert valley below. Among the most requested room types — you're elevated enough to get real drama from the dune views. King or twin configuration.
King or Twin · 45 sqm
Deluxe Garden Room
Ground-floor room with private terrace and direct access to the resort gardens. The desert dunes are right there on the other side of the greenery — you watch the sun set behind them from your terrace. King or twin bed available. Same oversized soaking tub and rain shower as all other room categories.
King or Twin · 45 sqmDeluxe Terrace Room
Upper-floor corner room — the largest of the standard room tier at 50 sqm — with a 45 sqm rustic-style outdoor terrace for dining and lounging. King bed only, panoramic desert views from the wraparound position. The most generous room-category option before you step into suites.
King · 50 sqmOne Bedroom Anantara Pool Villa
The entry point to the villa experience: 130 sqm with a private plunge pool, sun bed, cabana, outdoor shower, and al fresco dining terrace all overlooking the dunes. Villa host service included. Interior has a kitchenette and the full suite of tech (Bose speaker, Apple TV, Chromecast).
King · 130 sqm
Royal Pavilion Pool Villa
Adults-only. Set half a kilometre from the main resort compound, these 10 villas are as secluded as desert accommodation gets. Each has one king bedroom, separate living and dining area, private plunge pool and daybed terrace. A personal villa host delivers meals to you out here — you can go an entire day without seeing the main resort. Ochre dunes on every side.
King · 130 sqmSahra Villa
The largest and most private villa on the property: four bedrooms, private pool, indoor and outdoor living spaces, and a terrace overlooking the dunes. Sleeps a larger group in complete seclusion. Described as Abu Dhabi's most palatial villa.
Four Twin BedroomsThree Bedroom Anantara Family Pool Villa
210 sqm villa for larger groups — two king beds and one twin, private pool, and outdoor space configured for private barbecue dining prepared by your chef and villa host. One of only two units of this type at the property.
King + King + Twin · 210 sqmTwo Bedroom Anantara Family Pool Villa
190 sqm family villa with one king and one twin bedroom, shared living area, private pool and unobstructed desert valley views. Personal villa host included. Sleeping five total, it's the most practical choice for two couples or a family with older kids.
King + Twin · 190 sqmTwo Bedroom Family Suite
Expansive 178 sqm layout designed for families — one king and one twin bedroom, shared living area, outdoor terrace with dining setup. Sleeps up to five adults.
King + Twin · 178 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
9 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
On-site archery range available to all guests year-round.
Evening at Camp Nujum — 'Camp of the Stars' — an overnight or evening Bedouin camp experience out under the Empty Quarter sky. Traditional setting with majlis seating.
Traditional Emirati falconry and Saluki dog demonstration. Available October–May only due to temperature constraints.
Guided stargazing in the Empty Quarter — with zero light pollution from surrounding development, this is one of the best dark-sky locations accessible to visitors in the UAE.
Traverse the Rub' Al Khali on camelback — one of the signature experiences here and the most classic way to explore the desert surroundings.
4WD desert safaris through the dunes of the Empty Quarter. Organised through the resort's Desert Excursion Centre.
Oversized-tire bikes designed to ride across loose sand — a surprisingly effective and popular way to explore the surrounding desert terrain.
Horseback rides through the desert. Seasonal — available October to May only.
Strap a board to your feet and ride down the steep dune faces surrounding the resort. Year-round activity.
Sledding down the dune faces on boards — slightly lower intensity than sand boarding and more accessible for all ages.
Yoga sessions held out in the desert — either on a dune face or in a designated outdoor space with an unobstructed dune backdrop.
Dedicated supervised kids' club with activities tailored for younger guests. Separate splash pool for children. Teens club also available.
On-site petting farm — a genuine draw for families with younger children visiting the desert.
Chef-led cooking class focused on Middle Eastern and Emirati cuisine. Hands-on, requires 48-hour advance booking.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Business services available on site.
Complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout all rooms, villas and public areas. Upgraded to double-speed in recent renovations.
Grand ballroom (362.5 sqm) with capacity for 350 guests in reception layout. Features plush carpeting, chandeliers, and desert views. Divisible into three sections. Private entrance and terrace.
Dedicated shallow splash pool for children, separate from the main swimming pool.
Large outdoor free-form swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers. Year-round (seasonal note: some OTA pages say seasonal, but official sources indicate year-round operation).
Resort library — also doubles as the welcome lounge for arriving guests, with cushioned seating and elaborate lanterns.
Small on-site souk with local goods and resort merchandise.
On-site tennis court available to all guests.
Private helipad with capacity for 14 helicopters simultaneously. Helicopter transfers can be arranged from Abu Dhabi (50 min) or Dubai (75 min).
Complimentary private on-site parking. Valet parking also available.
Fully equipped gym for guests.
BUILD YOUR ANANTARA QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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