Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort

Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort in the Liwa Desert, United Arab Emirates, stands as a highly acclaimed Michelin Key One-Keys property, renowned for its breathtaking desert setting, opulent design, and world-class service. This "castle of mirages" offers an unparalleled luxury escape amidst the serene and majestic dunes of the Empty Quarter.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort is overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently describing their stays as "absolutely fantastic," "transforming," "exceptional," and "outstanding." The resort is widely considered a unique and unforgettable destination, justifying its luxurious pricing with an extraordinary experience unlike any other desert resort in the UAE.

2. Key Highlights

• Location & Design: The resort's "hard-to-beat location" at the edge of the Rub' Al Khali (Empty Quarter), the world's largest continuous sand desert, is a paramount highlight. Its architectural design, resembling a "magnificent palace fortress" or a "giant sandcastle" rising from "flame-coloured dunes," creates a stunning and secluded "magical setting." The "breathtaking views" of the endless desert are frequently cited as a major draw.
• Service & Hospitality: Guests consistently praise the "outstanding" and "world-class" service. Staff are described as "impeccable," "attentive, professional, and eager," making guests feel "right at home."
• Amenities & Activities: The resort boasts a "world-class spa" with a Moroccan Hammam and various therapies, a beautiful main swimming pool, and an adults-only infinity pool with stunning desert views. Other facilities include a "fully-equipped gym" offering desert views, tennis and padel courts, and a Kids Club. A diverse range of "extraordinary desert experiences and activities" are offered, such as camel treks, dune boarding, stargazing sessions with skilled astronomers, falconry displays, archery, and mountain biking.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations, which include deluxe rooms, suites, and pool villas, are described as "luxurious," "exceptional," "spacious," "perfectly cleaned," and "well maintained." Rooms feature "luxury fibers and earthy hues" with "sliding glass doors opening to a terrace with desert views." Bathrooms are equipped with "oversized soaking tubs," rain showers, and "his and hers vanity," along with a pillow menu. Many villas boast private pools that offer secluded views directly over the sand dunes.

4. Dining Experience

The resort offers "excellent restaurants" with diverse culinary offerings across multiple venues.

• Breakfast at Al Waha is particularly praised for being "excellent with a great variety and very fresh products," featuring a "diverse range of dishes" including Levantine, Chinese, and Indian options, as well as a "made-to-order crumpet stand." There are also ample "options for vegans and vegetarians." The "Liwa French Toast" is highly recommended.
• Restaurants include Suhail, an upscale rooftop lounge and steakhouse serving international cuisine, including wagyu steak, known for spectacular sunset views. Ghadeer offers casual Mediterranean dining by the pool. Al Waha provides a semi à la carte menu blending Middle Eastern and international dishes for lunch and dinner. Al Falaj offers authentic Middle Eastern cuisine served outdoors amidst the dunes. The Al Liwan lobby lounge serves coffees, snacks, afternoon tea, and shisha.
• Special Experiences: Private desert dining and romantic rooftop rendezvous are also available, enhancing the culinary journey.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Anantara Qasr al Sarab are consistently lauded as a major strength of the resort. Guests report "impeccable service" from staff who are "incredibly warm and attentive," making them feel completely at ease. Reviews frequently highlight the staff's professionalism, attentiveness, and eagerness to cater to guests' needs, contributing to an overall "top-notch" experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Anantara Qasr al Sarab is nestled deep within the Liwa Desert, part of the Rub' Al Khali, or Empty Quarter, which is the world's largest uninterrupted sand desert. This remote location, while isolated, is considered part of its allure, offering a serene escape "a million miles from spreadsheets and inboxes."

• Distance: The resort is approximately a 2-hour and 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city, about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi airport, and around 3 hours and 15 minutes from Dubai.
• Accessibility: The E65 road leading to the resort is well-maintained, ensuring a smooth drive, even for those unfamiliar with desert driving. While the resort can arrange transfers, renting a car is a more economical option and provides flexibility to explore nearby oasis villages and historical forts. Specific GPS instructions are important for the final stretch of the journey.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally agree that the experience at Anantara Qasr al Sarab "justify the price tag" and is "worth it." Pricing varies significantly by season and accommodation type. Nightly rates for double rooms typically range from AED 1,200 to 2,700, suites from AED 1,900 to 6,000, and villas from AED 2,800 to 40,000. The low season runs from April to October, with July often being the cheapest month (around a 49% price drop), while January is the most expensive, seeing an average 62% price increase. While the stay itself is deemed good value, some guests note that prices for spa treatments and activities can be "extremely high."

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Service during Peak Season: One review mentioned that "overall service was quite poor" for the hotel's quality and price when the facilities were at 100% occupancy, suggesting a potential strain on resources during peak times.
• Hot Water Duration: In some villas, hot water supply was reportedly limited to about 15 minutes, which, while understandable in a desert environment, is something for guests to be aware of, especially when traveling with multiple people.
• Dining Expectations: Although food quality is generally high, a few guests felt that some dinner offerings, despite "very hefty prices," did "not quite meet the fine dining experience" they expected.
• Remoteness: While a highlight for many seeking seclusion, the resort's remote location, over 300 kilometers from downtown Dubai, was considered a "drawback" by some.
• Activity Pricing: Prices for desert activities and spa treatments are noted as being quite high.
• Environmental Concerns: Some guests advise against dune bashing due to its adverse environmental impact, suggesting softer desert drives as a more enjoyable and responsible alternative.

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