Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is one of the great desert hotels of the world — a full-scale fortified palace rising from the world's largest continuous sand sea, the Empty Quarter, two and a half hours south of Abu Dhabi. Twenty-two hectares of soft-lit sandstone architecture, cool internal courtyards, majlis lounges and quiet reflection pools recreate the atmosphere of a Bedouin caravanserai on a grand scale. 206 rooms, suites and one- to three-bedroom villas — many with private pools facing the dunes — are furnished in warm ochre, dark timber and hand-embroidered textiles, with deep bathtubs, walk-in showers and generous private terraces. Culinary experiences are a highlight: Suhail for progressive fine dining above the dunes, Ghadeer for pan-Asian, Al Waha for all-day international, Al Falaj for private dune-side barbecues, and champagne sundowners at Al Sarab Rooftop. The Anantara Spa is genuinely transformative — nine private treatment suites, a hammam, sound healing sessions, and desert-inspired rituals using dates, camel milk and coffee. Wellness continues with a 24-hour fitness centre, camel trekking, dune drives, archery, falconry displays, guided sunrise walks and stargazing. Families are exceptionally well hosted with a kids' club and family villas, while couples come for the honeymoon suites and remote silence. Transfers from Abu Dhabi city or airport take approximately 150 minutes. Not a hotel — a desert theatre.

Starting rate based on a recent public retail search. Final rates may vary depending on travel dates, room type, and availability.