Why Go?
For jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring scenery. Experience a palatial-style resort set against the backdrop of rolling, desert dunes.
Honeymoon Style
The ultimate desert destination that brings new meaning to the term, desert chic. Ideal for the discerning couple who value a unique honeymoon encompassing culture, adventure and an appreciation for the remote, scenic landscape.
Set The Scene
The magic begins with the journey through the Empty Quarter desert with only the undulating, sun-baked desert dunes in sight. Qasr Al Sarab means ‘the palace of the mirages’ – a most apt description – and couples can’t help but admire the resort, which appears mystically arising from the sands. The entrance over a lantern-lit bridge, akin to a drawbridge, channels honeymooners straight into a fortress from an Arabian fairy tale, in a land far, far away.
Modelled on a Bedouin palace, this is a place of sweeping grandeur with turreted gates, grand arches, trickling fountains and opulent design. There’s a majestic quality in the air in the huge lobby, think traditional Arabic décor and the scent of musk, alongside the omnipresence of the dunes in the background.
Head to the adults-only infinity pool to unwind and absorb the ambience – swimming together in the desert is nothing short of spectacular. For adventurous honeymooners, the sunset camel ride, albeit a little bumpy, is simply otherworldly. After disembarking from the ‘ship of the desert’, sit back with a glass of Champagne and graze on local fruit, juicy dates and nuts whilst watching the sunset. For the ultimate romantic moment, book in for a spot of stargazing and snuggle up together under the night sky.
Sunrise is prime time to view the desert in its full glory. It merits an early start for a meander over the dunes – go barefoot to experience the softest, liquid-like sand (we don’t recommend after dark when scorpions roam freely). For couples who value mindfulness, book a sunrise Healing Sound Bath with wellness guru Beatrice and start the day in optimum tranquillity.
Rooms
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is vast but each style of room offers its own secluded retreat. The interiors blend seamlessly with the beauty of the landscape with muted, earthy tones providing the perfect refuge to escape the heat of the day. Wooden beamed ceilings blend with traditional Arabic décor; there are ceramic pots galore and the marbled floor in the bathroom is deliciously cooling underfoot. Sleek mod-cons alongside high-end toiletries plus cosy robes and desert-style, flip-flop slippers make for an inviting stay.
The pool villas are a honeymooners’ dream with separate bedroom, kitchenette, dining and living area plus the comfiest king-sized bed and the softest white sheets. There’s a grandiose marble bathtub with room for two in the expansive bathroom alongside (helpfully) separate basins. But, most impressively, the villas have their very own plunge pool with a large terrace, complete with sun-loungers and an outdoor daybed. Set in a bamboo-lined garden overlooking the dunes, a villa makes an excellent position for couples to enjoy the views in absolute privacy. And the outdoor rain shower is just the place to feel at one with nature. Each villa comes with a private butler to boot, very useful for booking restaurant reservations and to arrange buggy pick-ups and drop-offs.
Food & Drink
Set aside ample time for breakfast at Al Waha, it’s a decadent affair with a buffet to wow. Overlooking the infinity pool and desert vistas, this is a place to sit and soak up the atmosphere. Owing to the availability of every imaginable cuisine, it’s advisable to check out each station first whilst watching the chefs at work – there’s no need for hasty decisions here. The Japanese station is certainly not one to bypass with perfectly filled vegetable and seafood dumplings. For a sweeter breakfast, order the French toast – it’s unbelievably fluffy and the Arabian twist of pistachios with date syrup is a winning combination.
Poolside restaurant Ghadeer, with Mediterranean influences, is the best choice to head to for a relaxing lunch. You’ll feel hard pushed not to order the Salmon Ceviche on repeat – pepped up with the perfect punch of chilli, it makes for a refreshing lunch when accompanied with the Pure Greens salad, which includes grilled watermelon to lend a welcome touch of sweetness. And for something a little more traditional, the Levantine Mezze platter is an ideal sharing choice. Do not leave here without trying the zesty, freshly made Mint Lemonade, it’s the ideal revitalising drink to sip on all-day long.
For carnivorous couples, Suhail is the ultimate foodie haven with the finest cuts of meat available. Take a peek in the fridge on the way through to the restaurant whilst admiring the lavish bar. The signature 21 days dry-aged Josper-grilled wagyu Australian rib-eye is so tender (and the triple-cooked fries with truffle aioli are far too moreish to share).
So long as there are no sandstorms to contend with, Al Falaj is the definitive traditional Bedouin-style event. Set outside, with Arabic-style seating overlooking the dunes, it offers couples an authentic experience and the delicious flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine.
The Story
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara was built to withstand fierce desert sandstorms and took a near 2 million cubic metres of sand to build. It has been dubbed one of the most iconic resorts in the world – and with its remote location and incredible design, it’s not hard to see why. But the underlying heart of the resort runs far deeper. Built on one of the largest conservation areas in the UAE, a profound sense of care for the local heritage and culture underpins every activity. Every team member embodies this ethos and it is this genuine sense of respect and passion which brings true meaning to the resort and leaves a lasting impression. Guests are actively encouraged to engage and appreciate the desert environment and the native wildlife. The falconry display is a real opportunity for couples to get up close and personal to these handsome birds, including the star of the show: Peter the falcon.
Family-Friendly
Whilst not aimed at the tiniest tots, kids over the age of four will have a fantastic time. The kids’ club (for ages four to 11) has a ton of activities – from the usual arts and crafts to Little Chefs’ Cooking Classes, Olympic Games and even a special Kids Under the Stars Cinema. A new kids’ club with even more facilities is currently under development.
The family-friendly swimming pool has swings and floats for endless fun and a little splash park alongside. Over-eights can join the camel rides but for younger kids, the family trek on the flat valleys is the one to opt for. Older kids and teenagers will enjoy the freedom of the resort and being able to hop on and off the golf buggies to visit the pool or play a game of tennis.
Spa
No trip to Qasr Al Sarab could be complete without a visit to this stunning spa. Quite possibly the crowning jewel of the resort, it has the most serene ambience and wonderfully attentive staff. Couples will descend into a deep sense of relaxation as soon as Coco, the warmest and kindest spa manager ushers you through the doors.
Couples can book in for an indulgent Desert Fusion Massage to feel fully rejuvenated. It takes place in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the dunes – there’s the option for the blinds to be closed or kept open throughout the treatment. Feet are soaked in warm water then scrubbed with a lavender salt scrub before lightly spritzed with a cooling peppermint spray. Allow the therapist to guide you to the massage beds for a sensational blend of heated stones, oil and massage – as blissful as it sounds.
Set in the core of the spa, the Moroccan Hammam is exquisitely marbled and an oasis in itself. It can be booked by honeymooners to enjoy in private. The colossal, heated marble slab is the focal point of the room and can be used for treatments.
Eco-Friendly
Capturing the very essence of the resort is the Ezba Cultural Centre. It is here that the level of commitment to sustainability is visible, and it’s well worth a visit. Take a trip with the most impassioned guide, Chene, who is so engaging that an hour won’t feel long enough. Witness first-hand the large greenhouses which grow about 10% of the hotel’s food (all organic) with the aim of expanding over time, and taste the fresh herbs, including rosemary and basil. The food waste from the hotel goes into compost and everything is powered by solar panels. They’re even growing date palm trees using the natural saltwater found underneath the desert.
Animal-loving couples will adore meeting the beautiful Saluki dogs, feeding the camels and seeing the falcons and owls. All the animals are diligently cared for, conserving these special creatures for generations to come.
Location
As remote as it gets, the resort is a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and located in the Empty Quarter, the largest stretch of empty desert in the world (also where the likes of Dune and Mission Impossible were filmed). Entirely worth the journey for the dazzling scenery.
Rates at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara start from £208 in a Deluxe Balcony Room with breakfast. To book, visit: www.anantara.com/qasr-al-sarab-abu-dhabi
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