Sands of Time: In Search of the Old UAE
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Set amidst the rolling dunes of Rub'Al Khali, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, this hotel is like none other in the UAE. Providing a true escape into the ancient sands surrounding Abu Dhabi, the Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort is like an oasis for body and mind where guests can’t fail to be enchanted. Total relaxation is in store for guests who choose to lounge by the pool or indulge in ancient treatments in the spa. Meanwhile, adventure lies ahead for those wishing to plunge into the desert on camel back or for yoga beneath endless skies. International cuisine, traditional tea, fragrant shisha and elegant cocktails are available across the hotel’s numerous food and beverage outlets, and when the day is done, guests can retreat to their own private oases and relax in beautifully decorated and comfortably equipped rooms.
Location: In Abu Dhabi’s empty quarter, this hotel is a desert oasis, away from everything, surrounded by sands.
Services: From camel-back tours into the desert to attentive concierge hospitality staff, guests will find their every need taken care of.
History: An island in the desert, the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is a window into an ancient world.
With a range of configurations to suit couples, solo travelers or families, the rooms, suites and villas at Qasr al Sarab are beautiful decorated and exquisitely appointed for sheer comfort and relaxation.
The 14 suites all offer spacious master bedrooms with separate living spaces, kitchenettes and private patios furnished with sun loungers and a dining set. Amidst luxurious decor and sumptuous fabrics, all the mod cons ensure a comfortable stay.
These ground floor rooms feature king beds with high quality linens, oversized tubs in the bathrooms and elegant Arabian decor. The private garden provides privacy and views out onto the desert valley beyond.
Three bedrooms center around the spacious living area in this villa set in its own green grounds, complete with private plunge pool. It’s perfect for families or group looking for some privacy in the desert.
From the dazzling pool and the relaxing spa to reinvigorating yoga, fitness classes and excursions into the desert, the Qasr Al Sarab has all the amenities to keep guests of all ages happy.
The world of business needn’t grind to a halt; in the fully-equipped conference rooms, presentations, meetings and brainstorming sessions are sure to run smoothly and successfully.
The culinarily-inclined have the opportunity to join an expert chef for a glimpse into Emirati cooking. Classes are booked and tailored to guests’ requirements, to provide all the tools and tips for a delicious learning experience.
Guests can work out in the fully-equipped gym, enjoy a game of tennis at any time of day or night on the floodlit court or join one of many exercise classes including yoga, which is available in the studio or in the desert.
Tiny tots and youngsters will be well-occupied with a range of dedicated activities in the kids’ and teens’ clubs. With games, toys and activities in specially-designed and fully-staffed areas, everyone is sure to have a ball.
The cozy and welcoming library is well stocked with non-fiction and page-turning classics to keep guests engaged for hours. What’s more, the high-speed WiFi makes for easy browsing and surfing.
To cool off under the blazing Arabic sun, nothing is more refreshing than a dip in the azure swimming pool, shaded by desert palms. Guests can lounge poolside on daybeds and enjoy refreshments from the bar.
Surrounded by peaceful views of unending, rolling sands, guests can lose themselves to total relaxation in the spa, with a menu of indulgent treatments from around the world, designed to detoxify and reinvigorate.
Guests are spoilt for choice here in this desert palace. From cocktails on the roof or by the pool to afternoon tea in the lobby and delicious delights from far and near, every drinking and dining experience is an adventure.
For a truly Arabian experience, guests can head out into the desert where Al Falaj awaits with shisha, mezze and BBQ delights on sumptuous carpets, under the uninterrupted canopy of stars.
Amidst the calming decor of wood and shady drapes, guests can spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying mint tea or Arabian coffee with delectable pastries. Alternatively, views of the desert and aromatic shisha await out on the terrace.
Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner here at ‘The Oasis’. In elegant but casual surroundings, diners will be treated to local delicacies and international favorites from fragrant cooking stations set around the restaurant.
By day, a poolside bar serving up refreshing snacks and drinks by the water, by night, Ghadeer transforms. Under the stars, guests can inhale the traditional fragrances of a shisha or enjoy local delicacies with friends.
From the rooftop terrace, with sweeping views of the sun setting over the never ending desert, diners can sit back, relax and enjoy an evening of sumptuous delights. From the grill come fine cuts of meat while the wine list provides an extensive range of vintages.
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