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Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara

Liwa Desert, UAE • Liwa Desert • SPLURGE

avg. $375 / night

Includes $20 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

Credit and debit card charges are processed directly by the hotel (i.e. not PressBeyond), meaning that any travel-specific credit card points or incentives that you normally get as a cardholder for direct hotel bookings are preserved

Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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At a glance

A Northpoint-designed Arabian fortress in the Rub' al Khali with an infinity pool overlooking endless dunes.

Best for: Architecture enthusiasts seeking desert immersion

Highlights:

  • Northpoint-designed fortress modeled on Emirati fortified architecture
  • Infinity pool at desert edge overlooking Rub' al Khali dunes
  • HBA interiors with Moorish arches, brass lanterns, hand-knotted rugs
Fortress-miragetimeless

PB hotel design editorial

Planted in the Rub' al Khali — the Empty Quarter — where the dunes of the Liwa Desert roll uninterrupted toward the horizon in every direction, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara presents itself as a mirage made solid: a full-scale Arabian fortress rising from the sand as though it had always been there. South African practice Northpoint designed the low-rise complex in 2009 for TDIC, modelling the massing on traditional Emirati fortified architecture, with crenellated parapets, wind-tower silhouettes, and arched colonnades finished in sand-colored render that absorbs and reflects the desert light differently at every hour. The result spreads across more than 19,000 acres, with 154 guestrooms and 52 villas arranged around courtyards shaded by date palms, the entire compound scaled to feel settled and inhabited. Inside, HBA / Hirsch Bedner Associates layered the 154 rooms with dark-stained timber ceiling beams set against woven reed panels, arabesque pendant lanterns in pierced brass, carved headboard niches drawn from Moorish arch forms, and hand-knotted geometric rugs in indigo, ochre, and terracotta. The furniture runs to heavy, dark-finished pieces with lattice detailing that echoes the metalwork on the walls. The outdoor terraces make the strongest case for the property: the infinity pool sits at the desert's edge, its waterline dissolving into a panorama of sculpted dunes, and the open-air restaurant, sheltered beneath rough-hewn timber pergolas strung with brass lanterns, frames one of the more affecting sunset views available anywhere in the Gulf.

Travel notes

90min drive from Abu Dhabi airport (AUH)

About

Where mystic charm, cultural passion and unparalleled luxury evoke distinctive memories. Set in the middle of the Rub' al Khali or Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted body of sand in the world, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resorts by Anantara is isolated from the world, yet is less than 200km away from Abu Dhabi. The resort brings the mysticism of this eminent location to life, inviting you to discover the unique appeal of its surroundings. Enjoy an array of facilities and immerse yourself in the wonderful splendour of an eternally changing landscape.

Amenities

Free Internet

Free Parking

Wifi

Free Wifi

Suites

Pool

Internet

Kids Activities

Room service

Wheelchair Access

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara Reviews

7,046 reviews

"Arriving at al Sarab is an experience. After travelling through desert to arrive at this oasis is truly magical. The staff are really friendly and welcoming. The accomodation and food is second to none. A unique experience."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 12, 2026

"Hospitality of every member of the staff , place unique, experience the silence of the nature fulfill with energy your soul"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 10, 2026

"I had a wonderful stay and truly enjoyed the hospitality. A special thanks to Wasi from the Concierge team for his excellent service, kindness, and helpful attitude. He made my stay more comfortable and memorable. I really appreciate his professionalism and support. Thank you, Wasi!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 08, 2026

"We came to Qasr Al Sarab to celebrate my girlfriend’s new job in New York, and it couldn’t have been a better choice. The setting is extraordinary. The Empty Quarter feels almost otherworldly, and the views alone are worth the trip. We stayed in a villa and packed the weekend with a sunset camel trek, sunrise horseback ride, and morning Polaris adventure. Every experience was first-class. What elevated the stay, though, was the team. They were incredibly responsive, thoughtful, and seemed to anticipate what we needed before we asked. I’m vegetarian, my girlfriend can’t eat garlic, and every meal was handled seamlessly. The highlight came when we arrived at our villa. The team had left a surprise to celebrate her new job, along with a handwritten note that was so thoughtful it brought her to tears. That’s the kind of detail you don’t forget."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 04, 2026

"From the moment we arrived, we were greeted and welcomed in a VIP way. Ishita took her time to check us in and explained to us all the facilities and villa details. Melina and Asaad were also very helpful and friendly not only during the arrival time but also throughout the stay. We arrived at the perfect timing for a Gahwa lesson, Ayesha was a master of her craft, the way she explained the history of Arabic coffee and the way to make it really shows how passionate she is about it. On the other hand, Arvin did a fantastic job with activities, he made sure that out experience in the property will create lasting memories for us. We opted for the Dune Bashing which was very exciting, Kudos to Shehzhad and Nazir for giving us a thrilling experience. The next day, we had a mouth watering Breakfast, The selection and quality of food was to die for. Many thanks to Mary Love & Leomar for their outstanding service, they really took care of us and made sure we were satisfied. Overall, the stay was short but we wished we had more time off from work to extend thanks to the amazing service we received and the enchanting property that made us forget our worries and live our Aladdin fantasy. We will definitely return, hopefully for a longer stay."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 01, 2026

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