Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

We visited for three nights, a family of 6 - a grandparent, parents and 3 kids ages 11, 13 and 15. We smooshed this stop between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Hands down, it was the highlight of everyone’s stay, regardless of age. We all wished we had stayed for 5 nights, to really get all the experiences in. Highlights were the dune bashing, dune buggy rides and the sunrise e-biking. We also loved hiking the dunes at sunset and the very special desert BBQ dinner. Our villa was pristine, and while far from the main hotel, the buggies are available at a moment’s notice, and we loved being removed and having the stunning, uninterrupted view of the huge and sweeping dunes. We also loved the large plunge pool - everyone swam in it because the water was so warm! For us the weather was perfect - high 70s during the day and low 60s in the evening. The food was very good - we didn’t come to the UAE for the food, but here our experience was the best on the trip. Finally, the staff was outstanding. They have no shortage of staff, so there is always someone to assist you quickly. A final shout out to our terrific butler Lahiru, who supported us the whole stay, even dashing back to our villa to collect forgotten swimsuits. Bravo. We’ll be back.

Great location, architecture and hospitality, including numerous desert activities made our weekend a memorable one.

Mr.Faran is super nice!!! The best guide ever!!!! Just gave my family an unexpected and amazing experience!!!! If you come, please find him for the dune drive!!! 100% recommendations!!!!

We have just returned from a family trip to Qasr Al Sarab. We loved everything about this experience. The villas were beautiful and spacious, the service was exceptional, the food delicious and perhaps most importantly the activities were just so memorable. We particularly enjoyed the sunset camel safari and the dune bashing. Our guides could not have been more kind and professional. I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for something a little different or just wanting some rest and relaxation in a very different, extremely beautiful environment. Thank you to Michele the resort manager for checking in on us and to our villa host Arun who was always on call to assist with our every need.

The hotel is located some 3.5 hours drive from Abu Dhabi airport in middle of a nature reserve. The drive to the hotel (towards the last 15 mins) is beautiful. The arrival experience was good, served welcome drinks and check-in at the lobby seating area. The rooms are well appointed and spacious with a small private outdoor area overlooking the dunes or the pool. We were informed that since we had not pre booked dinner (before our arrival) all the restaurants except one by the pool is available. The restaurant service is a hit and miss- usual delays in getting menus and be prepared to mention room number a few times to be served. Food is decent and comes fairly quick. The service by the adults pool is also hit and a miss. No one by the arrivals to hand the towels, the lifeguard eventually helps with the towels. There is no water bottles so you have to ask the waiting staff for water who can then give you water in a glass. The hotel does provide reusable bottles in the room which we forgot to carry with us. Surely, it would be easier to provide spare ones at the pool or the glass bottles! The pool changing rooms have steam and sauna, both were not working correctly. There is no attendant available to point out the issue. The gym though is well equipped and clean. We were celebrating our anniversary, we got sent a small cake in the room. We had pre booked a 90 min spa treatment which was good but nothing exceptional. There were no facilities like a jacuzzi or steam/sauna - if there are we were shown the door promptly after the treatment. At the checkout, we were charged twice for the spa treatment on pointing it out, they had to call the spa to verify if we indeed didn’t get the service twice in one day! Overall the hotel has some good aspects but it’s not as luxurious as you imagine for the price! They have loads of staff but just not at the right places.