Hotel Review: Qasr Al Sarab in the heart of the Abu Dhabi desert
Posted on 14 March 2010 with no comments from readers
Some one hundred and fifty kilometers deep into the desert outside Abu Dhabi lies the relatively new Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.
Owned by the Abu Dhabi Government’s Tourism Development and Investment Company this hotel is an absolute gem for lovers of modern Arabic interiors and owes much to the work done at Dubai hotels like the Madinat Jumeirah and the Royal Mirage.
The 150 rooms and 50 villas are extremely spacious and the level of detailing exquisite with Arabic-themed wood carving and light fittings. Bathrooms are also strong on the wow-factor with huge circular tubs, rainfall showers, Elemis products and abundant fluffy towels.
Room with a view
Pick an end of terrace room for a larger balcony and you have the desert from your own stage for the setting sun. The room itself has every imaginable convenience from free Wifi to a Nespresso machine and comprehensive mini-bar.
The public spaces in the Qasr Al Sarab are also impressive with soaring ceilings and mementoes of bygone Arabia. And a particular effort has gone into creating a fine dining experience in the heart of the desert. You should not miss the signature restaurant and a review will follow here tomorrow.
This part of the desert was made famous by the British explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger whose books are still popular in the UAE. It has a hauntingly beautiful quality, best seen after a sunset camel ride which the hotel organizes.
The resort is still developing and falconry is on the horizon as are balloon rides that have just won official approval despite the proximity to the border with Saudi Arabia. Indeed, a national gentleman that Arabianmoney encountered in the desert told us that this is just phase one of a much larger ecology project.
Expansion plans
There will be 40 kilometre fence line surrounding the property and in collaboration with the environmental agency, Qasr Al Sarab will be home to free roaming animals such as the Arabian Oryx which have been successfully bred on Sir Bani Yas island.
Unfortunately that has not stopped the hotel feeling the impact of the global recession and occupancy levels apart from the weekends are low. The introduction of budget packages therefore makes this a perfect time to go and experience the finest Arabian desert for relatively modest cost. There is also an excellent spa.
But do so in the winter because the desert is hotter than the coastal areas of the UAE, and can hit 55C in mid-summer.
