A perfect winter short break at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort in Abu Dhabi

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort @RuarteContract 4

We´ve always loved our stays in the Emirates on November, good weather for work and far away from our winter season, all the glamour of Jumeirah Palm, Burj Al Arab or Burj Khalifa, the curtain wall towers, the luxury cars and even the surprising nightlife in Dubai, but today we´d like to show you something different in Abu Dhabi. Pretty different, actually.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort @RuarteContract

Camels, sand dunes and breathtaking sunsets are all part of the decor at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Located at two hour drive deep into the Liwa Desert from Abu Dhabi, the resort has the secluded feel of a desert oasis and the decadent extras of an Anantara property. Soak in the scenery from a private plunge pool or relax with a Thai massage — this retreat is all about doing nothing and experiencing everything.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort @RuarteContract 3

What can you do at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort apart from nothing? You can soak in the desert landscape in the free-form swimming pool, learn the cherished Arabic skill of archery, wake up at 5 AM to scale majestic sand dunes for a mystical sunrise experience, get the adrenaline pumping with a “dune bashing” ride through the desert -not for the faint of heart!-, get in the traditional hamman at the pampering Anantara Spa and of course arrive a few days early to enjoy Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort @RuarteContract 2

With true Arabic opulence, every room and villa displays Middle Eastern fabrics, desert colors and jewel-embedded chandeliers. The look may be fit for a king, but the resort welcomes every type of traveler with the same gracious hospitality. Although this is definitely not a boutique retreat (there are 206 rooms and villas), the endless desert — on show through wood-frame windows — lends a tranquil and secluded vibe.

On the ground floor, Deluxe Rooms feature a kingsize bed, wood-beam ceilings, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and uninterrupted desert views, while Deluxe Terrace Rooms have dune-facing terraces kitted out with daybeds and outdoor dining areas. For more privacy, the One Bedroom Villas are set apart from the main resort and come with 24 hour butler service, plunge pools and sun decks — the desert scenery framed in floor-to-ceiling windows.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort @RuarteContract 7

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort @RuarteContract 8

Enjoy your desert experience!

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort @RuarteContract 5

 Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort @RuarteContract 6

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Slideshows of high end wood architecture by Ruarte Contract

Ruarte_coffered_ceilings

Click  on the picture to see Arabic-Mudejar style coffered ceilings

Handcrafted staircase Ruarte Contract

Click on the picture to see staircases

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