Travel

Sands of Heritage: Why Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Is Nothing Less Than A Desert Dream Come True

by Ayesha S. Shehmir May 30, 2023May 30, 2023

Legacy and modern Arabian luxury collide amidst the endless beauty of desert dunes at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab resort

Encircled by a cosy blanket of dunes within the fabled Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter – the world’s largest continuous sand desert – Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is a rich immersion into desert culture and Arabian history, steeped in luxury. The fortress-like palace, which first opened its doors in November 2009, brims with tradition and legacy.

*A desert dream come to life; the sprawling Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is an oasis sitting in the Empty Quarter*

The interiors of the one-bedroom pool villa are a nod to the simple grandeur of an ancient castle, featuring locally handcrafted furnishings, rich carpets and embroidered fabrics that evoke a Bedouin-inspired setting. The room, decorated with earthy, sandy hues and textures, Middle Eastern fabrics and bronze chandeliers, overlooks breathtaking desert views.

*Royal Pavilion pool courtyard incorporating classic architectural silhouettes*

The most serene hour is when night falls, when the only sounds that can be heard are of nature – the whistling wind and the flowing waters of the pool. The secluded villa whisks one into an old-style haven of traditional tranquillity.

*A colour palette bringing together the warm hues of the desert sand, accented by cool blue skies, swathes the bedroom*

Over at the Anantara Spa, a world of relaxation awaits. The healing oasis has married Arabian traditions with Thai expertise. The Anantara Signature Massage uses a local blend of oils, while the Desert Fusion Massage combines hot stone and Liwa-sand massage techniques. The treatments are designed to take guests on a journey of outer wellbeing and inner fulfilment.

A cabana inspired by the Thai Sala offers panoramic desert views

With at least one signature spa treatment uniquely characterising its local environment, each Anantara spa worldwide encourages one to embrace the spirit of its local culture. At the Qasr Al Sarab resort, this philosophy is implemented by using natural ingredients indigenous to the region, such as dates and desert sand.

*The living room incorporates linear angular designs on the ceiling which are mirrored in the rug*

Brand-new regenerative body treatments, facials and multi-day anti-ageing retreats have also been introduced, using products and methodology by French favourite brand, Biologique Recherche. The resort’s Anantara Wellness & Meditation Centre hosts a collection of yoga and meditation sessions including traditional, high-intensity and prenatal yoga, as well as sunset meditation, Tibetan singing bowl therapy and pranayama.

*Moroccan hammam with classic smooth finishes that hold rich texture*

Anantara’s culinary offerings, as evidenced by its sister properties, never disappoint. The highlight is Al Falaj by Dina Macki, a Bedouin-style, open-air restaurant nestled within a sea of desert dunes against a natural backdrop of the starry sky.

*Entrance archway featuring intricately detailed motifs along the border and petal-esque repetitive curves on the arch*

The menu combines Asian spices with home-style Middle Eastern and African cuisine; dishes include orange cumin-roasted chicken, and a highly anticipated 24-hour lamb or goat Omani shuwa. An authentic Arabian experience amid Abu Dhabi’s majestic Liwa desert awaits travellers from near and afar; a timeless cultural beacon, the storytelling wonder of Anantara Qasr Al Sarab lives on.

*Water features create an oasis in the desert*

For more information, visit anantara.com

Images courtesy of Anantara Qasr Al Sarab

From Harper’s Bazaar Interiors’ Spring 2023 issue

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