The hype
Guests are universally blown away by the location and architecture, calling it a 'bucket list' stay.
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Resort & Spa
$450-900+/ noche
Reserva esto si You want to live out a 'Lawrence of Arabia' fantasy with 5-star plumbing and a private plunge pool.
Por qué a la gente le encanta
- The 'Sand Castle' architecture rising from the Empty Quarter is visually arresting
- Dead silent nights with zero light pollution for stargazing
- Villas with private pools offer total seclusion from other guests
Resumen rápido: You are a captive audience in the middle of nowhere, so expect to pay airport prices for a burger and $10 for water at dinner.
Reseñado por @Travelfriends: I stayed in a One Bedroom Pool Villa and it was the most surreal experience of my life. Watching the sunset over the Empty Quarter from my private terrace made me feel like I was on another planet. The service was impeccable, and the silence was pure magic.
Lo que dijeron los huéspedes que se hospedaron aquí
Reality check
Service can be slow at the main buffet during peak breakfast hours, and food prices consistently shock people.
- You crave absolute silence and vast, empty horizons
- You're an Instagrammer chasing the perfect 'golden hour' dune shot
- You don't mind spending $300+ on a casual dinner for two
Limpieza y Mantenimiento
9.5
- Housekeeping: Twice daily service (morning clean + evening turndown). They are fighting a war against sand and winning.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Huge soaking tubs are spotless. No mold issues reported.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition despite the harsh environment. Exterior paint is kept fresh.
- Linens & towels: High thread count, crisp white linens. Towels are plush and abundant.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of oud and dates. Rooms are neutral and fresh.
Sleepability™
9SILENCIOSO
0-4RUIDOSO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- AC hum (necessary in the desert)
- Occasional buggy carts passing on the path outside ground floor rooms
Antes de reservar
Es bueno saberlo
- There are 6 Tesla Destination Chargers and EV stations on site.
- Alcohol is served here (unlike some other desert camps in the region).
- The 'resort fee' is hidden in a stack of taxes: 10% service, 5% VAT, 6% tourism, 4% municipality.
Qué llevar
- High-SPF sunscreen (the desert sun is unforgiving)
- A light jacket for winter nights (temps drop drastically after sunset)
- Moisturizer and lip balm (humidity is near zero)
Genio de Habitaciones
Mejores opciones
- Deluxe Terrace Room (Corner units on upper floors for huge balconies and privacy)
- One-Bedroom Pool Villa (Worth the splurge for the private plunge pool and butler service)
Habitaciones a evitar
- Ground floor Deluxe Garden Rooms near the main walkway (less privacy, people walk by your patio)
Genio de Solicitud de Habitación – copiar y pegar
“I would appreciate an upper-floor Deluxe Terrace room, preferably a corner unit for maximum privacy and unobstructed sunset views over the dunes. Please avoid ground-floor units near the main buggy paths.”
Preguntas frecuentes y consejos ocultos
Todo lo que realmente quieres saber antes de reservar.
Is the drive difficult?
No, it's a paved highway all the way to the gate. The last hour is scenic but desolate. Watch for camels crossing the road.
Can I bring my own food/alcohol?
Technically no outside food/drink is allowed in public areas, but they are generally lenient with discreet snacks in your room. Alcohol is available at the resort.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the main free-form pool and villa plunge pools are temperature-controlled (chilled in summer, heated in winter).
Are the activities worth the money?
The 'Camel Trek' at sunset is iconic and worth it. Skip the 'Desert Walk' — you can walk up the dunes behind your room for free.
Is there a kids club?
Yes, a very good one with supervised activities, plus a separate teens club.
How much is water?
Complimentary bottled water is abundant in rooms and at the pool. At dinner restaurants, you will likely be charged for premium still/sparkling water.
Consejos de Insiders
- ✨
Wake up 20 minutes before sunrise and hike the dune directly behind your villa for a free, private spectacular view.
- ✨
The 'Adults Only' infinity pool is often empty while families crowd the main pool — ask a buggy to take you there.
- ✨
Book spa treatments in advance; the signature 'Desert Rose Ritual' fills up fast.
5 cosas que debes saber antes de ir
💡The water pressure in the villas can be inconsistent (hot water may run out after 15-20 mins).
💡You will find sand in your shoes weeks after you leave.
💡The 'Royal Pavilion' villas are a separate resort-within-a-resort, 1km away, with their own restaurant.
💡Room service burgers are surprisingly good and sometimes cheaper than the buffet.
💡The stars are so bright you can sometimes see the Milky Way with the naked eye from your balcony.
Guía Local
Mapa
Descubre dónde se encuentra Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Resort & Spa y qué hay cerca.