Qasr Al Sarab is the desert stay most couples dream about when they plan the UAE: a sand-colored fortress rising from dunes on the edge of the Rub' al Khali, the Empty Quarter, with towers, lanterns and pools glowing at night. It sits in Liwa, roughly two to two and a half hours from Abu Dhabi city and once you arrive there is nothing around you but sand.
The resort is run by Anantara and has 140 rooms, 14 suites and 53 pool villas. For a honeymoon, the pool villas are the reason to come: private, quiet and facing the dunes, with your own water to cool off in after a morning on a camel.
Days are simple. Ride out by camel at sunrise, rest through the heat, book a Moroccan hammam or a desert rose ritual at the spa, then dine under the stars. It suits couples who want a true desert experience with resort comfort. It is less suited to anyone who wants a short desert taste from the city; for that, an evening safari tour from Abu Dhabi is easier.
Highlights at a glance
- Fortress-style resort in the Liwa dunes
- 53 pool villas facing the Empty Quarter
- Moroccan hammam and desert rose spa rituals
- Camel treks and nearby Moreeb Dune
- Dining under the desert stars
Why Couples Love Qasr Al Sarab
The setting is the star. The Empty Quarter holds some of the largest dunes on earth and from the resort's terraces you look across ridge after ridge of sand that changes color through the day, from pale gold at noon to deep orange at sunset.
The architecture adds to it. With its towers and arches, the resort feels like a desert fort from a story and at night lanterns and firelight make it especially romantic.
The silence is something couples talk about long after. With no city lights for miles, the stars are bright and the only sound is wind on the sand. After the glitter of Abu Dhabi or Dubai, it is a complete change of pace.
Rooms, Suites and Pool Villas
Qasr Al Sarab offers 140 rooms, 14 suites and 53 pool villas. Rooms are comfortable and decorated in Arabian style, with balconies or terraces and they suit couples on a tighter budget who will spend most of the day at the main pool or out in the dunes.
For a honeymoon, the pool villas are the clear pick. They are set apart from the main building, with their own private pools and more space, so you can swim and lie in the sun without seeing anyone else. Ask for a villa facing open dunes.
Suites are a middle ground, with more living space inside the main resort. Book early for the cool season from November to March, when villas sell out.
Food, Drink and the Spa
Dining is spread across several restaurants and bars, from buffet breakfasts to Arabic dishes and grills. The highlight is eating under the desert sky; the resort arranges dinners among the dunes that are worth booking for one special evening.
The Anantara Spa is one of the resort's strengths. Try the Moroccan hammam, a traditional ritual of steam, scrubbing and massage, or a desert rose ritual for a gentler treatment. After a camel trek or a walk on the dunes, a couples treatment feels earned.
Because the resort is so remote, check what your rate includes. A meal plan can be good value, since there are no other restaurants nearby.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Activities focus on the desert.
- Camel treks across the Rub' al Khali, best at sunrise when the sand is cool.
- Walking on the dunes around the resort.
- Sunset drinks on a dune ridge.
- A drive to Moreeb Dune, one of the tallest in the region, nearby.
- Stargazing on clear nights, when the sky is full of stars.
Ask the resort about other guided experiences such as falconry displays, archery or desert drives, which may be available during your stay. Plan one activity at dawn and one in the late afternoon. In between, rest at your pool or the spa, especially in the warmer months.
Getting There
The resort is in Liwa, roughly two to two and a half hours by car from Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Abu Dhabi city. The resort can arrange private transfers, or you can drive yourself; the roads are good and the last stretch through the dunes is spectacular.
From Dubai, allow three and a half to four hours. Many couples combine a city or beach stay in Abu Dhabi with two or three nights here, then return to the coast for their flight home.
If you drive, set off with a full tank, carry water and avoid arriving after dark the first time. The resort is clearly signed.
Is It Worth It?
For couples who want the full desert experience, yes. Qasr Al Sarab offers dunes on a scale you will not find closer to the cities, at rates that are often lower than comparable luxury desert resorts in Dubai, especially in the rooms.
The pool villas cost considerably more, but they are what make it a honeymoon stay. The drive is long, so one night is not really enough; two or three nights let you enjoy the setting without rushing.
Couples short on time might prefer a desert resort nearer Dubai, such as Al Maha. Those who mainly want beaches should spend more time on Saadiyat Island and add a single evening desert tour instead.
Good to Know
Summer temperatures in Liwa are extreme, often well above 100°F. The best time to visit is November to March, when days are warm and nights cool enough for a sweater around a fire.
The resort welcomes families, so expect some children at the main pool during holidays; pool villas are the quietest choice. Dress modestly for both of you outside the pool areas and on activities with staff.
Bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen and closed shoes for the dunes. Bring your passport for check-in.
Insider tips
- Book a pool villa facing open dunes for real privacy.
- Ride camels at sunrise, before the sand heats up.
- Reserve one dinner under the stars in the dunes.
- Stay at least two nights so the long drive is worth it.
