Anantara's Liwa Desert property — 206 rooms and villas two hours south of Abu Dhabi in the Empty Quarter dunes.
BrandAnantara Hotels & Resorts
DestinationAbu Dhabi
RegionMiddle East
Price TierTier 2 ($2k-$5k)
SettingSecluded oasis in the desert
Best ForCouples seeking desert immersion with resort infrastructure, families with school-age children interested in desert activities, repeat Anantara guests collecting properties.
PrivacyHigh
ServicePersonalized Arabian hospitality
ButlerAvailable (varies by suite)
Private PoolYes
Built2009
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara opened in 2009 in the Liwa Desert, two hours south of Abu Dhabi in the Empty Quarter's red-sand dune landscape. The 206 rooms and villas follow Anantara's Asian-influenced design language translated into Arabian desert context — low-rise fort-inspired architec
Key Features
Stunning desert location
Luxurious accommodations including private villas
Full-service spa
Multiple dining options with authentic cuisine
Outdoor swimming pool
Desert adventures and activities
Dining
Al Waha
Suhail
Ghadeer
Al Falaj
Signature Experience
Sunrise dune drives into the Empty Quarter — the property's Liwa location gives access to the region's most dramatic sand formations without requiring overnight desert camping.
Anantara's full-resort format executed at scale in the Empty Quarter dunes, with private-pool villa options and structured desert programming. The Liwa location is deeper into the desert than competing Abu Dhabi luxury properties.
Signature Suite: 2 Bed Pool Villa
Luxurious space, private pool, terrace views, garden dining
Accolades
2024 Global Recognition Award, Middle Easts Leading Desert Spa Resort 2015, United Arab Emirates Leading Desert Resort 2015, Worlds Leading Desert Resort 2025
Best time: October through April offers ideal conditions for ultra-luxury travel — warm days, cool evenings, and a full calendar of cultural events including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November.
Demand: Peak demand concentrates around the Formula 1 Grand Prix in November and December holiday period. Shoulder months of October and March offer strong value with fewer crowds at flagship properties.
Pricing: Rates peak sharply around the Grand Prix weekend, often doubling. January through March represents the sweet spot — premium conditions at moderate rates before the heat builds.
Insider tip: The Louvre Abu Dhabi is best experienced on weekday mornings before tour groups arrive. Pair it with a late lunch at a Saadiyat Island resort for the definitive Abu Dhabi ultra-luxury itinerary.
Avoid: June through September brings extreme heat exceeding 45°C, making outdoor activities impractical. Indoor experiences remain available but the city's full potential is unreachable.
