Embarking on a desert adventure at Qasr al-Sarab: an oasis of Luxury. Located near the Saudi Arabian border in the vast and captivating Empty Quarter desert, Qasr al-Sarab is a luxurious retreat that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. This resort’s architecture, reminiscent of a grand sandcastle, harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding dunes and endless sands, creating a seamless blend of opulence and nature.
Upon arrival, I was welcomed like royalty by the management and my personal butler, Arun. For a week, Arun was an invaluable aid, available 24/7 through WhatsApp to cater to my every request, no matter the time. His dedication was truly impressive, and his claim of never sleeping seemed to be accurate!
Qasr al-Sarab provides a range of activities to enhance the desert experience. We enjoyed archery, and a surprising encounter with a baby Camel Spider—rare but not dangerous. We also visited the Saluki dogs, a breed traditionally from Yemen but now found in the UAE. These royal gift dogs live in air-conditioned accommodations and even had a litter of adorable puppies during our stay.
Another highlight was Ezba, a farm on the property where we saw camels used for riding, along with antelopes, peregrine falcons, and owls. It was fascinating to learn that the darker camels are from Saudi Arabia, while the lighter ones are native to the region.
Adventurous souls can try sandboarding on the dunes. Although I did fall and bump my neck, the helmet provided was essential for safety.
Indeed, being in a desert means that temperatures can be extremely high. Most activities are scheduled either very early in the morning or in the evening. For instance, camel rides start as early as 5.30 a.m. to catch the breathtaking sunrise and to avoid the intense heat later in the day. Arun, my butler, kindly offered to arrange a wake-up call to ensure I was up in time.
Similarly, archery and sandboarding take place around 8 a.m. to make the most of the cooler morning temperatures. Evening activities, such as moonlit camel rides, provide a more comfortable experience as temperatures drop.
During the day, temperatures can soar between 40°C and 48°C in summer, while winter brings milder conditions. Evenings, however, can still be quite warm, ranging from 30°C to 38°C, though this is more bearable.
Therefore, it’s best to schedule activities for early morning or late evening. During the day, guests can relax by the pool, enjoy a meal, or explore the resort’s vast grounds. The resort is immense, so walking from the villa to other areas can take between 30 minutes to an hour. Most guests spend the daytime lounging by the pool, sunbathing, or taking advantage of the spa facilities. Evening hours are then perfect for engaging in the planned activities.
The resort offers several dining options, including Ghadeer, a restaurant led by a talented Nepalese chef. Every evening, we were treated to delightful dishes, including my personal favorite, Korean glazed popcorn chicken (to order with some rice). For those who enjoy seafood, the chef’s signature octopus dish is a must-try.
Breakfast was a diverse feast, featuring dishes from Africa, Central Asia, Western Asia, and Europe. The Oreo Twist was a standout favorite.
Additionally, Al Liwan near the lobby offered a delightful coffee shop experience with excellent coffee and desserts. I savored a vanilla milkshake while watching the sunset from a beautiful balcony, enjoying the serene desert landscape.
For relaxation, the resort features an infinity pool reserved for adults, offering stunning sunset views, and a family pool with swings and direct access to the bar. Our private villa had its own pool with panoramic views of the dunes and a portion of the resort. Given the distance, we called our butler for a buggy ride to and from our villa.
(Our villa was a dream, with breathtaking views, a private pool, a cabana, and a warm welcome that included local artisanal treats, fruits, nuts, and wine. It also featured a large bath with a rain shower, a king-size bed with views of the desert, a kitchenette, a dining area, and a spacious living room with Netflix.)
Arun, our butler, was not only professional but also personable and friendly. His Hindu heritage added a touch of warmth to the diverse team of staff members, who all live on-site due to the resort’s remote location, 2.5 hours by car from Abu Dhabi.
The resort’s spa is another highlight. I enjoyed a full-body deep tissue massage with Christiane, a fabulous therapist from Mauritius. The experience was rejuvenating. My mother opted for a luxurious facial treatment that used a range of indulgent products, leaving her skin refreshed, tightened, and smoothed. After the treatment, we were offered dates and a detox water. Each massage began with a foot scrub, and I opted to add a facial mask, lip treatment, and under-eye care to my session, which, though an additional cost, was well worth the splurge.
The level of personalized service at Qasr al-Sarab is truly unique. As a blogger, I have never experienced such excellence in service before. From the moment I was greeted by six members of the staff, including my butler Arun, the entire check-in process was facilitated seamlessly. Each step of my stay was carefully attended to, with Arun and the team always insisting that I could call on them anytime for any request or question. This exceptional level of service, which I haven’t encountered elsewhere, made for a truly relaxing stay. Everyone on site maintained the same high standards of excellence, contributing to a genuinely remarkable experience.
It’s not mandatory to tip at Qasr al-Sarab, but it is appreciated and considered good etiquette. While tipping is left to the guest’s discretion, it is always a nice gesture to reward the staff for their exceptional service. Having some small denominations of dirhams on hand to give a tip to your butler, chefs, or any employees who have assisted you can be a thoughtful way to show your gratitude.
It’s important to note that one or two nights at Qasr al-Sarab is likely not enough to fully explore the grandeur and magnificence of the property. Additionally, the surrounding area is quite remote with limited activities nearby. Therefore, if you choose to stay at Qasr al-Sarab, you should plan to fully immerse yourself in the serene, relaxing, and immersive experience the resort offers.
Qasr al-Sarab is more than just a resort: it’s a sanctuary of luxury and tranquility in the heart of the desert, offering an unforgettable experience.