Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
uae, uae · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is the UAE's great desert-fortress resort — a 203-room earthen-walled palace set amongst the world's highest sand dunes on the edge of the Liwa Desert, three hours south of Abu Dhabi and barely an hour from the Saudi border. The setting is the Rub al Khali — the Empty Quarter — where the dunes reach 300 metres and the light at sunrise and sunset is almost painterly. The architecture borrows from Liwa fortresses: earthen towers, palm-wood beams, crenellated walls and date-palm courtyards, while the suites and villas inside are pure contemporary luxury with plunge pools, marble bathrooms, and dune views from every window. For honeymooners who want a more affordable alternative to Al Maha or who simply prefer a larger, more theatrical desert resort, Qasr Al Sarab is an exceptional choice.
- ✓Trust couples-verified reviews
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Are willing to invest in once-in-a-lifetime
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
91/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
The One Bedroom Pool Villa is the honeymoon highlight — a private walled villa with its own plunge pool set directly onto the dunes, ensuring sunrise and sunset views without leaving the bed. The Anantara Pool Villa is a strong alternative with a similar footprint closer to the main fort and its restaurants.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $1,250/nt) | $8,750 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $1,800 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $13,125 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $1,750 |
| Total estimated | $26,925 |
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare Anantara Qasr across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival at the Fortress
Two-and-a-half-hour transfer from Abu Dhabi takes you deep into the Liwa dunes — the approach to the fortress walls rising out of the sand is unforgettable. Welcome with date-syrup tea, a slow orientation to the property, and a first walk to your villa pool as the dunes turn copper at sunset.
Sunrise Camel Ride
Dawn camel ride across the dunes with a resident bedouin guide — the cool pre-sunrise hour is the most atmospheric time to ride. Return to the fort for breakfast, then a long morning in your villa pool. Afternoon couples' treatment at Anantara Spa followed by a private dune sundowner setup arranged by the butler.
Dune Drive & Desert Archery
Half-day dune-drive safari with a professional driver — the 4x4 roller-coaster sequences across the Liwa dunes are exhilarating. Afternoon archery lesson at the resort's dedicated range, then Arabian-style dinner at Suhail, the rooftop fine-dining restaurant with Qasr-view setting.
Falconry & Infinity Pool
Morning falconry demonstration with the resident Emirati falconer — falconry is the UAE's national heritage sport and the private session here is among the best guest-facing experiences. Lazy afternoon at the main infinity pool looking over the Liwa plain, then dinner at Ghadeer, the lakeside restaurant inside the fort complex.
Night in the Desert
A full day of rest and spa time in the morning, then an evening private dune dinner: a linen-covered table on a remote ridge with a chef, waiter, and a choreographed star-viewing session once the light has gone. This is the defining Qasr Al Sarab honeymoon experience.
Hot Air Balloon over the Dunes
Sunrise hot-air balloon departure from a launch site 30 minutes into the dunes — the balloon drift over the Liwa sands at first light is one of the rarer UAE experiences. Return to the resort by mid-morning for a slow brunch and an afternoon at the pool.
Farewell to the Sands
Final sunrise from the villa terrace, a long slow breakfast, and a late-morning departure back to Abu Dhabi. Qasr Al Sarab is a resort that rewards unhurried pacing — seven nights give it the time its scale deserves.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
The resort is remote — the 2.5-hour transfer from Abu Dhabi is not trivial, and couples wanting proximity to city life should plan 3–4 nights here within a larger UAE itinerary.
Summer temperatures in the Liwa Desert exceed 48°C — October to April is the only comfortable honeymoon window.
The property is family-friendly and can be busy during school holidays — honeymooners wanting quieter energy should book shoulder-season midweek dates.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort Dear Qasr Al Sarab team, My partner and I are planning our honeymoon and would love to stay with you from [DATE] to [DATE] ([X] nights). We are particularly interested in: [One Bedroom Pool Villa / Anantara Pool Villa / Royal Pavilion Villa] Could you please confirm: - Availability for our dates and any honeymoon package - Sunrise camel ride, falconry session, and dune drive inclusions - Options for a private dune dinner and hot-air balloon during the stay Thank you for your time. [Your names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Qasr Al Sarab good for honeymooners?
Yes — the dune setting, private villa pools, falconry and camel experiences, and the genuinely theatrical fortress architecture make this one of the most romantic desert resorts in the region. Couples form the majority of guests outside of peak school holidays.
How does it compare to Al Maha?
Qasr Al Sarab is larger (203 rooms vs 42) and family-friendly rather than adults-only. The setting is even more dramatic — the Liwa dunes are larger than those at Al Maha — but the atmosphere is less intimate and full-board is not standard.
Is it adults-only?
No. Qasr Al Sarab welcomes families and has a children's club. Outside of school holidays, however, the resort skews strongly adult and the pool villas make couples' privacy straightforward.
What's the best villa for a honeymoon?
The One Bedroom Pool Villa is the honeymoon highlight. The Royal Pavilion Villas are exceptional if budget allows — separate walled compounds with private butler, dedicated pool, and the most isolated position on the property.
How do we get there?
Fly into Abu Dhabi International (AUH) — 2.5 hours by private transfer through the desert highway. Dubai International (DXB) is 3 hours. The resort can arrange either.
What should we book in advance?
Hot-air balloon departures are seasonal and fill weeks ahead. Private dune dinners require 48-hour setup and should be requested at booking. Couples' spa journeys at Anantara Spa should also be pre-reserved.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
