Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

Arriving at Qasr Al Sarab feels like driving into another world. Two hours south of Abu Dhabi, the road gives way to the Empty Quarter, the largest continuous sand desert on earth, and the resort rises from the dunes like a fortified palace. The architecture is deliberately theatrical: towering ochre walls, archways and turrets that echo the old Arabian forts of the region, set against a horizon of sculpted dunes stretching as far as the eye can see.

Inside, the scale softens into something genuinely comfortable. The 205 rooms and suites are generously proportioned, and the private villas come with dedicated butlers, making them the right choice for anyone who wants a more sequestered, personal experience. The freeform pool is the social heart of the resort during the day, and guests also have access to a spa, tennis courts and a fitness centre. Five restaurants offer a good spread of cuisines, from Arabic mezze to broader international options. The main caveat is the location itself: Qasr Al Sarab is a destination rather than a base, and guests should plan to settle in and decompress rather than explore the wider emirate.

This suits couples looking for something genuinely removed from the world, as well as anyone craving a desert experience with proper comfort behind it. Families can be accommodated, but the prevailing mood leans towards adults enjoying the stillness.

If a stay in the Arabian desert is something you have been considering, Qasr Al Sarab delivers it with considerable polish. The remoteness is the point, and the resort earns it.