Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort United Arab Emirates
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
www.anantara.com/en/qasr-al-sarab-abu-dhabi
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Anantara
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
2009
Hotel General Manager
General manager Adrian Stoppe has been the driving force in turning the resort into one of the most eco-friendly properties in the world. Besides its own greenhouse, the resort is plastic free, uses biodegradable packaging, solar powers all hot water and has enhanced waste and water management systems in place.
“A brand-new wellness and meditation centre was also launched – furthering the Anantara brand image as a wellness retreat.
Looking ahead, the innovations are not done yet, as Stoppe looks to turn the resort into one of the most eco-friendly properties in the world. The GM has transformed the resort to have its own greenhouse and herb garden, it is plastic bottle-free, uses bio-degradable packaging, and solar power is behind all the hot water in the resort, and there are enhanced waste management and water recycling measures in place.
David Garner, Minor Hotels VP commercial MENA, Sri Lanka, Seychelles and Mauritius is full of praise for Stoppe. He said: “Adrian has been a driving force in positioning the resort as one of the leading resorts in the world. He has transformed and upgraded the resort in the last year and executed it successfully despite the pandemic situation globally, with multiple enhancements to the overall guest experience.
“With great care for his team members, he has always focused in making life in the desert is enjoyable and that the team has the best accommodation and facilities to ensure they deliver the highest levels of luxury. He is very strong in his commercial decisions and has achieved the highest brand.com contribution within the company and executed successful campaigns together with his sales and marketing team to drive conversion through all revenue channels.
Hotel Positioning
5 star luxury
Development Strategy
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is continuously hailed as one of the most beautiful hotels in the region and remains a benchmark for luxury arabian hospitality.
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
History & Story
On the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest sand desert – the Empty Quarter – beckons. Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara rises up from flame-coloured dunes like a mirage, inviting adventure in the most luxurious of styles. Traverse the Rub’ al Khali by camelback. Dine under desert skies. Unwind with hammam and desert rose rituals at our relaxing Abu Dhabi resort.
For the most exclusive of stays, reserve a Royal Pavilion out in the desert.
Date Renewal
In 2020 the desert oasis as a whole has been made more family-friendly, with uplifted rooms, suites and villas; upgraded technology including the first Anantara app in the region, Chromecast and Apple TV in all rooms, and renovated pool, gym areas, kids club and teens club.
Date added extensions
2020
Main Strengths, Special Touch
A secluded oasis 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi; desert adventures; award winning Anantara spa & wellness centre; awarded most instagrammable hotel in the world in 2019; exclusive adults-only royal pavilion with 10 fully private pool villas for the most exclusive of stays; camp Nujum Bedouin overnight camping experience; helicopter pads.
Location
Abu Dhabi
Key sites/activities in the area
Desert Activities (desert drives, dune bashing adventures, desert walks, camel trekking, falcon and saluki shows, horse riding, fat biking and sandboarding), Spice Spoon cooking classes, Junior Spice Spoon Kids cooking classes, Dining by Design gourmet experiences, Camp Nujum, Liwa Date Farm, Anantara Wellness & Spa.
Fun Facts
The resort is built in the shape of a crescent moon – an important symbol of the Islamic religion, but also ensures each room, suite and villa in the resort enjoys stunning sunset or sunrise views.
The resort is located in Rub’Al Khali, also known as The Empty Quarter – the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, encompassing most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen. Along the middle length of the desert are a number of raised, hardened areas of calcium carbonate, gypsum, marl, or clay that were once the site of shallow lakes which existed during periods from 6000-2000 years ago.
Little fish inhabit the small oasis in the resort, it is however a mystery how they got there. Biologists believe fish eggs were dropped in the oasis by migrating birds.
Children’s Corner
We recommend to book Anantara Suites, or one of the many private pool villas for families with children. In 2020 the resort’s pool was upgraded with the addition of a kids splash zone, kids-sized sun loungers and umbrellas and the kids club was renovated sustainably, removing all plastic. For teenagers, the resort has a teens club with the latest editions of playstations, Xboxes and pool tables. All desert adventures are kids friendly and the many resident animals (camels, saluki dogs, falcons, goats and a donkey) of the resort are always happy to welcome our younger guests. The hotel prepares special kids welcome amenities and offers kids sized bathrobes.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
- Number of suites: 14
- Number of Luxury rooms: 51
One Bedroom Pool Villa, 130sqm
Personal villa host, private pool, pillow and soap menus
3 Adults or 2 Adults + 2 Children
King bed, sofa bed and one extra bed on request
Two Bedroom Pool Villa, 190 sqm
Personal villa host, private pool, pillow and soap menus
5 adults or 4 Adults + 3 Children
King Bed, two twin beds and one sofa bed + extra bed on request
Royal Pavilion Pool Villa, 130 sqm
Adults-Only, Personal villa host, private pool, pillow and soap menus
Exclusive Royal Pavilion reception, restaurant, gym and spa
2 Adults
King Bed
Restaurants & Bars
Rolling dunes, stunning views and gourmet cuisine are always in season at our acclaimed restaurants. Choose from sundowners in the desert, steak feasts, family-friendly dining or a romantic rendezvous for two on the rooftop lounge…the choice is yours.
Al Falaj – Feel the sands of time flow through your fingers,
as you and your guests indulge in an evening under the star-studded desert sky in your very own camp, complete with traditional cuisine, stories from the past and entertainment.
Special dining experiences (Spice Spoon, In-Villa BBQ, Private Desert BBQ, Dining by Design).
Wellness
Your oasis of rejuvenation in the Empty Quarter. Cocoon yourself in Arabian luxury and endless views of the dunes as you indulge in ancient rituals infused with contemporary practices and indigenous ingredients.
Seven luxurious treatment suites for individuals & couples, Relaxation area with amazing views of the desert, two heated jacuzzis, private yoga and meditation classes, two steam rooms, ice room and sauna.
Corporate & Celebration Events
From royalty to diplomats, global corporations and boutique firms, our executive boardrooms
and ballroom are beloved venues for corporate events and celebrations of any scale.
Few places on earth are as magical for a stunning wedding celebration as the Rub Al Khali desert. With intimate and grand venues available, special occasions at the resort are destined to be utterly memorable.
Extra Notable Features
N/A
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2020
- Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards – Winner Top Resort in the Middle East
- Conde Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards
- TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice
2018-2019
- Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
- Luxury Travel Advisor – Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World
- Prix Villegiature – Grand Prix of the best Hotel in the Middle East
- Hotelier Middle Easr Top 50 Hotels
- Best of the Best Virtuoso Awards – Winner Most Innovative Guest Experience
Number of employees
350