Liwa Desert, United Arab EmiratesMahdar Sahab
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Desert fortress compound
Mahdar Sahab Liwa Desert, United Arab Emirates
Renovated
2020
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Resort LocalOutside the door
The house
AnantaraDesert fortress compound
Torchlit turrets, trickling courtyards, and clay walls evoke an ancient desert fortress set amid the towering dunes of the Empty Quarter.
“Reminiscent of a traditional Bedouin village, the resort sits among the incredible rolling red and orange dunes…”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Fortress-style clay architecture sculpted into crescent dunes, with sunset-facing private terraces.
Remarkable
Camel treks across towering dunes, sandboarding, and lagoon pools with a swim-up bar.
Remarkable
Guided desert conservation safaris tracking wild Arabian oryx and seasonal Saluki demonstrations.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The Middle East
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery and AFAR.
the most basic rooms are very big indeed, with oversized soaking tubs and stunning views of the dunes…
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Surrounding conservation sands in the Empty Quarter shelter free-roaming Arabian oryx and gazelles beneath vast, uninterrupted desert skies.
The rooms
Carved dark wood and oversized round soaking tubs frame west-facing private terraces oriented toward sunset views across the sand dunes.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Palm trees and sun loungers flank the infinity pool, looking straight out across the red dunes at sunset.
The hammam
An octagonal heated marble slab rests beneath vaulted domes in the Moroccan hammam, beside desert-facing Vichy showers.
The spa and gym
Treatment rooms look out across the desert for argan oil massages, and the fitness centre stays open 24 hours.
At the table
Al Falaj serves Arabic barbecue on low majlis cushions in the dunes, and Suhail grills steaks on the rooftop.
Emerging from golden dunes on the fringes of Abu Dhabi, this village-like resort has 140 rooms, 14 suites and 53 pool villas...
How it began
Architecture firm Northpoint shaped the compound along a crescent dune, taking cues from historic Emirati fortresses and regional sand huts.
“The resort lies on the edge of the Empty Quarter that stretches deep past the Saudi Arabian border with the UAE in endless sand dunes.”
Good to know
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Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.