Qasr al Sarab

Reflecting pools at the Qasr Al Sarab with the desert of the Empty Quarter in the background. Image shot by author at Qasr al Sarab, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The name Qasr Al Sarab means “Palace of Mirages.” And an interminably (4-hour) long car ride from the airport in Dubai, in the seemingly endless stretch that is the Liwa Desert highway, it was indeed a mirage that seemed to appear in the middle of the golden sands.

Resting on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest sand desert – the Empty Quarter – beckons with the Qasr Al Sarab (by Anantara Resorts) rising up from flame-colored powdery sand dunes like a mirage, inviting luxurious adventure.

A Siberian peregrine falcon in the hand is worth … it’s just priceless.

John and I traversed a short portion of the Rub’ al Khali by camel, and dined under desert skies with an exotic Siberian falcon for company.

Unwind with hammam and desert rose spa rituals at this luxurious and relaxing Abu Dhabi resort. 

For the most exclusive of stays, reserve a Royal Pavilion out in the desert.