In the middle of the desert, there is an oasis called Qasr Al Sarab Resort by Anantara where you can find your real mirage.
Sarab in Arabic السراب means mirage, an optical illusion caused by the refraction of light from the sky by heated air, but Anantara has successfully turned that illusion into reality by making Qasr Al Sarab become a real mirage set in the midst of the Rub' al Khali or Empty Quarter of The Arabian Desert. Started in 2008, this resort was built from flame-coloured dunes with a spirit of Arabia. Only 200km away from the capital, Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Sarab is a perfect location for a quick weekend escape or a memorable staycation in UAE.
My husband and I stayed for one night at Qasr Al Sarab as a quick weekend escape from city noises of Dubai, and to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. It was quite a long drive as we started from Dubai, crossed the border to enter Abu Dhabi with a mandatory negative Covid test result, then drove to Qasr Al Sarab. However, it was a beautiful drive enjoying the desert landscape.
Long and inconsiderate check-in
We were quite disappointed with the check-in staff as well as the check-in procedure. There was one couple and a group of 3 people came after us, however, they were introduced to better waiting seats and got their rooms before us. We were told to wait for our room by the pool and have some lunch as our room was not ready yet.
When we were informed that our room was ready, we decided to have a walk from the Ghadeer restaurant by the pool to our room. We got there, had to call for our luggage and wait for more. We drove a long way from Dubai to make it on time and were absolutely excited, but it turned out the first impression was not as we expected. Therefore, when we left, we didn't want to return to the reception. We just dropped our room key to the buggy man who took us to the parking area and picked up our car.
Majestic desert view with a mystical experience of Arabic culture
Despite the not so good first impression, Qasr Al Sarab definitely worths a lifetime of experience to uncover the spirit of The Arabian Desert. Sunshine all the time makes a desert where is the best place on earth to embrace the beauty of the sun and clear blue sky. And at night, you have a stunning view of a starry sky.
With beautifully-designed architecture enhancing the mesmerising Arabic culture, Anantara definitely earns hearts from guests who spend time at the resort. I personally like the bed in our room as it was really comfortable and cosy. We had a good sleep to recover our energy after a long drive. The staff at the resort are service-oriented, friendly and professional.
It's the peace in the desert that I adore. Away from city noises and busy lifestyle in Dubai, we had a chance to pause and breathe at Qasr Al Sarab. Listening to the birds singing, enjoying some fresh air, living this moment, we feel whole again.
Conclusion
Qasr Al Sarab Resort by Anantara is a perfect staycation during this pandemic time for families, couples or friends to get away from the city and indulge in a peaceful mode or experience many cultural activities.
To us, the resort is our peaceful weekend escape to the desert. It's an exclusively man-made oasis in the middle of the desert where you can find your real mirage of life.
