Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Over 200 kilometres south of Abu Dhabi’s glitz and glamour, deep into the world’s largest sand desert, Qasr Al Sarab is gloriously remote. Built in an ancient traditional style with towers and turrets and fortress-like crenellations, the hotel blends into the vast desert landscape of the Empty Quarter. Inside you’ll find bedrooms decorated with wooden beams and antique carpets, each one with its own private terrace or balcony. 

Families will find fun at the Kids’ Club and Teens’ Club, or on the shaded tennis courts where lessons help up their game. Educational experiences are on offer at the Ezba farmhouse, where you can meet Arabian salukis, falcons and horses. 

There are six dining destinations to choose from, but the mealtime highlight is an opportunity to dine in the desert entirely alone and under the stars. Plenty more desert adventures abound, too, with dune buggy tours, guided walks and camel trekking among the rusty dunes. Cool off back at the hotel with a dip in the adults-only infinity pool or at the swim-up bar in the main pool. The spa’s Moroccan hammam experience is a must-try for anyone seeking a little rejuvenation, too.