QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT by Anantara unveils its winter experiences

ABU DHABI / GULF TIME

As winter settles over the Empty Quarter, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara invites travellers to experience the Liwa Desert at its most captivating. With cooler temperatures, clear skies and golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, the winter months are the ideal time to explore the resort’s signature desert adventures, wellness rituals and open-air dining experiences, all set against one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

Desert Adventures & Cultural Experiences
Winter brings the desert to life, making it the ideal season to explore Qasr Al Sarab’s outdoor and cultural offerings. Guests can immerse themselves in Emirati heritage through the Ezba Tour, a thoughtfully curated experience that offers a deeper understanding of traditional desert life, local customs, and the relationship between the land, its people, and their animals. Set against the vast Liwa landscape, the tour provides an authentic and engaging introduction to the region’s cultural roots, suitable for both adults and families.
Sunrise and sunset camel rides remain a favourite for first-time visitors and returning guests alike, offering a magical way to experience the desert as the light shifts across the sand. Horse riding through the dunes provides another memorable way to connect with the landscape, whether for beginners or more experienced riders.
For those seeking adventure, the Dune Master Class allows guests to learn the art of desert driving with expert guidance across the rolling dunes of Liwa.
A highlight of the winter season is the Falcon and Saluki Show, an immersive experience that brings the UAE’s rich hunting heritage to life. Guests can witness live demonstrations of traditional falconry techniques, learn about the deep bond between falcons and Saluki hounds, and hear captivating stories rooted in Bedouin culture. With cooler temperatures making the animals more active, the experience is particularly engaging during winter, offering guests the rare opportunity to interact closely with these iconic desert companions. As night falls, winter offers the best conditions for stargazing in the Liwa Desert.
With clearer skies, lower humidity and longer nights from now through early April, guests can enjoy exceptional visibility and extended viewing sessions under the stars.
For those seeking more active pursuits, padel and tennis courts are also available, offering daytime recreation amid the desert surroundings.

Wellness & Spa Rituals
Set within the serene desert landscape, guests are invited to slow down and restore balance at the Anantara Spa through a curated selection of holistic experiences, available as solo journeys, shared rituals for couples, or intimate group sessions.
Guided Meditation and Sound Healing sessions use gentle vibrational frequencies to release tension, calm the nervous system and encourage emotional clarity, while Pilates Reformer classes focus on strength, alignment and mindful movement. The Floating Sound Bath Experience offers a uniquely restorative ritual, allowing guests to float effortlessly on water as soothing sound vibrations promote deep relaxation and a heightened sense of presence.
Traditional Hammam rituals remain a year-round favourite, providing a cleansing and grounding experience rooted in ancient bathing traditions. Complementing these offerings, both visiting and resident holistic wellness practitioners curate personalised treatments and programmes throughout the season, tailored to individual needs and intentions.

Dining Under the Desert Sky
Winter evenings at Qasr Al Sarab are made for open-air dining and memorable culinary experiences. Al Falaj, the resort’s Levantine restaurant, reopens after the summer season as a highlight of winter, offering atmospheric evenings under the stars with sharing-style dishes inspired by regional flavours.
For couples seeking something truly special, Designer Dining offers intimate, bespoke dining experiences set deep within the dunes.
Guests are invited to stroll to a candlelit table in the desert, where a dedicated butler and personal chef curate a tailored Middle Eastern or international menu, creating a romantic evening shaped entirely around the landscape and the moment.

Signature Winter Experience: Camp Nujum
Returning exclusively for the winter season, Camp Nujum offers groups and extended families an immersive overnight desert experience inspired by Bedouin heritage. Accessible by camel ride at sunset, the journey unfolds with dune experiences, sunset cocktails and a traditional Middle Eastern barbecue served beneath the stars. Evenings are spent storytelling by the bonfire and stargazing in near-total silence, before retiring to private Bedouin tents.
At sunrise, guests awaken to a desert wellness ritual followed by a Middle Eastern breakfast and freshly brewed Arabic coffee, creating a deeply atmospheric way to experience the Liwa Desert.