Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is one of those places that doesn’t quite feel real until you’re there. Rising out of the Empty Quarter desert, this palace-like resort feels cinematic from the moment you arrive, with dramatic architecture, endless dunes, and a sense of total separation from everyday life. Despite its scale and setting, it’s surprisingly welcoming for families and thoughtfully set up for travelling with kids.
Children are treated like VIPs from the start, with welcome gifts and popsicles on arrival, and that level of attention continues throughout the stay. There’s a beautiful kids’ club with daily programming, dedicated kids’ pools with a splash pad, and babysitting services that allow parents to step away for a quiet dinner. Rooms are well equipped for families, with in-room baby gear like play tents, mini robes, bottle sterilizers, and baby bathtubs, and the breakfast buffet even includes a small kids’ play area. The staff are exceptional, warm, attentive, and genuinely engaged with children in a way that feels personal and sincere.
What truly sets Qasr Al Sarab apart for families is the desert experience itself. Days can include camel rides through the dunes, falcon and Saluki dog demonstrations, dune buggy tours suitable for all ages, visits to a local Ezba farmhouse and cultural centre, and evening stargazing or full-moon activities. In between, kids spend hours running up and rolling down the towering dunes just outside the resort. It’s an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime setting that feels both adventurous and comfortable, and easily one of the most memorable family stays we’ve ever had.