Abu Dhabi, 3 February 2023: Desert stargazing, bubbly breakfast in bed, private pool cabanas, and luxurious spa experiences await couples this Valentine’s Day, with the arrival of the Mini Moon at the Palace by Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.
Nestled within the golden dunes of the fabled Empty Quarter, the fortress-like palace invites couples to escape for a two-night stay where their every whim will be catered to, as they step into a world of luxurious relaxation.
Guests will delight in being awoken with a daily Champagne breakfast to savour in the privacy of their elegant room or pool villa, before they venture to a specially reserved pool-side cabana. Here they can relax while taking in views of undulating sand dunes, swim in the free-form pool, or enjoy the swim-up bar until it is time for an indulgent spa treatment where they will journey to a deep state of relaxation with a blissful 60-minute couples’ massage using the resort’s signature blend of oils.
Additional treatments may be added (at a charge), such as the resort’s signature Moroccan Hammam, delivered on a welcoming heated marble slab, or a bespoke facial or body wrap, while the spa’s jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and ice baths will entice guests to linger longer.
As evening descends and the clear desert sky becomes alit with sparkling stars, couples will be guided in a fascinating private stargazing session, in which they will learn about the night sky. The mesmerizing experience encompasses the heritage of the surrounding Liwa Desert and offers a poignant journey to the past as couples learn how to navigate the night skies under the very same star light which camel-riding travellers relied upon to traverse the dunes in centuries gone by.
Continuing the magical evening events, a private candlelit table can be arranged at an additional charge as part of the resort’s Dining by Design set-up or desert barbeque, for an ultimate feeling of occasion and celebration. Couples will be welcomed by a private butler and guided across the sand to a stunning intimate dinner setting, where they will indulge in a menu which may be curated and personalised with their personal chef.
The resort offers a grand array of other enticing dining options for couples to sample throughout their stay. Rooftop bar and restaurant, Suhail is a spectacular spot for sunset drinks and dining on the finest grills whilst taking in sweeping views of the starlit dunes, or they may indulge at Al Waha, a restaurant where Middle Eastern and international delights await. Poolside restaurant Ghadeer offers relaxed dining during the day and transforms into a candlelit haven with Mediterranean cuisine of an evening.
Relaxed daytime bites can be found at Naseem Pool Bar, and Al Liwan lobby lounge is an idyllic spot for tea, rich Middle Eastern coffee, and fine snacks. During cooler months, couples can experience the Arabian Nights at Al Falaj, a Bedouin-style restaurant showcasing a host of local delicacies prepared on a charcoal barbeque, for a traditional experience with the sand dunes and starry skies as backdrop. Or for the ultimate privacy the Villa Barbeque is set in the intimacy of guests’ own villa, attended by a private Chef and butler.
A host of unique desert activities may be arranged additionally for couples looking to do more than simply switch off. Yoga, sound meditation, guided sunrise desert walks, sunset camel treks, or a monthly full-moon walk await those seeking desert tranquility while taking in more of the enthralling surroundings; or adventure-seeking couples have the opportunity to experience the thrill of the desert terrain with dune bashing, sand biking, fat biking, archery and horse-riding experiences tailored to all levels.
Opened in November 2009, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is set in an area steeped in tradition and bursting with legacy. Guests truly step back into traditional Arabia and journey into the fabled desert from the “Mirage Palace”.
Designed to embody the region’s distinctive custom, the interiors are inspired by the simple grandeur of an old desert fortress and evoke ambient warmth and an inescapable sense of romance.
Each of the elegant rooms at the resort offer picturesque desert views and are decorated to reflect the Arabian heritage of the resort’s location, with earthy hues, beautiful Middle Eastern fabrics, and bronze chandeliers.
Born from a vision of the UAE’s late leader, H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara has become a landmark in Abu Dhabi where Emirati tradition, heritage, origins, hospitality, and luxury smoothly blends into its pristine surrounding environment.
Though conveniently located just 90-minutes from Abu Dhabi, guests will feel a million miles away from fast-paced city life as they experience rich desert culture all wrapped up in exceptional luxury.
The Mini Moon experience includes a two-night stay with breakfast, a 60-minute couples’ massage, a private stargazing experience and access to a private host for villa guests. Prices start from 4,000AED per couple.
