PALACE OF THE MIRAGE

Qasr Al Sarab, in English translates to Palace of the Mirage and this is exactly what it feels like when you arrive here. Located in The Empty Quarter, it's about a 3 hour drive from Dubai or 1.5 hours from Abu Dhabi City. In five years we have stayed here three times and I have no doubt that we will go again at some stage, it is that good.

Once you get off the main highway and you start driving further inland, the desert turns into a brilliant red colour, the road winds delicately into the dunes and with no sight of the hotel you wonder if you're actually on the right track. Then all of a sudden you turn the corner and the hotel is spread out in front of you. 

Greeted warmly by the doorman and valet, you're luggage disappears and you are welcomed into the sanctuary of the lobby area offering the first glimpse of what lays behind the hotel. After being offered a refreshing drink and a much appreciated cold towel a decidedly quick checkin process happens and before you know it you are being led to your room.

The hotel offers several different types of rooms and suites, I highly recommend taking a room with a terrace to enjoy the fantastic unobstructed view of the surrounding desert.

It's a fantastic place to reflect on the day, relax and look at all those photos from the camel festival!

The late afternoon is the best time to explore the dunes offering that beautiful golden hour sunlight. However it's equally as lovely to get up early and watch the sunrise from the highest dune near to the hotel.

It's quite a hard walk up hill, but once at the top it's worth it. Once the sun has risen, it's lovely to wander back down and enjoy hot coffee and breakfast on the terrace, it is one of the best breakfast buffet's around!

Although the hotel has a fantastic pool area which is lovely to spend a day, they also have a range of other activities which although pricey are well worth it.

A guided tour around the local area is a great way to spend a full day, exploring the town of Liwa, camel farms, cucumber farms and a few old (restored) forts it will give you a very authentic perspective of the area. 

One of the highlights is watching the falconry. A revered bird in the Arab world, this is a great way to learn more about the birds, meet them up close and see them in action. 

I truly love visiting this special place and if you are coming to Abu Dhabi than a trip to Qasr Al Sarab is a must do!

Also, these photos haven't been edited, this really is the colour of the desert!

Thanks for reading.

Amy