Developed by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of tourism, cultural, and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi, the luxury resort was the only winner from the Middle East and North Africa.
Qasr Al Sarab’s interior was designed by US-based HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates and South African architectural firm Northpoint, which beat stiff competition from 360 worldwide submissions to win the two awards and was commended for the way in which its design remained true to the heritage of the area. This is the sixth accolade for Qasr Al Sarab since it opened in October 2009.
TDIC worked closely with Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH), Al Ain National Museum, HBA and Northpoint during the blueprint design to ensure that the overall architecture, interior design and works of art and artifacts reflect the traditions and history of the region.
Perched on a crescent-shaped dune, the 206-room resort features 154 rooms, 42 villas and 10 royal villas and resembles an old fortress. It features round turrets and crenellated walls. The guestrooms blend Islamic design with contemporary elements such as large round bathtubs, Nespresso machines, and private sunbathing decks. All the rooms feature floor-to-ceiling wood framed doors. The spa of the resort combines Thai techniques and local ingredients such as ground dates and sand for exfoliation.
The resort also features a desert activity center that offers excursions on camels, Arabian horses, four-by-fours, and quad bikes as well as interactions with trained falcons and saluki hunting dogs. The resort is situated in the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), the world’s largest stretch of uninterrupted desert in Abu Dhabi.
Now in its sixth year, the Hospitality Design Awards for Creative Achievement, run by New York-based Hospitality Design magazine, celebrate hospitality developments that use new materials and creative designs.
Since its opening, Qasr Al Sarab has been recognized with top accolades from around the world including Middle East’s Leading Desert Resort in the World Travel Awards 2010 in May 2010; named in Condé Nast Traveller UK’s 2010 Hot List; Condé Nast Traveller USA’s Hot List and Spa Hot List; and second runner up for Spa Design Awards at the Middle East Spa Awards in May 2010.
