Anantara Spa at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort sits among the dunes of the Liwa desert in Al Dhafra, a long drive from the city. The menu combines Middle Eastern remedies, Thai expertise and Biologique Recherche facials, with desert-inspired body treatments using rose, rhassoul and argan oil.

The spa has five treatment suites for individuals and couples, a relaxation area with desert views, a Moroccan hammam with a heated marble slab, two heated Jacuzzis, two steam rooms, a sauna, an ice room, a dedicated wellness and meditation centre and, from October to April, an outdoor Thai sala.

The current Traditional Moroccan Hammam (Turkish or Moroccan style, with exfoliation, hydration and a back massage) costs AED 850 for 60 minutes. On the resort's published price list, massages include the Anantara Signature Massage and Desert Fusion Massage, which uses hot stones and a heated Rub' Al Khali sand poultice (AED 990 for 90 minutes each), Arabian and Stress Release massages (AED 680 for 60 minutes, AED 930 for 90), a Thai Herbal Compress Massage and a synchronised four-hand massage (AED 1,800). The four-hour Arabian Desert Rose Ritual is the signature (AED 2,500). That list is dated 2020, so confirm prices when booking.

The resident wellness practitioner leads yoga, Pilates, breath work, meditation and sound healing, and there are one-day and three-day wellness packages. Opening hours are 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Friday and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM at weekends.