March 17, 2011, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E: The Russian Travel Awards announced that Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara was voted among international participants as the "Best All-inclusive Resort" for Russian travelers' who visited Abu Dhabi -UAE in 2010. the Russian travel audience is showing greater interests towards Abu Dhabi luxury travel market which has been accelerating over 2010.  

This accolade marks the fifth time in the past year that Qasr Al Sarab has been recognized and honored as being the Best Resort in the UAE from both regional and international publications and associations. Nestled among the world's largest dune desert in the breathtaking Empty Quarter of Abu Dhabi, the five star luxury resort is designed to showcase the true essence of Arabian heritage and culture.

"We would like to express our gratitude towards the Russian voters, our local and international visitors and all potential guests for honoring Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, our flagship resort in the Middle East, with this award." says Peter Carmichael, Senior Vice President of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas.

"We have received positive feedback from the Russian market over the past year as we have actively sought to attract visitors from this key inbound market. This award is a proof that our efforts are coming to fruition as our focus this year is to drive growth by increasing our business relationship with the international market. The uniqueness of Qasr Al Sarab is that it has a unique location, dramatic scenery, exceptional service, traditional architecture and most of all its warm Arabian hospitality, all served with a touch of luxury.  We aim to offer our valued international guests an experience that is both rewarding and exceptional in a destination where they can take with them a memorable experience." Says David Garner, Area Director of Sales & Marketing, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara and Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

For Bookings and Reservations Please contact Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara on
Tel: +971 2 886 2088 or email:  infoqas@anantara.com. For further information please visit qasralsarab.anantara.com                                                                                                                                                

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About Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara:
Located at the heart of the Liwa Desert, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a five-star luxurious leisure resort situated among the highest sand dunes in the world. The resort, developed by Tourism Development & Investment Company, is inspired by the indigenous desert culture and reflects true Emirati lifestyle.

Managed by the award-winning Thai hospitality operator Anantara, the luxury resort features 154 rooms, in addition to 42 villas and 10 royal villas, which resemble small private palaces with spacious living and dining areas, private pools and outdoor terraces.

The resort comprises a desert experience centre designed to educate visitors on the surrounding environment and to offer activities relevant to the region including falconry, camel riding and desert exploration. Perched on the shoulder of a dune on the edge of the world's largest sand desert - the Empty Quarter (Rub al Khali) - Qasr Al Sarab is a great place for visitors to observe animals indigenous to the area such as the Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle and Arabian Hare. 

The resort is an integral part of the UAE's unique heritage, and is surrounded by rich history dating back to 9,000 year-old New Stone Age settlements. Opened in October 2009, Qasr Al Sarab is the ultimate experiential getaway with a luxury health spa, conference centre, outdoor pool, children's playground and adventure excursions.

The resort lies 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and seven kilometres from the main Hamim Highway crossing the Rub al Khali desert.

Editor's Note:
For hundreds of years throughout Thailand, people would leave a jar of water outside their house to provide refreshment and extend a welcome to the passing traveller.  Anantara is taken from an ancient Sanskrit word that means 'without end', symbolising this sharing of water and the heartfelt hospitality that lies at the core of every Anantara experience.

There are currently 8 Anantara properties in Thailand located in the lush northern jungles to cosmopolitan Bangkok and along exotic southern shores.  The breathtaking Maldives boasts 3 distinctive sanctuaries, while our Bali retreat resides in fashionable Seminyak.  Abu Dhabi is home to 2 regal retreats on stunning Sir Bani Yas Island and in the legendary Liwa desert.  2011 will see 9 new openings in Vietnam, China, Bali, Thailand and Abu Dhabi.

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands. GHA currently includes brands such as Anantara, Doyle Collection, First, Kempinski, Leela, Marco Polo, Mirvac, Omni, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL and Tivoli, encompassing over 260 upscale and luxury hotels with over 60,000 rooms in 47 different countries. To book or for further information visit www.gha.com

For media enquiries contact:
Anantara                                                                         
Nancy Nusrally                                                                                                
Area Public Relation Manager                                                     
Tel: +971 25589156                                                       
Mobile : +971 506601097 
Email : nnusrally@anantara.com  

© Press Release 2011