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QASR Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara received the Middle East's 'Leading Desert Resort Award 2011', during a presentation at the World Travel Award red-carpet gala ceremony.
This is the sixth time in the past year that the company has been recognised as the leading resort in the Middle East, from both regional and international associations.
The resort was designed to highlight Abu Dhabi's heritage and rich culture, and also to blend into the surrounding environment, which boasts settlements dating back 7,000 years.
The project is built in the Liwa Desert, one of the country's most breathtaking landscapes. The architecture is inspired by authentic forts from the Liwa Desert, and is located in the Empty Quarter, overlooking a natural long valley that runs for several kilometres from East to West.
Sitting upon a crescent-shaped dune, the resort boasts154 rooms, 42 villas and 10 royal villas, resembling majestic palaces, with spacious living and dining areas, private pools and outdoor terraces.
Travel writers say the resort is a haven of comfort and pure extravagance. "Anantara's aim is to become a role model for the Arabian hospitality industry, and the key to achieveing this goal, has been its dedication to ensuring every guest's trip is enriched by local experiences, within a breathtaking environment," said Boyd Barker, acting general manager at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.
"We are very thankful and honoured to receive this award for the second time. Our focus this year is to drive growth by increasing our business relationships with the international market, and this award is testament to our efforts."
The World Travel Awards are prestigious the world over for recognising quality within the travel industry. Voting takes place online during the year, and travel agents and members of the travelling public globally are encouraged to vote.
From lush jungles to pristine beaches and legendary deserts to cosmopolitan cities, Anantara currently has 15 properties in Thailand, the Maldives, Bali and the United Arab Emirates and will see new openings in Vietnam, China, Bali, Thailand and Abu Dhabi this year.
For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, visit www.anantara.com
