Secluded in a portion of the immense Empty Quarter desert that lies in the United Arab Emirates, hotel group Anantara has opened the Royal Pavilion Villas by Qasr Al Sarab: 10 villas that prove the epitome of luxurious seclusion. The enclave rests one kilometer from Anantara’s Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort and across from a 180-meter-high sand dune, making for spectacular views from the villas, each with their own pool, outdoor rainforest shower, cabana, and terrace. Interiors are swathed in soothing neutral colors and boast beamed ceilings, Arabian rugs, carved moldings, flat screens, Bose iPod docks, toiletries from Elemis and Shiffa, bathrobes monogrammed with guests’ initials, and a private butler pantry (as meal plans are custom-designed with chefs upon arrival). As for what to do, options abound from which to choose for the two activities included in each day’s stay: camel rides through the dunes, dune bashing, desert drives, archery, walking tours, land sailing, biking, and a falcon and saluki (known as the Royal Dog of Egypt) show. Down time can also be spent in the shared pavilion that stands like an Arabian castle in the sand, housing the dining room, workout room, and spa. Although isolated, the resort provides transportation to the villas via private limousines or helicopters (at an extra charge) from Abu Dhabi or the Dubai airport; getting from the villas to the greater Qasr Al Sarab resort, meanwhile, occurs via camel or luxury SUV. Packages (doubles from US$1600) also include a welcome ritual, three daily meals, a soft mini bar, and evening cocktails in the pavilion’s lounge or terrace with spectacular desert views.

For more information, visit Anantara.