Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXV

7 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I cuisine hailing from the local area, complemented by flavours of the Mediterranean. The homemade ice-creams and sorbets made for a delightful treat in the afternoon heat, with little Harvey demanding we returned again and again. For light bites or treats at any time, the Al Liwan lobby lounge is an idyllic rendezvous spot for friends and family, offering traditional blends of tea, rich Middle Eastern coffee and fine snacks. Every aspect of this spot, from the oriental music to the indigenous décor, took us back to ancient Arabia. You can also enjoy a fine snack for lunch, a mint tea in the afternoon or a shisha on the terrace when the sun goes down: whatever the time of the day, you can’t help but marvel at the unparalleled views of the shifting sands. During our stay at Qasr Al Sarab, Jordana and I took time to experience the Arabian Nights at Al Falaj – the Bedouin tented camp which showcases a host of local delicacies prepared on a charcoal barbeque – for a traditional encounter with the sand dunes and starry skies as backdrop. With young Harvey safely ensconced at a Kids’ Club, keeping him busy with an array of activities under the supervision of dedicated attendants, we savoured the sweet taste of Arabic coffee in the traditional Bedouin setting with oriental carpets, tents and low cushion seating, surrounded by the desert dunes. In the evening we feasted on an opulent Bedouin dinner featuring samples of cold mezzeh, succulent mixed cuts from the open flame grill, and homemade Arabic sweets as we sat in traditional fashion. The roaring bonfire and captivating rhythm from the quanoun player completed the authentic atmosphere for a breathtaking experience.