Empower Your Body And Expand Your Mind Amid Inspiring Desert Surroundings

Exclusive four-day wellness retreat by Sanctum comes to Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, a legendary oasis nestled deep within the expansive Liwa Desert, is hosting an exclusive four-day Alignment & Self Powerretreatfrom March 30-April 2, led bySanctum, an Amsterdam-based mindful movement concept.

The Sanctum method is a cathartic, high intensity mindful movement that empowers the

body and expands the mind, through multidisciplinary forms of physical, spiritual, and mental conditioning such as kundalini yoga, martial arts, animalistic flow, breath work and modern fitness with elements of HIIT. The immersive method is curated with music inspired by Amsterdam’s electronic scene, and elevated with orchestral pieces to compliment mindful and meditation moments.

Having gained international recognition, Sanctum can be found in the likes of British Vogue, The Sunday Times, Global Wellness Summit, and Forbes, as the latest wellness method that feels more akin to a transformative therapy session rather than a regular workout.

Guests can pause their day-to-day and immerse themselves into a journey of self-discovery and awakening, as they join four full days of a mindfulness-focussed program comprising of three nights at the iconic Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. The single occupancy package starts from AED 11,500, while the double occupancy package with a plus one starts from AED 18,800 and comprises of daily Sanctum classes hosted by the Founder, Luuk Melisse, Sanctum hikes and mindful desert walks, a 60- minute desert fusion massage with sound healing, healthy gourmet meals, an immersive star gazing experience, and a sound therapy and Yoga Nidra session.

With a let-go and release approach, guests are invited to unlock their inner potential through carefully curated music combined with the most inspiring instructions from the Sanctum guides, as the desert invites the feeling of pure serenity while the resort’s fortress-like architecture provides a spectacular backdrop for this one-of-a-kind holistic wellness programme.

The retreat’s themes of questing, survival, creativity, clarity, revelations, loneliness and overcoming life’s biggest obstacles are elevated by the unique location’s vastness and unmatched atmosphere to escape the every-day and connect back to oneself.

Daily movement sessions will be hosted, amongst other exhilarating workshops which will focus around three pillars: Consciousness – going to vulnerable places to face and let go of what is found there; Awakening – creating a haven in the body through movement where it feels safe to surrender into one’s heart and listen to one’s true self; and Self Power – connecting back to one’s self and using the life force energy within you to unpack, process and heal,stepping into the greatest expression of oneself.

Day one will encourage guests to arrive within themselves, with a welcoming opening circle, followed by a traditional bakhoor cleansing ritual, a Sanctum movement session and peaceful meditation.

Day two focusses on empowering the energetic body to create insight & healing. Guests will experience the peacefulness and tranquility of the undulating desert on a sunrise dune walk, followed by a fascinating talk on epigenetics. Deep relaxation follows with a Yoga Nidra class and a sound healing session from expert guest, Linda Chambers Cochrane, a highly sought-after wellness and fitness expert whose healing meditations and sound journeys are dedicated to evoking a deep sense of relaxation and increased mental clarity.

Day three’s theme is around reconnecting with one’s true essence and self-acceptance and will start with a Sanctum movement session, followed by a healthy brunch Under a canopy of stars, an evening concert will provide guests another opportunity to connect with one another and themselves, with a once-in-a-lifetime star gazing session to wrap up an awe-inspiring day.

The closing day is a celebration of life and starts with peaceful meditation, followed by the final Sanctum class of the retreat, and a moving gratitude ritual before a closing circle to wrap up four days of empowering self-discovery.

The four-day retreat is priced at AED 11,500 per person and includes three nights’ luxury accommodation in Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara’s rooms, with full board of healthy gourmet dining.

For bookings, please visit the hotel’s page here.