Driving 260 kilometres, at night-time, after a long work week, with running commentary from a loquacious six-year-old in the backseat is not exactly my ideal way to kick-start a relaxing staycation. But as Aldhafra Resort (the erstwhile Tilal Liwa hotel), at the edge of Rub’ al-Khali, finally looms into sight, I remind myself that we have the next 40-odd hours to unwind.