Anantara Opens Banana Island Resort in Doha, Qatar

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara has opened its doors, offering guests a taste of traditional Qatari hospitality and a resort experience which includes over water villas as well as a dedicated wellness centre.

Nestled in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Doha, the resort offers a paradise island setting with extensive facilities for everyone from couples to families.

The distinctive crescent shape of the island provides a natural harbour framed by an 800-metre long private beach where guests can relax and swim in the calm, safe waters of the turquoise sea.

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara feels a world away from bustling Doha but is only a 20-minute journey by luxury ferry from Al Shyoukh Terminal located in the city’s downtown area, or a 10-minute helicopter ride directly from the airport.

Sami Ayari, General Manager of Operational Excellence, Minor Hotel Group, said, “With the rapid expansion of Qatar Airways and its network of 146 destinations around the world, Qatar is now a popular tourist destination so the timing of the opening is perfect. In fact, Qatar Tourism Authority recently opened an overseas office to focus on Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong which reflects the increasing levels of demand from South East Asia so we are looking forward to welcoming guests from the region.”

The 141 guest rooms, suites and villas include 54 Premier Sea View Rooms, 16 Deluxe Sea View Rooms, 8 Sea View Suites, 18 Anantara Suites and 34 Sea View Pool Villas featuring a personal pool and poolside cabana.

The eight two-bedroom Over Water Villas and trio of three-bedroom Anantara Over Water Villas offer 360 square metres of space and a 62 square metre personal pool, ideal for families and groups of friends.

The resort boasts its own marina with 30 berths and a fully equipped dive centre with a practice pool, ideal for beginners. Water sports range from the relaxing pace of kayaking, pedalos and stand up paddle boarding, the thrills of wakeboarding, banana boat, triple tube and donut rides, water skiing and jet skiing, to fishing trips and luxury yacht cruises. In the resort’s two lane surf pool the waves can be controlled to suit different skill levels, making it easier to master surfing techniques than out at sea. Guests can energise themselves with laps or a leisurely dip in the 100 metre long lagoon pool or enjoy the fun at the children’s pool complete with water slides.

Guests looking for recreation options on dry land are also spoilt for choice, from tennis, beach volleyball and a fitness centre, to an entertainment centre with a nine-hole putting golf course, eight pin bowling alley and VIP cinema theatre. With dedicated facilities and fully qualified professional child minders, families are welcome at the Cool Mint Kids’ Club and Pepper Mint Teens’ Club, where they can make new friends and socialise, play games and get active on the obstacle course and in the adventure zone.

The resort’s dedicated Balance Wellness Centre offers holistic programmes for relaxation, detox, de-stress and radiance, fitness, weight management, yoga and alternative therapy, as well as pre- and post-natal and anti-ageing journeys. Unique facilities include an indoor botanical garden, oxygen fern room, and female only hydro pool, along with nutritional wellness cuisine with menus crafted by specialist chefs. Wellbeing goes hand in hand with expert pampering at Anantara Spa’s tranquil over water sanctuary, featuring separate male and female Turkish hammams and Jacuzzis and a treatment menu that pays tribute to Doha’s ancient tribal traditions and rich cultural heritage.

Eight dining options offer a choice of Middle Eastern, Italian and international cuisines at locations all around the island from the marina, poolside, by the shoreline and on over water decks with tranquil views and soft sea breezes.