Looking to read a detailed Anantara Doha Banana Island Resort review before booking your next trip to Qatar? You’ve come to the right place!
This jaw-dropping 5-star private island resort overlooking the Doha skyline is accessible from the airport for VIPs via limosine service and scenic catamaran cruise.
I spent 2 nights in a luxurious suite at the hotel. My Banana Island Resort review features info on the award-winning hotels accommodation options, wellness programs, restaurants and unique on-site amenities.
Book A Luxurious Holiday at Anantara Doha
Nestled on a crescent-shaped island, a short 30-minute catamaran cruise from the twinkling skyline of Doha, Banana Island Resort by Anantara stands as a tranquil oasis, offering a unique blend of Qatari heritage and luxurious comfort.
Banana Island Resort was initially constructed in the mid-2000s using 13-hectares of reclaimed land and officially launched in 2015. Its private island vibe with overwater villas aims to offer a unique Maldives-style experience in the Arabian Gulf.
Among an 800 metre, palm-fringed coastline, the luxurious private island retreat stands as a restorative sanctuary, perfect for those seeking a wellness escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This was my second experience staying at an Anantara Hotels & Resorts property. I first became aware of the famous luxury hotel brand from Thailand when I stayed at Anantara Riverside Bangkok.
Combining Qatari and Thai hospitality, the resort’s setting on Banana Island, accessible from Shyoukh Port is just steps away from the must-visit Souq Waqif, one of Doha’s most popular cultural and shopping destinations, Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar – all located 30 to 40 minutes away from the island.
Important to note that Banana Island Resort is a dry-hotel so no alcohol is served at the restaurants or bars, but mixologists shake up delightfully refreshing mocktails using fresh fruit juices and syrups.
Whether you’re visiting Doha on holiday or enjoying a layover en route to Asia or Africa, Banana Island Resort by Anantara is an excellent alcohol-free option for those looking to rest and restore while nursing that jet lag.
Anantara Doha Banana Island Resort Review Highlights
Before booking your trip, here are a list of highlights that make Anantara Doha Banana Island Resort stand out from the rest:
- It’s the only private island resort with overwater villas in Qatar.
- Home to an 800-meter secluded golden crescent beach and a 200-meter crystal blue lagoon.
- The resort’s unique design is built like a traditional Arabian village with thatched roofs, whitewashed stone walls, and Arabic carvings.
- An exciting Adventure Park opened in the Fall of 2024, featuring the longest zipline in the region and the highest climbing wall.
- Plenty of variety of activities and facilities for families or couples – from pristine beaches to kids’ club, fitness centre, paddle boarding, kayaking, volleyball, fishing trips, tennis court, bowling alley, cinema, dive centre, spa, 9-hole mini putt golf course, helipad and private marina.
- Banana Island Resort is nirvana for swimming enthusiasts as it has 4 swimming pools to take a plunge including the main Q Lounge Pool, exhilarating Surf Pool, Kids Pool with waterslide, Lagoon Pool, and Dive Centre.
- Spice Spoons cooking classes offer a fun holiday experience for traveling foodies.
- The resort boasts several unique culinary concepts, including an award-winning Indian restaurant, scenic Mediterranean concept, classic American diner and jaw-dropping bar that floats over the beach.
Accommodation
The most important question you have to ask yourself when reading a Banana Island Resort review is, “what type of accommodation would I like to book for my holiday?”
The Anantara Doha prides itself on its 141 upscale rooms, suites, and villas, each presenting a magnificent view of the sea or beach.
Among these, the Maldives-inspired Over Water Villas are a highlight, offering guests an unrivalled experience of serenity with private infinity pools, shaded balconies, and bespoke services.
From the spacious Premier and Deluxe Sea View Rooms to the opulent Two and Three Bedroom Sea View Pool Villas, each accommodation is a testament to luxury and comfort with a distinct chic Arabian sensibility.
All accommodations at Anantara Doha include luxurious Elemis bath amenities. access to a special pillow menu to ensure a sound night sleep, king sized or twin beds, mini bar, seperate bath and shower, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Spa
If you’re looking to rest and relax on holiday book a relaxing body treatment at Banana Island Resort’s impressive relaxation oasis.
The spacious 3000 sqm Anantara Spa at Banana Island Resort Doha is a sanctuary of wellness, offering a range of treatments and therapies that blend traditional practices with modern techniques.
The spa features separate treatment suites for men and women, hammam facilities, and a variety of rejuvenating therapies, ensuring a transformative experience for every guest.
Skip through the Banana Island Resort Doha Spa and you’ll find 4 overwater single treatment suites, 3 overwater couple treatment suites, 1 Thai massage room, and 1 Ayurveda room with customized ebony wood Shirodhara bed.
The separate gendered Hammam facilities incorporate a large indoor plunge pool, 4 steam rooms, saunas, and ice fountains.
Since I was jet lagged on a layover I booked the Anantara Signature Massage, which is based on the concept of “East meets West.” The treatment integrates the traditional Eastern approach of meridian lines with Western techniques. The massage stimulates the circulatory system, enhances blood circulation, and provides deep muscle relaxation.
Anantara Doha Resort Restaurants
No Anantara Doha Resort review is complete until you’ve had an opportunity to wag your finger down each of the hotel’s marvellous menus.
The hotel boasts several unique food & beverage concepts, from casual American diner to award-winning Indian and Middle Eastern concepts.
NOTE: Banana Island Resort is a dry hotel so you won’t find alcohol served here. The hotel’s beverage experts craft mocktails and refreshing beverages using fresh ingredients, house-made syrups, and creative techniques.
Azraq
Each morning guests at Banana Island Resort wake up to the world at Azraq.
The resort’s breakfast buffet concept showcases international flavours that span all corners of the globe, with a touch of local Qatari flair.
Sip a frothy cappuccino on the terrace while enjoying endless views of turquoise waters as you great a new day.
The bountiful buffet boasts dishes that include Middle Eastern specialties like sweet date cake and fattet hummus, an Asian corner with steaming noodle soups, Indian nook teaming with spicy dal and fragrant chutneys, as well as standard brunch fare served at live cooking stations that animate the experience. There’s a healthy salad and yogurt bar for those looking to keep fit on holiday as well as an endless array of French pastries and classic breakfast dishes like pancakes, waffles, French toast and Eggs Benedict.
Al Nahham
Al Nahham enjoys a dramatic setting perched at the water’s edge. A beautiful thatched pavilion leads through to an al fresco deck with views overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
Winner of the World Culinary Awards 2023, Al Nahham restaurant won Qatar’s Best Hotel Restaurant. It’s the best place in Qatar to explore local Middle Eastern flavours and spices with a selection of seafood, mixed grills/meats and mezze.
We suggest skipping lunch to enjoy a proper feast at Al Nahham as the menu boasts so many mouth-watering dishes you can easily share at the table.
Start by ordering a selection of hot and cold mezze like falafel hummus, moutabel, labneh, kibbeh, arayes, grilled halloumi with watermelon and addictive cheese stuffed phyllo wrapped cigars.
If you have room for more, enjoy fresh seafood like Shrimps Salona, Grilled Lobster or Grilled Fish Sayadieh. From the grill there’s perfectly charred lamb chops, shish taouk, shawarma, and kebab.
Riva
Delve into the heart of the Mediterranean at Riva, where handmade pasta and pizzas from the wood-fired oven embody the rich essence of Italian dining.
Relax on the terrace, breathe in the salty air, and finish off your meal with artisanal desserts and authentic Italian coffees.
Highlights from the Riva menu include Greek Watermelon Salad, Diavola Pizza, Prawn Risotto, and DIY pasta where guests can chose their noodle and pair it with their favourite sauces like creamy alfredo, bolognese, arrabbiata or simple tomato sugo.
Q Lounge
Q Lounge is the perfect spot to enjoy all-day dining, either indoors or al fresco by the pool enjoying scenic vistas surrounded by the soothing sea breeze.
Winner of the World Luxury Restaurant Awards for Best Indian Cuisine, Q Lounge serves up a delectable array of spicy and fragrant dishes, complimented by an array of shisha flavours.
Must-try signature dishes at Q Lounge include Mango Moong Sprout Coconut Salad, Samosa Chat, Murgh Tikka, Palak Burrata, Masala Lobster, and the best Butter Chicken I’ve ever had!
Q-One Lounge
Admire mesmerizing views as you pleasantly lounge at Banana Island Resort’s Instagram-worthy floating deck.
Located across the resorts Q Lounge Pool, guests can gaze into the starry sky and enjoy beautiful views while snacking on Asian snacks.
Highlights from the Q-One Lounge menu include Wasabi Prawns, Tuna Tataki, Thai Spring Rolls, and steamed Beef Bao.
NOTE: open September to May and subject to availability based on weather conditions.
Ted’s American Diner
Step back in time at Ted’s American Diner, a family-friend restaurant that harks back to the 1960s American diner scene a la Grease.
The menu reads like a road trip of the USA. Mouthwatering must-try dishes include Cajun Calamari, generous Ted’s Original Burger, oozing cheese fries and Buffalo Meatballs. Don’t forget to leave room for a slice of Alabama Apple Pie or New York Cheesecake. Be sure to pair your meal with an over-the-top milkshake!
Tanzerin
Tanzerin is a casual beach grill where the tropical music’s rhythm complements the light menu selection, perfect for a midday snack.
The restaurant is located right on the beach, in front of the surf pool and beside the newly launched tennis courts.
Highlights from the Tanzerin menu include Cobb Salad, Chicken Wings, Crispy Chicken Burger, Falafel Wrap, plus Fish & Chips.
Anantara Doha Banana Island Resort Contact
23919 Doha, 974-4040-5050
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