SHEIKH Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, Prime Minister of the State of Qatar and the Minister of Interior inaugurated Sunday the ‘Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara', the luxury brand's first resort in Qatar. The resort will be the first of its kind that will be operated by Anantara, the leading company specialized in resorts and hotels management, and developed by Al Rayyan Hospitality which developed other hospitality projects in Qatar including Souq Waqif, London's Orya Hotel, Salwa Resort, in addition to the hotel and spa at Masila. The inauguration was attended by Mohammed Al Qahtani, President of Al Rayyan Hospitality and Sami Ayari, General Manager of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. Banana Island Resort Doha is located on a Qatari crescent shape island in the Arabian Gulf, and 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 Hamad International Airport.
With its distinctive location and unique design, Banana Island Resort Doha is the touristy favorite destination for Qatari and expat families, as well as tourists visiting Qatar from around the world.
The distinctive crescent shape of the island provides a natural harbor framed by an 800 meter long private beach where guests can relax and swim in the calm, safe waters of the turquoise sea.
Banana Island Resort Doha a feels a world away from bustling Doha. The 141 luxury guest rooms, suites and villas are designed in Arabian style with signature Anantara touches including 54 Premier Sea View Rooms, 16 Deluxe Sea View Rooms, eight Sea View Suites, 18 Anantara Suites and 34 spacious Sea View Pool Villas featuring a personal pool and poolside cabana. The eight two-bedroom Over Water Villas and trio of prestigious three-bedroom Anantara Over Water Villas offer 360 square meters of luxurious space and a 62 square meter personal pool, ideal for families and groups of friends. The resort boasts its own marina with 30 berths and a fully equipped dive center 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 luxury yacht cruises and fishing trips. 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 energize themselves with laps or a leisurely dip in the 100-meter long lagoon pool or enjoy the fun at the children's pool complete with water slides. — SG
