Marhaba was invited for a site visit of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara.
From kid’s club to a fully-fledged wellness centre, the resort has every element required for a break from routine. And we were excited to learn that one can visit the island for lunch, dinner or a day at the spa – it is not necessary that you have to book a room.
Read on to find out how we spend a memorable day at the resort!
Al Shyoukh Terminal
The terminal is a teaser to what you can expect at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara! The first thing you will notice is the way of greeting. Instead of ‘Good mornings’ and handshakes, the staff say ‘As-salam alaykum’ placing the right hand over their chest. We later learned that this is the style adapted by the resort to reflect the culture of the region.
We parked at one of the dedicated car parking slots for guests, valet parking and luggage trolleys are available at the entrance.
We were treated with walnut stuffed dates and Arabic coffee at the lounge, which is strikingly done with traditional furniture, wooden flooring and beautiful showpieces. Despite being a weekday, the place was quite busy with families and kids. One of the hostesses announced that we were ready to board!
On Board the Luxury Boat Ferry
The plush interiors of the boat ferry reminds you of a business class aircraft cabin. We chose one of the seats by the window (didn’t want to miss the view!) as the stewardess announced safety measures. The ride from Al Shyoukh Terminal to the resort is approximately 20 minutes and the staff kept us entertained with more dates and water!
At Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara!
The reception team pleasantly welcomed with ‘As-salam alaykum’ and led us to the Welcome Centre. The resort officials briefed us about the site visit. It wasn’t possible to cover the entire area on foot and we continued rest of our trip in an eight seater club car.
Cool Mint Kid’s Club
Our first stop was at Cool Mint Kid’s Club. Perfect for kids, and for parents who are looking for a peaceful spa day or a beach vacation. The club includes a games room, television and a large selection of toys. Fun activities range from arts and crafts to sand castle building. The trained care-takers at the club will make sure your little ones are safe and happy.
Anantara Spa
If you are at the resort, don’t miss to pay a visit to the spa! This is the place to go for complete relaxation.
Spa facilities include four single treatment suites (each with a steam room), two couples’ suites, two double Thai massage suites, one beauty salon, wet facilities of Moroccan and Turkish Hammams, indoor pool, ice well, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam rooms.
If you are looking for complete pampering, we recommend one of the spa journeys. Anantara Argan Oriental Secrets journey starts with Turkish Hammam, followed by lying back on a heated marble slab as the experts polish your entire body with argan shell scrub. A ghassoul body wrap then drenches the skin in rich minerals and trace elements. Complete your journey in the over water treatment room with a relaxing massage using argan oil and shea butter, and a cleansing facial using traditional alep soap, rose water and the natural healing properties of argan.
Non-resident guests can also visit the spa and avail the services. Treatments price range from QAR15 to QAR1800.
Wellness Centre
We were quite intrigued at the concept of having a separate wellness centre while the resort has a full-fledged spa. However, a tour of the facility gave us a clear picture of the services offered and the importance of wellness. The Centre takes care of your wellbeing by devising results driven programme based on the assessment of your lifestyle, as well as physical, mental and emotional states.
The moment you walk into the Centre you get a fresh feel, thanks to the naturally ventilated indoor botanical garden. The Centre offers a choice of specialist retreats for relaxation, detox, fitness, weight management, yoga and alternative therapy that are complemented by a wide range of motivating fitness classes and revitalising activities, as well as delicious nutritious spa wellness cuisine.
Restaurants
The resort offers eight dining options with a choice of Middle Eastern, Italian and international cuisines. Resident guests can access all of these eight outlets, while non-resident guests have four outlets to choose from – Azraq, Riva, Q Lounge and Al Nahham. For detailed information about the outlets and reservations, click here.
Our personal favorite is Al Nahham restaurant – where we were served the blessed Zam Zam water from Mecca as a welcome drink. At Al Nahham guests can indulge in the Middle Eastern tradition of shisha which is available in a range of flavours prepared by a personal shisha butler. And we loved the spectacular view of Doha’s skyline!
Expense
The day-use package HBW (Hello Beautiful Weather) include:
Weekday Price : QAR350 per person including:
- Pool and beach access
- QAR 200 food and beverage credit
- QAR 50 credit on any recreational activities
- Luxury boat transfers
Weekend Price : QAR500 per adult, QAR350 per child ( 5-12 years) including:
- Pool and beach access
- QAR 200 food and beverage credit
- QAR 50 credit on any recreational activities
- Luxury boat transfers
Frequency of ferry – From the terminal – The boat ferry departs every one hour from midnight to 11 pm. Get the timings here.
Getting there from Hamad International Airport – For the 20 minutes drive from the airport, the resort offers a luxury limousine service at an additional cost.
Booking – Reservations can be made online, via phone +974 4040 5131/5132 or email [email protected].
RAMADAN PACKAGE
Celebrate Ramadan in the island with boat journeys, Suhoor and Iftar dining, bowling, and festive treats.
Package includes:
- Luxury accommodation in a room, suite or villa for stays between 30 May and 12 June 2018
- Special Ramadan in-room amenities
- Daily Iftar dinner buffet at Azraq Restaurant
- Daily Suhoor breakfast – either in-room or the buffet breakfast at Azraq Restaurant
- One game of bowling per stay
- Luxury return boat transfers
- Early check-in from noon (subject to availability)
- Late check-out until 6 pm (subject to availability)
Price: From QAR1,089
For reservations or more information, please call +974 4040 5050/43 or email [email protected]
Next time you think about a weekend getaway with family, give Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara a try! The rates are very reasonable considering the five star services and facilities offered.
By the time we got back to Al Shyoukh Terminal the lounge was full and parking area was busy with guests unloading their luggage. We are sure they are going to have a memorable stay at the resort!
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