Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara opened its doors to guests, offering the first and only over-water villas in Qatar as well as a dedicated wellness center, the first of its kind in the Middle East. Located in the Arabian Gulf off the coast of Doha on a unique, crescent-shaped island, the resort is only a 20-minute journey by luxury ferry from Al Shyoukh Terminal or a 10-minute helicopter ride directly from the airport. The hotel offers 141 guestrooms, suites and villas designed in Arabian style with signature Anantara touches, including eight two-bedroom over-water villas and a trio of three-bedroom over-water villas with personal pools.

Facilities include a marina with 30 berths and a fully equipped dive center, water sports, tennis, beach volleyball, a fitness center and an entertainment center with a nine-hole putting golf course, eight-pin bowling alley and VIP cinema theater. The resort’s wellness center offers a variety of holistic programs for relaxation, detox, de-stress, fitness, weight management, yoga and alternative therapy. Unique amenities include an indoor botanical garden, oxygen fern room, female-only hydro pool and a spa with separate male and female Turkish Hammams. Eight dining venues offer a choice of Middle Eastern, Italian and international cuisine.