Banana Island Doha

Why We Like it:

Banana Island is an island paradise just off the coast of Doha which is home to Qatar’s only overwater bungalows, and one of only two overwater bungalow resorts in the Gulf region (the other being the Palm Resort in Dubai).

All are three bedroom units and cover a full 2370 sq. feet/220 sq. meters, so for sheer scale alone they are very impressive. They are also nicely designed, sleek and very luxurious, as you might well expect from one of Qatar’s finest luxury resorts.

Banana Island has a very highly rated spa and wellness center, commonly thought of as the country’s best, seven restaurants to choose from and a host of leisure and sports activities both land and water based including golf, tennis, ten pin bowling, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, fishing, etc.

Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation:

They have a good range of accommodation choices all of which are spacious and luxurious. Even their cheapest rooms will be at least 500 sq. feet and display high levels of comfort and more than a touch of class.

Pride of place though of course goes to their fabulous overwater villas. They are as mentioned enormous with three bedrooms centered around a central living area, which has a giant TV and lounging and dining areas, leading out to a very spacious and well furnished terrace which also includes a private plunge pool.

Their sleek bathrooms are noteworthy and come with especially inviting curved bath tubs. Each has also a small kitchen/kitchenette area which, though not a deal breaker of course, may disappoint somewhat, especially when the rest of the villa is so bold and grand. They come with a microwave oven, fridge and pod coffee maker.

There are only 11 overwater villas in total at Banana Island and they can be booked out. If that’s the case the rest of the accommodation doesn’t have to be such a downgrade, our favorite alternative in such a case would be the ‘Two Bedroom luxury Sea View Pool Villa’.

Note: Banana Island is an alcohol free resort.

Note 2: All couples must present a marriage certificate on check-in. 

Overwater Bungalow Prices:

Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos at Booking.com here and on the Resort’s Own Website (Anantara) here.

Resort Facilities & Things to Do:

Among your dining options at Banana Island are Al Nahham and Azraq, both serving Arabic dishes and mezze platters, the former having nice views over the Doha skyline.

For contemporary Italian there is Riva, for Indian and South Asian, the Q lounge and restaurant and for informal American comfort food try Ted’s with its funky retro decor.

The island’s spa and wellness center is thought of as the Qatar’s very best. It has singles and couples treatment suites, a Thai massage suite, Moroccan and Turkish hammams, an ice well, jacuzzi, steam room/sauna (inc. infrared sauna), a huge range of health and beauty treatments, a hair salon and things like tailored detox programs, dietary advice, yoga sessions etc.

There is a well equipped gym and plenty of sports to be enjoyed. On land you can try golf, tennis and ten pin bowling for example while on water you can try their special surf pool or go scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, fishing and more.

There is a cinema at the resort and also lots of interactive games to keep kids entertained. There is a supervised kid’s club here (and a separate one for older children) where you can have them taken off your hands for as long as you like.

In general the resort is very family friendly and you’ll find the service throughout exemplary, in particular their personal butler service.

Resort Reviews:

“I had an amazing experience, from port to the island I was treated extra special (they do to all their guests) the island is a paradise in the middle of the sea, so beautiful and I could commend all the staff, they are so courteous they know what their clients want, everything was provided, food were all delicious, all restaurant staff were well mannered, Mr. Amin and rest of the staff of Alnahham restaurant were very kind and courteous. To sum it up I had a World Class experience sure I will go back in that place. Hats off!!! Indeed a World Class facility with superb services…..”

“Absolutely stunning hospitality with fabulous facilities. Staff training and behavior was way above anything else we have experienced in Doha elsewhere. Right from the reception to dinners, Ramzi, Amina and Alina were notable standout staff but all of them deserve a round of applause for their hard work and dedication to the property.
The restaurants are absolutely fantastic. We experienced different flavors at Riva, Q-Lounge and had our breakfast at Azraq and the usual dishes had very different yet delightful textures about them. Will go back just for the food again. Presentation was class, something lacking at most top end places in Doha.
Our accommodation had a fantastic sea view with state-of-the-art facilities right from electric curtains to an attractive bath tub. The bed was very comfortable and overall, we were taken care of very nicely.
Will visit again definitely…….”

>> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT  BANANA ISLAND, DOHA

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Location Category:

Doha

Qatar