Experience out-of-this-world luxury in Qatar
In ten years’ time, everyone will be going to Qatar. Its pristine beaches, warm sea waters, exotic wildlife and year-round sunshine will appeal to families, couples, and adventurers alike.
But for now, it is still very much a luxury destination – and the most luxurious spot of all is the Banana Island Resort.
The first thing you need to know about the Banana Island Resort is that it is only accessible via yacht or helicopter. The island is located 20 minutes outside of Doha, curved around a serene lagoon.
The second thing you need to know about the resort is that it is alcohol-free. Qatar has very strict rules on alcohol consumption, but if you’re desperate for a G&T, you can always hop on the helicopter back to Doha for a night out in one of the city’s five-star hotels.
However, the no-alcohol rule plays into the resort’s ethos of wellness and tranquillity. After all, you’ll want to be completely alert when you enjoy a candlelit ‘Slumber Guru’ massage in your over-water villa, or an Oriental Hammam Ceremony at the exclusive Anantara Spa.
Make sure you try the signature Anantara Argan Oriental Secrets ritual, which will serve as the perfect introduction to the resorts’ spa, and to Middle Eastern spa culture in general.
The ritual begins with a traditional Turkish hammam, and continues with a full body scrub made from Moroccan argan shell, and a traditional ghassoul wrap.
Finally, you are treated to an argan and shea butter massage, and an organic facial which uses aleppo soap and rose water, before enjoying a Middle Eastern tea on the spa’s over-water balcony.
The Anantara spa area even features the Middle East’s first ever wellness centre, which comes with its own indoor botanical garden, fitness suite, spa cuisine and holistic programmes.
A female-only hydro pool area offers the sort of privacy that you don’t get in Western spas, although couples treatment rooms are available if you can’t bear to be apart from your loved one in such a beautiful place.
In between massages and body scrubs, Banana Island Resort offers a range of water-based activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking. If you’re lucky, you can expect to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and even flamingos.
Or simply enjoy the 800m private beach, before treating yourself to a gourmet dinner at one of the island’s nine restaurants. Banana Island is the perfect place to relax away from the stresses of your day-to-day life. Indulge now while it’s still a hidden gem.
Stobo Castle
Rockliffe Hall Spa
Nirvana Spa
