Banana Island Resort
Imagine arriving at a private island getaway within a 20-minute catamaran journey from Doha. Welcome to Anantara's Banana Island Resort Doha. Whether you're a family seeking fun, a couple looking for romance, or a solo traveller seeking peace, this crescent-shaped paradise has something for everyone 🌴.
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara blends luxury with nature, leisure with wellness, and family fun with romantic escapes. From overwater villas to watersports, gourmet dining, and indulgent spa treatments, it's a premium island getaway that stands out in Doha's hospitality scene. While it's a splurge, the unmatched setting and service make it an unforgettable escape.
Getting Here
Your journey begins at the dedicated terminal in Al Shyoukh, where you'll board a sleek catamaran for a scenic ride across turquoise waters for 20 minutes. After checking in and having a seat at their luxury space inside. The moment you step onto the island, you're greeted by lush greenery, Arabian-inspired architecture, a sense of serenity and people welcoming you with drums and smiles at the entrance.
The island is packed with things to do, as you have
- Water Sports
- Adventure Park
- Family fun activities, e.g., bowling, Cinema, Kids' play-zone
- Spa/Wellness
Experience at Banana Island
We visited Banana Island as day guests with a Day Pass, which is a great option if you're short on time or just want a taste of the island experience. You can either book a day pass for a quick getaway or stay overnight for the full resort experience. Since we were heading to the Maldives right after, a day trip was perfect for us! Upon arrival, the friendly staff welcomed us warmly and gathered everyone for a brief overview of the activities included in the day pass. After that, you're free to explore and enjoy the island until 5 PM.
The first thing we did? Snap a photo at the iconic "Banana Island" sign. A must for your Instagram! Then we set off to explore the island on foot, taking in the stunning water villas, pristine beaches, restaurants, and all the fun activities available.
After exploring the island, we headed straight for the zipline at the adventure park. Wow, what an adrenaline rush! A 275-metre line, it was so much fun that the staff even let us go for a second round. I highly recommend experiencing it if you love a bit of adventure and thrills. Next, we made our way to Q Lounge by the pool for lunch and opted for some delicious Indian dishes. The service was on the slower side, but since we had plenty of time, we relaxed and enjoyed the view while waiting for our meal.
Post-lunch, we decided to switch things up with a game of bowling, followed by a short visit to the cinema, both conveniently located in the same area. For the last few hours, we unwound at the beach, soaking up the sun and the serene vibes before catching the boat back to the city.
The Day Pass costs 395 QAR per person, which includes a meal and one activity of your choice, such as bowling or other indoor fun. We decided to add the zipline experience for an extra fee, and honestly, it was worth every riyal! The thrill and views made it one of the highlights of our day. You can see it on my YouTube channel here.
Top Tips for visiting Banana Island Resort Doha
- Reserve your day pass in advance and early - You have the option to book either 9, 10, or 11 am arrival for the day pass. You return to the terminal at 5 pm. Hence, arriving early will give you more time to enjoy the resort
- Head to the Banana Swing first - When you arrive, go to the swing first, as there is always a long queue for photos before exploring the rest of the island
- Pack swimwear, footwear and sun cream - Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and comfortable clothing
- Plan activities ahead - If you're planning to do the adventure park, schedule your time around that
- Visit the Spa - If you need a recharge, a hammam and a massage are available here
- Dining Options - Q Lounge, Nahham, Riva or American Diners have plenty of items to dine on, depending on your taste buds
- WIFI - Log on to their free WIFI, as you can search and explore the web
- Adventure Park - The park includes a zipline, Giant Swing, Bouncing Net, climbing walls and much more
Banana Island offers action-packed days with adventure parks and sports, followed by relaxing spa sanctuaries and delicious dining. Whether for a family vacation, a romantic break, or a single recharge, its distinct blend of luxury, location, and leisure makes it a preferred choice in the Gulf region.
If you enjoyed this post, take a look at my other reviews in Qatar.
