Banana Island Resort Doha
Tropical-meets-Arabian luxury. Rooms carry Arabic design accents — lattice screens, warm wood tones — softened by bright tropical colors and Gulf views. Family-forward without being chaotic, and completely alcohol-free in keeping with Qatari culture.
Book the boat transfer schedule before arrival — the catamaran runs on fixed departures and you can feel stranded if you miss them
Why It Matters
One of very few overwater villa resorts in the Arabian Gulf, and the only island resort setting for a major wellness center in the Middle East. The scale of activities on a single island is genuinely rare: surf pool, overwater zipline, F1 simulator, PADI dive center, bowling alley, 20-seat cinema, and multiple pools totalling 10,000 sqm — all alcohol-free.
Qatar built a crescent-shaped artificial island in the Arabian Gulf, 11 km from the Doha Corniche, and put a full-scale luxury resort on it. That's Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara — opened in 2015, spanning 13 hectares with 800 meters of private beach, 141 rooms and villas, nine dining venues, and what is billed as the Middle East's only island wellness center. You get here by a 25-30 minute catamaran from Al Shyoukh Terminal on the Corniche — the boat schedule is fixed, so don't expect to pop off the island whenever you feel like it.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
Anantara Sea View Suite
Eight of these suites on the island, each with a panoramic Gulf view and a full Arabian-accented interior. Larger than the standard rooms but a bit smaller than the Junior Suite — the layout compensates with better views and added suite-level amenities.
King · 76 sqmDeluxe Sea View Room
The smallest room category at 46 sqm — compact by resort standards but still sea-facing with a terrace, king bed, and dual vanity basins in the bathroom. Good for solo travelers or couples without children.
King · 46 sqmFive Bedroom Anantara Overwater Villa
The flagship. Three main overwater villas linked by boardwalk, encompassing five king bedrooms, a massive central living and dining room, and a private infinity pool overlooking the open Gulf. Sleeps 10 adults. A dedicated villa host is on-site. At 360 sqm, this is one of the largest private residences in the Gulf. From QAR 18,929 per night.
5 King · 360 sqmJunior Suite
A significant step up in space at 85 sqm, with a lounge area, walk-in closet, panoramic sea view, and the full suite of Anantara amenities. Good for couples who want room to breathe.
King · 85 sqmPremier Sea View Room
Entry-level rooms that still front the Gulf. Balcony with table, chairs, and sun loungers; LED TV; minibar; bathtub and separate shower with Anantara signature amenities. Bright tropical color scheme with Arabian accent details. 36 king-bed and 18 twin-bed units across the resort.
King or Twin · 55 sqmThree Bedroom Overwater Villa
Thatched-roof villas built over the Gulf, connected by a boardwalk. 220 sqm across three king bedrooms, each with an ensuite rainforest shower and soaking tub. Private overwater deck with plunge pool and cabana, plus full indoor/outdoor living and dining spaces. Panoramic Gulf and Doha skyline views. 8 units, villa host included.
3 King · 220 sqmThree Bedroom Sea View Pool Villa
At 170 sqm, the largest of the beach pool villa configurations — sleeping 6 adults across three bedrooms (2 king, 1 twin). Private pool, generous outdoor deck, and full living and dining areas. Good for multi-generation families.
2 King and Twin · 170 sqmTwo Bedroom Luxury Sea View Pool Villa
Upgraded beach pool villa at 120 sqm — the most spacious two-bedroom beach option. Two king bedrooms both open to the private pool, which sits right next to the beach with a poolside cabana for al-fresco dining. 12 units.
King and Twin · 120 sqmTwo Bedroom Overwater Villa
A slightly smaller overwater option at 190 sqm — two bedrooms, private infinity pool, and an overwater deck for lounging. Villa host looks after everything from sunset barbecues to activity bookings. From QAR 7,810 per night.
King · 190 sqmTwo Bedroom Sea View Pool Villa
Beach pool villas sleeping up to 4 adults, with a private pool opening onto a large outdoor deck. Indoor/outdoor living and dining areas, Arabian-style interiors, and a thatched roof. 16 units available.
King and Twin · 100 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
9 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A private 20-seat movie theatre with next-generation projection technology. Available for private bookings and scheduled screenings.
A full bowling alley within the resort's entertainment center — available for all ages. Note: temporarily closed for enhancements as of early 2026, check with the resort on current status.
One of the more unexpected facilities on the island — a proper Formula 1 simulator, described by the resort as one of their 'first and only' experiences.
A full adventure park on the island featuring Qatar's longest overwater zipline, a rope course, climbing walls, airbag jump, bouncing nets, giant swing, human slingshot, and tubby jump. Operates 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Ladies-only sessions every Tuesday 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Private pontoon boat hire and fishing trips from the resort's marina. The 90-minute Designer Cruise celebrates Qatar's maritime heritage.
Supervised Kids Club with organized activities plus a separate Teens Club with obstacle course and adventure zone. Child-minding services also available. Widely praised by families in reviews.
A floating hammock-lounge platform anchored offshore — described as a cross between a private island and a beach platform. Can be used as a base for water sports or pure sunbathing. Billed as a first in the Middle East.
Wakeboarding, water skiing, banana and donut rides — all available from the resort's marina. Fast-paced and good fun on the Gulf's typically calm inshore waters.
Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boats, and water bicycles. Good for slower exploration around the island's lagoon and open-water edges.
Four-day PADI course with theory classes, pool sessions, and four open-water dives. Certifies to 18 meters depth globally. The island's own reefs and dive sites make for good conditions.
A surf pool with professional instructors — one of the island's most talked-about facilities. Rare in the region and accessible to beginners.
A proper 9-hole putting green on the island. Good for a casual round between meals.
Padel tennis courts with professional instruction available. Suitable for all levels; doubles format is the norm.
On-island tennis court. Equipment and instruction available.
Hands-on Arabic and Mediterranean cooking classes for adults and children. Guests learn to balance regional flavors and prepare a series of authentic dishes.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Crescent-shaped private golden beach spanning approximately 800 meters along the island's lagoon side. Sun loungers, beach service, and direct water access.
Three meeting rooms on the island: Room I (114 sqm, theatre capacity 56), Room II (44 sqm, up to 15), Room III (49 sqm, up to 28). All have in-built AV and flexible layouts. Dedicated event planning team. Good for off-site corporate retreats.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the resort, including all rooms and public areas.
Round-the-clock in-room dining available to all guests.
Fully equipped gym open to all guests.
A medical nurse is on-site around the clock — notably useful for families with children on a remote island.
A dedicated marina accommodating up to 30 boats, used for resort excursions, water sports, and private arrivals.
Complimentary parking at the Al Shyoukh Terminal on the Corniche, where guests board the resort catamaran.
The flagship 100-meter lagoon pool, two-lane surf pool, children's pool with waterslide, and additional resort pools. Total water surface of 10,000 sqm. Heated pools available.
On-site prayer room for Muslim guests.
Full laundry and pressing service available for guests.
On-site boutique carrying gifts, beach essentials, and Anantara spa retail products.
45-passenger catamaran ferry from Al Shyoukh Terminal on the Doha Corniche to the island. Complimentary for guests. Schedule-dependent — runs on fixed departures throughout the day.
Electric buggy transport around the island is complimentary but subject to availability. Wait times can be long at peak periods — the island is large enough that walking end-to-end takes some time.
A helipad on the island for private helicopter arrivals and departures.
BUILD YOUR BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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