Banana Island Qatar – The Maldives-Style Experience in the Gulf
Looking for an opulent escape just minutes away from Doha’s bustling cityscape? Banana Island Qatar by Anantara is your ticket to a five-star tropical paradise—right in the heart of the Arabian Gulf. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a serene wellness retreat, this lavish island offers the perfect blend of Qatari hospitality, tropical tranquility, and modern luxury.
In this guide, we’ll take you deep into the wonders of Banana Island Doha by Anantara – one of the best luxury resorts in Qatar. From its breathtaking overwater villas and gourmet dining to surf pools, spas, and hidden gems, make it one of the best island destinations in Qatar.
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What is Banana Island Qatar?
Banana Island Qatar is a man-made, one of the best luxury island resorts in Qatar. It was developed by Anantara, located just 3.5 km off the coast of Doha. Spanning approximately 20 hectares (49 acres), the island offers a private escape surrounded by turquoise waters and swaying palm trees. Shaped like a crescent moon, it’s often compared to a mini-Maldives in Qatar, but with a unique touch of Arabian charm.
Unlike anywhere else in Qatar, Banana Island is accessible only via a scenic catamaran ride or a private yacht, setting the tone for exclusivity and indulgence from the moment you depart the mainland.
If you’re planning a move or visiting to Qatar, refer to our comprehensive Qatar visa guide to understand all the entry options and requirements.
Features
- 800 meters of private beach
- 141 upscale accommodations (including overwater villas and poolside suites)
- Qatar’s only retreat-based wellness center
- A private marina, helipad, and luxury ferry services
Whether you’re seeking romantic seclusion, family fun, or a wellness retreat, Banana Island is designed to exceed expectations.
Banana Island Qatar Day Pass – Exceptional Offers
- Hello Beautiful Sunsets – QAR 395
- Hello Beautiful Weather – QAR 395
- One day in Paradise – QAR 850
How to Get to Banana Island from Doha
Reaching Banana Island is part of the luxury experience. Guests can’t simply drive there—it’s only accessible by sea or air:
- Catamaran Ferry: The most common route is a 25-minute catamaran ride from the Al Shyoukh Terminal near Souq Waqif in Doha.
- Private Yacht: Banana Island has its own marina, so vacationers arriving by private yacht are welcome.
- Helicopter Transfer: For the ultimate entrance, a private helipad allows for helicopter transfers from mainland Qatar.
Catamaran rides operate on scheduled timings and are included for most getaway visitors, making the journey itself a scenic part of the adventure.
Accommodation: Overwater Villas, Sea View Suites and More
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara offers 141 luxury units, ranging from elegant sea-view rooms and Qatar beach resorts to grand overwater villas:
- Premier Sea View Rooms (55 sqm) – USD 391 for 2 persons
- Private balcony or terrace
- Separate tub and rain shower
- Walk-in wardrobe
- Coffee machine
- Junior Suites (85 sqm) – USD 456 for 2 persons
- Private balcony or terrace
- Living area
- Separate tub and rain shower
- Walk-in wardrobe
- Two-Bedroom Pool Villas (100–120 sqm) – USD 1303 for four persons
- Private pool
- Cabana
- Indoor-outdoor bathroom
- Villa host
- Three-Bedroom Overwater Villas (220 sqm) – USD 3018 for 6 persons
- Infinity pool
- Overwater deck
- Living and dining room
- Villa host
- Five-Bedroom Overwater Residences (360 sqm) – USD 4,777 for 10 persons
- Infinity pool
- Overwater deck
- Living and dining room
- Villa host
Each unit is crafted with Arabesque design elements and comes with private balconies, direct beach or lagoon access, and personalized butler services. For further Qatar island staycation, visit website.
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Culinary Journeys at Banana Island Qatar: Gourmet Experiences in Paradise
At Banana Island, dining is a journey of its own—filled with rich flavors, unique settings, and unforgettable moments. For a private journey, visitors can opt for in-villa dining or romantic beach dinners under the stars.
In-Villa BBQ: Luxury Dining Without Leaving Your Villa
Why step out when you can indulge in a private barbecue under the stars? The In-Villa BBQ allows you to savor freshly grilled meats, seafood, and sides in the privacy of your own opulent villa.
Enjoy stargazing, take a moonlit dip in your private pool, and let the aroma of live cooking add to the magic of the evening. It’s the perfect choice for couples, families, or patrons who prefer personalized, resort-style dining in Qatar.
For a truly authentic local culinary delights, don’t miss a visit to Karak Mqanes restaurant in Qatar, where tradition meets bold flavors in every sip.
Floating Picnic: Unforgettable Dining on Water
Take your holiday to new heights with Banana Island’s signature Floating Picnic adventure. Lounge on a floating HamacLand platform, bask in panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, and snack on delicious refreshments while soaking up the island breeze.
This elevated adventure is priced at QAR 699 for 2 persons and is a favorite for honeymooners, special occasions, or simply those who want a picture-perfect escape on water.
Restaurant Timings and Availability
Banana Island features a variety of halal-certified restaurants catering to diverse tastes and meal preferences.
- Al Nahham: Overlooking the sea, this is the island’s signature restaurant serving Arabic and Mediterranean cuisine including Mezze platters.
- Open from 1.00 pm to 12.00 am
- Monday’s closed
- Riva: An elegant Italian venue ideal for romantic dinners.
- Open from 1.00 pm to 10.00 pm
- Sunday’s closed
- Q Lounge and Restaurant: A poolside spot known for its refined Indian cuisine with international options including breakfast buffets.
- A la Carte from 12.00 pm – 10.30 pm
- Pool and Beach Service from 9.00 am
- Zest Café and Ted’s: Family-friendly lounges offering burgers, smoothies, desserts, and quick bites. Ted’s is a retro American restaurant offering international cuisine.
- Open daily from 12.00 pm – 8.30 pm
Here’s a complete breakdown of restaurant hours to help you plan your day:
- Breakfast Service:
6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, offered daily with buffet and à la carte options.
- À La Carte Lunch and Dinner:
- Available Tuesday to Sunday, from 1:00 PM to 11:45 PM.
- Closed on Mondays
Beachside Dining Venues:
- Open daily from 10:00 AM until sunset, giving holidaymakers a relaxed dining atmosphere by the sea.
- Closed on Sundays
Indoor Restaurants:
- Operating daily from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM, perfect for both lunch and dinner indoors with a view.
In-Room / In-Villa Dining:
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering ultimate convenience and privacy.
No doubt, the dining options at Banana Island are thoughtfully curated to match your mood and moment.
Note: Travelers awaiting permission can find detailed instructions in our Qatar visa on approval process breakdown.
Things to Do on Banana Island: Attractions and Activities
Banana Island is more than a resort—it’s a full-fledged island destination packed with attractions and experiences:
Endless Fun for Kids and Families at Banana Island Qatar
With a weekly lineup of themed activities, creative workshops, and action-packed games, children aged 3 to 12 years can enjoy a vibrant and safe environment curated by professional staff at the Cool Mint Kids’ Club.
Daily Themed Adventures at Cool Mint Kids’ Club
Every day brings a new adventure filled with imagination and joy:
- Marvelous Monday: From greeting card making to a disco night, your child’s creativity comes to life.
- Terrific Tuesday: Think sponge painting, bracelet crafting, and cinema time.
- Wonderful Wednesday: Explore fun like indoor scavenger hunts, rock painting, and beach games.
- Tremendous Thursday: Packed with water balloon hunts, squid games, and even cloud catcher making.
- Fantastic Friday: Celebrate with musical chairs, kite flying, medal making, and movie nights.
- Stupendous Saturday: Fun meets learning with recycling crafts, freeze dance, yoga, and memory games.
Super Sunday: Dive into a day of treasure hunts, sandcastle building, finger painting, and UNO showdowns.
Creative Workshops and Interactive Games
Children can dive into a variety of exciting and educational hands-on adventures including:
- Art and Craft: Shell painting, colored sand art, photo frame making, kite designing, and more.
- Physical Fun: Balloon twisting, relay races, limbo challenges, treasure hunts, beach fun games, and tic-tac-toe.
- Mind Games and Movies: Board games, scavenger hunts, and daily themed cinema time and movie nights.
- Fitness and Expression: From kids’ yoga and Zumba to the cup stacking challenge and freeze dance, every child finds their rhythm.
- Time Slots: Recreational options run throughout the day between 9:30 AM and 8:00 PM, ensuring fun from morning to evening.
Important Notes:
- Excursions are available for children aged 3–12 years.
- Parental consent forms must be signed prior to participation.
- Outdoor entertainment choices are weather-dependent, so plan accordingly.
- Don’t forget to pack sun protection and hats for your little ones!
For full schedules or personalized queries, visit the Cool Mint Kids’ Club or call +974 4040 5135.
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Family Entertainment and Water Fun Beyond the Kids’ Club
The island offers a wide range of family-friendly facilities designed to entertain patrons of all ages:
Bowling Alley
Get your game face on. Enjoy exciting rounds in a professional bowling alley complete with lightweight balls for young players and full-sized gear for adults. It is perfect for family bonding and some friendly competition.
Surf Pool
Surf’s up! The dual-lane surf pool offers thrilling vibes in a safe, controlled environment, ideal for beginners and thrill-seekers alike. Supervised by professional instructors, the waves can be adjusted to suit all skill levels.
Enjoy More with Island Water Sports and Recreation
Adrenaline junkies and water lovers can take their pick from an array of aquatic adventures:
- Doughnut Ride – Glide over the sea in a circular inflatable doughnut, offering fun bumps and splashes for all ages.
- Pedal Boating – A relaxing and family-friendly way to wander through the shoreline at your own pace with gentle pedal-powered boats.
- Wakeboarding – An adrenaline-pumping water sport where you ride the surf while being towed—great for adventurous teens and adults.
- Fitness Centre – Stay active during your holiday with a 24/7 gym equipped with modern machines and a peaceful wellness ambiance.
- Teens Club – A cool hangout spot for older kids featuring games, entertainment, and social interaction from 9 AM to 9 PM.
- Golf Putting Green – Practice your putting skills on a scenic green available daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, ideal for beginners and casual players.
- Cinema – Catch family-friendly films and blockbusters in a cozy island theater, open from 10 AM to 10 PM for entertainment lovers.
And when you’re ready for dry land:
- Fitness Centre (Open 24/7 for all-day workouts)
- Teens Club (Open 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM for games and social activities)
- Golf Putting Green (Available from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- On-Island Cinema (Enjoy blockbuster films from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
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Indulge In Underwater Wonders: Banana Island Diving Center
Discover a world beneath the waves at the Diving Center at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara — where unforgettable marine adventures await both beginners and well-known divers.
- Kayaking – Paddle through the calm island waters solo or in tandem, enjoying serene ocean views and peaceful surroundings.
- Paddle Boating – Similar to pedal boats, these allow for easy exploration and gentle exercise while floating above crystal-clear waters.
- Water Bicycling – Cycle on water using specially designed floating bikes—unique, fun, and great for scenic ocean adventures.
- Banana Boat Ride – A thrilling group water ride across the waves, perfect for families looking to add excitement to their island getaway.
Family and Kids Diving Programs
Create unforgettable memories together with engaging family diving activities like:
- Bubble Maker (Ages 8+, Pool Only)
- Pool Dive
- Try Dive (Ages 10+)
These introductory activities not only build confidence and resilience in children but also nurture a lifelong passion for underwater exploration — all while strengthening family bonds.
Diving Activities and Prices
Whether you’re trying it for the first time or refreshing your skills, the Diving Center offers a wide range of start-up diving adventures:
- Pool Dive – QAR 500
- Try Dive – QAR 700 (min. age 10)
- Bubble Maker – QAR 700 (min. age 8, pool only)
Certified Fun Divers:
- Fun Shore Dive – QAR 200
- 2 Fun Shore Dives – QAR 300
- Scuba Review – QAR 700
- Check Dive – QAR 500
Professional Diving Courses
Take your diving journey to the next level with internationally recognized PADI certifications, led by trained professionals in a safe and serene setting.
Course Price
| Activities | Price (QAR) |
|---|---|
| Nitrox Specialty | 1000 |
| Assistant Instructor | 3000 |
| Dive Master | 4000 |
| EFR (Emergency First Response) | 800 |
| Rescue Diver | 2350 |
| Adventure Diver | 1350 |
| Junior Open Water | 2400 |
| Advanced Open Water | 2350 |
| Open Water | 2400 |
| Junior Scuba Diver | 1400 |
| Scuba Diver | 1400 |
Good to Know:
- Children aged 8 and above are welcome.
- Advance booking is required.
- A minimum of one sibling must participate in family diving programs.
Dive into adventure today. Contact the Recreation Center at +974 4040 5135 or email [email protected] to book your aquatic journey.
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Signature Spa Escape at Banana Island
Banana Island is home to the Middle East’s first dedicated wellness center within the property, offering holistic programs:
Unwind And Glow At Anantara Spa
Immerse yourself in total relaxation with the Unwind and Glow package at Anantara Spa, Banana Island Qatar—an indulgent retreat for your body and soul. This lavish spa offer combines two rejuvenating treatments to leave you feeling refreshed, radiant, and ready to soak in the island’s serenity.
What’s Included:
- 90-minute full-body massage to ease tension, improve circulation, and restore inner calm
- Complimentary 30-minute Express Facial to brighten and revitalize tired skin
Pricing
- QAR 800 per person on weekdays
- QAR 900 per person on weekends
Perfect for solo pampering or a shared escape with a loved one, this delivers a premium wellness journey right in the heart of Banana Island.
Terms and Conditions:
- Advance booking required
- Limited availability
- Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts, packages, or promotions
- Not exchangeable, transferable, or redeemable for cash
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Midday Spa Savings: Indulge in Wellness at a Better Price
Seeking a spa day with added value? Take advantage of Anantara Spa’s weekday midday special and enjoy world-class treatments at a reduced rate.
- Between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays, you’ll receive a 20% discount on any single treatment from the spa’s diverse menu.
What’s Included:
- The Anantara Signature Massage, designed to balance energy flow and deeply relax muscles
- A Deep Cleansing Facial to renew your skin and enhance your natural glow
- A full Hammam Ritual for top-to-toe rejuvenation, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and revitalized
Pricing:
- Starting from QAR 600, you can customize your journey with varying options.
Terms and Conditions:
- Pre-booking is strongly recommended
- Offer is subject to availability at the time of booking
- Cannot be combined with other promotions or packages
- Non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and not redeemable for cash
Whether you’re visiting for a quick weekday retreat or a longer luxury stay, Anantara Spa’s midday offer brings together indulgence and value in a serene island setting.
Sustainability and Environmental Focus
Banana Island integrates eco-conscious principles into its design and daily operations:
- In house compost with garden and vegetable wastes.
- Marine preservation initiatives to protect coral reefs and coastal ecosystems
- Advanced HVAC and cooling systems, including ducted split units with a capacity of 900 T.R. (3150 kW) to improve energy efficiency
- Plastic-free Initiative to achieve a goal of 0% plastic around the retreat. No plastic key cards and straws.
These initiatives align with Qatar’s national sustainability goals and highlight the resort’s dedication to eco-friendly luxury travel.
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Conclusion: Why Banana Island Qatar is the Ultimate Island Escape
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara isn’t just another luxury getaway—it’s a world of its own. With its Maldives-style overwater villas, award-winning spa, adventure-packed activities, and world-class hospitality, it redefines what it means to escape in style.
From the moment you step aboard the catamaran to your last sunset on the beach, every detail is curated to offer you luxury, tranquility, and unforgettable memories. As one of the top family resorts in Doha, Banana Island proves that paradise really is just a short boat ride from Doha.
FAQs about Banana Island Qatar
| How do I book a trip to Banana Island Qatar? You can book directly through the Anantara website, third-party booking platforms like Booking.com, or through your preferred travel agent. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons and holidays. |
| Is Banana Island open to day visitors? Yes, day passes are available. These often include return boat transfer, access to the beach, pool, and selected dining options. |
| Is alcohol allowed on Banana Island? No. Banana Island operates under Qatari cultural norms and is a dry property, meaning alcohol is not served or allowed on the premises. |
| What is the best time to visit Banana Island Qatar? The best months to visit are November through April, when temperatures are cooler and ideal for beach and outdoor activities. |
| Are pets allowed on Banana Island? Pets are not allowed at the retreat to maintain cleanliness and guest comfort. |
