Banana Island Resort is located 25 minutes from Doha and is an island paradise. The perfect day trip escape from Doha for a group of weary souls to kick-back, relax and have a fun girls day out.

Day Trips

The DAY PACKAGE for QAR350 includes:

*Both Pool and beach access.

*QAR 200 credit per person to spend at any resort restaurants (the entire QAR200 has to be used at that specific restaurant and no change will be given)

*QAR 50 credit per person to spend on any recreational resort activity.

*Free valet car service. (Ensure you give back your ticket stub at the end before you enter the boat to leave Banana island so that your car is waiting and ready for you)

*Free cold water, towels and first aid are available at the guard stations by both the beach and pool.

*Luxury boat transfers.
So the excitement grew and in anticipation for a fun filled day we headed for the Banana island docks located near Museum of Islamic Art on the corniche.
A luxurious welcoming room sets the stage for this 5star experience with hospitable VIP parking attendants (parking is free) and free coffee and dates while you wait for your boat to depart.

The catamaran reminded me of a comfortable plane and one is served water and dates on the 25minute journey.

Upon docking one is greeted with the turquoise waters gently lapping in on the pristine 800 metre beach.

Plan

My suggestion upon arrival is to plan what you want to do at the beginning. Water sports get busier towards the evening so are best booked at the start for later.
If beach swimming is not your style then let the kids enjoy the 100 metre long lagoon pool or master the waves in their surf pool and enjoy a wide range of water sports such as a banana boat pulled by a jet ski, paddle boats, kayaking or enjoy relaxing in a floating lounge.

For the kids

The kids area is cleverly designed with an ocean themed pool setting. There is a Shallow water area for smaller kids with 2 sections for little babies and a seperate area for older kids inclusive of slides. There are also lifeguards watching them.

The sweltering summer heat burning down on us did not deter us as we enjoyed the quiet beach and once inside it was blissfully cool. There are some jelly fish but the guards were extremely well prepared for basic first aid.

Ted’s American Diner

After working up an appetite we ventured for a relaxed lunch to TEDS AMERICAN DINER. This American themed diner serving huge portions of food was relaxing and delicious. There is no dress code and they are located near the kids pools and behind the beach.
Choosing to pool our vouchers as they do not give back change we ordered a variety of dishes so that we could all try everything. I would highly recommend the nachos, sweet potato fries, philly steak roll and giant burgers which can feed two or the large sliders (we substituted the vegetable slider for a beef one). The mocktails were deliciously refreshing but the milkshakes and buffalo wings were sadly lacking some oomph and were both a disapointment. When ordering keep in mind that portions are huge American sizes and can be shared.

There are other restaurants to dine at such as an Italian restaurant or the pool restaurant and if a buffet is more your style then the QAR 250 pp buffet is on offer and one would need to top up with an additional QAR50 per person. Kids birthday party special packages are also on offer at Teds American Diner.

There are golf carts to ferry guests around the resort so if it gets too hot or you just too darn lazy to walk then ask one of the resort employees to hail you a golf cart. I would recommend doing this atleast 25minutes in advance as they are limited and can take a long time to come.

We then went to explore the more adults pool overlooking the sea. This was a wonderful respite from the summer sun and one can enjoy drinks and desserts around the pool while overlooking the sea. Vouchers can also be used at the Q Lounge and the ice cold pina colada served in a pineapple shaped container was refreshing. The crème brulè was decadent.

The Most Instagrammable Spot

Nearby is the famous swing in the water on the beach so be sure to go for a swing and a few photos!
We ended the jam-packed day by trying out the water sports on offer. As I mentioned it is important to book this in advance if you do have you heart set on a certain activity as they get very busy in the evenings when it is cooler.

The QAR50 credit included in the Hello Beautiful Package can be used towards Bowling (pp QAR80) and the F1 Arcade Machine Simulator (QAR100). Resident guests with room reservations only have an exclusive complimentary access to Kids and Teens Club, Cinema and Fitness center facilities.

Be brave and try out the surfing pool, water sport activities, diving, tennis and golf, Segway and there are also bicycles for hire. (recreation activities prices are below) .

It was a lovely resort which is a stones throw away from Doha. I would recommend it for a weekend activity although one would enjoy it more in the cooler winter months as the summers heat can be harsh and most of the activities are outside.

Info

For more information and the latest specials on Banana Island, Qatar got to:

http://doha.anantara.com/special-packages.aspx

http://doha.anantara.com

Tel: +974 4040 5050

doha@anantara.com

Bookings need to be made in ADVANCE.

Offer available:

Time: From 8.00 am – 7.00 pm

Price: QAR 350 per adult or child above 4 years Children aged 4 years and younger – QAR 50 for boat transfers

Terms and Conditions apply

For more information call +974 4040 5050 or email spa.adoh@anantara.com

This is not a sponsored post.

This review was not sponsored and is based on my opinions and experience.

I make every effort to ensure the accuracy of my information. However, I would recommend that you always call ahead and confirm the dates, location, time and other details as they are subject to change.