Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara
A private island resort a 20-minute boat ride from Doha, offering sea-view villas and multiple dining venues.
The verdict
Pick a traveller type to re-weight the scores and re-rank the rooms around what you actually care about.
Reachable via a 20-minute boat ride from Doha, this 141-room island resort offers airy accommodations with terraces overlooking the Arabian Sea. Guests appreciate the extensive dining options across seven on-site eateries and the large bathrooms fitted with freestanding soaking tubs. However, internal island transit is a common source of frustration, with guests facing long waits for buggy drivers to ferry them to and from distant overwater villas. 918
Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.
What travelers noticed
- Guests consistently praise the views across the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf from private balconies and terraces. 1841
- Bathrooms make a strong impression with generous layouts, iridescent-tiled showers, curved soaking tubs, and Elemis bath amenities. 184
- The breakfast spread earns widespread acclaim for its vast selection, spanning dim sum-style pork buns and cronuts alongside hummus and fatteh. 11
The catch
- While some visitors feel packages and brunch vouchers provide good value, others find day passes and steep rates for overwater villas overly expensive. 14
- Reviewers are divided on room quality, with some finding lower-tier accommodations rather basic while others praise the airy layouts of the larger suites. drawn from the full read
Who it's for
- — Travelers seeking an island getaway a short boat ride from Doha
- — Couples and families looking for spacious sea-view suites
- — Guests who value extensive on-site restaurant variety
Skip it if
- — Anyone frustrated by long waits for internal buggy transport
- — Budget travelers trying to avoid high on-site dining costs
- — Light sleepers placed near the outdoor playground
Seen on camera
24 moments · 4 videos · Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara
Each moment is pulled at the second a cited reviewer said the words. Play it here, or open the original video at that timestamp.
“I had Arabian sweets and Arabian coffee. The hospitality is like first class on an airplane.”
youtube.com2:24“The air conditioner switch looks cheap.”
youtube.com10:26“Italian brand. This shelf has a refrigerator. Unfortunately, drinks in the refrigerator are chargeable.”
youtube.com11:20“Clock. Alarm can be set. The light switches and lighting are modern.”
youtube.com13:21“I think that the room layout and facilities are easy to use.”
youtube.com15:12“Basic amenities are provided. The water flow is good.”
youtube.com16:52“I took a quick look around the room, and it's a very nice room.”
youtube.com18:14“Seafood soup. It has seafood in a creamy soup and is delicious.”
youtube.com22:57“The breakfast restaurant was good with an open atmosphere.”
youtube.com33:05“so I arrived late last night on a boat from Doha it took about 20 minutes to get here and I was greeted with with this b…”
youtube.com0:23“welcome to the living room this is very spacious love those lights though Coral lights where can I get them from I want…”
youtube.com3:24“I love the Arabian touches though with the lamps by the side of the bed that is very nice especially at night and by the…”
youtube.com5:02“the pool is beautiful a couple of sun beds there sofa here although it is quite dirty actually”
youtube.com12:49“we are in a two bedroom private pool villa it is beautiful it is big and i would highly recommend it let me show you aro…”
youtube.com3:20“Looking at the room from the back, it looks like this. I can walk to the next room, so it's not good from a crime preven…”
youtube.com25:39“this is really good guys the the sauce is very tasty and the the pita bread is warm and Fresh So tastes really really go…”
youtube.com28:34“some of the furniture is a little bit mismatched though like the chair over there gray leather shame it isn't white but…”
youtube.com5:18“first of all let's talk about the fridge the fridge is huge and everything you see in here is complimentary but wait all…”
youtube.com9:46“then some of the cheaper accommodation is around here so you don't have to spend a fortune pretty basic rooms though but…”
youtube.com19:37“dinner was pretty good and considering it's half boor I thought there' be loads of different things on the menu that you…”
youtube.com25:03“so the gentleman just said the the vas down there the one with the water rooms those are 30,000 R per night that's insan…”
youtube.com18:32“all the way down there are the the water rooms or the water the Villas that are on top of the water and those are the on…”
youtube.com33:31“The only negatives about staying in the overwater Villas is that it's really far away from everything and you have to ge…”
youtube.com28:20“the room's amazing the service is amazing we're so probably really happy so i think returning is not not such a bad idea”
youtube.com2:54Frames are citations: each one links to its second in the source video, attributed to the creator who filmed it. Nothing here is supplied by the hotel. Creators who want a moment removed can ask and we take it down.
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Prices shown are an estimated range, not a live quote — the booking site confirms the real rate for your dates.
This sits inside our estimated range for this hotel.
Confidence: low · modelled estimate, not a live quote. Check the supplier for the real rate on your dates.
Score breakdown
How the 94/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.
Bathroom
94- “In the shockingly large bathrooms, an iridescent-tiled shower, enclosed dual-flush toilet, freestanding soaking tub, and two sink counters fan out around a central, cushion-topped otto” 18
- “A special touch in each luxury hotel room is the deliciously inviting curved bathtub. The ones installed in the Anantara Suites are encased in small atriums, giving you the feeling of a serene soak outdoors.” 9
Food
92- “The options are completed with Banana Island's signature Arabic restaurant An-Naham which had the best Arabic food we've had in Doha.” 6
- “Breakfast is similarly superb. From the ubiquitous hummus, fatteh and baba ganoush, all the way through to dim sum-style pork buns and a bewildering array of cronuts, there's more than enough to dispel any lurking longing for bacon.” 11
Location
96- “Though rooms, suites, and villas range in size and location on the resort, they share a modern seaside aesthetic that's upscale, but not unnecessarily grand.” 18
- “The beautiful location and relaxing atmosphere enhance the overall experience, with many praising the kids' club and diverse activities.” 13
Noise
87- “Ask for a room away from the large playground. On weekends and during vacation periods, this area can get noisy long into the night.” 9
Room
94Service
94Bed & Sleep
93Nothing quotable yet on this one — the score leans on the rest of the coverage.
Value
86- “The experience starts the minute you check into the custom-built boat terminal on the shoreline of the Doha Corniche and settle in for the short but luxurious ride (dates, coffee and newspapers are offered) to the island, which is included in your room rate.” 9
- “Overall its pretty nice, new vibes feels different and great value for money.” 14
Where it is, how to reach it
Details checked 2026-08-26
Stay value
How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.
Beats what $$ usually buys
Scores 5 points above the mid-range median of 89, across 494 hotels in the same bracket. In Doha it sits 2 points below the local median of 96.
- This hotel
- 94
- Bracket median
- 89
- Index median
- 90
Based on 494 comparable hotels.
Which room to ask for
What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.
- 5 mentions
No location within the hotel draws repeated complaints yet.
Where travelers agree — and don’t
The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.
View the 76 things travelers said behind this verdict▾
Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.
- “The experience starts the minute you check into the custom-built boat terminal on the shoreline of the Doha Corniche and settle in for the short but luxurious ride (dates, coffee and newspapers are offered) to the island, which is included in your room rate.” 9
- “So a couple will spend 800 qr for a day. Is it worth it? That's really expensive. I don't think it was this much before?? That's a total rip off.” 12
- “The air conditioner switch looks cheap.” On camera1010:26
- “Day trip is less expensive but the prices of things there are horrendous ... but maybe justified” 14
- “Overall its pretty nice, new vibes feels different and great value for money.” 14
- “Seven on-site eateries (all of them pricey) include Zest, an organic cafe, and Ted's, an American diner with black-and-white-checkered floors, formica-style tables, and Route 66-inspired decor.” 18
- “all the way down there are the the water rooms or the water the Villas that are on top of the water and those are the ones that are 30,000 real per night super expensive” On camera2133:31
- “so the gentleman just said the the vas down there the one with the water rooms those are 30,000 R per night that's insane wow I did not expect it to be this expensive” On camera2118:32
- “Book brunch at Aloha you'll only have to 49/pp, rest you can use from voucher. You can do bowling or any other water sport that's also included in the voucher. Overall its pretty nice, new vibes feels different and great value for money.” 14
- “now of course that price is based on two people so if you think about it just over a grand with all of that I think it's kind of okay value for money especially of where we are” On camera1729:55
- “Besides being a touch scared to see our final bill, the money we saved on flights, we were able to spend a little more here to enjoy it to the fullest.” 6
- “The rooms are vast and grand, the bed scattered with rose petals and exhibits the kind of attention to detail that makes you wonder if you're being spied on.” 11
- “The Anantara Sea View Suite is nice for couples. Facing the beach, each space has its own patio with sun loungers.” 9
- “I took a quick look around the room, and it's a very nice room.” On camera1018:14
- “The Anantara Sea View Suite offers beautiful sea views from this seventy six square metre air conditioned suite with lounge area, terrace and en-suite bathroom.” 8
- “Overall, the stay was much better than we had expected (our first experience 3 years ago didn't go as well). This time from our room, the food, facilities and service exceeded our expectations.” 6
- “I think that the room layout and facilities are easy to use.” On camera1015:12
- “I love the Arabian touches though with the lamps by the side of the bed that is very nice especially at night and by the way when I arrived last night they did do a welcome message on the bed which I thought was nice” On camera175:02
- “then some of the cheaper accommodation is around here so you don't have to spend a fortune pretty basic rooms though but with a balcony” On camera1719:37
- “There are eight two-bedroom overwater villas (2,400 square feet) and three three-bedroom ones (3,900 square feet). Their light wide-plank flooring and white and wood walls let the Moorish design touches and water views shine.” 18
- “welcome to the living room this is very spacious love those lights though Coral lights where can I get them from I want them in my home” On camera173:24
- “the room's beautiful the resort's beautiful the only downside is we came during restrictions so fair enough everything's closed” 16
- “this room here is for luggage nice big wardrobes the ones that as soon as you open up the light pops on” 17
- “Every room features a balcony or terrace, and splendid pieces of Middle Eastern decor, like filigree pendant lamps.” 18
- “some of the furniture is a little bit mismatched though like the chair over there gray leather shame it isn't white but it's nice feels a bit like an office chair though” On camera175:18
- “the room's amazing the service is amazing we're so probably really happy so i think returning is not not such a bad idea” On camera162:54
- “I do like the view from this side and it does have mini balcony I mean look how tiny this is look at the view though wow” 17
- “All accommodations at Anantara Doha include luxurious Elemis bath amenities. access to a special pillow menu to ensure a sound night sleep, king sized or twin beds, mini bar, seperate bath and shower, and tea/coffee making facilities.” 4
- “In the shockingly large bathrooms, an iridescent-tiled shower, enclosed dual-flush toilet, freestanding soaking tub, and two sink counters fan out around a central, cushion-topped otto” 18
- “nice white bath mats and this design and here comes the shower look at this shower head all the way up there love all this shiny underwater feel” 17
- “A special touch in each luxury hotel room is the deliciously inviting curved bathtub. The ones installed in the Anantara Suites are encased in small atriums, giving you the feeling of a serene soak outdoors.” 9
- “I tried this out last night and it took me about 25 minutes to fill the bath 3/4 full so even though that looks like the water gushes out it does take a while and I've noticed that with all these bath in hotels they're amazing but you just can't be bothered to wait that long” On camera176:35
- “there's a luggage room and then there's another bathroom however the bathroom is not as nice in here the showers a little bit not as sexy either” On camera1710:42
- “A manual washlet is installed. There is no toilet seat function. The bathtub is white and refreshing.” On camera1017:31
- “Inside the entrance building -- which looks like a scaled-down, island-style version of the Sydney Opera House -- a cavernous vaulted wood-beam ceiling stretches over the airy lobby, where white-donned employees mollify guests during the reportedly slow check-in processes with bottled water and tea.” 18
- “Guests appreciate the excellent service and helpful staff, making their stay enjoyable.” 13
- “In the villas, the towels are folded into different animal shapes, daily. The kissing swans impressed but the grinning monkey, hanging by his squidgy little Egyptian cotton limbs off the hook on the back of the bathroom door was the clear star of the show.” 11
- “look at this guys complimentary fruits everybody's too nice here guys” 21
- “The Hamad International Airport is visible, so the beach might not deliver a true escapist experience, but its excellent service (water and cold towel delivery) helps compensate.” 18
- “The kids were kept busy with coloring crayons (provided by the friendly hotel staff) whilst we were sipping Arabic coffee and yummy dates.” 6
- “The staff are well-known for taking care of the little things, from unpacking your luggage to turndown service, it's all in the details.” 1
- “the room's amazing the service is amazing we're so probably really happy so i think returning is not not such a bad idea” On camera162:54
- “Overall, the stay was much better than we had expected (our first experience 3 years ago didn't go as well). This time from our room, the food, facilities and service exceeded our expectations.” 6
- “now I did book this one person but they still give you the choice to choose two of everything Lobster is amazing that is very very warm” On camera1716:58
- “The reception area was absolutely beautiful as we waited for our luxury catamaran ferry to the island.” 7
- “The drinks were delicious and the service was impeccable; it was the perfect way to end our day at Banana Island by Anantara.” 7
- “so I arrived late last night on a boat from Doha it took about 20 minutes to get here and I was greeted with with this beautiful scene it looks even more amazing at night” On camera170:23
- “Al Nahham enjoys a dramatic setting perched at the water's edge. A beautiful thatched pavilion leads through to an al fresco deck with views overlooking the Arabian Gulf.” 4
- “With an endless view of turquoise waters, it's relaxation in the finest Middle Eastern style.” 1
- “The Anantara Doha prides itself on its 141 upscale rooms, suites, and villas, each presenting a magnificent view of the sea or beach.” 4
- “but look at this view guys this is incredible Amina come here come here come here bua be careful okay come here imagine waking up in the morning and this is your view that would be amazing wouldn't it” 21
- “Whether in one of the Bedouin-style tents, at a poolside lounge or table for two on the floating deck, the settings are just as irresistible as the food itself.” 1
- “Breakfast (and Friday brunch) is a lavish buffet affair at Azraq. Order eggs any style or sample Middle Eastern morning classics like foul (spiced and stewed fava beans with lemon and garlic).” 9
- “Choose from nine dining options during your stay from contemporary Italian to delicious Arabic-Mediterranean delights.” 8
- “We began our trip by having lunch poolside at Q Lounge. The Indian-cum-International fusion menu and dishes were delicious, if you are to visit this restaurant, then check it out after 5pm as they have a spectacular floating deck with an amazing view of the ocean!” 6
- “The breakfast restaurant was good with an open atmosphere.” On camera1033:05
- “The sleek Riva is the place to indulge your Italian food cravings. With a waterside terrace and a crowd-pleasing menu of pizza and pastas, it's a great spot for a casual dinner.” 9
- “The options are completed with Banana Island's signature Arabic restaurant An-Naham which had the best Arabic food we've had in Doha.” 6
- “Breakfast is similarly superb. From the ubiquitous hummus, fatteh and baba ganoush, all the way through to dim sum-style pork buns and a bewildering array of cronuts, there's more than enough to dispel any lurking longing for bacon.” 11
- “I had Arabian sweets and Arabian coffee. The hospitality is like first class on an airplane.” On camera102:24
- “The island hosts only 5 dining options, we tried them all, service and food were excellent all round.” 6
- “I ate at Riva, an Italian restaurant with a head chef brought in from a Michelin- starred place in St Petersburg. Everything about it was excellent, and the extensive beverage menu is extremely imaginative and impressive in its own way.” 11
- “dinner was pretty good and considering it's half boor I thought there' be loads of different things on the menu that you couldn't have but you could have pretty much everything there” On camera1725:03
- “Q Lounge's fantastic overwater location makes it a must-visit for Indian-inspired grilled fare and seafood. The biryani clay pots (made with chicken, lamb or vegetables) and juicy tandoori prawns are favorites, as is the decadent chocolate volcano dessert.” 9
- “Overall, the stay was much better than we had expected (our first experience 3 years ago didn't go as well). This time from our room, the food, facilities and service exceeded our expectations.” 6
- “The breakfast buffet had enough variety of food.” On camera1032:54
- “The Indian-cum-International fusion menu and dishes were delicious, if you are to visit this restaurant, then check it out after 5pm as they have a spectacular floating deck with an amazing view of the ocean!” 6
- “The tiramisu, which comes topped with crushed ice bathed in espresso, might be the finest dessert I can recall eating anywhere, which I later realised might have been because it hadn't been preceded by several glasses of wine.” 11
- “Winner of the World Culinary Awards 2023, Al Nahham restaurant won Qatar's Best Hotel Restaurant. It's the best place in Qatar to explore local Middle Eastern flavours and spices with a selection of seafood, mixed grills/meats and mezze.” 4
- “Q Lounge is the perfect spot to enjoy all-day dining, either indoors or al fresco by the pool enjoying scenic vistas surrounded by the soothing sea breeze.” 4
- “So, first things first, I went to the Arabic restaurant, which is called Alnahham. And I ordered for some I can't remember what this is, but it was actually just like curry, rice, and lamb. Presentation 9 over 10. Taste 3 over 10. I ain't going to lie to you, that food was just not it.” On camera201:10
- “There are 1-board, 2-board and 3-board plans. There are restaurants such as International ,Italian, Arabian, and American. Some restaurants are open late, which is helpful.” On camera1019:18
- “Though rooms, suites, and villas range in size and location on the resort, they share a modern seaside aesthetic that's upscale, but not unnecessarily grand.” 18
- “The beautiful location and relaxing atmosphere enhance the overall experience, with many praising the kids' club and diverse activities.” 13
- “The Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is ideally located to explore the top sights and attractions with the Qatar National Museum, Salata Park, The Corniche, Museum of Islamic Arts, Al Khoot Fort and the Dafna Traditional Park all within a twelve kilometre radius.” 8
- “Ask for a room away from the large playground. On weekends and during vacation periods, this area can get noisy long into the night.” 9
What we still don't know
What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.
- No reviewer has named an individual room number here yet.
- Nothing reliable said about room types.
- Nothing reliable said about floor level.
- Nothing reliable said about building or wing.
- Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
- Nothing reliable said about position on the floor.
- Noise rests on 1 source — too thin to rely on.
- 21 sources carry no publication date, so we cannot tell how current they are.
Ask about Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara
Answered only from the coverage cited on this page. If nobody has written about your question, it will say so rather than guess.
How much we read
Deep coverage · 61/100We read 21 sources for this property, and pulled 111 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-08-28.
Watch this hotel
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Sources
Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.
4 of 5 summary lines above are traced to specific quotes. The rest summarise the read as a whole rather than any single document.
View all 21 cited sources▾
Everything quoted on this page.
- 1Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara — Hotel Reviewcntraveler.comReview siteDate not stated3 quotes used
“Whether in one of the Bedouin-style tents, at a poolside lounge or table for two on the floating deck, the settings are just as irresistible as the food itself.”
Read originalcntraveler.com - 2Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantaraguide.michelin.comReview siteDate not statedRead originalguide.michelin.com
- 3Luxury Hotels in Doha | Banana Island Resort ... - Anantaraanantara.comReview siteDate not statedRead originalanantara.com
- 4Anantara Doha Banana Island Resort Reviewdobbernationloves.comReview siteDate not stated7 quotes used
“All accommodations at Anantara Doha include luxurious Elemis bath amenities. access to a special pillow menu to ensure a sound night sleep, king sized or twin beds, mini bar, seperate bath and shower, and tea/coffee maki…”
Read originaldobbernationloves.com - 5
- 6Banana Island by Anantara – Qatarsmallprintofbeingamum.comReview siteDate not stated11 quotes used
“The room was in a fairly good location (not too far from the pool) and it was stunning, with a generous amount of space for the boys to move about comfortably, and a large outdoor seating area, we fell in love with it al…”
Read originalsmallprintofbeingamum.com
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