Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

Character and identity

Reached by a 20 to 30 minute private catamaran from Doha Port (dates, coffee and newspapers served on board), this 141-key island resort trades the city skyline for thatched pitched roofs, whitewashed walls, Arabian tilework and palm-lined paths along a half-mile crescent beach. The layout takes its cues from a traditional Arabian village, with a 328-foot lagoon at its heart and 11 Maldives-style overwater villas with private pools at its outer edge. Six restaurants span refined Indian, American diner, mezze and Mediterranean. The Anantara Spa folds in a dedicated wellness centre, doctor fish foot therapy, and the country's only resort PADI dive operation. Service runs warm and detail-led, beginning with an "Island Welcome" of drummers and cold drinks at the jetty.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The defining feature here is the island itself: a genuine sea crossing, a real reef, and a self-contained village of villas, restaurants, dive centre and spa that removes any reason to return to the mainland. Book an overwater villa with private pool, time a visit outside Qatari school holidays for quieter pool decks, and accept the dry bar as part of the deal.