Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is a resort on its own island off the coast of Doha, reached by a private catamaran or ferry from Al Shyoukh Port on the Corniche, opposite Souq Waqif. The crossing takes 25 to 30 minutes, valet parking at the port is free, and all guests must show an original Qatari ID or passport at the Al Shyoukh terminal before boarding.

The resort has 141 sea-view rooms, suites, beach pool villas and over-water pool villas. The island has about 800 metres of private golden beach, heated swimming pools, a lagoon pool, a surf pool, and private pools in the beach and over-water villas. Anantara Spa includes an over-water spa and a Turkish hammam. The resort is alcohol-free, which suits families and travellers who prefer a dry resort.

There is a lot to keep families busy. Activities include an adventure park, a surf pool, a VIP cinema, a bowling alley, mini golf, a padel court, motorised water sports and diving, and there are dedicated programmes for children and teenagers. For something special, the resort offers a designer cruise called Pearl of the Deep and a Dining by Design experience for private meals. Check-in is at 3pm and check-out at noon.

Banana Island suits families, couples and anyone who wants a beach break combined with a city trip. Day passes are offered too, through the resort's bookings line, so you can visit for a day even if you are staying in town. It is less convenient as a base for sightseeing, as every trip to the mainland involves the boat, so many visitors split their stay between the island and a city hotel.

Rates are usually highest in the cooler months and on weekends, when many residents book short breaks, so reserve early for those dates and confirm your boat times with the resort when you book.

Plan your boat times in advance, especially for late dinners or early departures, and bring your ID or passport for every crossing. Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art are close to the port, so an evening in the souq is easy to combine with your return to the island.