10 Things to Do in Banana Island, Qatar

Spanning 20 hectares in the Persian Gulf, Doha’s blissful Banana Island serves up an impressive array of beaches and pools in various shades of dazzling blue. Your first port of call is the island’s 5-star resort, a 20-minute luxury ferry ride from the mainland’s coast, for its private bungalow swimming and idyllic lagoon pool.

When you’re not frolicking about in the water or snorkeling across the reef, you can work on a tan on the powdery sand or laze about under a thatched umbrella. Doha Beach Club also dishes up a delectable menu of Arabic-inspired sharing plates paired with a fabulous selection of elegant mocktails.

Located in the grounds of the Banana Island Resort, Anantara Spa and Wellness Retreat offers world-class relaxation, beautification, and pampering rituals, set inside an authentic Turkish hammam. This self-care sanctuary is the place to come for hydra, purifying, and brightening facials that are imbued with collagen, minerals, and vital trace elements.

Those seeking top-tier treatments can invest in body resurfacing, argon oil hair remedies, and soothing back, neck, and shoulder massages with the pressure of your choice. For a day of indulgence, nothing beats Anantara’s Majestic Replenishment service which will see you enjoying intensive skin hydration therapy in your own private spa.

Located on a tiny peninsula at the very end of Banana Island Resort, the Observation Deck is a charming thatched-roof bungalow that’s set on an unspoiled stretch of sugar-white sand. It's the perfect place to visit during sunset when the sun casts stunning colors across the water, or during special occasions like wedding anniversaries.

Observation Deck visitors can also visit the nearby Q Lounge to enjoy a delicious Indian lunch or dinner after taking in the ocean views. Sample dishes like tandoori-crusted salmon, masala lobster, butter chicken, and biryani while dining on the patio by the azure pool.

For an exhilarating day out, book a place on a vigorous banana boat which offers a panoramic ride around the Arabian Peninsula. Attached to a powerful speed boat, you'll be pulled at high velocity across the Indian Ocean, while dodging some rather spectacular waves.

Be warned: this ride is not for the fainthearted, but adrenalin-seekers will relish the moment as they take in Doha’s space-age skyline and palm-fringed resorts. Afterwards, reward yourself with a refreshing drink at Tanzerin, the resort's rustic thatched-roof beach bar.

Banana Island's nostalgic 10-pin bowling alley entices with its multiple professional lanes, seriously tasty bar snacks, and a dazzling interior that's adorned with urban street art. This retro joint is a massive hit with kids of all ages, as well as the young at heart.

While your children are rolling balls and striking pins, enjoy a gastronomic experience in one of the resort’s upscale restaurants. We recommend Al Nahham for its Middle Eastern mezze platters and succulent seafood dishes. Alternatively, head to Ted's American Diner for its Route 66 menu which includes loaded hotdogs, hefty burgers, and Oreo cookie milkshakes.

One of Banana Island’s most popular eateries, Azraq Restaurant invites diners to sample a stunning array of Middle Eastern and Western breakfast foods during its daily buffet brunch. Enjoy classic dishes like eggs Florentine with wilted spinach, 3-cheese omelet with turkey ham, and smoked salmon benedict with hollandaise sauce.

Those looking for something nutritious can sample gluten-free pancakes with peanut butter, berries and coconut flakes, and healthy parfait bowls layered with low-fat yoghurt, granola, and honey. Top it all off with an English breakfast tea, a Turkish coffee, or a freshly squeezed beetroot juice while admiring Doha’s futuristic skyline.

For contemporary Mediterranean cuisine served in sleek architectural surrounds, reserve a table at Riva Restaurant. Chef Julio Sanz has crafted an impeccable menu of perfectly executed dishes which are served in front of glorious views of the resort’s attractive landscaped gardens.

Begin with elegant entrees like insalata di caprese and wild mushroom volute with truffle, before moving onto Italian classics including prawn risotto and frutti di mare pizza. Don't forget to taste the restaurant's heavenly selection of rotating desserts like homemade tiramisu and Chocolate Sensation.

Perched dramatically over the Arabian Gulf, Al Naham Restaurant delights with its romantic overwater setting which is particularly beautiful in the evening when the stars twinkle in the sky. Book a table on the outside deck for a truly exceptional dining experience and enjoy the gentle sea breeze and the sound of lapping waters.

Specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine, Al Naham will appeal to foodies who favor mouthwatering mezze dishes like spicy hummus, fattoush salad, baba ghanoush, and grilled halloumi cheese. For mains, the spotlight is on seafood with a range of appealing offerings like grilled lobster, shrimp salona, and hamour fillet with earthy tahini.