Santorini in Abu Dhabi: A New Attraction for Luxury Travelers

Santorini and Abu Dhabi may be located in very different parts of the world, but it is now possible to experience a little bit of Greece in the Middle East.

The Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat has been created to offer just that.

The hotel, which is made up of a cluster of striking white buildings, is located in Ghantoot, an enclave along the coast about halfway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“Created to reflect the iconic buildings of its namesake island, the low-lying white buildings of Anantara Santorini blend gently with the surrounding landscape and house a collection of ultra-private accommodation offering spacious interiors with ample sun-drenched terraces and unspoiled sea views,” says a press release about the hotel’s opening.

Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat (Photo Credit: Courtesy Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat)

The new resort opened at the end of February and is adults-only. There are 22 rooms, which start at about $735 per night.  The property is also expecting to do a brisk business in exclusive-use buyouts for such events as weddings and corporate gatherings.

With existing resorts in Phuket, Thailand, and also in Bali the Anantara brand features “tranquil” properties. The new UAE property markets the brands continued expansion in the region. Already there is an Anantara the Palm Dubai Resort and also the Eastern Mangroves Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

In order to create the new Santorini-like offering, the brand’s design team visited the real Santorini for inspiration, according to Bloomberg.

Guest accommodations at the new Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat (Photo Credit: Courtesy Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat)

Room interiors feature natural earth tones and barrel ceilings and most rooms have terraces or the striking white terraces common throughout the Greek Islands. Guests also have 24/7 access to butler service and the ability to schedule snorkeling outings, beach picnics and more.

Additional property highlights at the new Abu Dhabi retreat include a private beach, an outdoor pool that overlooks the Gulf, indoor cinema providing private screenings on demand (including the option to request late-night movies with custom gourmet cuisine.) Bespoke spa treatments are also available in private beachside cabanas.

The property is part of Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator, and investor that operates a portfolio of 530 hotels and resorts in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is 25-minute drive from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport and 35-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. 

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