Anantara Santorini brings Grecian elegance to the Arabian Gulf

I’VE arrived at Anantara Santorini – a coastal retreat oozing with Mediterranean elegance. But don’t let the hotel’s name fool you. This ultra-exclusive hotel is tucked away between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Despite being thousands of miles away from its Grecian counterpart, Anantara Santorini vividly echoes the distinct architecture of the famed island. From the cyan blue sea to the pristine white walls – which I’m told require daily touch-ups – the hotel has been expertly designed to transport its guests across the globe.

Anantara Santorini

Housing 22 sea-facing rooms and suites, the resort feels intimate and private. As I step onto my balcony to absorb some fresh sea air, the sandy beach in front of me is nearly empty. The only sounds I hear are the waves gently lapping against the shore, alongside the occasional passing seagull.

As an adults-only retreat, Anantara Santorini is a hotspot for couples and solo travellers seeking respite from the fast moving pace of the innovative capital. With complimentary activities on offer, such as sunrise yoga classes and movie nights in the hotel’s luxurious private cinema, the resort encourages deep relaxation and restoration.

Anantara Santorini

For the keen holiday-goers, the hotel offers further activity options such as snorkelling, perfume-making workshops, paddle-boarding, and kayaking. In particular, the perfume-making workshops are an excellent gateway to the world of Arabian olfactory goodness.

With much guidance and reassurance from the perfumers, I carefully pipette rich drops of oud, musk, bergamot, rose, vanilla, and patchouli essential oil into a delicate bottle, formulating my new signature scent.

I also head down to the beach to take part in a glass kayaking experience – one of the hotel’s more exciting activities. Led by recreation supervisor Mounir, I paddle across the serene sea, spotting turtles, stingrays, and angelfish along the way.

After soaking up the sun on my kayak, a trip to the hotel’s spa is much needed. The spa itself is yet another oasis of tranquillity. Embellished with lavish furnishings and luscious houseplants, the spa features two treatment rooms, a Moroccan hammam, a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, and a cold plunge pool. Notable treatments include the Island Lava Shell massage, the Anantara Signature massage, revitalising facials, and Hungarian mud wraps.

Located a stone’s throw away from the spa is Oia Oasis, one of the hotel’s dining venues. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the restaurant specialises in Arabic cuisine, which, to some, may feel slightly out of place due to the hotel’s Grecian décor, but worry not – the Anantara chefs work tirelessly to craft fusion dishes.

For lunch, Oia Oasis’s menu features more hearty alternatives. Batata harra, braised lamb shank ouzi and hot mezze platters appear alongside pistachio baklava and om ali.

Anantara Santorini’s second restaurant, Thalassa, is the must-visit dining location for Mediterranean cuisine. Tapping into flavours from Santorini, the Aegean Sea, and Southern Europe, Thalassa showcases grilled delicacies, fragrant appetisers, and fresh seafood.

However, the dining options don’t stop there. A private dining option – Designer Dining – is available for those wanting an even more exclusive experience. Perfect for couples, the Designer Dining experience is the ultimate romantic gesture. With the promise of being able to see the sun slowly set whilst enjoying a bespoke meal crafted by a personal chef, there is also a private butler will attend to your every need, ensuring the most harmonious fine dining adventure.

The staff at Anantara Santorini truly go above and beyond. Before even reaching the hotel, guests are invited to make contact with their private butler, ensuring that their arrival at the hotel is swift and easy. Then, upon arrival, the staff team warmly welcome visitors with a charming, catchy “Welcome to Anantara Santorini” song – one that is now perpetually looping in my mind.

So, how does it compare to the real Santorini? If you are looking to escape the crowds and indulge in a Mediterranean-inspired lifestyle, Anantara Santorini certainly delivers with the promise of less tourists and all-year round sun.

As I sit on my flight home with sand in my shoes, the smell of my handmade fragrance on my skin, and crumbs from my Santorini baklava on my lap, I realise a trip back may be needed.

by Sophie Richardson

Rates at Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat start from AED 2,020 (£424) in a Oia Sea View Room with breakfast. To book visit www.anantara.com/santorini-abu-dhabi