If there’s one place that FACT’s Anushay Taimur Khan likes to call the best escape from Doha, it is the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. A fine Friday afternoon called for the yummiest island brunch one could imagine…

Aquick boat ride is my ideal escape to the Island dream we all tend to have. Where people think of Bali and the Maldives, I find myself craving for the familiar route that leads me to my favourite: Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara that becomes my hideout whenever the city gets a bit too much for me. From the entertainment, the kids’ club, the eateries to the unparalleled spa and wellness centre, and the extraordinary service at the resort, there is truly nothing like this safe haven I have come to know.

As the Doha weather calmed down and I set to conquer the feast of Kings at the Island, I was greeted by the usual remarkable service. No matter how many times you have been to the Island, it is always a treat and a breath of fresh air (literally) to be there. People split apart and went off to the usual diving activities as I headed to the brunch, which was set at the award-winning Azraq restaurant.

I loved how the décor had slightly changed since the last time I had been there. There were umbrellas hanging from the roof when you crossed the wellness centre, giving the entire entrance a contrasting look from the usual set up. A true summer feel that matches the entire ambience for the day made me even more excited to see what new things I could try here. As for the brunch, the live stations are set-up right outside the restaurant, giving you the feel-good vibes even before you enter the restaurant. An entire bus is displayed with snacks for children and I admit to picking up a few jellies on my way inside because, seriously, who wouldn’t? I found my husband constantly hogging the live sushi station as I kept shifting between the Italian and kids’ station. Inside the restaurant, there was a variety of Arabic dishes and desserts (yes, more desserts!) with the staff regularly coming around on every table to ask for the choice of drinks. The Churrascaria-styled meat stole our hearts – and bellies – from the get-go and we kept enjoying a little bit of the sweet Mexican mix that they offered as well.

The display of the brunch gives the ideal Hawaiian island vibes as you see the décor set up to accommodate the ideal breezy feels. From colleagues to families, the Island is the idyllic retreat for all and the fact that it was fully crowded before it even started was just further proof about the impeccable quality of food and the service that one gets at this end.

Whether you choose to dine indoors or al fresco, next to the breath-taking view, the variety at the brunch and the homely environment that is accentuated by the blue and white of the beach and sea is surely bound to make you want to come back. It is an absolute pleasure to dine outside, looking at the Doha skyline from afar and being able to relax in a completely rejuvenated environment. With various packages offered by the resort and the number of activities around the island, you can get yourself a day pass and escape the city life for a day to be easy-breezy at this ultimate gem that Qatar has. ✤

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