Header: Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat
Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is an adults-only beachfront hotel in Ghantoot, on the coast between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Developed by Al Wathba, the retreat is operated by Minor Hotels and has received the Architectural Design Hotel: Luxury award at the LIV Hospitality Design Awards.
The resort is located on a quiet stretch of coastline in Ghantoot that offers uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf from both guest rooms and public spaces. Here, guests can relax in an idyllic, secluded setting that transports them far away to small Mediterranean towns.
Greece meets Dubai
Designed by E11 Design, the architecture is inspired by the Cycladic island architecture associated with Santorini. This influence appears through whitewashed façades, rounded domes, arched openings and low-rise, cubic volumes. The buildings are deliberately modest in height, forming a horizontal composition that almost resembles an idyllic Greek village looked at from afar. Guest rooms and shared spaces are arranged to face the Arabian Gulf, with the layout always prioritising the amazing sea views.
A luxurious Mediterranean look
The interior design was developed in collaboration with Originals Interiors and continues the Mediterranean references used in the architecture. The designers worked with a material palette of wood, rattan and painted plaster finishes alongside a colour palette of white, blue, beige and soft natural tones. Custom and crafted furniture is used throughout the guestrooms and public spaces, alongside décor and artwork of the same Mediterranean aesthetics. Large windows and glazed doors were chosen to let natural light into each space, opening up to terraces and outdoor spaces that further convey the Southern European vibe.
Dreamy bedrooms by the beach
The retreat offers 22 rooms and suites, all with sea views and private outdoor space. These are organised into four categories: the Oia Sea View Rooms, the Fira Sea View Rooms, the Perissa Sea View Rooms, and a single Royal Santorini Duplex Suite. Guests can enjoy whitewashed rooms with walk-in wardrobes, high-end furniture and natural-toned décor. The objective of these spaces is to support relaxation, with calm decoration complemented by the soft sound of waves and views of the light blue Gulf.
The Oia Sea View Rooms are the smaller ones in the resort and are located on the top floors, providing guests with a small balcony that opens the room to the sea. The Fira Sea View Rooms are larger and include a generous terrace that the guests can enjoy intimately. The Perissa Sea View Rooms, larger and just as tasteful as the other, give guests direct access to the beachfront through large private terraces.
The Royal Santorini Duplex Suite is the resort’s top accommodation option. Spanning approximately 255 sqm across two levels, the suite includes a private staircase with direct access to the pool, a personal gym, a private sauna and two terraces, all of which make it an intimate, residential-style unit within the resort.
Wellness and fun
The facilities include an outdoor infinity swimming pool (designed to mirror the coastal landscapes of Greece and adorned by an olive tree), a private beach, spa and wellness centres with hammam and treatment rooms, fitness spaces, a cinema room, and butler and concierge services.
Guests can enjoy three different venues for dining and drinks: Thalassa serves Mediterranean food with a Greek and Southern European focus, Oia Oasis brings in Arabian and Middle Eastern flavours, and Apollo is a Greek-inspired pool bar for light bites and cocktails. There are also two extra options for those wanting a more custom experience, such as Designer Dining, which can be set up in the personal room, terrace, or even at the beach, and Spice Spoons, a hands-on cooking session.
