The Arabian Gulf, with its golden sands meeting tranquil azure waters, has long been celebrated as a destination of luxury and enchantment. But at the Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi, a deeper story unfolds. Imagine Santorini’s iconic charm taking a mini vacation to the Middle East and coming back with a tan and a touch of Arabian glam. More than a retreat, it’s a journey to a place where Mediterranean dreams meet Middle-Eastern hospitality, where every moment feels like stepping into a picture-postcard atmosphere of serenity and sophistication.

The journey to Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi begins with a drive through the tranquil Ghantoot area, centrally located between the bustling cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As you approach, the striking whitewashed domes and blue accents transport you to the cliffs of Santorini, reimagined with a touch of Arabian flair. The resort emerges like a mirage, a sanctuary for the soul, where every detail of the adults-only getaway whispers exclusivity and every experience is designed to soothe.

Upon arrival, the embrace of this Greek-inspired oasis is immediate. Every guest is greeted with the warmth of the staff’s welcoming smiles – they don’t just anticipate every need with precision, but also often break into song. The atmosphere feels both intimate – there are only 22 rooms at the resort – and sweetly indulgent in its laid-back approach to luxury. 

Tucked away from prying eyes, the resort’s sumptuous suites and rooms are designed to instil in guests a sense of tranquillity and exclusivity. The Oia Sea View Rooms frame the horizon like a living painting, while the Fira Sea View Terrace Rooms offer private sanctuaries bathed in soft Mediterranean light. 

For those seeking unparalleled luxury, the Royal Santorini Duplex Suite is a haven of elegance, complete with a private pool and panoramic vistas. Each space tells its own story, blending Greek minimalism with Arabian warmth, creating a harmony that feels as timeless as the surrounding tides.

Here, it’s not just the accommodations that captivate. The dining experiences also elevate every meal into a celebration. At Thalassa, the flavours of the Mediterranean are reimagined with a modern twist, each dish an ode to Greek culinary artistry. By the Gulf, Oia Oasis offers a feast for the senses, with Arabian delights as fresh as the breeze, and sunsets that set the stage for romance. For those seeking something truly bespoke, the resort’s signature Designer Dining transforms meals into private moments of magic, where candlelight dances on the waves and every bite tells a story.

Between moments of indulgence, there is time for rejuvenation. The resort’s private beach beckons with its golden sands and serene waters, while the infinity pool seems to stretch endlessly into the horizon, mirroring the Gulf’s stillness. 

At the Anantara Spa, wellness becomes an art form. Think of massages that feel like hugs for your soul and treatments that’ll have you walking out like a new person. Offerings draw from ancient Greek traditions like the Island Lava Shell Massage, and Arabian remedies such as the signature Moroccan Bath Experience, merging the best of both worlds again – not to mention the spa’s tempting cold plunge, sauna and hammam.

Another standout – and unexpected – feature is the hotel’s luxurious private cinema. Located deep underground and filled with seating that resembles nothing more than roomy beds big enough for two. The cinema proposes a nightly 10pm showing of classic films that deserve to be seen on the big screen. And for those looking to discuss the flick once the final credits roll, a stop at the hotel’s equally impressive cigar lounge is definitely worth a visit.

For adventurous-minded guests, the Arabian Gulf offers a playground of possibilities. Stand-up paddle boarding at sunrise reveals a world bathed in golden light, while a private yacht cruise carries you into the heart of the sea, where dolphins dance against the backdrop of endless skies. 

Onshore, sunrise yoga sessions align breath and being, inviting guests to find their centre in the embrace of nature. Whether you’re diving into the Gulf’s vibrant waters or just soaking up the adventure, there’s always something to do – or not do, if that’s more your style.

As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in colours no filter could ever match, a kind of magic settles over the resort. Mornings spent gazing at the horizon, candlelit dinners under the stars, the stillness of the spa, and the thrill of adventure – these moments remain etched in memory, vivid and alive.

This is the essence of Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi, a little slice of Greek paradise on the Arabian Gulf. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, it’s hard not to fantasise about just renting the whole resort out for an unforgettable holiday with friends and family – because even after just one night, it’ll already feel like home. 

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