The Enigmatic Mirage: Unveiling the Mystery Behind a Desert Oasis Resembling Santorini
Discover a surreal landscape of whitewashed domes blending into azure waters, reminiscent of Santorini but set in a distant desert. Explore the allure of Anantara's new resort, a captivating imitation of the famous Greek island.
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Imagine white, domed buildings flowing down into crystal blue waters.
The world-famous holiday destination of Santorini, Greece catches your eye. But, there's something different about this place. Maybe it's the hot desert climate breeze or the Arabic calligraphy on the signs. A few clues suggest the resort's true location: Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
The Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat, which opened in February this year, is located just an hour’s drive away from the downtown area of the capital. The entire concept of the retreat is inspired by the famous Greek island.
The retreat is a beautiful blend of white, beige, and blue, with arched corridors and doorways both inside and out. The bespoke artwork, ambient music, and intricate embroidery on the linen all come together to create a Mediterranean fantasy for guests to enjoy.
For Rachid Bakas, the general manager of the property, Abu Dhabi's natural beauty is what truly connects both locations.
"The color of the sea next to us really brings everything together," Bakas explains. "The concept of Santorini fits perfectly in this location, making the design truly outstanding."
Abu Dhabi mangroves
Abu Dhabi mangroves
Barry Neild/CNN
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Not ‘Chinatown’ or ‘Disneyland’
Anantara's new resort is designed to replicate the popular honeymoon destination of Santorini.
Anantara's new resort is designed to replicate the popular honeymoon destination of Santorini.
Replicas are not typically advertised as luxurious, but Anantara Santorini may be an exception. Their most affordable room starts at around $800 per night, which is twice the average price of hotels in Santorini, Greece during the peak season, according to Tripadvisor.
If the price isn’t an advantage, why would a traveler prefer to visit the hotel in Abu Dhabi, and not fly to Greece?
“It’s exclusive,” says Bakas.
You can enjoy intimacy and privacy at this hideaway, which may be hard to find in Santorini during the busy summer season when everywhere is crowded.
The hotel is divided into 22 rooms, allowing a maximum of 44 guests at a time. Each room leads to a cozy common area, creating a homely atmosphere and inviting guests to explore the various environments within the facility.
Bakas mentions that the hotel itself is full of surprises, with interesting corners and spaces to discover as soon as you walk in.
Anantara Santorini provides various experiences such as a cigar lounge, a cinema, a spa, and yoga sessions by the pool or beach. However, beyond just entertainment, the main goal is for guests to relax and find peace and tranquility during their stay.
The manager explains that sometimes people just want to be left alone and not be asked to do activities all the time. This balance is what they offer at the facility.
Another reason for the quiet atmosphere is the restricted age group policy. The minimum age for check-in is 18, even when accompanied by parents or guardians.
Bakas explains that staying at their resort allows guests to truly unwind, feel far away from their daily stresses, and relax. He admits that the decision to create a unique experience was not easy, but they were determined to stand out from other resorts in the area.
Barry Neild/CNN
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Fifty shades of white
Keeping the resort walls white is a full-time job.
Keeping the resort walls white is a full-time job.
The hotel staff work hard to make sure the guests have a great experience. They pay special attention to keeping the white walls spotless and have a dedicated team for this task.
"We have two painters who work on site every day. Their main task is to go around and do touch-ups," Bakas shares.
The painters go into each room between check-outs and check-ins. They make sure that all the walls and surroundings are not gray, beige, or eggshell - just white.
After making the touch-ups, it's important to ensure that the color matches perfectly. We want to avoid any visible differences in strokes, so this step is a crucial part of our maintenance routine," Bakas explains, looking at the walls and ceilings with a smile.
Editor's P/S:
The Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is an intriguing concept that offers a unique blend of Greek inspiration and Emirati hospitality. While the idea of replicating a popular honeymoon destination may raise questions about authenticity, the retreat's emphasis on exclusivity and tranquility sets it apart. The limited number of guests, spacious common areas, and carefully curated experiences aim to create a serene and intimate ambiance.
However, it's worth noting that the high price point and lack of traditional Greek experiences may limit its appeal for those seeking an authentic Santorini escape. Additionally, the restricted age group policy and focus on relaxation may not suit travelers who prefer a more active or social vacation. Ultimately, the Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat presents a unique alternative for discerning travelers seeking a tranquil and exclusive getaway, while those yearning for the true essence of Santorini may prefer to visit the original destination.
