One of the region’s most hotly anticipated properties - Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara - finally opened at the beginning of the year, marking the Minor Hotel Group’s debut in Qatar. Hotelier Middle East was among the first to visit the resort, to find out from its management team how they will create a landmark destination
From its exclusive location — 10km off the coast of Doha on a banana-shaped island accessible only by ferry — to its wide range of leisure facilities, including a bowling alley, cinema and diving centre, there is nothing generic about Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara.
The subject of plenty of speculation in recent years, both around how it would turn out and when it would finally open, the resort has in many ways been emblematic of the intense ambition of the Qatari state, and accompanying doubts around its ability to become a tourism and hospitality powerhouse.
So, when speaking to the property’s resident manager, Amir Golbarg, one might think he would attempt to dampen the hype. Instead, his words only add weight to the expectations on the resort.
“This is a sacred property for the Emir [Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani]. I used to work in the Burj Al Arab, and this is the Burj Al Arab of Doha. And in terms of expense, there has been nothing spared to make this the best,” he says.
That expense — which Golbarg remains resolutely tight-lipped about — has yielded a property, covering all 120,000m2 of the island, which is more like a village.
Hotelier’s visit to the island came just weeks after the resort’s official January 1 opening, yet already Golbarg reports strong demand. Indeed, he insists that were the hotel to release all of its rooms, he could easily get 100% occupancy every day.
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“There is so much demand for this property,” he enthuses. “That is obviously a good problem to have. But from our angle we drive on rate, not on occupancies. I want to deliver the best service. There is no hotel in the world geared up to run at a high percentage.
“They are always geared up for running at a certain percentage, but delivering exceptional service. That’s what this property wants. This property was not built just to maximise revenue streams. It was to create experiences for every guest.”
For the year, Golbarg is targeting an occupancy level of 50% and is also looking to build on a strong average daily rate, which he says is “way above the QR2000 (US $549) mark already”.
“From that angle I am looking at more villa and butler experiences. For a lot of the guests that come here, it is not about taking the standard room, it is about wanting the best, and equally we need to deliver the best. Most of the larger villas, especially with the private pools, are sold out,” he adds.
For many people looking at the island, it may well be defined by one fact: it does not serve alcohol. While that may fit in with the resort’s target market, which is predominantly GCC guests, it was nevertheless a concern for Golbarg when he joined.
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