The clue is in the name – retreat. The Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi is precisely that: an oasis of calm that transports you from the Arabian Peninsula to the Aegean Sea with its immaculate design sensibilities. Positioned strategically between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this boutique sanctuary offers the perfect escape from urban intensity without sacrificing accessibility to either metropolis.
From the moment you arrive, the crisp white walls and Mediterranean flair that adorn the entire establishment create a convincing illusion of being whisked away to the Greek islands. The architectural authenticity is remarkable – curved archways, azure accents, and thoughtful driftwood ornamentation blend seamlessly to create an atmosphere that feels genuinely transported from Santorini itself.
Waking up here is indeed a far cry from the hustle and bustle of city life. Each of the mere 22 rooms offers uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, creating a sense of expansive privacy despite the resort’s intimate scale. The exclusivity is palpable – with so few accommodations, the staff-to-guest ratio ensures personalised service that larger establishments simply cannot match.
Culinary excellence with Aegean inspiration
Dining at Anantara Santorini elevates the experience from excellent to extraordinary. The flagship restaurant, Thalassa, serves as the resort’s culinary crown jewel. Here, expert chefs craft delicate dishes that showcase the fresh flavours of Greece and the Aegean Sea. The menu celebrates the bounty of Southern Europe with seafood taking centre stage, complemented by farm-fresh produce and olive oils that transport your palate straight to the Mediterranean.
The dining experience extends beyond just exceptional food. As evening descends, the restaurant transforms with the shifting light, allowing guests to enjoy affable evenings under stars with the warm sea breeze providing nature’s perfect ambiance. For those preferring privacy, the gourmet in-room dining options maintain the same exacting standards, ensuring no compromise in quality regardless of where you choose to dine.
Unexpected luxuries
Perhaps the most surprising amenity – and one that deserves special mention – is the private cinema. This is no ordinary screening room; it redefines the movie-watching experience with VIP viewing lounges featuring luxury bed-style seating. During our visit, a screening of “Skyfall” felt appropriately Bond-esque, especially with fresh popcorn and gourmet snacks delivered directly to our private screening area. It’s these unexpected touches that elevate Anantara Santorini above other luxury retreats.
The spa facilities, as one would expect from any Anantara property, maintain the brand’s renowned excellence. Treatments blend Eastern and Western techniques with locally inspired elements, creating rejuvenating experiences that complement the overall sense of escape that permeates the resort.
Anantara has made a brilliant strategic decision in positioning this retreat halfway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This location makes it the perfect weekend getaway for residents of either city seeking respite from urban intensity. The relatively short drive from either metropolis means you can transition from city skyscrapers to Grecian-inspired serenity in under an hour – a remarkable juxtaposition that highlights just how special this hideaway truly is.
With just 22 rooms, Anantara Santorini embraces the luxury of limitation. This intentional constraint ensures that crowds never materialise, pool loungers always remain available, and dinner reservations feel exclusive rather than competitive. The resulting atmosphere is one of genuine retreat – a place where relaxation isn’t just encouraged but inevitable.
The Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat accomplishes something remarkable – it creates an authentic sense of Mediterranean escape while remaining unmistakably luxurious in its Arabian context. For those seeking a weekend retreat or longer stay that offers both physical and mental transportation from the UAE’s urban centres, this boutique property delivers with understated elegance.
The combination of architectural authenticity, culinary excellence, and thoughtful amenities makes this not just another luxury hotel but a genuine hideaway that understands the true meaning of its name – retreat. In a region known for superlatives and excess, Anantara Santorini finds its distinction through restraint, intimacy, and attention to detail that larger resorts simply cannot match.
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