Boutique in scale but bold in vision, this is escapism at its most elegant.
Santorini may be social media gold, but it’s also overpriced and swarming with tourists. Overrated, too, some might argue. But a more exclusive alternative is now available, and it’s closer to home than you’d imagine: Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat.
Tucked away in Ghantoot, along a quiet, unspoiled stretch of coastline between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Anantara Santorini Retreat is not your typical bombastic beach resort. With just 22 rooms and suites and a strict adults-only policy, this ultra-boutique escape trades in the flash and fanfare of big hospitality for discretion, detail, and a deeply personal sense of place.
The Greek-inspired typography on the signage is the first nod to the Cyclades, while whitewashed walls and bursts of cascading fuchsia bougainvillaea transport you—almost instantly—to the Aegean coast. And just like its namesake island, Anantara Santorini is best experienced slowly: at sunset, when golden light glances off the water, and the line between the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea begins to blur.
Boutique bedrooms
Created to reflect the island of Santorini’s beautiful buildings, this retreat’s low-lying white buildings blend gently with the surrounding landscape and house a collection of ultra-private accommodations, complete with spacious interiors, sun-drenched terraces and unspoiled sea views.
Effortlessly bridging indoors and out, our Perissa Sea View Beach Access Room is a sanctuary where coastal luxury takes centre stage. With direct access to the powder-soft sands of the Arabian Gulf, this elegantly appointed space invites guests to make the shoreline their private playground. Inside, calm, neutral tones and modern amenities, including a comfortable king-size bed and Nespresso machine, ensure every comfort is at your fingertips. Outside, a private terrace offers widescreen views of the sea, blurring the line between your suite and the serene sweep of the coast. The cave-like setting promotes seclusion, while 24-hour butler service will ensure guests’ needs are fulfilled around the clock.
Looking to splurge? The Royal Santorini Duplex Suite is an oasis of calm spread over two floors with distinct spaces for dressing, dining and lounging.
Fantastic facilities
Every aspect is intentional. The design feels curated, rather than constructed. Take the Ancient Greek relics hidden under glass floor panels, the cave-like treatment rooms where cryotherapy and cold plunges await, and the beautifully appointed Amouage-scented suites that feel both luxurious and lived-in. There’s a subterranean gym for those who want to sweat it out in style, and a soon-to-open cigar lounge for those who don’t.
For those looking to unwind, the resort’s private beach and expansive infinity pool provide the perfect setting. One of the standout features is the private cinema featuring 22 plush seats for each of the 22 rooms, reinforcing the sense that this is an exclusive sanctuary for a select few. That intimacy makes the property ideal for full buyouts, a fact not lost on Louis Vuitton, which recently booked the entire retreat for a 17-night fashion takeover.
While the retreat is deliberately low-key, it’s not entirely off-limits. A limited number of day passes are available for the pool and beach, and outside guests can dine at the restaurants with prior reservations. Walk-ins are not encouraged.
Destination dining
Dining at Anantara Santorini is equally impressive. Thalassa, named for the Greek spirit of the sea, is a Mediterranean restaurant that treads the line between tradition and creativity. The terrace is unbeatable, positioned right on the shoreline amidst gently crashing waves. Expect thoughtful dishes like fresh seafood and a mosaic-style watermelon salad, constructed with geometric precision to resemble a culinary Rubik’s Cube.
Start your day at Oia Oasis. Set beside the retreat’s serene pool, this à la carte morning ritual offers diners a memorable meal inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean and the soul of the desert. Dishes from fluffy pancake stacks to shakshuka are made to order and prepared with regionally sourced ingredients—think sun-ripened tomatoes, tangy labneh, and flaky pastries served warm from the oven. A sculpted fish hangs overhead while designs of the resort are traced in chocolate upon the top of frothy coffees.
What truly sets Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat apart is the service. It’s polished without being performative, driven by a team whose quiet confidence is anchored in genuine pride. It’s rare to find this level of attentiveness and even rarer to find it in a place that feels this secluded.
The verdict
Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat masterfully captures the spirit of the Cyclades through its serene design and elevated sense of luxury. Inspired by the architecture of the Greek Isles, every element, from the cascading terraces to the curved, stone-lined suites, echoes the charm of Santorini, reimagined for the Middle East.
For those seeking a slice of the Greek Isles without leaving the Gulf, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is as close as it gets.
GO: Visit www.anantara.com for more information.