The white of the houses, the blue of the sea, the domes… the first feeling is that you are inside Santorini. But the hot desert air and the Arabic letters on the road signs bring you back to reality. You are in too Abu DhabiIn the United Arab Emirates.
Hotel Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat It opened last February and is an hour’s drive from the center of the capital. The concept is entirely inspired from the world-famous Greek island.
“The concept of Santorini really fits this place and that’s what makes this design perfect,” the hotel’s general manager Rachid Bagas tells CNNi.
The cheapest room costs approx 730 euros per nightAccording to Tripadvisor, the average Greek hotels in Santorini are twice as high during high season. So why prefer Abu Dhabi’s Santorini over the real thing?
“Because it’s exclusive,” says Bagas. “It gives you that closeness, it gives you privacy. It’s a haven — something you don’t find in Santorini, especially in the summer when the island is full of people everywhere.”
The hotel is divided into 22 rooms that can accommodate a maximum of 44 guests at a time. All rooms lead to a lounge-like common area, deliberately giving a more intimate atmosphere, while encouraging visitors to walk through the different environments of the facility.
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The hotel is adults only to ensure peace and quiet
Source: Ana de Oliva/CNN
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Two oil painters ensure that white remains white on a permanent basis
Source: Ana de Oliva/CNN
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Signs are in Arabic and English (note the “Ancient Greek” font).
Source: Ana de Oliva/CNN
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White, brown and light blue dominate
Source: Ana de Oliva/CNN
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And an ancient Spartan armor on the bar, why not?
Source: Ana de Oliva/CNN
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Hotel Cinema
Source: Ana de Oliva/CNN
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Details from the spa
Source: Ana de Oliva/CNN
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The most expensive room is the Royal Santorini Duplex Suite
Source: Gerry O’Leary/Minor Hotels
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Basic rooms start from 730 euros per night
Source: Gerry O’Leary/Minor Hotels
“The element of surprise is within the hotel itself and from the moment you walk in, you keep discovering some nice nooks and crannies,” says Bagas.
For adults only
Anantara Santorini offers a range of experiences including a cigar lounge by the pool or beach, cinema, spa and yoga sessions. However, rather than entertainment, the aim is for guests to experience peace and quiet.
That’s why there is an age limit – under 18s are not allowed to stay. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but we really wanted to be on another level,” says Bagas.
Speaking of “another level,” the hotel staff includes two permanent oil painters who roam the premises daily and whitewash, checking rooms between check-out and check-in to ensure they remain “Santorini” white. All the time…
With information: Why did Santorini appear as a shadow on the edge of the desert? Ana de Oliva, CNN
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