For those of you who want to keep the Greek summer vibes throughout the year and especially winter… well we might have the perfect solution! Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi is a resort that reimagined the state of calm where Greek island minimalism with the timeless beauty of the Arabian Gulf. With only 22 keys, this adults-only retreat has become one of the UAE’s most exclusive wellness destinations, offering rituals like Santorini Sundays, Full Moon Ceremonies, and a soon-to-launch Guided IMD Breathwork experience hosted in its private cinema.

In this conversation with General Manager – Mr Rachid Bakas, we discover the intricacies of this beautiful resort, and how Ananrata Santorini Abu Dhabi managed to seamlessly blend Mediterranean elegance with Emirati warmth, inviting guests to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover balance through mindful design, sensory experiences, and a deep respect for nature’s rhythm.

1 – Anantara Santorini is described as a Greek-inspired retreat on Arabian shores.
How did you manage to translate the core essence of Santorini into the design and architecture of a UAE coastal setting while maintaining authenticity and tranquility?

The beauty of the UAE lies in its many destinations each one inspired by its own unique concept and different cultures. We realised there wasn’t yet a Greek-inspired destination, so we came up with the idea to be the first in the UAE to have this concept. And it worked very well and received successfully by the market.

We managed to set the design inspired by Santorini while integrating it with the authenticity of Arabian culture and hospitality. You can see this in the majlises incorporated into our communal spaces, which reflect the Arabian culture of sharing and being together.

But what makes our retreat truly special is having the Greek-inspired charm on the Arabian shores. You can see the turquoise waters blending well with the whitewashed buildings, and the architecture featuring domes, archways, and staircases really reflects the Santorini-inspired beauty. It’s a concept that was executed nicely.

2 – Your upcoming Guided IMD Breathwork experience in the cinema space is intriguing.
What inspired this concept, and how do you see breathwork evolving as part of the modern wellness experience?

Having such a luxurious private cinema which is probably one of the best in the UAE is something we’re very grateful for and glad to have. We knew it would be one of the standout features of our 22-key retreat. It’s all about how we make use of the space, not only by showing films or running a classic theatre experience for our guests, but also by bringing a wellness aspect to it, which inspired us to introduce an immersive experience.

The design of the cinema is perfect for this, with its cozy surroundings and comfortable bed-style seats that create the ideal setting for relaxed wellness sessions and sound healing. We came up with the idea of the breathwork experience as it integrates digital soundscapes and breathing techniques to promote relaxation. Mindfulness is one of our core wellness pillars, and I see our cinema having strong potential for more wellness activations like this in the future.

3 – The Santorini Sundays and Full Moon Ceremony have become signature rituals for your guests. How do these recurring experiences contribute to the resort’s wellness philosophy and sense of community?

For Santorini Sundays, Sunday has now become a wellness day for us at Anantara Santorini. As much as possible we try to introduce a variety of activities linked to wellness, especially since we are a retreat. Santorini Sundays is an experience in the UAE where both outside guests and in-house guests can join a morning yoga and breathwork session, followed by a healthy breakfast, an optional creative expression workshop, and enjoy full-day pool and beach access at the retreat. It’s a wonderful way to bring the wellness community together especially on a Sunday, which is the perfect day to recharge before a busy week. A day in the retreat itself already encourages self-care and helps you relax the mind.

The Full Moon Ceremony is something we started a couple of months ago. The view of the moon above the building and the sound of the waves create a beautiful energy that’s perfect for the ceremony. Many attendees have complimented the experience, and these activities continue to strengthen the retreat’s wellness positioning.

4 – Greek wellness is rooted in simplicity, balance, and connection to nature.
How do those principles manifest in your spa treatments, cuisine, or guided experiences?

For us, it’s always about creating a harmonious fusion and balance between Greek and Emirati culture across all our holistic activities. Before reaching the retreat, you’ll pass through a green plantation protected by fences, where you can see many trees and even free-roaming gazelles. It immediately sets a different mood and marks the start of a journey that connects you with nature. As soon as you enter the gate, you’re surrounded by our homegrown palm trees and olive trees along the driveway. This instantly sets the tone and highlights the UAE’s natural beauty, which we blend beautifully with the Greek-inspired design of the retreat.

In the spa, we embraced the coastal concept of Greece by offering the Island Lava Shell treatment, which uses the healing powers of heated shells known to improve blood circulation and boost the immune system. In dining, our Greek–Mediterranean restaurant Thalassa crafts Aegean flavours using local fresh ingredients & even our own greenhouse. The dining experience is complemented by interior patterns and colours inspired by the Cyclades, and overlooks the beautiful sunset on the Arabian Gulf shores.

We also offer sunset rituals, where guests are served complimentary Greek Mountain Tea as they watch the sundown. We also organise tree-planting activities for long-staying guests, whether it’s olives, dates, or other fruit trees, as well as date-harvest experience and perfume-making workshop. These are simple activities but all of these blend Greek and Emirati principles. But most importantly for us, bringing the Greek island charm to the UAE created a unique yet familiar destination ideal for escapes that rejuvenates the senses. 

5 – Wellness tourism is growing rapidly across the UAE.
What do you believe sets Anantara Santorini apart from other coastal resorts in terms of holistic wellbeing?

One of the most important aspects that really helps us drive wellness is exclusivity.
We truly believe that being a leader in wellness means maintaining exclusivity and managing the crowd. With only 22 keys and a very expansive beach, our retreat will never feel crowded. Introducing an adults-only concept is also key to maintaining peace and tranquillity.

This makes us the perfect place for guests to truly disconnect in order to reconnect with themselves. I’m also glad to share that we’re one of the most beautiful wellness spaces in the region. The moment you enter, the mood changes and a sense of calm sets in, and it’s all thanks to the retreat’s view, design, unique concept, service, and of course the team.

6 – The “wellness by the sea” narrative feels central to your identity.
How do the natural elements such as sound, air, light, and water – influence your approach to designing calming spaces?

We are located in a private coastal area where there are no boats, sailing, or motorised water sports that could disrupt the peace or harm marine life. This helps keep the place as natural and serene as it is. The sound of the waves, the quality of the air, and the calming hues of white, blue, and green complement each other, making a soothing atmosphere. We don’t play music in our beach area, as guests would love to listen to the sound of waves, relax on their cabanas, and be present in the moment.

7 – As part of Anantara’s wider wellness strategy, how do you see this property contributing to the brand’s positioning in the Middle East?

We’ve been driving wellness from day one, especially since we are considered a retreat rather than a resort. As the first Anantara retreat, we’re proud to have set this benchmark. We began with yoga sessions three times a week, complimentary for guests, and our sunset ritual, where we serve Greek mountain tea as guests enjoy the sunset. Our spa offers signature treatments tailored to our guests’ needs, along with a cryotherapy facility. We also host a perfume-making workshop for a shared and creative experience.

Most importantly, we now have many more activities in place through our collaboration with our wellness partner, Exhale. Together, we’ve introduced Santorini Sundays, the Full Moon Ceremony, Mindfulness Screenings, Creative Workshops, and the Guided IMD Breathwork Experience. l these initiatives contribute to strengthening Anantara’s wellness positioning in the Middle East and showcase how deeply wellness is integrated into the Santorini retreat experience.

8 – Looking ahead to 2026, what can guests expect next from Anantara Santorini’s wellness calendar? Do you have any upcoming retreats, collaborations, or innovations in mind-body experiences?

One of the biggest projects we are working on, and something we’ll reveal fully in due time, is the introduction of a month-long programmed retreat stay. This will make use of our spaces and include dedicated specialists, consultants, and practitioners who will look after guests throughout their entire journey, from the moment they book, during their stay with lifestyle assessments, and by considering their nutritional data to design treatments best suited for them, and until the time they leave the retreat.