Visitors to the Gulf can now experience the exotic offerings of the luxurious new Banana Island Resort, developed by Qatar-based UrbaCon Trading and Contracting, mimicking the essence of the Maldives resorts.

Moataz Al-Khayyat, CEO of UrbaCon, said: "The resort is the first of its kind in the region, which is held in the sea, and it is similar to the Maldives resorts."

"The people, who used to go to the Maldives, can now save their time and money and come to Banana Island Resort which is as exactly as the Maldives resorts," he said.

The island resort, which opened with a grand ceremony earlier this year just off the coast of Doha, offers an array of accommodations, all with an ocean view, including a 96-room hotel, 34 two- and three-bedroom poolside villas and 11 Maldives-style villas built above the water on stilts.

The resort offers traditional Qatari hospitality and extensive facilities for families and romantic getaways that include a 800-m long private beach, a marina with 30 berths, a dive centre, a lap pool, a children's pool, a full range of water sports, tennis, beach volleyball, a Balance Wellness Centre, an entertainment centre with a nine-hole putting golf course, a bowling alley and a VIP cinema theatre. Eight dining options offer a choice of Middle Eastern, Italian and international cuisines.

The crescent-shaped island is only a 20-minute ferry ride from Doha or a 10-minute helicopter ride from the Doha airport.

UrbaCon Trading & Contracting has been involved in several huge projects over the last few years and has become one of the most respected building contractors in Qatar. In addition to the Banana Resort, included among its projects are the Mall of Qatar, the Sheraton Doha Hotel and Convention Center, and the Lekhwiya Stadium at Al Duhail. – TradeArabia News Service