Planning a stay at Banana Island Resort Qatar with kids is one of the most family‑friendly ways to experience Doha’s luxury island lifestyle, with shallow pools, kids’ clubs, a surf pool, cinema and now an Adventure Park designed for children as young as three.[1][6] For Singapore families and global travellers using Homejourney, this guide covers everything you need to know to plan a safe, smooth and memorable trip—and how your Banana Island experience can help you benchmark lifestyle and property opportunities in Singapore.
This article is a focused cluster in our wider international travel and lifestyle series, and links back to our main pillar: Banana Island Resort Qatar Complete Guide (2025) | Homejourney Banana Island Resort Qatar Complete Guide (2025) | Homejourney . If you want a budget-focused angle, also see: Budget Travel Guide to Banana Island Resort Qatar | Homejourney Budget Travel Guide to Banana Island Resort Qatar | Homejourney .
Why Banana Island Resort Qatar Works So Well With Kids
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is a private luxury island just off Doha, reached by catamaran in about 20–30 minutes from Al Shyoukh Port.[1][6] It offers 141 rooms, suites and over‑water villas, six dining venues, a lagoon pool with shallow kids’ section, surf pool with instructors, bowling alley, 20‑seat cinema, golf and tennis courts, plus dedicated kids’ play areas.[2][3][6] The island is alcohol‑free and positions itself very clearly as a family‑friendly retreat, with kids’ club, water slides, children’s pool and babysitting.[4][5][6]
As a Singapore‑based travel and property researcher who has stayed in both Sentosa resorts and Banana Island, the closest comparison is a blend of Sentosa’s family resorts with an over‑water villa experience you’d normally associate with the Maldives—only here it comes with strong safety culture, structured kids’ activities and easy access to Doha city.
Best Time To Visit With Children
For families, the most comfortable period is typically November to early April, when daytime temperatures are lower and outdoor activities like the Adventure Park, surf pool and rope course are much more pleasant for kids.[1][6] If you visit in hotter months, plan to front‑load water and indoor activities in the morning and late afternoon, and reserve the midday window for indoor cinema, bowling or kids’ club sessions.[4][6]
Singapore parents used to 32°C and high humidity will still find Doha’s peak summer sun more intense. Pack rash guards, wide‑brim hats and closed‑toe sports shoes if your children plan to use the rope course or zipline at the new Banana Island Adventure Park, which features Qatar’s longest zipline (275m) and its highest outdoor rope course.[1]
Getting To Banana Island From Singapore
From Singapore, you’ll typically fly into Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha. Flight time on a non‑stop service is about 7–8 hours depending on airline and season (always confirm current schedules). Many Singapore families choose an overnight flight so kids sleep on board and can enjoy the resort soon after arrival.
From the airport, it is roughly 15–25 minutes by car to Al Shyoukh Portcatamaran transfer that takes around 20–30 minutes across the bay, with panoramic views of the Doha skyline and Arabian Gulf.[1][6] This boat ride is often the first highlight for kids, so have your camera ready and keep small children seated or in your arms during boarding and docking.
Insider Singapore tip: If you’re landing early morning from Singapore, try to pre‑arrange early check‑in or at least luggage storage. Singapore families often use the first morning to let kids nap in the shade by the pool while the adults reconfirm Adventure Park and surf pool timings.
Currency & Payments: From SGD To QAR
Qatar uses the Qatari Riyal (QAR). Many Singapore travellers change a portion of their budget before departure and top up via cards on‑site. Resort activities, dining and extras are usually quoted in QAR; having a reliable currency converter helps you benchmark prices against Singapore standards.
Homejourney supports multi‑currency views—including QAR—when you browse Singapore property, which lets families who’ve just been to Banana Island mentally compare a villa night rate to, say, a monthly mortgage for a compact condo near East Coast Park.Bank Rates This kind of apples‑to‑apples comparison is useful if you’re evaluating whether to keep experiences as holidays only or to consider a second‑home in Asia.
Top Family Attractions & Experiences On Banana Island
1. Banana Island Adventure Park
Launched in 2025, Banana Island Adventure Park adds a new layer of kid‑friendly thrills: a 21‑metre‑high zipline across the resort, Qatar’s highest outdoor rope course, four climbing walls, Giant Swing, Human Slingshot, Free Fall and Bouncing Nets.[1] Activities cater from about three years old to adults, making it easy to include both younger and older kids in the same session.[1]
Based on resort communications, the park opens daily from around 10am; check the latest timing with the concierge before your trip.[1] Safety harnesses, helmets and trained staff are standard. As with any rope or zip activity, parents should still visually check buckles and ensure children follow instructions—Homejourney always recommends adopting the same vigilance you would at an adventure park in Singapore.
2. Lagoon Pool, Surf Pool & Beach
The main lagoon pool fronts the beach and includes a shallow kids’ section.[6] There is also a surf pool with professional instructors, perfect for confident swimmers looking to try something beyond the usual slides.[6] Lifeguards are present, but currents and weather can change, so always keep younger children within arm’s reach.
The private beach offers umbrellas, sun loungers and calm waters, though families note that on weekends it can be competitive to secure shaded spots.[4][5] Singapore parents accustomed to booking cabanas on Sentosa may want to head down early in the morning with beach toys and sunblock.
3. Kids’ Club, Cinema & Indoor Fun
Reviews highlight a kids’ club with soft play area, sand and water play, board games, PlayStation, F1 simulators, ping pong, air hockey and snooker, plus daily scheduled activities run by staff.[4][5] There is also a small 20‑seat cinema, bowling alley and games facilities that keep kids occupied during the hottest hours of the day.[4][6]
Parents mention feeling comfortable leaving kids at the club for short periods because staff will call if children want to be collected.[4] As always, check sign‑in/out procedures yourself, share your mobile number, and let staff know about allergies or special needs.
Practical Travel Tips For Families
Visa & Entry
Visa rules vary by nationality and can change, so always consult your country’s foreign affairs website or Qatar’s official portal before booking. For Singapore passport holders, Qatar has periodically allowed visa‑free entry for short stays, but conditions may be updated; verify just as you would with ICA or MFA when planning any overseas trip.
Local Transport & Moving Around
Once on Banana Island, movement is primarily via buggy, walking and bicycles. The resort is compact enough that older children can comfortably walk between villas, pool and restaurants within about 5–10 minutes, though you may want to use buggies in the midday sun. In Doha itself, families usually rely on taxis or ride‑hailing rather than driving, similar to short‑stay visitors in Singapore.
Safety Considerations
- Banana Island is alcohol‑free and designed for families, which reduces certain late‑night risks common in other resort destinations.[6]
- The resort lists 24‑hour security, private beach, lifeguards at pools and Adventure Park staff trained to run rope and zip facilities.[1][5][6]
- Noise from air traffic is noticeable due to proximity to Doha Airport, and there may be mainland construction noise; parents with light‑sleeping toddlers should pack white‑noise apps or request a quieter villa zone.[4]
Homejourney’s safety‑first philosophy for Singapore properties—verifying building maintenance, lifts, fire safety and nearby traffic—translates well here: always check emergency exits, reconfirm child‑supervision rules at pools and sports areas, and keep a simple medical kit on hand.
Money‑Saving Tips For Singapore Families
- Travel in shoulder months (outside major events in Doha) to find better room rates—similar to booking Sentosa stays outside school holidays.
- Consider packages that bundle Adventure Park access, breakfast and transfers; some villa categories explicitly include park access.[2][3]
- Use loyalty points or miles from your usual Singapore credit cards where accepted; compare effective cost in SGD to local family staycations.
