Fake Santorini emerges on the desert's edge, copying its charm.
This is a surprising twist on a familiar destination. It's none other than the well-known vacation spot of Santorini, Greece.
However, there's something off. Could it be the scorching desert gusts or the Arabic script on the signposts? Clues subtly suggest the true spot: Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
The Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Resort debuted in February this year, about an hour's drive from the capital's city center. The entire concept is inspired by the renowned Greek island.
Within and around, it's an ocean of white, beige, and blue, adorned with arched halls and doorways. Its personalized artwork, ambient music, and detailed embroidery on the fabrics all contribute to a Mediterranean dream.
Despite the intricate designs, for Rachid Bakas, the property's manager, it's the natural beauty of Abu Dhabi that truly solidifies the comparison between the two locations.
"The color of the sea beside us, and then the concept really fits in this place," says Bakas. "The idea of Santorini truly tallies with this location, and that's what makes this design perfect."
Not 'Shanghai' or 'Dubailand'
Replicas are typically not seen as a luxurious experience. But, Anantara Santorini could be an outlier. Its most affordable room costs roughly $800 per night. That's approximately twice the average of Santorini, Greece's hotels during their peak season, based on Tripadvisor.
So, why would a traveler opt to visit the hotel in Abu Dhabi rather than fly to Greece?
"It's exclusive," says Bakas.
"This provides intimacy, this offers privacy. It's a hideaway – which you might not have in Santorini since everywhere is crowded and bustling, especially in summer, particularly for tourists."
The hotel's layout is different as well. It's split into 22 rooms, permitting a maximum of 44 guests at a time. All rooms lead to a relaxed sitting area similar to a living room, which Baikas says helps promote movement across the facility's various zones.
"The element of surprise is inherent within the hotel itself, and as soon as you enter, you keep discovering charming corners and spaces," says Bakas.
Anantara Santorini offers a selection of activities, like a cigar lounge, a cinema, a spa, and yoga on the pool or beach. But, more than activities, the aim is to let guests indulge in tranquility.
"Sometimes, people want to be left alone, they don't desire to be distracted by continual activities, and this is the equilibrium we aim for," Bakas explains.
Another reason for the tranquility is the age limit. The minimum age for check-in is 18, even if accompanied by parents or guardians.
"You can totally unwind, and feel at peace, and have a relaxing time," Bakas says. "It wasn't a simple decision, but we really wanted to be on a different level [from other resort settings]."
Almost Snow White
Alongside leaving a significant impact on the guests, the hotel staff take measures to erase any unwanted presences. The pristine white walls are kept flawless, and a team is tasked with preserving that kind of look.
"We have two painters on hand, and their job is to tour the rooms during transition periods between check-outs and check-ins to ensure the surroundings remain spotless," Bakas reveals.
The painters go about polishing the walls and ceilings, making sure they're still pure white.
"After touch-ups, we ensure there are no visible differences in shades, so we avoid different painting strokes," Bakas smiles as he looks at the walls.
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Despite the affordability, some travelers might choose to stay at Anantara Santorini in Abu Dhabi instead of visiting Santorini, Greece, due to the exclusivity and privacy it provides, compared to the crowded and bustling tourist attractions in Greece, especially during the summer.
The resort's layout, with a maximum capacity of 44 guests at a time, allows for a more intimate and relaxed experience, promoting movement across the facility's zones and offering activities focusing on tranquility, such as yoga by the pool or beach.
Source: edition.cnn.com
