There are two kinds of summer holidays.
The first involves sprinting between attractions, melting in the heat, and wondering why you thought “outdoor adventure” sounded like a good idea in July.
The second? Lounging by the sea, sipping something delicious, indulging in a spa treatment, and casually learning that the dates on your plate were picked just a few metres away.
If the second option sounds significantly more appealing (and let’s be honest, it does), then Anantara Retreat Santorini Abu Dhabi has something rather special waiting this summer.
From July to September, this adults-only coastal retreat transforms its annual Date Harvest Season into a collection of experiences that celebrate one of the UAE’s most treasured fruits in ways you probably never imagined.
Spoiler alert: it involves much more than simply eating dates.
Meet the Stars of Summer: 450 Date Palm Trees
While many luxury hotels are busy perfecting poolside cocktails, Anantara Retreat Santorini Abu Dhabi has something even more unique growing on its doorstep.
Its impressive collection of 450 date palm trees produces more than 3,200 kilograms of dates every summer across six different varieties. Instead of quietly harvesting them behind the scenes, the retreat invites guests to become part of the experience.
Because watching your food grow somehow makes dessert taste even better.
Go Behind the Scenes with the Date Farm Tour
One of the highlights of the season is the Date Farm Tour, guided by the retreat’s own Date Storyteller, Nadia Bouassia.
Yes, “Date Storyteller” is officially one of the coolest job titles we’ve heard.
Guests stroll through the palm groves, discover how dates are harvested, learn why they’re such an important part of Emirati heritage, and, naturally, sample freshly picked dates straight from the source.
The experience continues in the lobby too, where a beautifully curated display welcomes guests with seasonal date tastings upon arrival.
Let’s just say this is considerably better than the usual welcome cookie.
Dates… But Make Them Gourmet
If you thought dates only belonged in a snack bowl during Ramadan, think again.
Throughout the season, the retreat serves up creative culinary experiences centred around its harvest.
Guests can join cooking classes to master the retreat’s signature date pudding, sip on the wonderfully refreshing Jewel of Al Jarf—a botanical drink blending dates, tamarind and honey—or even swap their usual morning espresso for something entirely unexpected.
Enter date seed coffee.
The seeds are air-dried, roasted, ground and brewed into a surprisingly rich coffee alternative that proves almost every part of the harvest can be transformed into something memorable.
Who knew your morning caffeine routine could get such a fascinating upgrade?
The Spa Treatment You Didn’t Know You Needed
Now for perhaps the most unexpected part of the entire experience.
Dates have officially entered the spa.
The retreat’s Tamr Al Nakheel Ritual (Dates of the Palm Ritual) is a luxurious 90-minute wellness journey inspired entirely by its own harvest.
It begins with a nourishing body wrap using freshly harvested dates and milk while guests enjoy a relaxing head massage. After a refreshing shower, the experience continues with a deeply moisturising full-body massage using rich shea butter before ending with the retreat’s signature Golden Harvest Elixir, crafted from its homegrown dates.
Hydrating, relaxing and just unique enough to make your friends ask, “Wait… a date spa?”
Exactly.
More Than Luxury, It’s a Celebration of the UAE
While the retreat draws inspiration from the whitewashed beauty of the Greek islands, its annual harvest season is firmly rooted in the Emirates.
General Manager Rachid Bakas explains that the annual harvest has become an important part of the property’s sustainability efforts while also creating meaningful experiences for guests and giving back to the local community.
It’s a thoughtful reminder that luxury isn’t always about adding more.
Sometimes it’s about celebrating what’s already growing right outside your door.
A Peaceful Escape with a Local Soul
Set along the coastline between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Anantara Retreat Santorini Abu Dhabi is home to just 22 beautifully designed accommodations, including an exclusive Royal Suite.
Its adults-only atmosphere, Mediterranean-inspired architecture, sea views, personalised hospitality and peaceful surroundings already make it one of the UAE’s most intimate luxury retreats.
This summer, however, it adds something even sweeter.
A chance to discover the UAE’s most iconic fruit in ways that are delicious, relaxing, surprisingly educational and wonderfully memorable.
Because sometimes the best summer experiences don’t involve chasing excitement. Sometimes they simply involve slowing down… and saying yes to another date.
Contact & Location
Phone: +971 2817 0000
