For a destination that adds glitz and luxury to your city break, the small Gulf state of Qatar and its capital Doha have it all. The country takes the best aspects of Middle Eastern travel and packages them together with no expenses spared, offering a sumptuous experience around every corner.
Qatar effortlessly blends traditional culture with modern opulence and is perfectly placed for visitors to enjoy it in utter comfort. From prominent hotels and fine dining experiences helmed by world-class chefs to private excursions, shopping malls featuring top labels, and rejuvenating spa treatments, Doha is indeed a jewel of luxurious travel.
Stay overnight in a five-star resort
When selecting luxurious accommodations, Doha offers a plethora of choices. The skyline and coastline are adorned with top hotels, many featuring private beaches, exquisite pools, spas, and exceptional restaurants, all providing a heady mix of comfort and elegance.
You can experience a stay on a private island at the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, known for its South Pacific-style overwater villas and dining options, or enjoy pampering at the Pearl-Qatar. This stunning artificial peninsula district boasts the luxurious Marsa Malaz Kempinski, which features a private beach, opulent spa facilities, and exclusive tours in its luxury vehicles.
At the far end of the picturesque 4.5-mile Corniche promenade, Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz Carlton property, immerses guests in local culture while providing utmost privacy and opulence. Among the many luxury chains, the Four Seasons Hotel Doha stands out, nestled in West Bay and featuring several outstanding dining venues.
Sample the best of Doha’s fine dining scene
Doha showcases a dazzling array of top restaurants serving a variety of global cuisines, alongside the finest local dishes. The popular restaurant Nobu offers exceptional food and a memorable Friday brunch, complemented by its stunning location on a small island connected to the Four Seasons hotel. A local favorite is the Peruvian eatery COYA at the W Hotel, famous for its mouthwatering ceviche and exquisite churros de naranja.
The first Middle Eastern venture of “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto can be found at Morimoto, nestled within the Mondrian Hotel, serving divine Japanese cuisine, including butter-soft tuna nigiri. For a must-visit dining experience, the exquisite dim sum platter at Hakkasan inside the St Regis Hotel is an art form in itself.
Additionally, in the luxurious St Regis, renowned chef Andy Garcia presents BIBO Doha, an Andalusian-themed brasserie with a European and Mediterranean menu inspired by Spanish culinary traditions. The ‘culinary travel guide’ offers personalized dishes bursting with flavor and has quickly become known as the Best European Restaurant in Doha.
While international cuisine is superb, indulging in authentic Middle Eastern food is a must when visiting Qatar. For an unforgettable experience, consider dining at Al Sufra at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, where Levant-inspired dishes are artfully crafted with rich coffee and exceptional service in a cozy atmosphere.
Go on a private excursion around Qatar
The geography of Doha can be confusing upon arrival due to its circular bay layout. To gain perspective, taking a private helicopter flight over the capital not only proves enjoyable but also informative, providing a sweeping introduction to the city and its stunning surroundings.
From air to sea, taking time to explore the magnificent Doha Bay is essential. A luxury yacht excursion offers exquisite views of the bay and Doha’s skyline, with opportunities to stop at the uninhabited Safliya Island for a swim or a delightful meal.
Next, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Qatar’s unique desert landscape. While the northern desert is mainly rocky, venturing south reveals inviting sand dunes ready for exploration. Experience the thrill of speeding over the dunes in a 4WD vehicle with an experienced driver or opt for a relaxing private Desert Safari tour to Khor Al Adaid, the Inland Sea, featuring turquoise waters and wintertime flamingos, which makes for an enchanting picnic setting.
Get the ultimate pampering with a spa session
What’s more indulgent than gold and pearls? How about the unique experience of a gold- or pearl-infused spa treatment?
Immerse yourself at the luxurious Al Messila Spa, where you can enjoy services such as a 24-karat gold hot stone massage, a gold facial, and much more. Their Golden Opulence Ritual lasts an impressive 180 minutes.
For those who prefer pearls, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha provides pearl-infused oil treatments, complemented by luxurious VIP or couples suites.
Alternatively, indulge in the aromatic experience of oud with Arabian Oud Renewal Therapy available at the Four Seasons. The many pampering options available in Qatar are not only indulgent but also seemingly limitless.
Designer shopping
Shopping in Qatar is a highly popular pastime. The malls not only provide respite from the heat but serve as exciting venues for luxury indulgence.
Start your retail journey at the traditional Souq Waqif, vibrant with cafes and stalls that offer everything from traditional incense to plush toys. Following this cultural immersion, explore Villaggio Mall with its enchanting Venetian canals, or Al Hazm, reminiscent of Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The impressive Mall of Qatar features a stunning interior garden inspired by Singapore. For personalized styling, consider hiring a local stylist to show you around Doha’s shopping highlights.
Recently opened, the Place Vendôme shopping complex showcases up to 600 retail outlets, including a vast selection of luxury labels, along with an entertainment area and two five-star hotels.
Sparkling experiences without the price tag
Although Qatar is renowned for luxury, it offers numerous top-class inexpensive and free attractions that savvy travelers can enjoy, including scenic walks, cruises, beaches, and art pieces. Here are some of the most impactful yet affordable options:
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Stroll the Corniche at dusk: As the lights of Doha’s skyline shimmer and a gentle breeze flows across the Gulf, this scenic waterfront promenade is an ideal escape. In just an hour, you can traverse the entire 4.5-mile stretch or select a picturesque spot to relish the view.
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Take a short dhow tour: Many dhows offer brief 20-minute tours from the Corniche, providing budget-conscious travelers the chance to see the twinkling city aboard these traditional wooden boats, creating a picturesque night experience.
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Outdoor art installations: Qatar boasts an array of public art, including striking works like The Miraculous Journey by Damien Hirst at Sidra Medical Center, depicting growth stages of a fetus. The gilded thumb in Souq Waqif and the soaring sculpture known as ‘7’ at the Museum of Islamic Art Park are equally impressive.
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Relax on a public beach: With golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and the joyous sounds of children, lounging on a beach in Qatar is hard to top. Choose your favorite spot, whether on the Gulf or the Inland Sea, and unwind as you watch the world pass by.
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