With the hotel scene in Qatar better than ever, people are spoiled for choice when planning their stay.
Even when outside of Qatar’s bustling capital city, Doha, you’ll find treasures hidden across the country’s desert. They are not far, but far enough to feel that you travelled away from the hustle and bustle of the city to absolute tranquillity.
Here are Qatar’s desert treasures:
Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel
Located in the expansive Aspire Zone in Al Rayyan, Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel is one of the very few urban country estates. Lush greenery and polished gardens set the scene for the most relaxing stay. With the charm of an English country house and its unique Victorian style, the hotel offers 139 rooms through three categories, ranging from stylish rooms to luxurious, spacious suites all traditionally designed and richly furnished, offering a cozy, warm and comfortable feel.
The hotel’s Fitness Center, supporting Technogym equipment, is open 24 hours for in-house guests and members. Spa facilities include six fully equipped treatment rooms, complemented by a set of Sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room, separated for male and female and a temperature controlled indoor swimming pool.
The five-star hotel’s location within Aspire Zone provides easy access to attractions like Aspire Park and Khalifa International Stadium. Villaggio Mall is a short walk away, while Doha’s city centre can be reached in around 15 minutes by car.
4445 5555, alaziziyahboutique.com
AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton
Located in Al Rayyan, 20 km from central Doha, AlRayyan Hotel Doha is a 5-star hotel and the first Curio Collection by Hilton in the Middle East. It features exquisitely designed guest rooms and suites, three temperature-controlled rooftop swimming pools treated with salt water, separate male and female wellness areas, five dining options and flexible meeting space with a grand ballroom. Every guest room features floor-to-ceiling windows, work area, 48-inch TV, and marble bathroom with separate bathtub and shower. For maximum space and comfort, the Ambassador Suite and Presidential Suite feature two bedrooms, over-sized bathrooms, and large living and dining areas for the ultimate family getaway.
On-site leisure options include the state-of-the-art Leisure and Wellness Center, boasting a well-equipped gym, separate male and female wellness areas with sauna, steam and Jacuzzi. The hotel is alcohol-free and family friendly with a kids club.
Linked to the hotel is the Mall of Qatar, which is home to KidzMondo Doha, a Novo Cinema and extensive shopping. Also nearby is the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium and Al Rayyan Sports Club, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani (FBQ) Museum and Al Sheehaniya camel racetrack.
4489 9000, hilton.com/en/hotels/dohmoqq-alrayyan-hotel-doha/
Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection Hotel
Located in Al Samriya Farm in Al Sheeniya, Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection Hotel is a collage of treasures that brings together lively stories, historic cultures and natural wonders. It was built using traditional materials and masonry, taken from the farm itself where you can wander with peacocks, ride with horses, rest with family, or reconnect with friends.
Comprising 60 rooms and 27 villas, a spa and a restaurant, the hotel is a walking distance away from the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani (FBQ) Museum where guests can enjoy a journey back in history with the museum’s vast collection of different cultures and histories. The hotel is also a few steps away from Al Samriya Equestrian Center where guests can ride the beautiful Arabian horses around the farm, take lessons and enjoy the scenic landscapes.
4430 9777, marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dohas-al-samriya-doha-autograph-collection
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is a crescent of golden beach and overwater villas just off the coast of downtown Doha. Although not outside of Doha, the resort is on an exclusive island away from the city, accessible by a private catamaran. It’s an escape for family adventures, ocean thrills or serene spa bliss.
Enjoy an alcohol-free atmosphere with the little ones as you surf, dive, golf, bowl, or cinema. Race across lagoon waters with a host of motorised water sports. Unwind in the Middle East’s only wellness centre in an island resort setting, spread across lush botanical gardens.
4040 5050, anantara.com/en/banana-island-doha
Fuwairit Kite Beach (FKB)
Fuwairit Kite Beach (FKB) is an all-new, world-class destination for kite sports on the northern tip of Qatar. The resort is part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, focused on offering guests a unique atmosphere that matches the location’s serenity and vibrancy.
With a total of 40 beach-front rooms, guests can enjoy the surrounding natural lagoon in absolute tranquillity. An outdoor pool, a yoga pavilion overlooking serenity, padel-tennis courts and an outdoor cinema theatre all operate in unison to offer guests a sanctuary to sit back and relax, away from the bustle of city life.
They have a great selection of beginner lessons and advanced courses to match all ambitions, taught by experienced kitesurfing instructors who have been practising this beautiful water sport for over a decade.
Ideal wind and water conditions make FKB Resort the perfect place to take up kitesurfing, regardless of the expertise level and discipline, whether it be twin tip, hydrofoil or wing foiling. The school has well-equipped teaching and briefing rooms, changing facilities, a competition and media centre and offers the latest equipment from leading watersport brand, Duotone, to make learning all the easier.
4144 5150, fkb.qa
Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas
Gently lapped by the pristine waters of the Gulf and located on the southwestern tip of Qatar, the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas was designed for lovers of sun, sea, sand and serenity. The hotel boasts 3.5 km of powder-soft beach while lush, landscaped gardens are interlaced through the complex.
The Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas offer luxurious, lavish and relaxing stay options with a variety of facilities. This family-friendly resort is home to the world-class Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, spas, pools, a sports club, an array of gourmet restaurants, thrilling activities and so much more.
4423 6416, salwabeachresort.qa
Maysan Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Maysan Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts is a five-star luxury resort located in Al Rayyan near Aspire Zone and Villaggio Mall. This opulent urban resort is rooted in royal Qatari tradition yet reimagined for modern-day living.
Boasting palatial rooms with private pools, five-star culinary cuisine, bespoke concierge services and immersive local experiences, Maysan is a curated experience unlike any other.
4144 6666, hilton.com/en/hotels/dohpaol-maysan-doha
Retaj Salwa Resort & Spa
Retaj Salwa Resort & Spa, with 168 luxury rooms, suites and villas, are all individually designed in a modern style offering the perfect blend of domesticity and deluxe amenities matched with breathtaking views, providing the ideal atmosphere for couples looking for an undisturbed oasis. Relax and unwind in your own villa complete with all the conveniences of modern accommodation.
The Spa in Retaj Salwa Resort offers the best and most recent technologies in terms of Functional Movement Re-education, Post-Surgery, and Skin Anti-Ageing. The Spa will also have a state-of-the-art fitness area, with a swimming pool that will be used for functional movement re-education which is the Contemporary Model for Rehabilitation.
4428 6000, retajsalwaresort.com
Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort
Qatar’s first leisure destination, Sealine Beach Resort, A Murwab Resort, and owned by Katara Hospitality is one of the best resorts in Qatar and the perfect place to enjoy a staycation or to get away from the thriving urban life.
With 58 luxurious villas equipped with modern facilities, and opening to a rear patio, leading directly to the beach, Sealine Beach Resort’s unique location offers the widest variety of activities available only in this place in the State of Qatar. Coastal pursuits, desert safari experiences and Sealine camping are just some of the many activities available nearby.
The resort also boasts a wide range of fine dining options and a luxurious experience, catering to all tastes and budgets, with fine restaurants that are among the best restaurants in Qatar.
Guests can also indulge in the resort’s fitness centres and spa treatments, and enjoy all the activities and facilities available. The beachside resort hotel offers unique recreational facilities such as water sports and activities, desert safari experiences, camel and horse riding, as well as football and basketball.
4476 5299, sealinebeachqatar.com
Simaisma, a Murwab Resort
A luxurious and stylish haven invites you to indulge in one of Qatar’s most exclusive family destinations.
Set amidst beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking the oceanfront, Simaisma, A Murwab Resort relaxes and reinvigorates as ‘Your Ideal Family Destination’. A fully curated travel experience awaits, offering discerning guests a vibrant gateway to the beauty of the Arabian Gulf.
Enjoy a relaxing vacation with your family at Simaisma Resort as you lounge by the pools, indulge in pampering spa treatments, or take part in recreational adventures like basketball, tennis and exhilarating water sports and children’s activities.
4479 9555, simaisma.com
The Outpost Al Barari
Embedded in the globally unique Inland Sea nature reserve in Mesaeeid, The Outpost Al Barari provides a one-of-a-kind luxury experience celebrating Qatar’s rich natural environment and heritage. Surrounded by soaring sand dunes and desert wilderness, the resort provides a well-deserved break from the hectic, overworked world.
Each of their 21 tented villas grants maximum privacy and delivers an authentic close-to-nature experience blended with the flourishes of luxury hospitality.
5100 2720, theoutpostalbarari.com
The Torch Doha
Situated at 300 m high in the expansive Aspire Zone in Al Rayyan and with 360° panoramic views across the city, The Torch Doha is the result of comprehensive architectural, engineering and technical design, formerly shaped to represent a colossal torch which for the duration of the 15th Asian Games in 2006 held its symbolic flame, the highest flame in the history of the games.
Spread across 51 floors, each of the 163 luxury rooms and suites at The Torch Doha are equipped with iPad based In-room Solution offering the guests customised control: lights & curtains operation, order in-room dining, access the internet on iPad and TV, set pre-arrival requests, lights and room temperature control, operation of the TV, access to music and radio, guest check-in and history clean-up, read online newspapers.
4446 5600, thetorchdoha.com.qa
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som
With over 280,000 sq m dedicated to celebrating the potential for physical, mental and emotional health, Zulal Wellness Resort is a pioneering wellness destination in the Middle East and the first to fully embrace the philosophy of traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM).
At Zulal, you can embrace lifestyle change and discover a meaningful connection with yourselves, your friends, your families and the surrounding nature, which is core to the transformative.
At Zulal, you are guided on your wellness journey from beginning to end, inspiring your lifestyle change with personal consultations and a therapy programme tailored for you that includes treatments, activities and nutrition. Their unique approach takes into account the physical, mental and emotional aspects of you and your family.
4477 6500, zulal.com
Compiled by Ola Diab
Copyright © Marhaba Information Guide. Reproduction of material from Marhaba Information Guide’s book or website without written permission is strictly prohibited. Using Marhaba Information Guide’s material without authorisation constitutes plagiarism as well as copyright infringement.