Travelling through Qatar unfolds luxury and innovation at every step. From Qatar Airways Business Class and the elegance of Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail to a visit to Meryal Waterpark and experiencing one of the most anticipated sports finales, the journey highlights a blend of culture and modernity, marking it as a promising destination for luxury seekers.
– Vartik Sethi
Qatar Airways Business Class
The journey to Qatar set a high standard for luxury travel. Qatar Airways, renowned for its exceptional business-class service, provided an experience beyond mere comfort. The airline’s business class featured reclining seats that transformed into beds, ensuring restful sleep. The culinary offerings were a highlight, with a three-course meal tantalising the taste buds, offering a preview of the country’s rich culinary landscape. The hospitable crew, coupled with state-of-the-art infotainment systems, ensured every moment in the air was as enjoyable as it was comfortable. Upon landing, the travellers were whisked away to the business class lounge for a swift immigration process, a testament to the efficiency and hospitality that Qatar is known for.
Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail
The transfer from the airport to the Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail marked the beginning of the luxury that would define this trip. Located on the only private beach in Lusail, the hotel is a modern oasis offering unparalleled comfort and luxury. With resort-style amenities such as family-friendly pools, a waterpark, cabanas, and clubs for kids and teenagers, the Waldorf Astoria caters to every guest’s needs. The property’s modern, luxurious design sets a benchmark for high-end accommodation, perfectly representing Qatar’s commitment to luxury tourism.
The hotel’s dining experience sets a high bar for culinary excellence, offering an array of dishes catering to diverse palates. The wide selection, featuring international and local cuisine, ensured a delightful start to the day, underscoring the attention to detail and quality that is a hallmark of Qatari hospitality. SushiSamba delights guests with a unique fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines, offering an open kitchen and sushi counter for an immersive dining experience. Scarpetta brings Italian classics into the modern era, creating memorable food and beverage experiences with a balance of authenticity and innovation. Meanwhile, ByWater pays homage to the New Orleans French Quarter with its elegant brasserie, offering varied meal experiences that capture the essence of this vibrant cultural melting pot.
Place Vendôme
Place Vendôme is a multi-billion Qatari Riyal project in Lusail City and is a testament to the entrepreneurship, vision, and energy of Qatari commitment to national development. The mall features up to 560 retail outlets, including a luxurious wing dedicated to top designer labels and a central entertainment component that ensures constant attractions.
The Parisian-inspired architecture of Place Vendôme, reminiscent of the famous Rue de la Paix, exudes luxury and extravagance with a touch of cultural and artistic flair. The presence of a canal running directly from the sea creates a stunning open plaza experience, with cafés and restaurants overlooking the water. Strategically located at the heart of Lusail, Place Vendôme has quickly acclaimed a position of central attraction for regional and international visitors, offering a diverse mix of entertainment and retail options.
Meryal Waterpark
The journey on day two continued with a visit to Meryal Waterpark, the latest addition to Qatar’s leisure landscape. This inspection highlighted the park’s array of attractions, designed to offer fun and excitement for all ages. Notably, the waterpark boasts 36 slides, including 12 within the Icon Tower, which houses the world’s tallest waterslide at 85 metres (260 feet), as recognised by Guinness World Records. This architectural marvel and the rides within Meryal are deeply inspired by Qatari culture, with themes reflecting the region’s pivotal oil and gas industry.
Our Habitas Ras Abrouq
The second day concluded with a visit to Our Habitas Ras Abrouq, a luxury resort located at the edge of the UNESCO-protected Al-Reem Biosphere Reserve. This visit coupled with a group meditation session at the property offered a glimpse into Qatar’s ability to blend luxury with nature and culture. Our Habitas Ras Abrouq is more than a resort; it is a sanctuary designed for connection, creativity, and adventure. With activities ranging from kayaking and paddleboarding to sunrise yoga and starlit sound ceremonies, the resort encapsulates the essence of transformative travel. The presence of resident artists and dynamic cultural programming further enriches the experience, allowing guests to engage deeply with Qatar’s artistic and cultural heritage.
The Bistro by B12 Doha and Doha Sands
The third day commenced with a luncheon at The Bistro by B12 Doha, where Philip Dickinson, who leads International Markets and MICE at Qatar Tourism, extended a warm welcome to the guests. The meal provided an excellent opportunity for all the journalists to engage in discussions about Qatar’s tourism strategies and development, fostering a deeper understanding of the country’s vision.
The afternoon was dedicated to experiencing the vibrancy of Doha Sands, the season’s most talked-about beach destination. Doha Sands epitomises the carefree beach lifestyle with its combination of sand, sea, lights, and music. It is a place where visitors can unwind on the beach, enjoy an array of food and beverage options through the grab-and-go service, and soak in the live entertainment.
AFC Asian Cup Final at Lusail Stadium
The journey’s highlight was the AFC Asian Cup final game held at Lusail Stadium, featuring hosts Qatar against Jordan. The match, a thrilling showcase of football at its best, attracted 86,492 spectators, highlighting the country’s capacity to host major international sports events. Qatar’s victory over Jordan with a score of 3-1, thanks to Akram Afif’s hat-trick of penalties, was not just a win on the field but a testament to the nation’s growing prominence in the global sports arena. Lusail Stadium, a marvel of modern architecture and design, provided the perfect backdrop for this sporting spectacle, offering a glimpse into the future of sports tourism in Qatar.
Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2024
The final day began with a tour of Qatar’s major tourist spots, including Pearl Qatar, Mina District, the local market, and a visit to the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2024, hosted at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). As the largest event of its kind in the region, the exhibition showcased an impressive array of high-end jewellery and watch brands, attracting both business and consumer attendees.
Qatar International Food Festival and Dinner in the Sky
The evening brought an experience that was nothing short of breathtaking. The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), known for celebrating culinary diversity and innovation, served as the perfect precursor to an extraordinary dining adventure – Dinner in the Sky, Qatar. This unique dining experience, suspended mid-air by a crane, offered guests not just a meal but an exhilarating adventure. The ambiance, the rush of emotions, and the impeccable service combined to create an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether it was a romantic setting for couples, a celebration of a special occasion, or a novel night out with friends, Dinner in the Sky promised and delivered a memorable experience, blending gourmet dining with a spectacular experience.
