Destination Qatar: where to stay, what to do and what not to do
QATAR is fast becoming one of the regions in the world synonymous with luxury and opulence. It has maintained its rich Arab culture and regality for centuries.
For the wealthy, it can pass for an exclusive playground to enjoy art, architecture, gastronomy and luxury shopping while learning the rich Qatari culture in the Middle East.
With the Fifa World Cup around the corner, here is all you need to know about Qatar.
BEST PLACES TO STAY
Banana Island Resort Doha Just off the coast of downtown Doha, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is a crescent of golden beach. Its water villas are accessible by private catamaran for family adventures, ocean thrills or serene spa bliss.
It’s the Middle East’s only wellness centre in an island resort setting and boasts 141 sea-view rooms, suites, beach and over-water pool villas.
Enjoy Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Indian cuisine plus surfing, diving and motorised water sports. Price: From R7 526 a night.
Four Seasons Hotel Doha
This seaside retreat in the heart of Qatar’s capital offers the world’s finest variety of dining options, including the world-famous Nobu Restaurant.
The hotel overlooks the Arabian Gulf and features a clean and airy interior design. Its Spa boasts expertise in remedies combining science and nature. Price: From R7 309 a night.
Hilton Salwa Beach Resort On the sunny south-west coast, the Hilton provides luxury accommodation and a beachfront theme park. Spanning 3.5km of private beach, it features a luxury spa, a marina, and a water and adventure park with slides and rides. It has more than 20 restaurants showcasing global flavours, including an underwater dining experience. It has 361 rooms, suites, and exclusive villas. Price: From R6 172 a night.
Marsa Malaz Kempinski Doha This oasis of comfort, tranquillity and privacy reflects the ultimate luxury
of a majestic palace. It is an embodiment of both Arabian and European elegance offering breathtaking views over the Arabian Gulf and the Pearldoha from its 281 rooms and suites.
The hotel offers a family-friendly experience, a blissful culinary experience with seven restaurants and four stylish bars and lounges, with the award-winning Spa by Clarins, a private beach, outdoor pools, a tennis court, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and thrilling kids’
activities. Price: From R5 192 a night. Mandarin Oriental, Doha
This intimate and stylish urban retreat is located in the centre of Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Designed by the world-renowned David Collins Studio, its rooms, suites and serviced apartments blend an elegant, contemporary design with subtle elements of traditional Qatari heritage. It offers a wide selection of dining options including a British tea lounge.
The Spa and Wellness centre offers
VIP suites while providing holistic spa treatments. Price: From R7 342 a night.
WHAT TO DO?
Explore the Pearl
Qatar’s Pearl is a man-made island near Doha’s West Bay District. It features Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas, residential towers, villas, and hotels and also offers a luxurious shopping experience. The Pearl, known for its pearl diving is now home to modern dining spots. The Arabian Riviera is a premier visitor attraction.
Safari
Qatar is one of the few regions in the world where the desert meets the sea. The desert is an integral part of local culture and offers a surprising array of activities. Khor Al Adaid, also known as the Inland Sea, is a Unesco site south of the city. Thrill seekers can enjoy a camel ride or an exhilarating desert safari. Khor Al Adaid is accessible only by 4x4 vehicles while visitors can also sandboard along the dunes, and hit the dunes on a quad bike, ATV or dune buggy. Other activities include paragliding and kitesurfing over the desert. Visitors can enjoy daytime, evening, or overnight camping trips. Cycling
Qatar holds the Guinness World Record for having the longest continuous cycle path and features 29 underpasses and five bridges to encourage non-stop riding. The 5/6 Park and Olympic Cycling Track complete the picture.
National Museum of Qatar The National Museum of Qatar is home to a multitude of archaeological objects, manuscripts, photographs, jewellery and costumes that pay homage to Qatari culture. It also features the pearl carpet of Baroda, commissioned by the Maharajah of Baroda, India, in 1865 and comprises over 1.5 million pearls, as well as diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires set in gold.
DO’S AND DON’TS WHEN VISITING
As a Middle Eastern country, Sharia law is the main source of Qatari legislation.
Alcohol consumption is illegal in Qatar with the exception of some fivestar hotels that are allowed to sell alcohol to non-muslim customers.
The consumption of pork is also frowned upon. Public displays of affection are prohibited – kissing, hugging and in some places, holding hands, is not allowed. Having sex outside of marriage is considered adultery and homosexuality is punishable by death.
Female tourists are advised not to wear leggings, miniskirts, sleeveless dresses, or short, tight clothing in public. Men are warned against wearing only shorts and singlets.