Elite Traveler Summer 2022

123 etr li at ve eler SUMMER 2022

MANDARIN ORIENTAL DOHA Opened in 2019 as a fl agship property within the emerging Msheireb Downtown Doha district, this elegant David Collins Studio-designed MO intersperses ultra-modern features with some subtle traditional Qatari touches referencing the nation’s seafaring and pearl-diving past. Dining options abound, from sophisticated Chinese fare at Liang to French-Mediterranean cuisine at Izu, and pretty much anything you’d care to think of at Mosaic. Their design is inspired by woven palm leaves, and decorative partitions segregate seating areas and nine distinct cooking stations within that latter

restaurant, with their o ff erings inspired by the fl avors and variety found along the Silk Route of old — expect Japanese specialities, Tandoori dishes, homey rotisserie and an extravagance of desserts. There’s also a well-equipped gym alongside two rooftop pools and separate his-and-hers spa facilities. As for accommodation, the most impressive option is the immense Royal Suite. Accessed via its own private elevator, it features a 10-person dining room, open air courtyard and pool. Royal Suite from $16,500 per night. Contact Martin Schnider, director of sales, martinjs@mohg.com, +974 400 880 80, mandarinoriental.com

Where to dine

▲ On the 28th fl oor of the new Banyan Tree hotel, Vertigo (banyantree.com) is a sky-high bar and restaurant o ff ering sweeping 360-degree views of the central skyline, Corniche and old city. Given the setting, your signature cocktail of choice should be the Above Doha, a tasty blend of vodka, mandarin juice and homemade chocolate bitters. An innocuous doorway within Doha’s SouqWaqif leads to the bejeweled beauty of Parisa (ritzcarlton.com) . The shimmering Persian restaurant is decorated with colorful hand-painted murals alongside precious antiques and decorative features all sourced in Iran, from original mosaics to grand chandeliers. While the interiors turn heads, the unpretentious menu — kebabs, grilled halloumi — is excellent too. A casual hilltop restaurant with pretty views of Katara Village from its terrace, Bayt El Talleh (akh.com.qa) serves exceptionally generous set menus that provide an authentic immersion in Lebanese and Byzantine cuisine. Part of the Buddha Bar portfolio, B-Lounge Doha (bloungedoha.com) is a buzzy restaurant and bar at the Ritz-Carlton Doha, cantilevered over the water’s edge to provide memorable views of the surrounding marina’s array of yachts. Regular DJ sets and mixology sessions create excitement inside, while highlights from the extensive pan-Asian menu include a sprightly king crab salad and creamy Thai red curry shrimp.

Mandarin Oriental Doha’s rooftop pools

WATCH THIS SPACE... Set to be Qatar’s de fi ning skyscraper, Katara Towers is near completion, and it’s hoped this audacious new building will turbocharge the country’s reputation as a global center for high-end hospitality. That’s thanks to the two hotels that will occupy either of the bowed building’s curved arms (the unusual silhouette mimics the crossed swords that form Qatar’s seal). On one side (and opening this summer) will be Fairmont Doha. Ra ffl es Doha will occupy the other side and will open in early fall. As the management company behind both brands, Accor is, for now, tight-lipped about the delights that await, but rumors have slipped of gargantuan signature suites, Doha’s best wellness facilities and a panoply of exceptional restaurants presided over by globally renowned chefs. All will be revealed in good time for the World Cup, and it’s unlikely there’ll be a more coveted address in the city come that fi rst kicko ff . ra ffl es.com; fairmont.com

Photos Joe Agdeppa