Synonymous with luxury, spectacular surroundings and legendary service, the Ritz-Carlton brand is considered the gold standard when it comes to hospitality, and The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is no exception. Located on a private island in West Bay Lagoon overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Doha city skyline, and renowned for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s considered one of Doha’s most-loved hotels and an inviting oasis within the cosmopolitan capital.
With all eyes on Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022, the hotel is perfectly positioned beside a private beach within easy reach of The Pearl, West Bay and the up-and-coming city of Lusail – home to the largest World Cup tournament venue designed by British firm Foster and Partners.
Hotel
Step inside the lobby at the five-star luxury hotel and you’ll immediately set eyes on the one of the largest chandeliers in the Middle East. The grandeur doesn’t end there though as the floral display, marble floors and gold accents are also rather impressive.
In the afternoon, look for the Arabic coffee server to enjoy a coffee and a fresh date while sitting in one of the elegant lounge chairs to people watch. Outside, there’s a 235-slip marina with a clubhouse for boats, plus a palm-tree fringed swimming pool area that features a waterfall and fun swim-up bar called Flamingos.
Room
From lavish suites with various living spaces to fabulous deluxe rooms, the hotel underwent an extensive renovation between 2019 and 2020. The real showstoppers here, though, are the four Grand Amiri suites, including the Katara Suite, which boasts the only outdoor dining and entertaining area and is titled after the ancient name of the Qatar peninsula ‘Catara’.
With the creamy white palette accented with black, and gold woven throughout, the Ivory Suite was inspired by the 17th-century pearl trading between Qatar and Europe. Furniture by Giorgetti and Christopher Guy and curated works by local artists add to the exceptionally polished residential feel.
Food
Take your pick from two signature restaurants: the 23rd floor STK Doha with its chic interior, modern steakhouse menu and DJ led nights, or French brasserie concept Sel and Miel, where dishes like duck leg confit and tarte au citron shine. Every Friday, ex-pats and locals enjoy brunch at the buzzy marina adjacent B-Lounge Doha where beverages and artfully presented ‘sushi experiences’ are Instagram-gold.
Afternoon tea in The Lobby Lounge is another must-make reservation here, with pastry chef Johannes Abraham Pieterse and guest pastry chef Ahmed Eleemat presenting dainty finger sandwiches, assorted sweets and savouries on an unexpected but wow-factor black geometric stand.
Spa
From walking inside the opulent lobby to relaxing within one of the gorgeous hammam treatment rooms, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Doha, delivers an immersive sensory experience through an incredible luxe lens and indulgent treatments.
Also newly renovated, standout therapies here include the Diamond Cocoon Natura Bissé facial, exfoliation, body wrap and massage trio the Desert Cooler, and an Arabian Ritual Hammam that purifies with black soap and Rhassoul clay. A state-of-the-art Cryosuana also features.
To do
An architectural masterpiece inspired by the rare desert rose crystal, The National Museum of Qatar provides a concise overview of the young Arab country – from Doha’s pearl-diving origins to the discovery of oil and becoming one of the world’s most cutting-edge cities. It’s also home to Jiwan by Alain Ducasse – one of Doha’s hottest dining destinations.
While the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is currently closed for renovations, travellers can visit the Arab Museum of Modern Art (Mathaf) or Fire Station, a museum with a Middle Eastern perspective on contemporary art. Home to Qatar’s famous Falcon Souq and Royal Stables, the labyrinthine storefronts of Souk Waqif, which sell everything from spices, sweets and incense to oud perfume, are also well worth a wander.
An early morning helicopter tour or sunset dhow cruise is hard to beat when it comes to sightseeing.
Getting there
Qatar Airways operates the only direct route to Doha from London Heathrow just under seven hours flight time from the UK. Recently named the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax, the flagship’s award-winning business class Qsuite makes the journey a breeze. And with Hamad International Airport (HIA) also now the World’s Best Airport, be sure to check in early on your return to enjoy its impressive public art programme, shopping and amenities, including the Al Mourjan Business Lounge and Al Safwa First Class Lounge.
In a nutshell
With its setting beside the Arabian Gulf and glamorous Ritz Marina Doha, the property is perfectly positioned for guests to enjoy all that Doha has to offer during the day while simultaneously providing a quiet place to retire and admire the twinkling city skyline at night. A favourite among business travellers, international delegations, and Qatari locals, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is best suited to those who favour tradition and understated elegance over more modern and trendier see-and-be-seen design hotels.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from £137 per room per night, with junior suites starting at £355. Recent awards include TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice (2021), Best Luxury Hotel in Qatar by World Luxury Hotel Awards, and Best Luxury Hotel Spa in the Middle East by World Luxury SPA Awards (2020).
Address: The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, West Bay Lagoon, Doha, Qatar
Phone: +974 4484 8000
Email: rc.dohrz.callcenter@ritzcarlton.com
Website: ritzcarlton.com
