Thanks to its abundant sunshine, rich culture and great flight connections, Doha is a staycation paradise. Here’s how to plan the perfect mini break in the Qatari capital – including the best places to stay, unique things to do, and how to make the most of your well-earned staycation.
Treat the family to Doha's every delight
While children fill their days with fun at the Kids' Club, their parents can enjoy the swim-up bar at Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha (Photo: Marriott International)
For a fun-filled getaway that will please all members of the family, head to Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha. As well as interconnecting rooms, a vast swimming pool and beautiful gardens, the resort features the excellent Little Explorers Kids’ Club, which is the largest in the city. The club’s many facilities include a cinema, pool, sleep room and video games area. For mini adventurers, there’s a trampoline, indoor gym and climbing zone, while creative youngsters can try the art classes, craft workshops and movie screenings. There are also daily activities hosted by qualified carers, from treasure hunts to storytelling, competitions and classes.
While the children are otherwise engaged, adults can revel in the resort’s many luxuries, such as the Grand Pool’s swim-up bar, treatments at Al Messila Spa – one of the largest in the Middle East – and seven top-quality restaurants. The sights of Doha are just a 20-minute drive away from Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha, too, putting the Museum of Islamic Art, Katara Cultural Village and dhow cruises along the Corniche within easy reach. Ask the concierge to arrange your tickets and tours.
Dive deep into The Pearl Qatar
A truly prestigious address, The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar is the star of Porto Arabia (Photo: Marriott International)
From the glittering skyscrapers of West Bay to the National Museum of Qatar’s crystal-inspired design, Doha is a city of superlative architecture – and The Pearl is one of its most dazzling neighbourhoods. This custom-built archipelago mixes traditional Middle Eastern motifs with grand European flourishes – the Qanat Quartier features Venice-inspired bridges and pastel-painted townhouses, while soaring Alhambra-style archways and turrets ornament Porto Arabia’s designer shops and restaurants. You can even enjoy some of this visual feast from the unique perspective of a paddleboard.
The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar is the star of Porto Arabia, a sumptuous retreat occupying its very own island. This is a truly prestigious address, surrounded by beautiful yachts in the harbour and high fashion boutiques on the promenade beyond. The hotel’s charms befit its location, and include all-suite accommodation, fine dining at Roberto's Doha Italian restaurant (just one of a wealth of on-site dining options) and luxury spa treatments at the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie.
Spend your staycation sipping cocktails by the pool or savouring shisha at Ahwet Zeitouna, and exploring the coastline by boat (ask the concierge to arrange). Active travellers can combine fitness with sightseeing on the island’s jogging trail, while shoppers can browse a wide range of high-end brands in Piazza Arabia mall.
Enjoy having Doha on your doorstep
With six restaurants and cafés to choose from, dining never gets dull at Delta Hotels City Center Doha – and at Iranian restaurant Babylonia the views and the food are equally superb (Photo: Marriott International)
For a fun-filled and fuss-free family getaway, head to Delta Hotels City Center Doha. As well as interconnecting rooms, a swimming pool and sky-scraping views of its West Bay neighbourhood, it offers fantastic value for families.
While children will love the swimming pool, you'll relish the hotel's central location and variety of dining options, with six restaurants and cafés to choose from – such as Babylonia, with its generous breakfast buffet spread, authentic Persian-Iranian dishes and superb floor-to-ceiling views of the city skyline. The sights of Doha are just a few minutes' drive away too, putting the Museum of Islamic Art, Katara Cultural Village and dhow cruises along the Corniche within easy reach. Ask the concierge to arrange your tickets and tours.
Experience Europe's finest shopping without leaving Doha
After indulging in some retail therapy at Place Vendôme Mall, retreat to the palm-shaded outdoor pool at Le Royal Méridien Doha (Photo: Marriott International)
A little slice of France in Qatar’s capital, Place Vendôme Mall is one of the city’s newest additions – yet its soaring columns and wide fountain-flanked boulevards are already iconic. The mall's design is inspired by central Paris’s grand Haussmannian architecture, with a line-up of luxury and designer boutiques to match.
With four floors and over 1,150,000 square metres of shopping to enjoy, you'll want a stylish stay to match – so check into Le Royal Méridien Doha, which is connected to the mall via an exclusive walkway. It, too, features grand neo-classical designs, complementing its sea-view suites and five restaurants and bars. For fine Italian dining, book a table at ADRIFT Anda, whose menu is designed by acclaimed US chef David Myers, while the palm-shaded outdoor pool is ideal for post-mall relaxation.
A five-minute taxi ride away, Al Maha Island Lusail also features a glittering global line-up of restaurants – from Monte Carlo to Lebanon – as well as live cabaret and club nights at Billionaire Doha, and rollercoasters and fairground fun at Lusail Winter Wonderland (November to April).
Published: June 16, 2023
Last Updated: June 21, 2023
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