With a population of only two million and landmass the size of Wales, Qatar might be small, but big things are happening there. The capital city of Doha is seeing a whole host of swanky hotels and restaurants join its fast-expanding skyline. The waterfront metropolis is even getting an ‘extension’ as construction on the new Smart City of Lusail (where the main World Cup stadium will be) gets underway. Here are the hottest spots to eat, drink and sleep in the Middle East’s next super city…
Where to eat
The St Regis Sarab Lounge
If you didn't expect to find afternoon tea in the Middle East, think again. The St Regis's Sarab Lounge offers the largest selection of teas in the region (102 to be exact) and serves both a classic afternoon tea and one with an alternative Arabic twist.
For info; afternoonteadoha.com
Elements
For an indulgent Friday brunch, try the Four Seasons' recently opened Elements restaurant. With a warm and glowy setting, find a smorgasbord of seafood mixed with Arabic, Indian and Asian cuisine (try their mouth-watering Peking duck), but wins on its extravagant bread and cheese boards alone.
For info; fourseasons.com/doha
Nobu
There was plenty of fanfare when Robert De Niro joined his pal Nobu at the opening of the latter's eponymous restaurant last year. And the excitement hasn’t waned at the largest Nobu in the world. Located on a peninsula by the Four Seasons, this Guggenheim-like structure, built to resemble a closed oyster, is achingly hip. Dine on decadent sashimi and delicious Wagyu beef sliders and end the evening with a sake cocktail on the roof for incredible city views.
For info; noburestaurants.com/doha
Opal
At Gordon Ramsay's Qatari outpost, sushi, seafood and hip bistro-style dishes are the order of the day. The tangy salt and pepper squid and signature Opal Angus burger are showstoppers. For dinner, dine at Gordon Ramsay Doha – also at the St Regis – for fine dining and modern Mediterranean flavours.
For info; opalbygordonramsaydoha.com
Spice Market
Epic is one word that's been used to describe the Asian street food Friday brunch at the W hotel's Spice Market. Gorge on dumplings, curries, sushi and exotic desserts to the lazy beats of a live jazz band. This Southeast Asian restaurant sets the bar high for this incredibly popular expat pastime.
For info; spicemarketdoha.com
Yabby
Out of the Shangri-La's seven restaurants, piscine-loving gourmands should head to Yabby, which has the largest live and fresh seafood selection in Doha. Named after the freshwater crayfish, this ocean-like restaurant serves the yabby in every way imaginable.
For info; shangri-la.com/doha
Hakkasan
The internationally known restaurant Hakkasan opened at the St Regis Hotel in Doha back in 2013. Offering contemporary Cantonese cuisine mixed with sleek and modern surrounds, expect the same winning formula that’s earned chef Tong Chee Hwee worldwide critical acclaim.
For info; hakkasan.com
Al Sufra
Translating as 'the dining room', Al Sufra at the Kempinski hotel offers a relaxed but opulence-brimming Arabic setting in which to enjoy traditional Levant flavours. Order as much mezze as you possibly can manage and don’t leave without trying the makloubeh,
a traditional Arabic upside-down rice dish.
For info; kempinski.com/en/doha
Where to stay
Four Seasons
Finding a bedroom that has coastal views in the West Bay district can be hard when skyscrapers are popping up like Jenga towers. So waking up at the waterfront Four Seasons is a treat. With a lobby that's resplendent in marble, the bedrooms are equally luxurious with in-bathroom sound systems, creature comforts (think heavy robes and Acqua Di Parma toiletries) and starfish-worthy beds. There's also a grotto-style pool, manicured gardens and private beach, while service, as you'd expect, is telepathically good.
For info; fourseasons.com/doha
Anantara Doha Island Resort and Spa
What the Anantara lacks in alcohol (it's a dry hotel), it makes up for in exclusivity. This ocean hideaway is located on the private Banana Island Resort and includes modern Arabian bedrooms with brightly coloured furnishings, a host of water sports and a plush spa (including a traditional Hammam).
For info; doha.anantara.com
Shangri-La
Renowned for its opulent interiors and flawless Asian hospitality, the Shangri-La's Qatari cousin is as chic as can be with an oasis-like pool on the seventh floor that has its own swim-up bar. Located in the Diplomatic District next to the City Centre Mall, it’s perfect for visitors looking to splurge their riyals.
For info; shangri-la.com/doha
St Regis Hotel
With soaring marble pillars and fresh takes on traditional Moorish decor, this hotel nails modern Arabian elegance. Rooms are bright and airy sanctuaries with bathrooms bedecked in mosaic tiling, and guests can revel in an Olympic-worthy pool with views over the Arabian Gulf, butler service and the Remède Spa. Two 45ft sculptures of oryx – the national animal of Qatar – and sprawling gardens are just some of its showstoppers.
For info; stregisdoha.com
