A Blissful Weekend in Doha
Having lived in the UAE for quite some time I had decided that it is about time to spread my wings and check out the region. I'd been told that nearby Qatar holds plenty of appeal - especially for expatriates living and working in the Gulf.
My first stop was Doha and there was no better airline to use for this short jaunt than FlyDubai.Their prices are significantly lower than it's competitors and it earned many recommendations from many of my friends. Being an airline enthusiast I was pretty excited to experience FlyDubai hospitality.
Frequent traveller that I am, I'd never travelled from Terminal 2, the so-called "other" terminal in Dubai. I was a bit worried that check-in and security formalities would take longer but to my surprise I had managed to check in, walk through passport control and pour myself a coffee at the Marhaba travellers lounge in less than 10 minutes. Impressive!
FlyDubai provided an on-time departure and in less than an hour flight I arrive in Doha, for the first time. Considering that this is a low cost airline, the service was excellent and the crew highly attentive and friendly.
Upon arrival in Doha, I was able to obtain an entry visa for just $28 US Dollars at the passport control. The lovely Sharq Village driver welcomes me in the arrivals area and escorts me to the BMW which is perfectly air conditioned and equipped with information brochures on the resort, Doha in general and I'm even offered some refreshments.
Perhaps no more than five minutes later I arrive at the resort. Each and every staff member greets me by my name and welcomes me with a warm smile. At the Sharq Village and Spa, managed by Ritz-Carlton, you will find beautiful lighting and tasteful decor. The Ottoman style makes me feel instantly at home- a feeling that I have learned to value being a frequent traveller.
The lovely PR director escorts me personally through the resort to my room which sits amidst the various stylish pools and the private beach. With 174 luxury suites and villas, including the 2,099sq meters Royal Villa, this property caters well to solo, business and familiy travellers.
Enjoying a short nap in my little deserted beach cottage is exactly what I need before attending the opening of the Turkish food festival at Al Livan restaurant located at the ground floor off the hotel lobby.
Spending an evening with the Turkish ambassador and his family, and a lovely group of media and hospitality specialists I almost feel as if I am in Turkey. The delicacies are exquisite - delicately prepared by chefs flown in exclusively from the Ritz-Carlton property in Turkey. I can't help but admit that the last time I have eaten Turkish food so delicious was my mothers cooking.
Back in my room, relaxing to the Oriental chill out music I slowly doze off. The bed reminds me of Harem Sultan and I feel as I am in my own Majlis.
Impressively, on time, at 9 am, the phone rings. "Good morning mam, this is your wake up call. We are expecting 33 degrees in the daytime and 26 at night. Have a wonderful day!"
The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of European, Arabic and Middle Eastern dishes. I admire the choice of fresh fruits and vegetables, world cheeses and a wide variety of international breads. It certainly gave me the energy for the next one and a half hours for overlooking the resort and it's beauty.
The lovely and attentive staff that keeps checking on me prompted me to make a note that, considering the high number of luxury hotels in the region, it is rare to find such attentiveness to detail.
I let the morning pass by at the adult pool, overlooking the ocean. The Al Seef pool bar makes it possible to sip a drink inside the water, definitely refreshing!
My afternoon has already been planned by the concierge and exactly at 3pm the hotel driver picks me up to zip me to another world - to the old city and it's amazingly breathtaking souk Al Waqif.
I can't help but to capture on my camera the elegant policemen on horses, and beautiful traditional architecture. Amidst the aroma of shisha I stroll down the streets and alleyways, admiring its beauty. I feel as I am part of a romantic movie. Tasteful and handcrafted furniture, hand made rugs, fresh spices and herbs- a feeling of real Arabia.
Of course at such a property no stay would be complete without a spa treatment. At the Six Senses Spa I opt for the exclusive stress relieving signature massage. Just as the name "Six Senses" suggests, this experience was certainly the dot on my I, a German expression for perfection.
This is no ordinary spa. The wooden interior, with its lovely amenities such as the variety of pools and saunas is a great place to begin the treatment. The surroundings, as the Six Senses puts it, "reflect a traditional Qatari environment, giving the impression of a true Middle Eastern village that has grown organically over time."
Guests are advised to register an hour ahead of time, which gives me the chance to use the facilities and tune into the atmosphere before my signature massage.
The temperature is perfect, and I am lulled by the magical aroma of etheric oils. The therapist consults me prior to beginning the massage and makes sure to apply the appropriate pressure and accommodates my needs, which on this occasion is to let go of the tension in my neck.
After 80 minutes of pure bliss, I am ready to enjoy a ginger tea in the quiet room.
The following day, to my surprise, I am invited for an extensive lunch at Parisa - the resort's exclusive Iranian restaurant. I am just completely amazed by the purple grey interior and Iranian music which reflects authentic Iranian tradition. The wonderful PR director explains the history of the restaurant. The chef has been flown in from a little village in the mountains of Iran and therefore the food is as authentic as it can get and mouth watering delicious. Realizing this is my pre-departure meal, I thoroughly enjoy the wide variety of rices, dips, grilled kebabs and fish accompanied by the stone oven baked bread.
I savoured the dishes with a certain sense of melancholy, knowing that the time to depart was looming. This is a sign that this hotel has been very special and I can genuinely recommend it for anyone that is looking for a blissful getaway.
Ms Fattah was a guest of the Sharq Village and Spa
