Dubai isn’t the only haute Emirate. Doha, Qatar is reinventing itself as the Riviera of the Middle East with new sparkling skyscrapers, shopping malls lined with marble and opulent accommodations. As the capital develops into one of the Gulf’s premier cities, get on your private jet, hire a driver and check out the action before the city crawls with tourists. Because the area is so hot, the best time to visit it between October and April.
Sleep
Mövenpick Tower & Suites Doha
As the latest landmark in Doha, the Mövenpick is in the heart of the West Bay Area’s business district. Its futuristic architectural style helps the 26-floor hotel stand out from the surrounding new developments. Mövenpick features rooms with sea views, a wellness center and three distinctly different dining options, including the Wok Mee Noodle House. (http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/middle-east/qatar/doha/hotel-doha-tower-suites/overview/)
Four Seasons Hotel Doha
The Four Seasons is a waterfront hotel in the West Bay Area that offers all the luxurious touches that you seek when you travel, including a private beach and marina that’s only for the hotel’s guests. Treat yourself to one-of-a-kind opulence in the hotel’s Royal Suites. If you don’t smoke, be sure to ask for a room on a non-smoking floor. (http://www.fourseasons.com/doha/)
Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village & Spa
When you stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Doha, you’ll feel as if you’ve escaped to your own Middle Eastern paradise. The resort is modeled after a traditional village and sits along 350 meters of private coastline. To experience palatial opulence, book the Royal Villa, a 22,590-square-foot accommodation that has its own private elevator, inner majlis, Brazilian blue marble bathrooms and cushy terraces that you’ll never want to leave. (http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/SharqVillage/Default.htm)
Eat
Idam
Brought to you by Alain Ducasse, Idam on the top floor of the Museum of Islamic Art offers Mediterranean cuisine infused with Middle Eastern flavors. Menu offerings include lemon and gold caviar, potatoes with a saffron infusion and camel calf. (http://www.alain-ducasse.com/en/restaurant/idam)
Quisine by Guy Savoy
When you charter a private jet to Doha, visit the Pearl district and check out the restaurant Quisine by Guy Savoy. The dishes offered at this eatery are delectable works of art on a plate. Treat yourself to the artichoke soup and its thick slices of black truffles, and bread with truffle butter. Then share the roasted leg of lamb and the trolley of ice creams, conserves, sorbets and biscuits with your friends. (http://www.guysavoy.qa/)
Spice Market
Located in the W Hotel is the Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Spice Market restaurant, where you receive southeast Asian cuisine in a modern atmosphere. The restaurant offers five-star, family-style dining where the Vietnamese- and Thai-inspired dishes served are for all to share. (http://www.spicemarketdoha.com/)
Play
Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is one of the oldest markets in Doha and it offers you a variety of unique souvenirs that you may not find elsewhere in the world. Look for the Al Ghanim shop to procure a painting made only of wood. Visit the Bedouin traders to buy your pet camel a new cape or posh nosebag. If you find yourself planning a party for 100 of your closest friends and want to personally cater the event, you’ll find the biggest cooking pots that you’ve ever seen at the market.
Mathaf: Arab Museum for Modern Art
Founded by H.E Sheikha Al Mayasa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the goal of Mathaf is to expand the minds of those in the region to show them that there’s more to art than meets the eye. The exhibits showcase Arab artists and offer a Middle Eastern perspective on regional contemporary and international art. You can find Mathaf just outside of Education City. (http://www.mathaf.org.qa/en/)
Qatar National Library
If being surrounded by books is your idea of heaven, go to the Qatar Foundation’s Heritage Library. The library is home to over 51,000 books in various languages, 6,000 original photographs, 2,000 manuscripts and 600 antique maps. H.E Sheikha Al Mayasa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani started the collection and the library aims to be among the biggest research centers in the Middle East. (http://www.qnl.qa/)
About Solairus Aviation:
Solairus is a US-based private aviation services company whose core business is assisting aircraft owners with the safe, reliable, and efficient management and operation of their aircraft. Our services are customized to meet the client’s individual travel and financial requirements, and to support their flight operation with the highest standards of safety and personalized service, regardless of the location of the aircraft.
Solairus was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area. Solairus has over twenty-five base locations across the United States, Europe and Asia, employing more than two hundred flight crew and support personnel to operate a fleet currently numbering over fifty aircraft. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-Rated and Wyvern Wingman certified charter operator. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO stage two certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairus.aero or call 800-359-7861.