The Ritz-Carlton Doha celebrates its first anniversary this month with growing popularity as a destination of choice in the region.

The hotel has been attracting a growing number of GCC families with its range of extensive leisure facilities.

"Occupancy is growing month by month," says sales and marketing director Craig Senior.

"With our full leisure and sports facilities, the hotel is a prime choice for families."

Located in the West Bay Lagoon district with views overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the beachfront resort is secluded but easily accessible.

Just 20 minutes from the airport, the 80,000 sq m glass, and chrome tower is an imposing structure with its oasis-like grounds accented with tiered, Arabic eight point star fountains, reflecting pools, hidden grottos, clusters of date palms and flowering tropical shrubs.

For leisure, the 374-room, 5-star resort offers two indoor tennis courts, a squash court, a high-tech fitness centre, aerobics studio, yoga room, 25-metre indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi, separate sauna, steam room and roman baths, ladies hair salon, barber shop and seven private treatment rooms.

The resort is also close to the Doha Golf Club, the 18-hole championship course which is home to the Qatar Masters.

In association with the club, the resort offers golfers special packages at QR1,499 ($412) for a single room and QR2,199 for a double room. The packages are valid until December 31.

Under the deal, golfers are offered two nights stay, one round of golf, buggy, transportation, a bucket of range balls and preferential tee times.