The Gulf's newest resort on the Arabian Sea which opened its doors last month is offering visitors and residents one of the most opulently designed hotels in the Middle East.
Among the striking features at the Ritz-Carlton Doha are Qatar's first spa, a sophisticated cigar bar, a sprawling marina and a unique children's water park. Built on an artificial island, the 347-room hotel's glass and chrome tower soars 115 metres above a sea and desert landscape in Doha's West Bay lagoon area with the water park to be built on a smaller adjacent island. A 7.5-metre Viennese chandelier sprinkled with more than 2,000 crystals illuminating and embellishing an intricately patterned stone carpet floor and hanging over a Moorish-inspired fountain in the lobby's centre is one of the striking aspects of the dŽcor at the hotel. Guest rooms and the 61 suites reflect a Middle Eastern preference for bright colours and contemporary style. The dining and entertainment options at the hotel include La Mer which will serve Middle Eastern dishes accentuated by the influences of European fusion, Porcini featuring Northern Italy's sauces and pastas; The Lagoon; the La Dolce Vita Pastry Shop; Flamingos; the Lobby Lounge and the Admiral's Club. Doha's only spa has two swimming pools, Jacuzzis, indoor tennis courts, state-of-the art fitness equipment and a host of recreational opportunities. Visitors will be cosseted by lavender fragrance and "ancient Arab secrets for health, wellness and beauty". Seven treatment rooms offer a range of massage and beauty treatments from qualified therapists. Gents and women will be confined to their own separate areas offering plunge pool with whirlpool, steam and sauna. The women's section has a beauty salon and the men's a barber salon. Guests can pick from a special Ritz Carlton Massage to other options including reflexology, Shiatsu, tension relief, maternity, sports and fitness and soul to sole massage. Using a variety of natural ingredients and essential oils, the Ritz Carlton beauty treatments can lead guests on the "road to rejuvenation" by helping to nourish and detoxify the body and ease the mind.