Between desert, museums and world-class luxury: Doha as a luxury destination
Qatar is the most compact and, in many respects, the most fascinating luxury destination on the Arabian Peninsula. Over the past few decades, the capital Doha has grown from a small fishing port into a global metropolis boasting one of the finest museums in the world, one of the most exclusive hotel scenes in the Middle East and a culinary standard that is attracting more and more international travellers. As your luxury travel specialist in Switzerland, we show you what it really means to discover Qatar.
Opened in 2019, the National Museum of Qatar, designed by Jean Nouvel, is one of the most spectacular museum buildings in the world. Its façade of interlocking discs, inspired by the desert rose – a mineral crystal formed in the sand desert – is a work of art from every angle.
Inside, the museum tells the story of Qatar from the early days of Bedouin culture to the present day, an essential stop for anyone who wants to discover Qatar. Right next door stands the restored historic fortress of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani Palace, the starting point of modern Qatari history.
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is one of the most important of its kind worldwide. Its collection spans 1,400 years of Islamic art and culture, from Spain to India. The iconic building by I. M. Pei, set on a small peninsula in Doha Bay, is a photographic masterpiece at dawn and at sunset, and a highlight for anyone who wants to discover Qatar. The view from the museum café across the bay to the Doha skyline is one of the finest on the entire Arabian Peninsula.
Souq Waqif in the heart of Doha is more authentic than most markets in the region – a labyrinth of spice stalls, textile merchants, restaurants and the unique falcon market. Qatar is the centre of the Arabian falconry tradition; the falcon market is one of the few places where you can still experience this age-old practice up close, a real highlight as you discover Qatar. On request, Pink Travel arranges private falconry experiences with certified master falconers in the desert outside Doha.
For a city of its size, Doha offers an exceptionally strong selection of luxury hotels, one more reason to discover Qatar. The Mandarin Oriental Doha in Msheireb Downtown Doha is architecturally one of the most beautiful hotels in the entire Middle East. The Four Seasons Hotel Doha, with direct sea views across the bay and private villas, is the quietest and most exclusive address in the city. Both hotels have been personally visited and assessed by our private travel designers.
Qatar Airways flies daily from Zurich to Doha. A Doha stopover of two or three nights on the way to or from a long-haul destination is an excellent way to discover Qatar without having to plan a separate trip. Pink Travel is happy to build Qatar stopovers into itineraries to the Maldives, Oman or Thailand.
Are you ready for paradise? As your specialist for tailor-made luxury holidays in Switzerland, we support you in planning your dream journey.
