Qatar’s never been a hotter destination than at this very moment: what with the FIFA World Cup kicking off on November 20. Amidst the sparkly new builds in its capital city, Banyan Tree Doha At La Cigale Mushaireb shines brightest, a revered quench from which discerning travelers thirst toward. The 2021 opening is the first Banyan Tree property in the country, boasting not only amenities aplenty, but in addition access to an upscale department store, an indoor experiential Theme Park, and an exclusive cinema multiplex (all part of the Doha Oasis project). It’s an urban sanctuary, flourishing in green on a desert cityscape. Upscale Living previews the exquisite property ahead of the games.
First Impressions Count
Enter a grand hotel lobby outfitted with monumental trees, representing life that’s evident throughout the property. There are in fact, 136 different types of trees in Banyan Tree’s verdant garden, comprising species collected from around the world so guests are surrounded by a natural oasis of peace and tranquility. These include Olea, Chorisia, Acacia, and of course, the Banyan Tree. The hotel beautifully blends local and Asian cultures together, which you’ll notice in design elements that represent Qatar like the national Oryx, majestically guarding at the foot of the elevators. The Asian brand’s heritage and hospitality are too noted across the property from the Saffron restaurant to the spa.
Rooms and Suites That Soothe
126 spacious rooms and suites overlook crystal clear waters of the Arabian gulf, Banyan Tree’s verdant garden, or Doha’s old city. Each stay is a serene getaway from hectic city life. Guests are flanked by towering corridors before entering their elegantly appointed boudoir with floor-to-ceiling windows to let in the breathtaking views, which, when paired with sun or starlight, you’ll never tire. Living spaces are velvety with pops of color. Here’s where you’ll find a futuristic Nespresso, large Smart television, and a plush dining area. In true Banyan style, expect the scent and flavors to be tailored to individual preference (a pre-filled questionnaire helps the team facilitate), and new requests are adhered to via the smart landline to the speedy concierge. For sleep: King beds with pillow preference allow sleepy heads to drift off in clouds. The space is filled with tech, making lighting and temperature control easy. Wake up in the middle of the night? No need to search for the switch or wake a companion: floor sensors guide you to the bathroom. Marble bathrooms all feature deep soak bathtubs (sided with salts and bubbles), a walk-in shower encapsulated in metallics, and golden amenities alongside Banyan Tree’s signature pamper products.
World Class Dining
Guests will not want for much when meal times arise. Banyan Tree Doha covers a number of tastes. There’s Saffron, their award-winning signature restaurant serving authentic and
refined Thai flavors; Il Galante an Italian kitchen that also does an excellent breakfast in the morning; Qalamkarri, for contemporary Indian cuisine; Panya Lounge for patisserie with Asian flare; and Vertigo, one of the highest clubs in Mushaireb area that boasts 360-degree views over the city. Dining within the property is more than just eating: it’s an experience that brings together authentic and innovative delicacies, intriguing interiors, top-notch service, and mesmerizing vistas.
A Serene Spa
The very first luxury oriental spa in Asia, Banyan Tree Spa lands in Doha with an exotic blend of ancient health and beauty practices passed down from generation to generation. The space is expansive: with separate male and female areas fully equipped with treatment rooms, heated beds, a vitality pool complete with a Jacuzzi, relaxation areas, a brine steam room, and an herbal sauna. Banyan Tree Doha’s Rainforest hydrotherapy facility is a joy to walk through, and only maximizes the wellness journey, recommended before your desired treatment. Couples can also try the Royal Spa, a discreet enclave featuring rain showers, a soaking tub, and two treatment beds. Solo treatment options include the Thai Essence, a 60-minute massage adapted from traditional Thai massage techniques to improve flexibility, relieve tired muscles, and boost energy. It’s the ultimate jet lag cure.
Additional Amenities
The sprawling resort is filled with plenty to see, do and explore, that World Cup or Viator day trip aside (tip: the desert safari with camel riding, sand boarding, and inland sea visit is a must when in Qatar), there is a myriad of reasons to stay put within Doha Oasis. These include the indoor and outdoor pools, glowing with radiance from dusk till dawn. The outdoor pool at night is a dream that’s soundtracked by the bar, you’ll sip on tropical cocktails under the luminous lights of the hotel and garden. Guests looking to keep fit away from home will find solace in a fully equipped health club, while those seeking a spot of retail therapy will enjoy Banyan Tree Gallery, a luxury outlet offering local handcrafts, apparel, and spa goodies crafted by artisans from Qatar and around the world. Other amenities include a business hub and a kids club for those traveling with little ones.
| All images courtesy of Banyan Tree Doha At La Cigale Mushaireb
