Qatar’s resort scene offers a variety of stays, from fun-filled family breaks (complete with acres of white sand beaches, waterparks and kid-friendly eateries) to high-end wellness retreats, where facials and detoxing are the order of the day. There’s only one thing that remains the same whichever resort you pick, and that’s the quality. Here, you’ll find luxury resorts with stunning pools, top-notch restaurants and dedicated staff, but with the right deals, your trip of a lifetime doesn’t have to break the bank. These are our favourite all-inclusive resorts in Qatar.
1. Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara
Sound the luxury klaxon – this is for anyone in search of an upscale break complete with beach cabanas, a lantern-lit pool, and private villas. The adventure begins before you arrive, with access to the island via private catamaran, and continues with myriad entertainment options including a diving centre, onsite surf pool, cinema, bowling alley, golfing green and fitness centre. And did we mention the blissful spa, where you can book in for a hammam experience or signature spa package? The whole resort is alcohol free, making it a brilliant option for families – you’ll also find dedicated kids and teens’ clubs (9am-9pm) as well as an onsite babysitting service.
2. Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas
Size matters when it comes to the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort – this place boasts 3.5km of private beach, as well as sprawling grounds that include a spa, seven onsite restaurants, and a fitness centre. A stay at the resort also comes with access to one of the largest theme parks in the Middle East – The Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park is a great distraction for little kids (and big ones), and comes with a go-karting track, plus 30 rides and slides, while admission to the Sea Caves Water Park is also included in the stay. There’s also a kids’ club offering arts, crafts and beach games for kids from 3-12. For some splendid adult chill-out time, book a beach cabana or a sunset yoga class.
3. Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl, Doha
Set on a private island, the Marsa Malaz Kempinski is a fantastic base from which to explore the iconic Pearl in Doha. This 4-sq-km area is highly walkable, with handy air-conditioned hallways to use during the hotter months, and the Qanat Quartier (an area said to be based on Venice, thanks to its myriad canals) is a particularly pleasant place to stroll through. The hotel itself is a luxurious and relaxing space, with large rooms overlooking The Pearl and the Arabian Gulf, and a well-appointed spa that boasts everything from muscle-easing treatments (splash out on the four-handed massage) to freshening facials. Post spa, book into one of the hotel’s ten onsite restaurants – our favourite is the Levantine option, Al Sufra, which does great local dishes and seafood.
4. Rixos Gulf Hotel, Doha
This all-inclusive beach resort packs a punch when it comes to all-inclusive offers, with personalised service, views over the Arabian sea, and surprisingly good rates for families (all inclusive from QAR 1,249 for two adults and two children under 12). There are a number of restaurants with great brunch and buffet offers (try Rasa’s Friday brunch or the mouthwatering steak and sushi night at Mr. Tailor), as well as a spa, pools, kids club, sports club and entertainment including DJs and bands.
5. Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som
Not so much a resort as a complete lifestyle overhaul, Zulal Wellness Resort is a total detox for your mind and body. Packages include everything from a basic package including three meals a day, fitness classes and a spa treatment to fully high-end rehab stays that include physiotherapy, chronic pain management, acupuncture and personal training. The resort is divided into two – half is a pure adults-only wellness retreat, the other is a family resort where retreat programmes focus on family harmony, healthy eating and coping with stress. Whether you’re flying solo or with little ones, you’ll leave feeling lighter.
6. Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Modelled after a traditional sheik’s palace, Sharq Village & Spa gives the feeling of being tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, despite its location close to the airport. The grounds are (naturally) luxurious and well-maintained, with manicured lawns, a central pool dotted with palm trees, and a beautiful indoor pool complete with faux waterfall (we kid you not). The rooms pull in some classic Arabian architecture, with carved wood paneling, huge (and comfy) four-poster beds and sea views. What sets this place apart is the staff, who go out of their way to cater to your every need (that’ll be the sheikh’s palace vibe). Offers are bed and breakfast or half board, but several travel agents offer all-inclusive bundle deals.
