Raffles Doha

Ideal for: Living the high life in an icon

Even by Doha’s sky-scraping standards, the architecture of Katara Towers is extraordinary. Shaped like two crossed scimitar swords, this glass-clad crescent stretches 36 storeys high – and Raffles Doha occupies half of it. Every inch is a work of art, from the lobby’s kaleidoscope-style ceiling that swirls with clouds and stars, to the all-suite accommodation and two infinity-edged swimming pools. Head to Acoustic on the top floor for candlelit suppers, live jazz and 360º views of the city; its roof terrace opens on selected evenings, with nothing but the warm breeze between you and Doha’s superlative skyline.

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli

Ideal for: Discovering Doha’s traditional souq

When the sunset call to prayer spills through the streets of Souq Waqif, it feels like you’ve stumbled into Old Arabia. Scents of frankincense, ghawa coffee and exotic spices dance on the breeze, while the wind towers and soaring archways glow gold in the fading light. Staying at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli puts you right at the heart of the action, as its eight boutique properties are spread throughout the marketplace – each with a handful of rooms and suites. Perfect for squeezing maximum culture into a short stopover.

The Ned Doha

IIdeal for: Vintage style in a historic gem

Before it became a five-star hotel, the white, low-rise architecture of The Ned Doha was home to Qatar’s Ministry of the Interior – one of the city’s original landmarks, dating back to the 1970s. Its chic vintage décor pays homage to its roots, from the rooms’ retro walnut headboards and fine-china teapots, to the plush velvet banquettes in its Italian restaurant Cecconi's. Thanks to its history, the hotel attracts a predominantly local clientele; its ritzy, glamorous vibe is best enjoyed while sipping mocktails at Millie's Lounge – its top spot for people-watching.

Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha

Ideal for: Exploring a new neighbourhood

Maybe you fancy combining Doha’s museums and souq with a little beach relaxation – while also discovering a whole new part of the city? In the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Lusail, Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha is just a five-minute taxi ride from the open-air markets, outdoor theatre and souq-style streets of Katara Cultural Village. The Pearl Island lies just a few minutes beyond, where you can paddleboard among millionaires’ yachts and stroll between colourful Venice-style townhouses. After a long day exploring, soak up the sunset from your private balcony, with a choice of seven restaurants for dinner.

Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Ideal for: The wow-factor of West Bay

From dawn to dusk – and beyond – the outlandish skyscrapers of Doha’s West Bay never lose their lustre. Four Seasons Hotel Doha overlooks this mighty skyline, while in the other direction the Arabian Gulf glitters in the abundant sunshine. The hotel is the paragon of Arabic hospitality, from its dapper doormen and traditional coffee and medjool dates at reception, to the turndown service with fluffy slippers and Diptique toiletries. On its rooftop, Nobu Doha serves its signature black miso cod and rock shrimp tempura, against that epic Blade Runner-style backdrop.

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som

Ideal for: A local-style wellbeing retreat

On the northernmost tip of Qatar, where the desert meets the turquoise-blue shallows, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som appears on the horizon like a super-stylish mirage. It champions wellness, offering retreats and spa treatments inspired by Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM): think toxin-busting cupping, rejuvenating reflexology and deep-tissue massages with home-made herbal oils. Or maybe you’ll unwind with the resort’s extensive activities – ranging from floating meditation, stargazing and yoga at dawn, to guided nature trails along the shoreline. The ideal balance of wildness and wellness, just an hour’s drive from the capital.

Our Habitas Ras Abrouq

Ideal for: Indulging your inner desert explorer

On the west coast of Qatar, Our Habitas Ras Abrouq sits in harmony with its wild location – an 80-minute drive from Doha. Here in Al Reem Biosphere Reserve, a handful of tented villas are scattered beside the beach, and Qissa restaurant serves farm-to-table fare sourced from local growers and fishermen. Don’t be fooled by the white sands and spa treatments: this isn’t a fly-and-flop spot. You can delve into Qatari culture with Arabic coffee-making workshops, calligraphy lessons and Sadu weaving classes with local artisans. Sunrise is welcomed with yoga workshops and guided snorkelling trips, while evenings bring stargazing, moonlit meditation and dusk safaris into the dunes.

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

Ideal for: Beach bliss and superb seafood

As the speedboat zooms away from Shyoukh Port, your castaway adventure begins. A 30-minute trip from the city, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is a haven of white-sand beaches, lush tropical gardens and Maldives-style overwater villas. The whole island is yours to explore on foot or by bike, and it’s entirely natural: fishermen and pearl divers used to rest here between voyages, though these days it also features a cinema, Thai-inspired spa and seven restaurants. For a taste of Qatar, head to Al Nahham – whose specialities include locally caught lobster, tiger prawns and hammour.