Many come to the Middle East seeking the mystic, traditional life of the Bedouins, wandering the desert with their life’s belongings on a camel’s back. Although tradition is still an important part of the Qatari ethos, the country has well and truly moved into the twenty-first century with the piercing glass skyscrapers of Doha, a booming trade sector and a new-found place in international diplomacy.
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: Enter visa-free with valid US Passport.
► US Department of State Qatar Information
Someone’s cultural awareness is their understanding of the differences between themselves and people from other countries or other backgrounds, especially differences in attitudes and values. Travel is a way to expose yourself to other cultures. And as a guest, it is generally best to respect the culture of your host, regardless of your agreement or disagreement with their ways or beliefs.
As with most Muslim regions, both Men and Women should not expose their shoulders, elbows or knees when out in public. Both men and women should not wear shorts, sleeveless shirts or anything that exposes too much flesh. Women should wear skirts reaching below the knee level, and shirts with sleeves preferably elbow length or longer.
Al Ruwais / Northern Qatar
Size: 180 rooms and suites
Style: Modern Design & Quiet
Year Opened: 2022
Zulal isn’t just another ultra-luxe Qatari resort, though it certainly is that — it’s the first wellness retreat in the Middle East by the Thailand-based Chiva-Som concern. From a detox point of view it’s significant that there’s no alcohol; maybe even more so that there’s no internet. The resort’s low-slung buildings cluster around the twists and turns of the lagoon-style pools, just yards from a natural beach. Its wellness center is no mere spa but a holistic health center informed by Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine, and the restaurants’ offerings serve this health-centered focus as well.
PART OF MY MICHELIN PARTNER PORTFOLIO
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
north coast of Qatar
FKB is a paradise for kitesurfers. It’s epic for everyone else too. Whether the wind is blowing or not, FKB is designed for a full day of activities on and off the water. And if it’s relaxation and downtime you need, FKB has well and truly got you covered with the things that make life feel good. A day at FKB might do, but it will never compare to falling asleep at night knowing the perfect wind is waiting for you just a few steps from your door as soon as the sun breaks. Solo travellers, couples or big groups, everyone is welcome at FKB, and we’ve got the accommodation to suit your needs.
PART OF MY DISCOVER QATAR PARTNER PORTFOLIO
Banana Island
Size: 141 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary / Modern Design & Lively
This is the sort of thing you do in Qatar: build a crescent-shaped artificial island in the Gulf, a half-hour’s boat ride from Doha, and put a fantastically luxurious resort there. This is Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, whose rooms, suites, and villas are decorated in sunny tropical colors and furnished with top-flight comforts, as well as views of either the lagoon or the sea. A spa is present as a matter of course, an exhaustive list of leisure offerings leans heavily on the aquatic, and a small handful of restaurants serves everything from upscale Middle Eastern fare to Italian fine dining and a family-friendly American diner experience.
PART OF MY MICHELIN PARTNER PORTFOLIO
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
► My Virtuoso Qatar Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Qatar Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Qatar.
or leave a comment below
page updated: August 2024
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Qatar Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being published.
Leave a Reply