Hadag visited The St. Regis Doha for a weekend of exceptional cuisine coupled with luxurious pampering in divine surroundings.
We checked in for a staycation at, arguably, Qatar’s finest address – The St. Regis Doha. This stunning property in West Bay Lagoon area is a mainstay among Qatar’s luxury offerings. As soon as we stepped inside, it was quickly evident we were in for one of the best experiences we’ve enjoyed in a while.
We walked past a regal lobby with an incredibly striking flower display and cascading chandeliers, and checked ourselves in. It’s an easy, smooth process and barely minutes later, we were entering our home for the weekend.
The calming palette of creams and navy blues caught our eyes before anything else. The Deluxe Sea View King room is spacious, airy and luxurious. A navy leather headboard adds sophistication to the space and it’s interesting how we already felt like royalty.
And things soon got better. The butler service arrived and Yesha introduced herself. Was it too soon to feel this special? Probably not at The St. Regis. Yesha explained that we could order any beverage of our choice as well as laundry services, shoe shining and, probably the best service we’ve ever heard of at a luxury hotel, packing and unpacking. It’s even better than royalty!
The TV showcased highlights of Doha from dune bashing to information on how to get around. It’s the perfect start to a vacation for anyone visiting or, for long-time residents, just an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Doha on screen.
We started our evening with dinner at Rivaaj. One of the crowning jewels of the hotel’s culinary repertoire, this Indian fine-dining restaurant is impressive from the very first glance. The space feels like a cocoon of modern elegance, with refined interiors and Indian-themed motifs everywhere. The sweeping ceiling is accented by circular lighting, casting a warm glow. Golden vertical slats create little private spaces, without feeling closed off.
We began with a few classics such as Raj Kachori, and the result was art at our table and in our mouths. Another mention worthy starter was the Wagyu Pav – with homemade bread and meat so tender it melted like butter. What makes this dish special is the Rechad marinade, a famous Goan spice paste. Everything here felt elevated but really nostalgic, the live Bollywood music adding comfort and we got lost in some magical tunes.
For mains, the Coconut Shell Baked Lobster Curry was probably one of the best curries we’ve tried – rich, creamy and packed with coastal flavours. They say you can tell how good an Indian restaurant is by just tasting its Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. We’re pleased to report these dishes exceeded our expectations. There is no compromise on taste and each dish is masterfully presented.
Chef Satish knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s the king of flavours and that’s putting it humbly. We ended our meal with a decadent Mango Rasmalai and a Karak Crème Brûlée – and we highly recommend both.
An epic Thursday night concluded with an unforgettable night view of Doha, as we drew the curtains and sank into the softest mattress we’ve experienced for a very long time. The crispy white linens felt like clouds and the master control panel was right by the bedside.
The next morning brought the most beautiful sunrise. Qatar’s turquoise blue waters put on a show and brilliant sunshine through the floor-to-ceiling windows filled our room with light and happiness. The views are unmatched and called for a cup of coffee from the machine at the mini bar while soaking in the scene from the couch in the very spacious seating area.
As much as we’d have loved to spend the whole morning there, breakfast was waiting for us at Fauchon Paris Qatar where fuchsia pinks, cream tones and delicate leaves floating from the ceiling create a whimsical ambience. This chic Parisian café is the perfect start to the day, especially if you’re having the signature blend Green Tea with Strawberries and a special Fauchon flavour. You’ll have to try it to find out what it is. The breakfast was generous and really highlighted French excellence with delicate pastries, perfectly cooked eggs and an tasty cappuccino to wash everything down.
Next stop – Guerlain Spa for an indulgent morning treatment – the Imperial Relaxing Massage. Dizhar showed us around, then we were escorted to a luxurious room. The next hour passed by faster than we’d have liked. The therapist was an expert in detecting areas of tension and masterfully switching between light and medium pressures to relax the muscles. We weren’t ready to leave and wanted to spend some time in the Jacuzzi, but another dining affair awaited. So, we quickly checked out the perfume collection, available for purchase, before heading out.
If you’ve lived in Doha long enough, you’ll surely have heard of The Grand Brunch. During cooler times, the terrace at Vine Restaurant fully opens up for one of the city’s best afternoon dining experiences.
We sat indoors this time and sampled all the brunch favourites. The Seafood Bar piqued our interest with oysters, lobster, mussels, tiger prawns and all that good stuff. A large open display fridge proclaimed St. Regis Signature Morning Delights and we were delighted to see mini sandwiches. We grabbed a few and some healthy options to go along with them – balance is everything.
We tried some pasta from the live station and a few more signature delicacies before finishing off with mini desserts from a massive sweet buffet.
Post brunch, there really was only one thing to do. Enjoy Doha’s golden hours from our gorgeous room. We tried that luxury butler service and had our clothes ironed in time for a much-anticipated steak dinner.
Astor Grill has always been one of Doha’s best steakhouses but, ever since the revamp, the venue has really been uplifted to a new level. The space is so stylish, sleek and contemporary yet still reminiscent of a dark-toned diner. The pickled eggplant butter with sourdough and brioche was a really impressive way to show us what they’d planned for our evening’s dining experience.
Since we were at a steakhouse, our choice of mains was clear. The Wagyu Tenderloin was 200 grams of buttery soft meat with great marbling. The Potato Millefeuille that sat alongside was an absolutely perfect carb creation. Crispy edges, wafer-thin layers and the essence of Rosemary hidden in between every strip of perfectly cooked potato – what a treat.
Top service from our host Oscar and an incredibly indulgent chocolate dessert later, we were ready to retire for the night and hit the sack.
On our last day of relaxation, we started off with a breakfast at the all-day diner. The sweetest hostess Rahma introduced herself and took our coffee and eggs order – both of which can be customised from the breakfast menu. We preferred the breakfast buffet for everything else – it was smashing.
On the last leg of our weekend’s journey and one experience away from checking out, we headed to the lobby lounge, famous nationwide for its afternoon teas.
Sarab Lounge is a true gem with floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable and beautifully upholstered couches and a manager who is really on top of exceptional guest experiences. The summer set is full of vivid colours and vibrant flavours. Sweet and savoury bites were beautifully placed on a high tea set and we dug in. There’s a lot to say about everything from the Raspberry Macaron to the iced tea served alongside it, but we have to focus on the highlight – Orange Scones with clotted cream, strawberry jam and, our absolute favourite accompaniment, lemon curd. This was the true taste of summer and we couldn’t think of a better way to conclude our memorable time at this iconic property.
The St. Regis Doha isn’t a regular resort. It’s a landmark and a destination in itself. Once you check in, you’ll never want to leave. From Parisian cafés and global franchises to homegrown dining brands and even its own tea blends, there is a world of sophistication and experiences to enjoy here. A stay at this immaculate property is a step into timeless luxury, contemporary opulence and promises an experience like no other. In our view, this really is Qatar’s finest address.
Please visit marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dohxr-the-st-regis-doha/overview/ for more information.