Magical Mystery Tour

Liz O’Reilly discovered a world of whimsical wonder coupled with lavish luxury during a stay at Mondrian Doha.

The first thing to know about Mondrian Doha is that it’s definitely not your average hotel, more the imaginative playground of designer Marcel Wanders, a lifestyle property where his vision comes to life in abundant spaces and cosy nooks, all with a storybook feel.

Even the exterior, by SWA architects, tells a story. The entrance resembles the beak of a falcon with the sides of the building forming sweeping wings, ready to take flight. And the sense of playfulness is immediately evident as soon as you step through the door where a large golden bell, complete with dazzling crystal chandelier in place of the clapper, hangs overhead signalling that school’s out and now it’s time for fun!

Blinding white pillars are adorned with golden eggs and a black and white floor bedecked with floral and piano key patterns leads the way to the all-day-dining restaurant, Mondrian Bistro.

On the way you’ll encounter the hotel’s famous fantastical staircase. Gleaming black against the sparkling white surroundings, and adorned with arabesque patterns, it soars four floors above the lobby and goes… nowhere. Or does it? It was described to me as ‘the staircase to your dreams’.

You climb it and take from it whatever you will. I can certainly say, it’s a wonderful spot to observe the goings on below and, perhaps, take a moment to reflect a little.

After a seamless check in, I was shown to my suite on the 12th floor and what a space it was. More lustrous white with a huge living room area complete with dining table and two comfortable, chunky sofas. More whimsy came in the shape of golden statues resembling a dog and an elephant – two of my favourite creatures, they made me feel totally at home.

Situated around a corner was a white desk in a private area where one could work away from distractions and numerous other spaces, such as a walk-in closet with tea- and coffee-making facilities, boasted sliding doors and quirkily placed mirrors adding a sense of surprise at every turn.

The living room console proved to be my undoing with jars of nuts and sweeties – I tried hard to ignore them but the temptation of the jellybeans was just too much. So, I grabbed a handful and headed to the bedroom to explore further.

The king-size bed was extremely comfortable with its bank of fluffy pillows, but it was the wall opposite that really caught my eye and my imagination. Decked out in wallpaper portraying scenes that could easily have come from the 1001 Nights, classical Arabic characters coupled with storybook illustrations. Throughout my stay, I never tired of looking at it, each glance revealing a new element.

Soon, it was time to head to ESPA because, what’s a city break without a little pampering? Another extraordinary space, I was soon engulfed in shimmering mosaiced walls while other areas featured bright floral-patterned tiled floors and walls – a sense of wonderment filled me, the designs literally calling out an invitation to relax and surrender my senses to the exquisite surroundings.

After a refreshing welcome drink and an in-depth consultation, my therapist, Yousra, explained that all products used are from the premium ESPA brand and my tired face was about to get some serious (much-needed) attention.

After a thorough but gentle cleansing, Yousra examined my skin under white light and said she would apply non-comedogenic products, containing collagen and hyaluronic acid, that would not block my pores, combined with kobido, a Japanese facial massage technique aimed at encouraging facial regeneration with lifting and lymphatic drainage to flush and detox.

She chose a gentle facial scrub with pumpkin and jojoba enzymes followed by rich replenishing oil before applying a brightening surface mask. It was cool going on and I had not realised how parched my skin was until I felt the moisture seeping into my pores. A probiome eye cleaner came next with a hydrating floral spa fresh toner to finish before my lips were brushed with pink pomelo balm.

I can honestly say the whole experience left me looking and feeling like a new woman, ready for my evening’s date at the wonderful Morimoto.

The first restaurant in the Middle East from the legendary Japanese Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto feels right at home in the fantastical setting of Mondrian Doha. You enter through a golden hued, mirrored corridor and the first sight is of a buzzing open kitchen fronted by a sushi counter. The numerous chefs required to produce the exceptionally high-quality menu is evident from the kitchen activity and, though the restaurant’s décor is very much classic Morimoto, the addition of a stunning, large chandelier constructed of glittering Arabic-style lanterns gives a sense of place and a nod to local heritage.

There are special nights throughout the week, such as Sushi & Steak Sundays and Rolls & Ramen Tuesdays, but we chose to go for a tasting selection from the à la carte menu, suggested by Restaurant Manager Paulo Bastos, which proved to be an excellent decision.

We started with the salmon poke tacos – crunchy mini taco shells bursting with flavour from the perfectly seasoned fish which was offset beautifully by the cool creaminess of avocado. Next up was Wagyu Carpaccio; melting, buttery, well-marbled meat topped with citrussy yuzu zest that literally danced across the taste buds with its echoes of cilantro, daikon and chives.

A selection of sushi followed with the standout being aburi salmon with truffle, oh be still my beating heart as I remember that superbly satisfying flavour as the deep richness of the fungi combined with the salty tartness of the fish. The sushi was accompanied by an equally impressive lobster tempura with yuzu koshu dip. Spicy and flavourful, it was utterly delicious.

We finished our savouries with thinly sliced A5 Waygu cooked on a hot stone at our table. The meat was so tender it hardly required chewing, the juices flowing abundantly, a testament to the generous marbling.

After such a feast, I must confess I was ready to sleep and I nodded off immediately as soon as I reached my uber comfortable bed.

Morning brought the breakfast experience at Mondrian Bistro, where I was faced with charming attentive staff and possibly the largest breakfast spread I have come across in my wanderings so far. All beautifully laid out, there was everything a girl could want, from fresh bread and pastries to fruits and vegetables. Cold cuts sat alongside honeycomb and cheeses, sausages and bacon with hash browns and sautéed mushrooms. I was honestly spoilt for choice and decided to go for the Halloumi Avocado Toast from the special breakfast menu. Served on sourdough with smashed avocado, grilled halloumi and microgreens topped with a perfectly poached egg, it was a little taste of happiness to start the day.

Afterwards, I was lucky enough to take a hotel tour visiting the gorgeous Deluxe Loft Suite – even grander than my own, if that’s possible – and the famed pool. The Mondrian pool is really something else, a space that completely reflects the design elements throughout the property. Black and white floors in checkered and piano key patterns sit beneath a stained-glass dome complete with crystal chandeliers that glitter on the blue waters below. It’s an area in which the hotel organises events and I could just imagine designer-clad guests in this fairy-tale setting.

We also visited Smoke & Mirrors – a secret, hidden entertainment spot, like an old fashioned speakeasy. The challenge, should you accept it, is simply to find it.

My second evening was spent at Hudson Tavern, where myself and my dining companion were given an early taste of the festive menu. We began with a delicious pumpkin salad, to which we returned throughout the meal. Roast turkey with all the trimmings followed, accompanied by peas with bacon bits, crunchy broccoli, creamy mashed potatoes and a deliciously flavoursome gravy.

I have to admit that I’m not a huge fan of traditional festive fare, but the turkey was moist and moreish and the veggies were spot on. And, even better, the whole thing can be ordered to go, so you can be the host or hostess with the moistest at your holiday table without the long hours in the kitchen – you should also check out the brisket, I’m told it’s amazing and the whole meal is great value.

The final stop of my visit was for afternoon tea in the enchanted forest of EllaMia. An expansive seating area neighbouring the lobby, the space is dotted with sculptural white trees and other whimsical elements.

The storytelling continues even in the food with sandwiches on brightly coloured breads – red, white and green – and picture-perfect cakes presented on delicate, floral bone china. My favourite was the blueberry pie presented in shortcrust pastry on a bed of crème patisserie and topped with flecks of gold foil.

The whole thing was almost too pretty to eat, but only almost, it was actually too delicious not to.

And so, with tummy full and tales of wonderment to tell, I headed to the airport with a vow to return, as I suspect I have only scratched the surface of Mondrian Doha’s stories.

For more information visit mondrianhotels.com/doha
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