Sometimes, a little escape without boarding a plane is all you need to feel re-energised. SD heads to JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha for precisely that!
The JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha is one of West Bay’s most upscale hotels, located right after City Center Mall. When we talk about being in the heart of the city, this hotel epitomises that, and we’re checking in for a much-needed staycation. We enter an opulent lobby, stylishly designed with a large flower centrepiece and the reception is on the left side. We receive a warm welcome and after handing over our key cards, the staff tell us about their WhatsApp service where you can text them anytime, for anything. Even if you’re not in the hotel. What a great start.
The Corner Suite at JW Marriott Marquis is an impressive accommodation with everything we need for an unforgettable staycation. With private access to the 27th floor, we’re stunned by the sheer size of this nearly 75sq/m room. The corner-style layout allows privacy, with the bed on the far side and a massive sofa in front of us. The floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the entirety of two walls flood the space with natural light. We are welcomed by a huge fruit basket and some Peruvian chocolates. The fully serviced suite has a desk and chair right next to a coffee and tea bar.
There’s plenty to admire in our temporary abode, but there’s even more to discover in this hotel. With several food and beverage outlets, a buzzing poolside and a jungle-inspired brunch, we know we’re going to be spoilt for choice.
I head straight to the seventh floor for a facial. As soon as I enter, a beautiful scent of eucalyptus fills the air. If relaxation had four walls (and some very pretty laser cut flower patterned metal barriers), it would be called Quan Spa. I am escorted to a private waiting area and offered a hot towel and a fruit tea.
Today I’m trying the Diamond Cocoon Facial and truly, this treatment should be a girl’s best friend. Radiating, lifting and relaxing are the three words that describe it best. Grace, the therapist, lets me sink in and then starts off with a light cream massage.
She then masterfully works her way deep into my skin with a glycolic acid peel that releases the dead cells, with the help of botanical activators. There’s a tingling sensation with light heat and it feels strangely good and relaxing. An hour and multiple steps later, my facial has concluded and I spend some more time relaxing in the surroundings of this soothing space.
It’s going to be a quiet evening for us and the only relaxing activity that can complement this spa experience is a soak. The bathroom is classic and sophisticated. With granite counters and a marble-top bathtub, it feels cosy without being pretentious. The bathtub even has a loofah and bath salts neatly placed at the edge. So, I embrace a luxurious soak using a combination of bath salts and the high-quality spa products.
The rest of the night, we sink into cloud-like comfort under the fluffiest duvet cover and on soft pillows.
The next morning, we decide to order In Room Dining. JW has an extensive and rich selection of breakfast offerings and we opt for the Classic American Breakfast and an egg dish from the à la carte menu. The Steak and Eggs are delicious with a truffle salsa and Bearnaise sauce.
It’s a beautiful sunny afternoon and we have a great plan. On the seventh floor, is a new Amazonian-themed venue Amaru and it’s hosting a fun Friday Brunch. We enter the poolside area and head to the mezzanine glass enclosure. It’s a stunning sight – a lush, tropical space filled with plants and sunlight.
The brunch is buzzing with a DJ playing Afro House accompanied by a percussionist and a saxophonist filling the venue with superb weekend energy. We spend a few hours sampling dishes from the Latin American menu. Standout dishes are a fresh ceviche station, potato and cheese croquettes and baked fish with chimichurri.
We spend the rest of the afternoon under the covers, watching television. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to fully relax like this. We savour every moment. JW Marriott has a unique characteristic of making you feel like you’re at home.
Dinner is on the 43rd floor. Shanghai Club is as majestic as it sounds. With panoramic views of Doha, it’s hard to think of a better place to dine out on the weekend. We choose a corner table (keeping with the theme of our corner suite) and floor-to-ceiling glass on both sides makes this space really upscale. We pick the best sellers – Sichuan Fried Chicken and a Dim Sum Platter. The highlight is easily the Singaporean Lobster we order for main. The sauce is sublime and the lobster is cooked just right. The dessert is a Yuzu Crème Brûlée – a creative twist on a classic dessert and worth every risk.
We then move to The Den on the first floor, which is a small, unpretentious nightlife venue that has a touch of sophistication but still feels approachable.
As soon as we enter, we hear melodious tunes from a live singer. This is a lovely way to end a Friday night right in front of a grand piano with a lowhanging chandelier. Live music is every Thursday and Friday night. The drinks are well-curated, thought out and impressive. We choose Spring Fever and Herbal Garden – both mocktails, both excellent. It’s quite late, and we’re calling it a day.
We wake up the following day and head straight to Sridan for breakfast. Unexpectedly, this is easily one of Doha’s most impressive breakfast spreads. The variety is immense and the dishes do not compromise on quality. The Indian station caught our interest immediately and we had to dip the very delicious naan into some Paneer Masala curry, Sambhar and Shira (a sweet South Indian breakfast item). The live Turkish Gozleme station did not disappoint and there is an entire counter dedicated to eggs your way. We decided to go with scrambled eggs with all the vegetables and some cheese. There are breakfast dishes from around the world and a beverage section with various fresh and healthy juices.
We don’t want to overdo it because our next plan is going to need us on slightly lighter stomachs. We’re off to the seventh floor and straight to the Pool Deck. Since we’ve last been here, there’s been quite the aesthetic uplift. Bamboo-style arch cabanas, Boho décor and tan striped lounge cushions – now this is the pool day we’ve been longing for. The weather is just perfect and we spend a few hours lounging around with occasional dips. We’re glad the hotel offers day passes; we’re already planning a repeat visit in the coming weeks.
All that time under the sun has left us famished, but it’s still early for a full meal. We decide to try an afternoon tea to whet our appetites for a big feast at Fuego later. La Maison Martinez is such a hidden gem with its palatial setup. Located on the ground level, this luxury European-style lobby lounge is the epitome of sophistication. We’re presented with an afternoon tea set that tastes as good as it looks. We appreciate having two portions of every sweet and savoury option, spread across three tiers of beautiful dishes on the stand. The scones – a key determinant of the legitimacy of a venue that serves afternoon tea – are simply perfect. The light bites still ensure we have space for a late meal.
Our last stop is Fuego, a Latin American diner that shows off its roots in Peruvian, Argentinian and Mexican cuisines. We have to admit that Fuego in the daytime is a pleasant surprise. An otherwise masculine restaurant comes alive with sunlight and vibrant flavours. We start off with some passion fruit and pineapple mocktails prepared fresh, nicely complementing a fruity Quinoa Salad. Standout dishes include addictive Tempura Shrimp Tacos with Guajilla Mayo and an indulgent Fettuccine de Langosta with al dente pasta tossed in a lobster bisque sauce. Chef Richard definitely knows what he’s doing.
A nap (we’ve taken quite a few all weekend) would be great, but at this point, we’re fully aware our staycation is nearing its end. We pack our bags and get ready to check out. It’s bittersweet – JW Marriott Marquis has exceeded our expectations of what the perfect weekend in Doha looks like. We never had to leave the hotel; everything was excellent and as we hand over our key cards, we longingly (and slightly dramatically) look at the stunning floral centrepiece one last time. We’ve felt at home for two full days, and we frankly can’t think of a better place to spend an exciting yet relaxing weekend in Qatar.
For more information or to make a reservation,
please call JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha on 4429 5000.
@jwdoha