Discover a world of relaxation, adventure, luxury and family fun at Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North with Amica Sicilia.
Speeding down the palm-lined causeway to Qetaifan Island feels like crossing into another world. An island paradise, at the heart of which rises the stately silhouette of Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North, its graceful curves reminiscent of a cruise ship poised for adventure. This luxurious resort delivers a perfect balance of opulence and entertainment.
Checking in is seamless as valets whisk away our luggage and our arrival is sweetened by a small plate of apricots and a cup of cardamom-scented Arabic coffee. The lobby is a stunning expanse of polished marble in shades of sand and cream, evoking Qatar’s desert dunes. Great fluted columns support the soaring ceiling, from which skylights bathe the space in light. From one end rises gentle chatter from the lounge, where families rest, drinking coffee and fruit tea infusions and sampling signature artisan baklava. A ruby-red pleated beauty catches my eye, delicately studded with pistachios – proof of Rixos’ historic Turkish hospitality.
Our room is a haven of understated elegance, designed with soothing tones of cream, russet and pale wood. The spacious bathroom, in grey-green marble, is softly lit and stocked with plush dressing gowns and fragrant soaps and salves by L’Occitane. On the sideboard, a tray is piled with fresh fruit and artisan baklava. Beyond, floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a broad balcony, from where we take in a panoramic view. To one side, the serene Arabian Gulf, with the white sands of two of the resort’s different beaches. To the other, a whole world of delights spreads out before us as we look across the terrace to the Meryal Waterpark. The record-breaking attraction beckons us, but first, we take the time to savour and explore our retreat.
To earn my indulgence later, I pay a visit to the innovative outdoor Woodsman Gym. I feel the sand steady me beneath my feet, as all-wooden weights and equipment offer a radically intuitive functional fitness experience. Endorphins flowing through me, I join my partner in the Infinity Pool area. The pool’s turquoise waters blend seamlessly with the blue horizon of the sea. White-clad waiters bring refreshing sundowners and nibbles as we float our worries away.
As the sunset fades the sky into dusk, we make our way to Rixos’ Naturelife Spa. From the cool of a Doha winter evening, comforting warmth floods our bodies as we step inside the sanctuary and swathe ourselves in fluffy robes. Naturelife’s Turkish-inspired wellness experiences include a full traditional Turkish Hammam. But while my partner, in the men’s facilities, heads for his favourite, the sauna, over in the women’s spa, I retreat to my personal refuge, the steam room. As the clouds of fragrant vapour curl around me, the soothing heat melts away lingering tension. Yes, this is a holiday.
But dinner calls! As we descend from our room in our evening best, the strains of live music issue from the light, bright space of the Brasserie de la Mer. But we’re headed for another of Rixos’ dining destinations: the romantic glamour, spice and smoke of Rixos’ newest addition, the bold new steakhouse concept: Diego Jun. Copper-toned murals lit by the fires of an open kitchen promise a truly transporting and original culinary experience. Here, Mexican flavours from head chef Juan Carlos Ramirez Lopez’s heritage collide with the refined fire of Korean cuisine, in a remarkable fusion. Think of perfectly browned beef anticucho skewers served with the umami cocktail of kimchi egg-fried rice, with goma sesame salt. Or imagine the ultimate taco, with tender beef in smoky tomatillo salsa de arbol, elevated with lime ponzu mayo. A tall glass of Moonlight – a mixology masterclass of Earl Grey tea, elderflower, peach and fresh lime – finishes the experience and sends us floating up to our rest.
Morning greets us with bright island light and we make our way downstairs to Turquoise, Rixos’ signature Turkish-inspired dining destination. Beneath walls adorned with blue-painted Turkish tiles, generous buffets are piled high with fresh produce between live cooking stations. My companion heads to get his favourite omelette customised with cheese and sweet tomatoes. Meanwhile, I build my own breakfast of dreams with yoghurt swirled with fresh figs, nuts, seeds and golden honeycomb. The variety is dazzling, from fluffy pancakes to Lebanese Balila (a dish made with chickpeas) and warm piles of Turkish simit seeded bread. To round off the experience, we pair our coffees with a couple of jewel-like cubes of fragrant Turkish delight, also known as lokum.
We need the energy, because today’s adventure takes us to Meryal Waterpark – the largest water park in Qatar. With over 60 different slides and attractions, the park is a paradise for thrill-seekers of all ages. Where to begin? Do we dive into the Oil Silk Lagoon, which simulates the rolling ocean, or float along Wave River? Instead, we muster our courage for the Rapid Refinery – part water slide, part Ferris wheel. As our raft spins and slides, the ride itself rotates, creating a swirling adventure that leaves us giddy with excitement. Our courage is boosted and we head for the Driller, where the raft not only rockets through tunnels at thrilling speeds but then drops, leaving your heart in your mouth and your spirits sky high. But the star of the show is Rig 1938, the world’s tallest waterslide tower, boasting 12 different gravity-defying rides. I face my fears on the Fractionator, a high-speed body slide launching riders from over 76 metres into a seemingly infinite series of loops and turns to emerge breathless and triumphant.
The park offers plentiful food and refreshment options but, after all that adrenaline, we deserve some tranquillity. While little ones play the day away at Rixos’ kids’ club, grown-ups can slip away to a haven of cool breezes, white sand, shimmering blue sea, soft music and fine dining at Azure Beach Club. While DJs set impeccable vibes, blue and white décor transports diners to the Greek islands at Ammos fine-dining restaurant.
We opt for the latter. Our mezze starters are a triumphant voyage. Truffled tzatziki yoghurt dip is complemented by Tyrokafteri, a traditional creamed feta dip, blushing with smoked paprika and studded with pistachios. Chilli garlic prawns sizzle in a bath of butter and sundried tomatoes. Most dramatic of all, a roasted balloon pita bread crumbles to reveal inside a fresh green rocket salad with manouri cheese and kalamata figs. For the mains, a beef giouvetsi: slow-cooked, melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu short ribs nestle on a bed of homemade orzo short pasta with roasted tomato jus and graviera. While dessert is a revelation with deconstructed baklava bathed in Greek honey and pistachio mousseline cream. Portokalopita, a glowing alchemy of a cake made from whole fresh oranges and extra virgin olive oil, is like sunshine in a dish.
Filled with happiness, we stroll out into the late afternoon sunshine. Passing the infinity pool, we choose beds right at the edge of the sea. Reclining on soft sunbeds, we sip freshly muddled lemon mint mocktails to the accompaniment of gentle waves. Azure’s position grants it some of the longest sunlight hours of any beach in Qatar. So we let our souls recharge with gentle warmth as the air turns golden and the sun slips below the horizon – the perfect end to a perfect day.
For more information or to make a reservation, please call
Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North on 4144 4444 or
email reservation.qetaifanisland@rixos.com
@rixospremiumqetaifan