OHLALA’s Lindsey Steenkamp is hosted by W Doha for an indulgent – and digitally enhanced – staycation.
Just because you aren’t going abroad for that much-needed holiday doesn’t mean you can’t break away and enjoy your weekend in one of the most contemporary and exclusive hotels Doha has to offer. Hugging the coastline of West Bay with dazzling views of the Persian Gulf and big city lights, W Doha invited us to indulge in its digital staycation experience – and we didn’t think twice about packing our bags. The hotel has incorporated its inviting staycations and trendy ambience with tech-savvy amenities.
Ready to embrace the unexpected, we were checked in by the friendly front-ofhouse staff and taken through to the ‘Wow Suite’. Our breath was taken away by the floor-to-ceiling windows bragging panoramic sea and city views. Seductive lighting changes from red to purple, white, orange, blue, and yellow, creating a mystical ambience. You’ll even have the option to select which colour you’d like the lighting to remain, again catering to your taste.
The suite boasted a lavish and contemporary circular layout wrapped around a triangular-shaped corner location. The space is lushly adorned with elegant string curtains as room dividers, while luxurious fabrics are scattered throughout with leather and marble furnishings, creating an exotic allure. With a generous living room, minibar, and a dining area with guest bathroom, there is room for many to enjoy the lavish luxuries and state-of-the-art Bose Lifestyle Audio surround sound system. The signature swing chair suspended in the corner of the room tops everyone’s leisure bucket list.
The fun doesn’t stop in the living space, though, and spills its delight into the master bedroom with its own 42-inch TV and sound system. The bedroom is what pampering dreams are made of, with a comfortable bed almost keeping you captive. For even greater convenience, all dining menus are digitised with QR codes and easily accessible via your smartphone. The ensuite bathroom hosts a tub perfect for a spa-like soak and spacious shower with a multitude of massage-spray nozzles. After a nap and mini in-room spa experience, we eagerly headed down to be hosted for Italian cuisine at La Spiga By Papermoon, where Chef Alberto Adamo – who hails from the Piedmont region of Italy – graciously greeted us.
The digital menu guides us to start with the signature W Aperitivo, which is typically served with happy hour beverages and comprises of an array of canapes ranging from neatly presented polenta squares with gorgonzola, a fresh mini Caprese adaptation, and Arancini Siciliani balls. The mood lighting and glitzy gold mosaic interior complemented by vintage black-andwhite photos from familiar Italian cinema creates an inviting atmosphere. Starters arrive, and I’m delighted with my two favourite appetisers, the Melenzane and Salmon Tartare. The perfectly cooked salmon tartare pops to life with the fragrant gazpacho sauce. For the mains, I surprised the chef with my selection of the Guancia Di Manzo Brasata, a slow-cooked beef cheek with mash potates and rosemary sauce. The beef melts in your mouth and is packed with flavour.
Delighted with sweet endings in the form of a traditional tiramisu and a light and refreshing Panna Cotta Con Frutti Di Bosco, a vanilla custard with mixed berries and raspberry coulis. My taste buds were left delighted, and it was time to retire to my room to conclude the perfect evening. After one of the best night’s sleep of my life, I finally managed to tear myself away from the room to enjoy some pool time. The W pool is pristine and perfect for a group gathering with poolside beverages or a solo swim.
By then, I had worked up a craving for something sweet and headed down to the W Cafe for an indulgent high tea shared with some girlfriends. As we scan the QR code for the menu, the eager and friendly staff recommend a highly unusual tea. The Earl Passion Iced Tea is served in a cocktail glass with a round piece of ice infused with mixed berries and a teapot with passion fruit and earl grey mixture that is poured over the ice, releasing a kaleidoscope of flavours! And what would high tea be without a threetier birdcage filled with an array of savoury sandwiches, pastries, scones, and cakes? The W Cafe is the perfect trip down a wonderland of tastes – definitely the most unique high tea I have experienced.
The iconic design-led lifestyle brand has effortlessly kept up with today’s changing landscape, enhancing the guest experience with a variety of hightech touches to eliminate friction points. And here in Doha, the hotel has effortlessly captured its youthful and experimental spirit with these technological extensions perfectly complemented and enhanced by the level of service provided by its staff. Not only did I leave feeling relaxed and invigorated, but my smartphone is now brimming with Instaworthy memories. Clearly not all staycations are created equally.
Book your much-needed W-Cation room offer at W Doha and enjoy its unique urban energy with rates starting from QR700 per room per night.
– Complimentary upgrade to the next room category
– In-Room Dining breakfast
– 100 QR F&B Credit per night/per room
– Early check-in and late check-out
For reservations and more information, please call 4453 5343. Follow W Doha on Instagram @wdoha
