The Season of Sun and Sea

As temperatures finally dropped, Doha’s beach lovers knew exactly what to do: trade the streets for sand and spend a day discovering why Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha remains one of the city’s ultimate beach escapes.

After months of heat so fierce it turned every street into a shimmering mirage, Doha is finally breathing again. The city exhales as the sky softens, the air cools, and the Gulf breeze returns with that first hint of salt and freedom. Between October and March, life here shifts: mornings feel lighter, evenings stretch longer, and suddenly everyone remembers why they fell in love with this country in the first place. It’s beach season, that golden window when brunch plans drift to the shoreline, sunbeds become social currency and the soundtrack of Doha swaps from humming AC units to the clink of ice against tall glasses.

When it comes to beachside destinations, few places capture that energy quite like Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha. With its all-inclusive concept, the hotel exudes timeless charm. OHLALA’s recent visit on a weekday was enough to see why: the lobby hummed with families over coffee, friends chatting in the lounge and visitors streaming toward the beach with bright towels and bigger smiles.

A Place To Hide (And Stay All Day)

The private beach unfolds in generous layers of sand and sea, with just the right balance of buzz and breathing room. Guests of the hotel get free access, of course, but even outsiders can join the party thanks to day passes. Beyond the sunbeds lies a more exclusive option for the lucky few: the cabanas. There are five open ones for lazy hours in the sun and eight private ones, hidden behind lush greenery, for those who like their beach days slightly more off the radar (and maybe with fewer tan lines). Basically mini-suites, they come with a sofa, TV, bathroom, shower, minibar, and a few thoughtful welcome amenities that elevate the whole experience.

After a few hours in the sun, appetites inevitably rise, and ZOH Lifestyle Deck becomes the go-to spot with food trucks dishing out juicy burgers, wood-fired pizzas, sushi rolls, poke bowls and ice cream.

Move, Relax, Repeat

The rhythm at Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha shifts seamlessly between relaxation and movement. For those who want to stay active, the Exclusive Sports Club offers an impressive daily schedule from 9.30am to 5pm, reading like a mini fitness festival by the sea. There’s something for every mood: aquafitness and HIIT sessions; boxing, cycling, paddleboarding and even CrossFit. The energy is infectious: upbeat playlists, enthusiastic coaches and a crowd that seems genuinely excited to move.

For The Little Adventurers

While adults recharge or work up a sweat, younger guests have their own world to explore at the Rixy Kids’ Club, a colourful, imaginative playground designed to keep children entertained and inspired. Many places claim to be family-friendly, but here, they’ve truly cracked the code: joy for the little ones, peace for the grown-ups. Each day brings a new theme, from China to Africa to Central Asia, turning the club into a journey around the world through play.

Mornings begin with gentle stretches or fun workouts by the sea before shifting into bursts of creativity: panda art, mask-making, paper crafts, science experiments, friendship bracelets – you name it. As the day unfolds, the place turns into a full carnival with bouncy castles, treasure hunts and bubble shows, before winding down with cinema sessions and magic shows after sunset. Judging by the laughter drifting from the garden, it’s easy to see why families keep coming back. For an enjoyable day during the cool season, Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha really does have something for everybody.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha on 4429 8888.

@rixosgulfhoteldoha