Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha

"Why book? Looking for exclusivity? This is it. Marsa Malaz Kempinski is set on its own artificial island, The Pearl, overlooking the Arabian Gulf. With a blend of Arabic traditions and European flair, the huge palatial hotel has a regal atmosphere, without being overly pretentious. The rooms, dining experiences and amenities all make it difficult to ever leave. Set the scene The Marsa Malaz Kempinski hotel can’t be missed, both literally and figuratively. The grand complex takes up most of the artificial island in Doha, with a private beach and marina, manicured gardens and multiple pools interspersed with deck chairs and umbrellas. Once inside, the interior leans heavily on its Arabian influence, with traditional wooden details, gold-effect furnishings, and warm lighting choices. The backstory It’s part of the Kempinski Hotels company, who have been opening accommodation around the world since 1897. Steeped in European heritage, the brand established the Doha outpost, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, nearly a decade ago. Situated on its own secluded island, which was artificially made from 26 million tons of limestone and surrounded by a calm lagoon for complete seclusion amidst the bustling city. The rooms There are over 300 rooms and suites, all with plenty of space for relaxing and gazing out the large floor to ceiling windows. From pool view to sea view, the private balconies are bound to be the spot for a morning coffee. The Arabian-style decor includes old world oil paintings, a wooden storage ottoman and patterned textiles thrown across the large crisp beds. Food and drink The hotel’s restaurants take advantage of the seafront location, offering fresh seafood and international flavors on sunny outdoor terraces and lounges. From contemporary Japanese to traditional Middle Eastern dishes, it’s a culinary journey around the world. For a beachside drink, there’s the casual sports bar for the afternoon or refreshing cocktails of an evening at the Latin-style bar. The spa With its grandiose marble lobby, ornate chandeliers and treatment rooms, the spa offers a memorable experience. The extensive treatment menu includes dozens of indulgent options, from facials and massages to full-body exfoliation and body wraps for anything from an hour to a full day of pampering. The neighborhood/area The exclusive enclave provides a more secluded feel than other parts of Doha. This neighborhood is home to some of the most luxurious residences and villas in the country, as well as Qatar’s only private marina. It’s also within walking distance of many shopping, dining and entertainment options around the island and West Bay area. The service Adding to the regal appearance of the hotel, the service is all class. The professional staff are attentive everywhere you go, from the poolside lounge to the sports bar and housekeeping service. They never seem to miss a beat. For families While not necessarily appearing like a kid-friendly hotel at first, it’s quite a surprise to learn about the amount of family services they offer. There’s plenty of entertainment for all ages, including tennis courts, adrenaline fuelled watersports, multiple pools and the Titan Tikes Kids' Playroom for the little ones. Eco effort The hotel has a number of green initiatives in place to ensure a high standard of sustainability. They installed a recycled water system and a solar power plant as part of the building’s design, so you can be assured that they’re doing their bit. Accessibility Connected to the mainland by a bridge, the hotel is easily accessible from the West bay area of Doha. Many parts of the hotel have been made accessible to all, including the outdoor pool areas, lobby and most of the rooms. Open request, rooms are easily adapted to suit any special needs." - Jenna Scatena

"Qatar’s game-changing, artificial Pearl Island complex welcomed its first hotel in 2014, and it’s a palatial pink pile that towers over the bay from its own islet. With its domes, columns, and archways, the building calls to mind a Venetian palazzo, and that’s very much by design; in fact, you’ll even find paintings of Italy’s Floating City in some guest rooms, alongside romantic detailing like steamer trunks and crystal chandeliers. At the Spa by Clarins, there’s a hammam for utter relaxation, and the wide array of restaurants here includes standouts like Al Sufra, which draws on the flavors of Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. On the other end of the spectrum: a family-friendly retro American diner, complete with leather booths and a digital jukebox." - Jenna Scatena

"Get Pampered with Swank Spa by Clarins at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel has turned pampering into an art form. The spa offers complete relaxation rituals for couples and jet-lagged travelers. Consider the power booster treatment, which begins with a meditation session and leaves your body buzzing with endorphins. The spa offers full-body pampering treatments for bridal parties, along with special honeymoon sessions for newlyweds. This opulent day spa is also becoming known for its signature Moroccan-style Hammam steam room. The hotel itself is an attraction with its gigantic horse and its audacious opulence. After the spa session, you can continue to pamper your senses by admiring the lavish decorations of the hotel or having a meal at one of the well-reviewed in-house restaurants."