Doha | cheriecity.co.uk

Accessories, Beauty, Doha, Fashion, Shopping, Stores

Chérie Loves

October 2, 2012 by cheriecity

Tom Pecheux goes rock ‘n’ roll for Autumn with this beautiful lightening bolt patterned Pure Color Five Colour EyeShadow Palette in Violet Underground, £40, Estee Lauder. Create a dramatic eye look for the evening with the smouldering midnight and vibrant magenta shades.

I’ve fallen in love with these delicate, romantic moon and star Astrid heels, £595, Charlotte Olympia

Stylish, good quality leather bands don’t have to be covered in logos or cost a fortune. For a cool Parisian look, I love this Angie bag in Bordeaux, €195, Nat & Nin

Thanks to the Handpicked Media LFW suite at One Aldwych, I’ve tried and loved this Nivea Daily Essentials Hydration Primer for Normal and Combination Skin, £3.99, Superdrug. The gel-crème formula feels cooling on the skin and provides a smooth, oil-free base for applying foundation. It’s particularly good for those with oily skin and prefer a matte look.

Invest in the ornate trend with this Braka Rococo Swarovski crystal bracelet by Shourouk, £185, Net-a-Porter

This season just feels right for a J.W Anderson Quilted Paisley Silk Skirt, £69.99, Topshop

Doha

An Exciting Desert Safari in Qatar

January 8, 2012 by cheriecity

A major highlight of my recent trip to Doha going on a desert safari. I’ve always dreamed of exploring a Middle Eastern desert and it was even more awe-inspiring and thrilling than I could have imagined.

Early in the morning, a small group of us were picked up at the door of Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel in two shiny new Toyota 4 WDs by our drivers from Arabian Adventures. We drove 75km south of Doha to the middle of the desert, taking in the sight of Doha on the way.

When we arrived at the beginning of the desert the drivers deflated the tyres, making the cars suitable for driving on the sand. We were met by a group of tame, docile camels, just chilling in the heat. Camel rides are available and one member of the group was brave enough to do a quick lap before we got ready to go into the desert.

Before embarking on our drive to the desert, I was excited but quietly anxious, wondering whether I was cut out for a desert safari. Would it be blisteringly hot? Would the sand get in my eyes and melt my sandals? Most trivially, where is the bathroom in the desert?

Any concerns were swiftly forgotten, as cruising through the desert felt strangely natural and I had faith in the capable drivers. Bashing through the sand, traversing the dunes and teetering on the top of the highest points was truly exhilarating – an experience bizarrely akin to skiing.

Our driver was a real character with a dry sense of humour. He spoke fluent English and took it in his stride as we howled and clutched the back of his seat when zooming down vertiginous sand dunes!

At times, I had to pinch myself to realise that I was really in the desert and not inside a Salvador Dali painting. At various point in the safari, we got our of the car and walked barefoot in the sand, taking in the views and getting plenty of photographs.

The sand felt cool and soothing and weather was humid but pleasant, although this was early November and during the summer months, the temperature can reach a sweltering 45°C. Later, our driver told us that snakes, lizards and scorpions can be found in the desert. While this didn’t come as a complete surprise, I was glad to have found out after submerging my bare feet in the sand! But don’t be alarmed, scorpions are nocturnal and don’t surface during the day, preferring shelter under a rock to the open sand.

Overlooking the sea, our driver pointed out the directions of Iran, Dubai and Saudia Arabia. Standing so close to my family’s home country of Iran was a moving experience and I couldn’t help thinking about what lay beyond the sea.

Midway through the tour, we stopped by the inland sea, Khor al Udied, and were treated to cans of ice cold Pepsi and mineral water at their traditional Bedouin camp. The white sand and crystal clear waters were what you’d expect on a Caribbean island, not adjoining the desert!

With Arabian Tours, you can spend a night under the stars in the desert. After the desert safari, guests can relax by the sea while chefs prepare the barbecued fish and kebabs and then enjoy a traditional buffet with traditional music in the evening.

After a half hour refuel, we hit the sand again and took a different route back to the meeting area, rather than revisiting known territory.

It was fascinating seeing the landscape and vegetation change as we entered further into the desert. It ranged from wispy icing sugar mounds to wetlands and towards the end of the trip, we found the most exquisite desert flowers growing in the sand.

The tyres were quickly inflated at the desert service station and we headed back into town, in perfect time for lunch.

The half-day desert safari was a memorable, once in a lifetime experience and Arabian Adventures makes it accessible with door-to-door drop offs and their driving expertise. Our drivers were fun, knowledgeable and hospitable and made my dream of seeing the desert into a reality.

All photos by Chérie City

Doha, Hotels, Hotels - Design, Hotels - Luxury

Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel Qatar

January 6, 2012 by cheriecity

A fabulous poolside party marked the debut of Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel, the hotly anticipated new arrival to Doha’s cosmopolitan West Bay area.

An international design-led lifestyle brand by Marriott, Renaissance’s philosophy is to offer guests a sensory experience with individual touches that make all the difference. Renaissance Doha City Center is part of the Marriott Doha complex, also comprising Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments, within two 48-storey towers connected to the Doha City Center Mall.

The Room

During my visit to Doha, I stayed at Renaissance Doha City Center for two nights in a deluxe room with spectacular floor to ceiling views over the Doha skyline and the Persian Gulf.

My room was exceptionally spacious, elegant and contemporary, designed in a colour palette of royal blue, pale yellow, black and matte silver. Doha’s local culture and heritage is referenced with black and white photographs depicting the beautiful Middle Eastern architecture, giving the room character.

My room was equipped with enough facilities for both business and leisure stays. It featured a large desk with an ergonomic chair and international plug sockets, a 32 inch LCD TV with cable satellite, Bose iPod dock, comfy seating areas and an iron with ironing board.

One of my favourite amenities was the tea and coffee-making set with three cute crushed ceramic coffee cups on a long oval saucer.

Like all Marriott hotels, the bed was exceptionally comfortable, with crisp linen, six pillows and plump cushions to prop you up when relaxing. This is something that I really love about the Marriott group, as there is nothing more pleasing than a luxurious hotel bed and knowing that a good night’s sleep is guaranteed.

The Bathroom

The marble bathroom was spacious and ornate, with gilt mirrors and pale gold patterned wallpaper. It featured a separate bathtub and shower, bidet, bathroom amenities by Brighton-based fragrance house Pecksniff’s and lots of fluffy towels. The navy embroidered bathrobe and slippers offered an extra luxurious touch.

A Welcome Treat

On arrival, I was welcomed with a box of baklava in a traditional decorative box and bottles of complimentary mineral water. After a long but very comfortable flight with Qatar Airways, I was ready to recline on the chaise-longue and refuel with more than a few pieces of delicious baklava before heading down to meet the group of international journalists over dinner at New York Steakhouse, one of the hotel’s fine dining restaurants.

Breakfast

The next day, it was an early start to go on a desert safari, just 30 minutes outside of Doha, so I ordered Eggs Benedict from the in-room menu. My breakfast was served perfectly on time and came beautifully presented, kept hot under a silver dome. As previously experienced in Beirut earlier in the year, Eggs Benedict in the Middle East are made slightly different to the UK, as ham is made from either chicken or beef and hollandaise sauce has a sharper, tangy taste.

The following morning, I went down for breakfast at Crossroads Kitchen at enjoyed a hearty breakfast of poached eggs on toast, mini pastries and made-to-order French Toast with red berry compote. It really was breakfast heaven and offered everything you could possibly want to start the day.

The Swimming Pool

One of the best things about staying at Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel is the number of leisure facilities in the West End part of the complex, available to all guests. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool and Aqua Lounge, children’s pool, whirlpool, sauna and vitality zone gym. Also worth a visit is the luxurious Saray Spa, where I enjoyed a relaxing facial, complete with its own sauna, steam room and hammam.

The Restaurants

There is an impressive selection of international restaurants and bars in the complex, including rustic Italian restaurant Cucina, New York Steakhouse, Ipanema Brazilian Churrascaria, Brasserie Centre-Ville, Glo Cocktail Bar. Alternatively, if you just want to crash out for the evening, order from the 24-hour in-room dining menu.

In place of a traditional Concierge is Navigator, a signature Renaissance service that connects guests with the coolest places and hidden gems in the city.

The Club Lounge

Club Level rooms offer access to the Club Lounge, where you can enjoy complimentary food, drinks and cocktails, business services and free WiFi. Having experienced the Club Lounge at London Marriott Grosvenor Square, if you have the option, it is certainly worth it! Another special feature is the rooftop helipad with an exclusive helipad lounge and bar, which makes for a glamorous or discreet arrival.

Impressions

Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel excels with its fine attention to detail and exceptionally welcoming and efficient staff. The contemporary luxury surroundings are complimented by a warm, friendly atmosphere. It’s an ideal base for exploring the cultural delights of Doha while recharging in ultimate comfort.

For more information and booking, visit: www.marriott.co.uk

Cherie City was a guest of Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel.

Amsterdam, Beirut, Doha, Ghent, Paris, Photography, Switzerland, Toronto

Chérie City: 2011 In Pictures

December 30, 2011 by cheriecity

2011 has been a wonderful year that has seen hundreds of new discoveries – from hidden gems on my doorstep in east London to experiencing the Middle East and attending the Toronto International Film Festival for the first time.

Thank you for reading and supporting and for the countless new friendships through blogging. I hope some of the stories on Chérie City in 2011 have inspired travels or led you to some good dinners!

Here are some favourite moments from the 2011…

Fireworks over the harbour from the balcony at Four Seasons Beirut, Lebanon

Toronto’s most eccentric neighbourhood, Kensington Market

Skiing with Papa Chéri in the Swiss urban ski resort of LAAX

An emotional reminder of former troubled times – Places de Martyrs, Beirut

Ganda ham tasting in Ghent, Belgium

Amsterdam’s beautiful, historical Jordaan district

The holy temple for cake-lovers, La Pâtisserie des Rêves, Left Bank, Paris

The spectacular Museum of Islamic Arts – Doha, Qatar

Here’s to a prosperous and joyful 2012!!

Doha, Shopping, Stores

A Visit to Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar

December 29, 2011 by cheriecity

For a glimpse of Qatar’s traditions and cultural heritage, a visit to Doha’s Souq Waqif is an absolute must. Souq Waqif has long been an integral part of life in Doha, but following a period of neglect, it was restored in 2004 to its former glory, now resembling a historical 19th century souq.

Souq Waqif is one of the most popular places to socialise in Doha and it has two contrasting sides – a narrow, maze-like market and the slick, open walkway lined with Asian and North African restaurants, ice cream parlours cafes where you can drink fresh mint tea, smoke flavoured shisha and take in the bustling atmosphere.

Translated as ‘the standing souq’, it was originally the trading place where the Bedouin would bring their cattle and wool. Today, Souq Waqif combines a traditional market place with a strong arts and culture programme and has been used as a filming location for a number of films including ‘Dohard’ and ‘The Haggler’, shown at the annual Doha Tribeca Film Festival.

Souq Waqif offers every emblem of Qatar that you could possibly think of and fragrance lovers will be particularly drawn to the bespoke blended perfumes, pure essential oils, oud, incense and rosewater.

For more sensory delights, browse the spice stores with huge sacks of Basmati rice, pistachios and peanuts and fragrant spices and herbs including whole rosebuds, dried lime, sumac, saffron, star anise, dill, rock salt and turmeric.

One of my favourite spots in the souq was a shop filled with hand-carved decorative wooden boxes, swords, lutes, bow and arrows and nazar jewellery and cute trinkets. In many of the shops, each item is priced, but local sources say that bartering is acceptable and expected.

Traditional Qatari dress can also be bought at the souq. For men, they sell thobes and accessories including the ghutra, the cloth worn on the head and the ogaal, a black or brown braided coil placed on top of the ghutra and sandals. Women can pick up an abaya, pashmina or a beautifully embroidered scarf.

The shop selling Qatar kitsch, including ‘I Love Qatar’ t-shirts, lighters and bunting of the Emir of Qatar were a more amusing discovery! There are plenty of cheap and fun souvenirs to bring back home but this shop also sells useful travelling bits and pieces such as disposable cameras, film and batteries.

Souq Waqif is within walking distance of the Corniche and the spectacular Museum of Islamic Art, which is one of the most inspiring, breathtaking places in Doha. Plan a whole afternoon to explore the museum, take a walk along the Corniche and finish with some shopping (and bartering) and a bite to eat at Souq Waqif.

For more Doha travel ideas, read my reviews of:

Art, Doha

Museum Of Islamic Art – Doha, Qatar

November 24, 2011 by cheriecity

Top of my list of sights to see in Doha was the Museum of Islamic Art – I literally fell in love with the building and just had to make time to experience it.

Designed by Chinese American architect L.M Pei and opened in 2008, the imposing building with beautiful lines and smooth facades lies on an island, just off the Corniche. On my drive from the airport to Renaissance Doha City Center, it was lit up majestically in blue – a breathtaking first impression of the city.

The Museum Of Islamic Art houses an eclectic selection of artworks and artefacts, spanning a huge range of cultures, religions and eras. The impressive artworks date from as far back as the seventh century and originate from all over the Islamic world – Iran, India, North Africa, Egypt, Syria and Spain (when the Iberian peninsula was the Islamic region ‘Al-Andalus’).

The design of the building is inspired by traditional Islamic patterns and exterior arches frame the spectacular Doha harbour and skyline. The focal point of the museum is the central domed atrium, which has an great sense of calm and purpose.

The permanent collections are presented in dimmed, spacious halls that circle around the atrium on two floors. When we visited, there wasn’t a visiting exhibition to see, but there is so much in the main collections to capture your interest – in fact, leave at least two hours to fully explore the museum.

On show were beautifully crafted pages from the Qur’an, certificates of pilgrimage to Mecca, decorative wall hangings, ancient jugs, a ceramic cenotaph, bronze statues, intricate patterned tiles and tiny jewel boxes containing the tiniest excerpts of the Qur’an.

The Museum of Islamic Art really comes to life at night and it becomes a shining beacon on the Doha harbour. It is the true jewel of Doha and an extraordinary homage to Islamic arts. It’s an absolute must for anyone visiting Doha – a memory you’ll keep forever.

For more info, visit: www.mia.org.qa

All photos by Chérie City.

Doha

Marriott Doha City Center Complex Launch Party

November 20, 2011 by cheriecity

Marriott International in Qatar celebrated the launch of its new multiple-brand Doha City Center complex in the buzzing downtown district with a stylish poolside party.

The two 48-storey towers are connected to the Doha City Center Mall in West Bay and comprise the lifestyle-focused Renaissance, classic contemporary Courtyard by Marriott and the luxurious Marriott Executive Apartments.

The evening started with cocktails created by some of the best mixologists from Dubai, delicious canapés and great music from local DJs.

Therapists from Marriott’s signature Saray Spa offered guests reviving back and shoulder massages. Even though I’d experienced a blissful facial earlier in the day at Saray Spa, I couldn’t resist going back for some more attention!

We were then treated to the soulful sounds of RnB artist Hamdan Al-Abri in an exclusive RLife LIVE performance. Dubai-based Al-Abri is a pioneer of soul music in the Middle East, formerly as the lead singer of the band ABRI, and released his debut solo EP just last month.

For the grand opening, Marriott were joined by owners His Excellency Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim al-Thani and Sheikh Mohamed bin Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, international journalists, Middle Eastern celebrities and friends.

This was quite possibly the coolest party I’ve ever attended. The balmy weather, amazing music, sparkling company and stunning poolside location made it the perfect end to an extraordinary trip.

Marriott Doha City Center complex is an exciting addition to the downtown Doha skyline and the fabulous launch party marks a successful start for the hotels that manage to get it right on every level. But more about my stay later…

All photos by Chérie City.

Chérie City was a guest of Marriott