REGIONAL Escapes

Aleph Doha Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton hasn’t around very long – it opened on September 30 – but already has hosted several guests and expects many more soon. It’s less a hotel than it is serviced residential suites with one, two, and three bedrooms. They’re ideal for medium- to long-stay guests working in Qatar and also a great alternative to the stuffy hotel, where everything is done for you when all you really want is some independence and self-catering facilities. Intelligent, modern design is something that hits you from the moment you arrive. The 52-floor tower has a mostly glass exterior, which means that no matter the suite you’re in, there’s no shortage of light beaming through. The washroom was the only place without windows, thankfully, so the rooms are bright and light. Blackout curtains can be drawn if you want. This is a feature I was glad to see, so that I could enjoy a lie-in, but see some spectacular views of West Bay as soon as I pulled them back – and this is the case no matter what side of the building you stay on. From our window, we had a direct line view of the flight path into the old airport and could see the Museum of Islamic Art in all its majestic glory. The corniche was visible down below, and I could make out Banana Island on the far horizon. The soundproofing is worthy of note because, despite all the city action down below, I couldn’t hear any of it. As for the design? Very smart. The rooms are very spacious, and the high ceilings and long uncluttered living room and open-plan kitchen in the one- and two-bedroom suites accentuate the mass of living space available. It’s rather social, too. There is a long dining table for six, where I was also able to get a lot of work done. There was a kitchen at the far end with a breakfast bar, full length fridge-freezer, microwave, cooker with four hobs, and ample storage space, with all cutlery and crockery provided. Also noteworthy is the plain white design, with just a few tasteful and modern art pieces dotted throughout. The space then acts as a blank canvas in order to allow incoming residents to personalise it with their own furniture or personal belongings. Within reason, the very flexible staff can remove certain items if guests want to bring in their own things.

So let’s talk hospitality, which I must say is very warm and welcoming. Breakfast takes place every morning at Mondo restaurant and serves a well-crafted menu of egg-based options as well as half a dozen healthy choices like granola and fruit. I was hugely impressed by the offering – wholesome choices are plentiful, in fact. Mondo’s café, meanwhile, is tucked to the left inside the lobby and also has outdoor seating. Here await delicious salads as well as other standard fare. I particularly enjoyed its curried tuna salad alongside a smoothie.

The top floor houses the health club. The gym faces west, and I went at possibly the best time for a workout – sunset! While burning calories on the treadmill, I quite literally took in the breath-taking view of the city centre from a towering height and watched the sun set in the distance. It was a magical sight to behold, sweat and all. On the other side of the top floor, facing east, is the indoor pool. There are great views there, too, plus the water is warm so you can swim fast lengths or just dip your legs in and read a book while unwinding from life’s stresses. We’re told that a hammam is on the way very soon –something to look forward to!