REGIONAL Escapes

nine open-air kitchens that they have. You’re lucky enough to view the Barahat Msheireb which is such a sensational view, and if you choose your table right, you’ll be overlooking the Corniche and the Doha skyline too! You can find the local design elements here as well as the cushions at the hotel are inspired by the cushions found in Al Wakra Souq that showcase the country’s pearling heritage with the sea blue colour and lines inspired by pearling nets.

IZU, on the other hand, is a deal of its own. A restaurant that takes inspiration from the deck of a show boat, I could see the impact that local surroundings also had with the design, its French Mediterranean cuisine will lure you in with the most scrumptious delights. It gets pretty crowded for dinner time as locals make an advanced booking and don’t blame them at all - the seating right next to the town square and even the indoor interior that reflects Chef Izu’s personal liking of nature and authentic food; this restaurant is an experience one must have. Inspired by the chef’s journey across Spain, France, England, and the Middle East, you’re going to experience a fusion of delight with the menu of this restaurant. You cannot leave the restaurant without trying the whole roasted chicken, foie gras and truffle sauce! I hear the burrata with cherry tomatoes and basil is also one of the most loved starters here. As for me, I would highly recommend trying their breakfast as well because french toasts have truly never been more true of the whole melt-in-your-mouth mantra.

If you think the desserts at the restaurants are something you’d be interested in coming back to, you haven’t even peeked into Gelato then. Even though I hold the restaurant desserts in high value, Gelato’s homemade delicacies are something that certainly won me over. A sucker for cute little cafes, I was welcomed to an adorable little venue to show off the colourful side of desserts, and you absolutely MUST order the nitrogen ice-creamology for a bit of theatre that just adds to the ongoing treat this place is. No hotel is complete with some fun with the bartenders at their lounge. The al-fresco area of Aqua and the completely opposite Ambar with its chill vibes, I couldn’t decide which one I was more attracted to. Both the places have their own thrill and as I enjoyed one of the best drinks of my life at Aqua, Ambar came through as fierce competition, getting an edge over Aqua at this point. Hotel guests casually lounged here as you see the mixologist engaging unobtrusively with everyone. They make drinks according to your taste and I do not believe a girl could ask for more. My weekend at Mandarin Oriental can only be described in one word: exceptional. The staff were super friendly, everyone knew my name by the end of the day, I was greeted by the same team - whether it was their shift or not - and I was made to feel like I truly belonged. Making friends, having some time to enjoy on my own and simply sitting next to the windows that let in the bright Doha sun, my weekend was a complete journey on its own.

For reservations and more information, please call 4008 8888 @mo_doha