REGIONAL Escapes

The digital menu guides us to start with the signature W Aperitivo, which is typically served with happy hour beverages and comprises of an array of canapes ranging from neatly presented polenta squares with gorgonzola, a fresh mini Caprese adaptation, and Arancini Siciliani balls. The mood lighting and glitzy gold mosaic interior complemented by vintage black-andwhite photos from familiar Italian cinema creates an inviting atmosphere. Starters arrive, and I’m delighted with my two favourite appetisers, the Melenzane and Salmon Tartare. The perfectly cooked salmon tartare pops to life with the fragrant gazpacho sauce. For the mains, I surprised the chef with my selection of the Guancia Di Manzo Brasata, a slow-cooked beef cheek with mash potates and rosemary sauce. The beef melts in your mouth and is packed with flavour.

Delighted with sweet endings in the form of a traditional tiramisu and a light and refreshing Panna Cotta Con Frutti Di Bosco, a vanilla custard with mixed berries and raspberry coulis. My taste buds were left delighted, and it was time to retire to my room to conclude the perfect evening. After one of the best night’s sleep of my life, I finally managed to tear myself away from the room to enjoy some pool time. The W pool is pristine and perfect for a group gathering with poolside beverages or a solo swim. By then, I had worked up a craving for something sweet and headed down to the W Cafe for an indulgent high tea shared with some girlfriends. As we scan the QR code for the menu, the eager and friendly staff recommend a highly unusual tea. The Earl Passion Iced Tea is served in a cocktail glass with a round piece of ice infused with mixed berries and a teapot with passion fruit and earl grey mixture that is poured over the ice, releasing a kaleidoscope of flavours! And what would high tea be without a threetier birdcage filled with an array of savoury sandwiches, pastries, scones, and cakes? The W Cafe is the perfect trip down a wonderland of tastes –definitely the most unique high tea I have experienced. The iconic design-led lifestyle brand has effortlessly kept up with today’s changing landscape, enhancing the guest experience with a variety of hightech touches to eliminate friction points. And here in Doha, the hotel