A DREAM THAT’S REAL!

Azqa Haroon dishes out the details on Mina Hotel And Residences By Torch for a staycation that is within reach and serene whilst being instagrammable

Set at a short distance from Doha’s skyline, Mina Hotel and Residences overlooks the serene view to the sea, West Bay and the Cruise Terminal. With 30 Mediterranean style boutique rooms and 126 upscale curved contours apartments that have inclined walls providing a Qatari traditional hint is surely the new hotspot where you’d wish to unwind for a quick getaway or settle in for long-term.

It’s a pleasant Monday afternoon, when my family and I check in for a brief one-night introduction to this novel property. Just as welcoming as on the outside is the interiors to be seen from within, simple, elegant and warm. A friendly and smooth check-in has me grabbing my room card towards the golf cart. Our upscale apartment is located towards the cruise terminal end of the Mina district. As we cruise through the narrow alley heading towards our apartment, it feels like stepping into a new location all together. The colourful yellow, pink, orange and blue buildings will surely catch anyone’s attention, and I could hardly wait to hop off my buggy and walk through the winding lanes to explore the district further.

After the buggy ride we arrive at our bright building. Our home for the night is a beautiful three-bedroom apartment overlooking the cruise terminal. After indulging in some complimentary fruits and deserts we manage to catch the magical Qatari sunset as the clouds miraculously clear away. Recharged from this natural marvel we focus back in the room and take in the interior. The décor is chic and classy and certainly makes you feel like home. A king-size bed in the master room plus two twin beds each in the others. The living and dining area reveals comfortable sofas which face toward a massive Smart TV.

Eager to explore, now we step out to explore the fresh instragrammable district, a sure heaven not only for photographers but for food lovers as well. There are numerous coffee shops, cafes and restaurants to satisfy your gourmet desires and the district also offers stores selling handicrafts, paintings jewelry and much more.

Having worked up an appetite after a long day, we head to the hotel for our dinner. The Mina Hotel Restaurant with its warm and refined atmosphere, offers a taste of heritage from Doha topped by a fantastic breakfast, calming afternoon tea and all day light platters that are right after your taste buds. A star-lit dinner at the terrace overlooking the main pedestrian wooden deck promenade area with a view to the sea and the cruise terminal makes you feel a little starry, too.

Our welcome drink was surely a great start to our gastronomic trip. From their starters to the main course, every dish had a delicious taste. The succulent lamb shank served on a bed of oriental rice and herb crumbled seabass is certainly a five-star winner on the menu. Talking further about the lamb – it has been braised so slowly and for so long that it breaks apart at the lightest touch of the fork.

After a sweet ending of their signature fudge and date toffee pudding our bellies are full and, for me, it’s off to dreamland in that king-size bed. Following a restful sleep, we tried the amazing Mina Breakfast which surely is a QH highly recommended morning treat. If you want to relax but haven’t got time for trip abroad then you can’t do much better than a quick break at the Mina hotel and Residence by Torch. n