For Qatar’s foodies, 2019 has started with a bang – new restaurants, new menus, new dishes and a renewed energy. A lot of love about 2019 on the food scene so let’s get into it! STK at Ritz Carlton Doha It’s here people – and it was worth the wait. Located on the top floor of the Ritz Carlton, the space has been transformed from your Grandma’s “good” sitting room, into something beyond impossibly cool. Tables have been replaced with banquettes, the bar area is among the most elaborate in the city and the entire place is geared towards THAT view. With an in-house DJ, engaged staff and creative cocktails…
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Three Places for Iftar This Ramadan in Doha That Are Not in a Hotel
Ramadan got off to a slow start for me thanks to some travel and a brush with a deuteronomy-inspired tummy bug. But now, I’m in full Ramadan-mode. I have to be honest, while I love the lavish Ramadan tents around town (and this year there are some corkers), sometimes you want something a little different for iftar beyond the live cooking stations and Um Ali coma. Eating outside the five star bubble doesn’t mean you compromise on quality, taste and experience. Quite contraire! Here are my top picks for breaking your fast without the five star fanfare: Yugo When I hear “fusion” attached to a restaurant I do balk a…
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Your January 2018 Hit List – Where You Should be Eating This Month
We did it. Made it to 2018 relatively unscathed. It seems my 2018 has started with breakneck speed – with new projects brewing, new opportunities, new travel plans. But with a new year also comes a new opportunity to try eating and drinking somewhere different in Qatar. Here’s my list of where you should be spending your hard earned dining riyals this month (and as usual, there’s a couple of surprises!). The Cheesecake Factory: Speaking of surprises – this one may shock the hard core foodies here. And believe me I was a skeptic – cosigning it to the same dubious dining schematic as fast food restaurants. But a recent…
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Around Barcelona in Five Great Meals
When I told people I was traveling Barcelona for a quick vacation in November, the reaction was very similar – a sharp intake of breath, a purse of the lips and a quizzical “Is it a good time to go?” And you know they didn’t mean the weather. If you know me, you know that I can sometimes be slow on the uptake. So it took me until well into my (ahem) 40s and my traveling life to visit Barcelona(and of course I had to visit during one of the most turbulent periods in the city’s recent history!). A serious omission on my part. The people. The location on the…
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How to Make the Most of a 48 Hour Stopover in Doha
I love a good stopover – it’s a chance to regroup at the end of a trip or fire up the start of a vacation – get in the mood so to speak. Or just slip in and sample a new destination with minimal fuss. Whatever the reason, a stopover can end up being one of the highlights of your trip. With Qatar now offering visa free travel to Qatar for 80 nationalities and Qatar Airways offering free stopovers, it’s never been easier to visit Doha on a stopover. And why not? The city makes the perfect halfway point between Asia, Africa and Europe and has some great connections to…
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Seven Hacks to Ensure You Have the Best Hotel Stay Possible
I have to be honest, I am a five star gal. I love a good hotel and all the trimmings that come with it. And who doesn’t? But we all know the five star life comes with a five star price. And while I don’t mind paying for the experience, I also want to ensure I get value for money. With hotels facing competition from the likes of Airbnb and similar, they are working harder than ever to get your business. I’ve compiled my seven best “hotel hacks” for getting the best price, a nice room and even some extra benefits for your next stay: Pay for Club Floor Access As an…
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Five Reasons to Make Bali Your Next Holiday Destination
Bali has long been on my travel radar, primarily because of its proximity to Australia. Mate, Bali is cheaper than many domestic holiday options for Aussies. But since moving to Doha, with Europe and South Asia on my door step, my travel-related attention has been elsewhere. This trip had been long-planned. When I say “planned”, I mean, AZ and I had blocked the time in our busy calendars and had a vague agreement about the destination. But then, as always seems to happen with us, events intervened. After much consternation (I’m going, not going, going, not going), we decided (literally the day before I flew) this would be another solo trip…
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To the Point – Using Qatar Airways Privilege Club Program to Your Advantage
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that I love to travel but loathe having to pay top dollar for it. As a result, I am not one of those people who hoards their frequent flyer points – use them or lose them I say. I used to be promiscuous with my flying habits, spreading my love between many airlines. But around four years ago I decided to be exclusive and pool all my points/credits/hopes and dreams with one airline – Qatar Airways. This made sense for me – I liked direct the flights, loved the product and importantly, they joined the One World alliance, giving me more options for earning points. While people…
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Four Great Eid Staycation Options in Qatar
Not everyone has the luxury of being able to travel this Eid period. Work, family and life can get in the way. While I am fortunate to be able to travel this year (destination to be revealed soon!), I will still be adding a couple of days in Doha on at the end to ease myself back into work and enjoy the city. Luckily there was some great offers around at the moment, with hotels in the city and beyond keen to welcome locally-based guests in light of current issues. A couple tips before you book: Call the hotel and ask if there are special offers or packages. You may…
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First Class Fare – Not Just Plane Food
Last year, after a rugged Summer, I treated myself a business class flight to Thailand. At the gate, ready to board, I was informed my seat had been changed. I swear, at that moment, I heard angels singing. Suddenly I was bathed in a soft light emanating from heaven itself. The gate staff member turned into a unicorn. I had achieved the impossible – I had been upgraded…to FIRST CLASS. When I boarded and was rolling around in my vast seat, a fellow passenger, also upgraded, literally ran on board. He looked around, surveying is kingdom for the next seven hours, and said… “SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET”. Right then, that man was all…
