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| Source: Tivoli Group. The Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli. |
Blending Qatari tradition and contemporary leisure, the new hotel has 101 guest rooms housed in two former heritage houses.
Each house features architecture mirroring a Qatari house or fortress. In keeping with the local heritage, each of the guest rooms and suites features classic thatched roofs, reflecting traditional basket weaving elements. The guest rooms have motifs reflecting blues of the sea and the tones of the desert, inspired by Al Wakra’s history as a pearl diving and fishing village.
Open walkways and maze-like paths lead to courtyards where multiple guest rooms can be blocked off to create private areas for groups. Large parties can stay together in guest rooms grouped around authentic Qatari majlis (meeting rooms). Historically a majlis was a gathering place for people to discuss family and business-related issues and announcements. The tradition continues in Arab homes, which typically have a majlis for events and meetings.
Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli has five restaurants and lounges. Jarnen offers Mediterranean all-day dining with fresh seafood sourced daily from the local Al Wakra market and BBQ dishes grilled to order at live cooking stations. Markhan, an Arabic fusion lounge, has views of sunsets overlooking the gulf.
Emshoot offers invites Asian flavours while Mahaadeg’s terrace, which has views of the souq, serves international dishes. Quick bites are available at the Lobby Lounge.
A majlis situated across the property offers an authentic Bedouin-style evening or live BBQ.
To complement the waterfront location, Tivoli Spa provides services for relaxation and wellbeing with separate treatment rooms for men and women as well as a hydro pool, steam room, Vichy shower* and jacuzzi. A multifunctional gym in each building is also available for all guests.
Fifteen minutes by car from Doha’s Hamad International Airport, the hotel is an easily accessible location for business meetings, with both a multipurpose boardroom equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment and a business centre available in each building. The hotel also has direct access to the adjacent Al Wakra public beach and promenade.
A former coastal settlement for pearl divers, sailors and fishermen, Al Wakra flourished as a trading post until supplies ran out. Recent investment has resulted in efforts to preserve and revive heritage sites, said Tivoli.
Souq Al Wakra is now popular with merchants selling traditional garments, dates and spices, and souvenirs. The souq comes to life at night with diners along the promenade, locally called the corniche. The regeneration of the area also includes historical landmarks such as Al Wakra Fort, a short walk from the property, which will soon reopen after refurbishment.
Tivoli Hotels & Resorts is part of the Minor Hotels and currently operates 16 properties in around the world.
*The user lies on a shallow bed with drainage, underneath several shower mechanisms.
