Category: Food

With incredible food and world class chefs Bodrum on Türkiye‘s Aegean coast should be your next great foodie vacation destination

Türkiye’s beguiling capital of Istanbul garners most of the plaudits for its ever evolving food scene. But Bodrum, stretching from the country’s southwest coast into the Aegean Sea, is a culinary destination in itself.

The foodie renaissance has also been fuelled by the 2024 arrival of the MICHELIN Guide – with local chefs and produce taking centre stage. Blessed with seafood from the Aegean, wine from grapes grown in the surrounding hills and fresh farm produce, there is a growing community of chefs and restaurateurs showcasing the area’s bounty.

Bodrum is a seasonal destination, with many hotels shuttering during winter and emerging from hibernation for the Summer. During this season, Bodrum becomes an international hot spot for celebrities and sunseekers who flock here in the summer months to vacation on the beautiful Turkish Riviera. But this aside, it’s the perfect place for a foodie vacation.There are new places opening all the time, many of them run by the best chefs in Turkey.

There is also an ecosystem of producers in Bodrum and Mugla to support this flourishing food scene – like the orchard Bodrum Yadigarı, where the region’s famous mandarins have been grown for generations.

Where to Stay

The Bodrum EDITION: The hotel clings to the side of a hill in Bodrum, taking full advantage of the view. Rooms are sleek, minimalist yet also plush and all have balconies with views of the sea. You will love the small touches like a signature scent throughout the hotel (Le Labo for the record); buggies to zoom you around the steep hills and the in-house dogs always available for a cuddle.

The hotel’s 108 rooms, suites, and villas feel almost residential in their warmth and generosity, marking it apart from some of its flashier neighbours. A spa, a beach club, and an infinity pool are among the offerings on site, if you can lure yourself from the spacious rooms.

Aside from the location it’s home to two of the best restaurants in the area. Talk about punching above its weight. Both are also members of The Luminary Set – a collection of critically acclaimed chefs and culinary innovators across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Fun fact, breakfast is served in Kitchen, which at night transforms into a Michelin starred beauty by one of Turkiye’s most revered chefs.

Where to Eat

Brava Bodrum which is helmed by Italian masterchef Stefano Ciotti, who is no stranger to Doha having previously opened Veritas at Al Messila. The restaurant is set outside with beach views, a DJ, a champagne cart and a cocktail bar with incredibly creative drinks. Starting in the 2024 season, BRAVA partnered up with Ciotti, to showcase the flavors of Italian cuisine.

The menu showcases some classic Mediterranean flavors but for me the highlights were a robust sea bass with a silky burnside sauce; a hand rolled and filled chicken tortello with burnt butter; and delicate poached shrimp with a rainbow of gelee sauces.

Ciotti’s approach can be theatrical and every dish has a story – like the little pottery houses for bread on each table symbolizing his childhood. Or the diorama complete with a curtain to unveil petit four that are a tribute to famed composer Rossini who was from the chef’s home town.

Kitchen by Osman Sezener: Chef Osman’s unique and international take on Turkish cuisine. Produce from the region takes centre stage and it is always guaranteed to be fresh and flavourful. His method here is to also emphasize the view, which is the “natural ornament” of the location, and the ingredients in his simple dishes.

The chef finds and uses local ingredients in his dishes and his passion for this approach is clear and the dishes thoughtful. For example, Adana caviar and Bargilya bluetail shrimp feature on the menu. Among the other menu highlights are the roasted Northern Aegean octopus, a delicate calamari with corn semolina from Trabzon; and a crispy skin sea bream again fresh from the nearby sea accented with earthy saffron.

There’s an almost relaxed elegance to this food – the Chef knows his ingredients and how to make them shine.

Orfoz Bodrum: The beautiful bay this restaurant overlooks is the pride of the Bozçağa brothers – not only for the azure waters, but also the bountiful fish and seafood they have to offer. You can feast on clams and sea urchin caught that very morning.

This is complements by Turkish wines, specifically from Neferiye wines. The labour of love of one of the brothers, who works with local families to harvest grapes and literally make wine in the basement of his family home.

How to Get There

As it’s a seasonal destination, Qatar Airways only goes direct in the summer months. Meanwhile you can catch a Turkish Airlines or Pegasus.

While you are here…

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You can read my other reviews here.flight through Istanbul (one hour by plane).

*I was a guest of The Luminary Set and Bodrum EDITION

Located 25 minutes by boat from Doha is an island that will make you forget that you are in Qatar. You are transported in a luxury catamaran ferry to Banana Island Resort.  Named as such because the island is shaped like a banana the Qatari locals call in the Maldives of Qatar. This sounded like the perfect day escape for a group of weary souls to kick-back, relax and have a fun day.

The island stands like a crescent-shaped attraction that spreads to an area of 12 hectors. Today the Banana Island is famous for its excellent service and the vista with palm vegetation. The Banana Island resort Doha offers accommodation to all the travelers, the Qatar Nationals and the tourist outside Qatar.

We were thrilled as a guest at the resort to enjoy a special meal at finest dining at Q Lounge & Restaurant in Banana Island Resort. It is a perfect spot for all-day relaxing dining, on a spectacular setting on the pier with both an elegant indoor formal area or a poolside dining area with views of the ocean, Indian cuisine lovers will discover a mouth-watering collection flavors of comfort food and snacks.

If you want to indulge in a distinctive selection of Indian and international dishes, then one must plan a visit to Q Lounge for dining experience.

We were fortunate enough to have experience delicious and mouthwatering Indian delicacies in wide ranging variety of starters, delectable main course options with different types of vegetarian dishes to choose from and an unbeatable sweets and deserts tastefully curated by Q LOUNGE’S talented and best chef Mr. Pradeep. He ensured that each of us thoroughly enjoy the delicious food and keeping in mind everyone choice and preferences as all of us were vegetarians.

Quinoa Salad

Watermelone Sashimi

Vol Au Vent

Vegetable Stew in a Coconut Shell with Mustard Oil

Roasted Brinjal

Desserts

The staffs were very cordial and courteous in serving the food and making it most amazing dining experience for us.

The perfect place to completely relax in paradise, ideal for a special occasion or even for creating the dreamy romantic experience and proposal.

Anantara Banana Island Resort. Let’s just say, it was an amazing retreat

Rekha Kantilal

The above article is written by Rekha Kantilal.

Milan, Italy has lingered just off my “must visit” list for a while. I’d fallen into the trap of thinking it’s an industrial and fashion focused city, perhaps a hopping off point for exploring the nearby more alluring regions and their food. But a quick, early Summer trip to Milan proved me wrong and had me hankering for a return visit in very quick time. So, here are my five reasons why you to visit Milan right now (and a bonus one)…

Reason 1: The Food

It’s always about the food. I mean, it’s Italy. But the food in Milan is a sleeper hit. The northern Italian city’s cuisine reflects centuries of foreign influence, blending Spanish and Austrian elements into hearty, meat-focused dishes defined by comfort, simplicity, and inventive flair – the very essence of Italian cooking.  

And the dining options range from the seriously chic to the family style rustic. The Michelin Guide selected Zelo at the Four Seasons Milano, was my refuge – with its garden views and sun-drenched dining room as well as generous breakfast buffet; linguine with lobster and sea urchin or a simple grilled fish. But for me it was the vitello tonnato, a most misunderstood dish, that salty funk from the tuna and slivers of beef, that was my undoing. 

A highlight was the moody but beautiful Sogni. The seafood heavy menu and the cocktails (and some celebrity spotting), makes this a worthy detour. Keeping with the theme, Torre, located on the sixth floor of the eponymous Fondazione Prada building, was designed by Rem Koolhaas in 2018. Cooly elegant, the menu is surprisingly hearty – fried eggs with pumpkin and pecorino or fish of the day with a tangy hollandaise. 

For something more rustic, head 30 minutes from Milan’s center, Al Garghet is a gem. The interiors are cluttered with bric-a-brac but the menu is pure Milan. focuses largely on Milanese cuisine with hearty risottos, osso buco, and Milanese cotoletta, which covers the dinner plate.

Heading onto streets, I made a beeline and braved the lines for the famed Panzerotti Luini, with its fried bread stuffed with sweet or savory fillings. 

Reason 2: The Four Seasons Milano

When in Milano, treat yourself. The Four Seasons is a brand that has perfected the art of knowing exactly what their guests want and when they want it. This grand dame is in the heart of the high-end Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quarter) is set in a 15^th century former convent, surrounding a leafy courtyard. It’s steps away from all the big fashion names, restaurants and more and is the perfect base for exploring this unique city. And, to me, the hotel felt essentially like upscale Milan society’s living room. It was a truly social space and had a buzz about it many hotels would long for.

The newly renovated suites are chic (that word again), but not overwrought. Spacious without having redundant space that many rooms of its caliber have. The studio suites hits that “sweet” spot between form and function, with garden views, cosy white interiors and a separate sitting area with pops of color. 

If you are going all out, I recommend the Renaissance Suite, the ceiling has the building’s original stucco and has been completely reimagined by celebrated designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. 

The spa is below level, in essentially a cellar, and feels like a cloistered escape – with a 20 meter indoor pool and a menu of treatments designed to soothe even a Type A personality. 

Perhaps my favorite spot in the hotel was, Camino, a bar off the lobby, which preserves the sweeping arches of the building’s past. It also serves cocktails, an excellent wine list and light bites.

Reason 3: The Duomo and surrounds

You can’t come to Milan without visiting the Gothic masterpiece that is thw Duomo. And, even for the height averse, I am going to recommend going the full tourist. Book ahead, skip the line as the old adage goes. The views, yes stunning, but it’s  the artistry of this, one of the world’s biggest cathedrals that will impress even the most travel weary soul.

The nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is, yes, beset by gawping visitors at any time, but a must visit. It’s showstopping soaring glass ceilings and the vastness of the structure are stunning. Follow the signs to the Aperol Terrace, which is insanely busy, touristy and completely OTT.

Reason 4: The Art Scene

We all know the Last Supper is in Milan. But there is more to explore than this, admittedly iconic work. 

Contemporary art is the star at Fondazione Prada, Miuccia Prada’s art collection. The area, almost like an industrial park, is a work of art from its golden haunted house and tower housing its permanent collection to its revolving temporary shows. After visiting, stop at Bar Luce, the Art Deco–inspired bar designed by director Wes Anderson.

You can thank Napoleon for the Pinoteca di Brera. Founded in 1776 (opened to the public in 1809)  and, since then, has become a repository for works scoured from across Italy. Napoleon was the instigator behind this, using it to house the artworks pilfered from across Italy, with a plan to make it “Louvre of Italy”. 

Today it has an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art, including works by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bellini.  Perhaps the most famous is Francesco Hayez’s The Kiss, in front of which you will see young lovers re-enact the pose. As an aside, the Brera neighborhood is one of the coolest in Milan.

Reason 5: The Fashion

OK yes, I would be remiss not to mention the fashion, because it’s too obvious. But, it’s just so so good. That said, Milan’s fashion isn’t just about the clothes. The city is a manufacturing and design powerhouse.

The Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrilateral),  is Milan’s luxury shopping district, and one of the most famed in the world. So-called because it is criss-crossed by four prestigious streets – via Montenapoleone, via Manzoni, via della Spiga and Corso Venezia.  Meanwhile, the original Prada store, founded in 1913 in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, still drawing the crowds and a shoppers.

For those planning a splurge, don’t forget non-EU residents can claim their tax back before they leave. February 1, 2024, the reduction of the minimum spending threshold for Tax Free Shopping changed from €154.95 to €70.01 -s you can do the girl math on that. The tax refund process is much simpler now, but you can find more details here. 

Bonus Special mention: The Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Milan will host the opening ceremony on 6 February  at San Siro Stadium, in addition to the ice sport events: figure skating, short track, speed skating and ice hockey.  Skating!!!

So, Milan SHOULD be on the bucket list

Food, history, art, and of course, fashion. It’s pretty much a perfectly fashionable storm!

*Ready to book a trip to Milan? Qatar Airways offers 21 direct flights per week from Doha (DOH) to Milan (MXP)

*I was a guest of the Four Seasons Milano. 

While you are here…

Thank you for reading! This is a new series highlighting my life of eating outside of Doha – coming up, more of London, Cairo and Milan (and a few places in between) on the blog in coming weeks!

Are you getting my weekly Life on the Wedge newsletter? If not why not? Sign up here. 

You can read my other reviews here and check out my Foodie Map of Qatar here.

Please note:
While I pay for a large portion of my experiences that I write about, I am sometimes provided meals and other experiences free of charge or at a reduced rate. However, I make it clear that I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

It’s all about the fresh fruit juices, smoothies, and milkshakes to keep you cool and energized. Middle Easterners are considered experts at living in the heat, and trust them when they say they know the best recipes for summer drinks that will blow your taste buds away.

These Arab summer inspired drinks are usually made with fresh fruits and vegetables that are picked right out of their backyard. They aren’t only delicious, but also very healthy. Although you can get these drinks at a cafe or restaurant, still,  no one can beat the homemade drinks; they are the best. Try them out in your own kitchen!

Limon w nana is the Arabic version of the delicious frozen mint lemonade drink. This is a quick and easy mix to make with lemon juice, mint leaves, sugar, ice and water. It’s the most traditional and  most popular slushy drink at any cafe, particularly, in countries such as the Gulf, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon.

Click here for a full recipe

Amar Al Din, also known as the apricot juice, has a rich flavor of just apricots. It is made with two ingredients, which are the apricot sheets and boiling hot water poured on it.  I might take  around 4-5 hours to soak. It’s truly a unique and  mouth watering drink that you just can’t say no to.

Click here for the full recipe

Tamar Hindi is a delightful drink usually served at Iftar for Muslims during Ramadan. Many Muslims use this drink as a way to break their fast rather than eating dates. Why is that? Well, Tamar Hindi also known as Indian dates is actually made up of the tamarind fruit. It is a worldwide drink; however, most Arabs drink this to cool off during hot summer days. This spectacular drink is exactly what you need this season.

Click here to find the recipe

Something creamy, cool, and incredibly chill is the famous Laban drink. It is more common in the Khaleej/Gulf countries and Egypt; however, all people around the Middle East love it. It’s essentially made up of yoghurt (either cow or sheep) with water and a few other ingredients to fill all your senses. It can also be a drink to eat with garlic and cucumbers, cookies, and/or dates, depending on your preference.

Click here to find the recipe

Carob is known to be extremely healthy and is actually caffeine free and fat free. This is also called kharoub in Arabic, where the molasses is used to make the drink in addition to sugar and water. It’s a cool drink that you would fall in love with.

Click here to find the recipe

Jallab is a more Syrian and lebanese drink that combines the tastes of both sweet and sour together. It is made up of date syrup, rose water, water and ice. How easy! Some people like to add pine nuts to it, while others like to keep it simple. Others also choose to replace the date syrup with grape syrup,  but it all really depends what appeals to you at the moment.

Click here to find the recipe

Rumman is the Arabic word for the pomegranate fruit. It is a tangy drink that is popular around Palestine and Lebanon. The fruit is sweet but it has it’s health benefits such as antioxidant drink which improves one’s vision. Rumman and water is all you need to taste this cool summer drink.

Click here to find the recipe

Sliding into 2025 with some recommendations to start your year as you intend to continue it! Here’s my January Doha dining hit list: the hot, new and just-reviewed places to check out, right now.

I don’t like to bang on about how long I have lived in Doha (blah blah), but I was actually one of the first to dine at Isaan when it opened back in 2010. And I have been a fan of it ever since. Originally it served almost exclusively small plates with a spicy menu from the north east of Thailand. The menu has evolved over the years, with more crowd pleasing items added. Which is part of its charm and probably one of the reasons it has been added to the Bib Gourmand MICHELIN List.

Their weekly Monday curry night is one of the best kept secrets in town, and I can see why many people gate keep it. Unlimited curries for QR150 per person. There are seven curries on the menu, ranging from the favorite green curry (Kang Kiew Wan) through to a lush roasted duck curry with sweet basil (Kaeng Phed Ped Yang) and a deep friend fish curry (Choo Chee Pla).

Several of the curries are offered in different variations – beef, chicken and veggie style which are also brought to the table. My highlight was the Massaman beef (Kaeng Massaman) – with tender hunks of beef simmered in the peanutty sauce. You are asked at the start what your spice level is, which should please all diners! Sticky rice as a side is topped up and there is also an all night happy hour.

Must order: The Massaman beef or chicken is rich and comforting.

Sri Lankan (via London) eatery Hoppers Doha  cemented its culinary credentials in December, landing itself a Bib Gourmand in the MICHELIN Guide

This newly bestowed accolade, it seems, fits Hoppers Doha nicely. Their QR99 business lunch is great value, with some excellent cooking and robust flavors.

There are four set menus available for lunch. The standout dishes in the non-veg version were a starter of hot butter squid – a tangle of lightly crisp tentacles, just tender enough and bathed in the buttery, sauce. Meanwhile, the main dish in the thali was a luxurious prawn mango curry. The tiny bowl housed five plump prawns nestled in the spiced gravy.

Don’t skip dessert of you get the business lunch – hoppers with vanilla ice cream and jaggery is my new favorite jam.

Must order: The business lunch is fantastic value at QR99

Could this be the best value brunch in town right now? Let’s start with the pricing – QR350 for house drinks (including some lethal cocktails) and QR325 for soft drinks, even before adding in that it’s on both the ENTERTAINER and Urban Point, it’s a no brainer. Full sized portions of starters arrive soon after your drinks and they are mostly a success. The tom yum gratin seafood dip, is a fusion that shouldn’t work but it does.  Hanguk “chicken munchies” are spicy Korean style morsels and one of the stars of the selection.

Charging full speed into the mains, again these are adult-sized. The teriyaki beef tenderloin the hero dish – still tender and with a sweet/sour tang of pineapple. I made quick work of the glossy green curry prawns (the broth was a little thin) as well as the nutty egg noodles with vegetables. Both the miso glazed Barramundi fillets (which came with veggies) and the sticky black pepper chicken admittedly punched above their weight flavor wise.

Drinks include six cocktail options, two beer options, four spirits plus a white and white wine option. TVs is known for their cocktails and these hit the spot, even resulting in me feeling a tad dusty the next day.  There is a fun Latino three piece band that kicks the atmosphere into controlled party brunch mode.

Must order: Just let them bring it all!

AYjYA Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel sits on level 3 where Aziza was. This new venture is Pan-Asian fusion and can best be described as a bar, restaurant and hangout space (there’s even power outlets for it be used as a working space if you want).It’s a huge space and at first is a bit confusing – you don’t know where to look. There are murals of Jackie Chan, an alcove with old school video games (that’s a siren call Gen X – there is Pac-Man!). The bar area has comfy seats which leads to another dining area.

The menu is as big as the ideas at AYjYa – noodles, soups and laksas, sushi, burgers, steaks with a smattering of veggie dishes, plus desserts. It encompasses Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Malaysian and more.  As an indication, starters clock in at QR35 and up; soups from QR40; sushi rolls form QR65; rice and noodles from QR55 and mains from QR45.

I had a very small taster, plumping immediately for what will be a bit of a divisive dish – the carbonara ramen (QR55). Sure to upset purists from both sides, it’s actually very moreish and well executed. The noodles have a bite and lashings of Parmesan. Very comforting. A spicy salmon maki roll (QR65) is fresh and clean. It should be good, the people behind this place also have Soy Tokyo so they know their sushi. Dragon fire chicken (QR45) and sriracha firecracker shrimp (QR45) are both surely crowd pleasers. Solid new takes on some classics.

Must order: all dishes are tasty and meant to please

Malibu Poolside Brunch at The Ned Doha

The Malibu brunch The Ned Doha may just have hit the sweet spot between party and chilled that has even impressed me.

Starting off with the food selection – yes not as vast as some (it’s a buffet) but focused and very good quality. There is a very well put together fresh salad and cold starter selection that would please even the pickiest of eaters. Complementing this is a raw bar with shucked to order oysters, lobster and juicy prawns.

The hot main selection encompasses freshly made pizzas; a grill station with seafood and some very moreish filet of beef and a brisket in addition to some hot station items like lasagna.

Dessert, never my strong point, lured me in with a self serve serve soft serve machine (say that three times quickly) among its delights. Staff keep the drinks (beer, wine, four killer cocktails and additional for bubbles) flowing and lively.

Speaking of which, The Ned does something interesting with the entertainment. It kicks off with a DJ playing some laid back favorites, then moves to a DJ with a keyboardist (evidently a fan of Amy Winehouse) then the DJ rejoins, switching gears with a drummer. The entertainment as such ebbs and flows according to the crowd and the progression of the brunch. Yep. Someone actually thought about that. Also, despite this and the crowd, you can have a conversation.

The brunch runs a leisurely 12pm to 4pm and has four packages – QR300 with soft drinks; QR400with house beverages; QR500 with bubbles and you can rent one of their very LA style VIP cabanas for QR500 per person. Kids under 12 are QR150 and under five free.

Must order: Head straight for the seafood selection

QAQAW at the Mandarin Oriental

One for chocolate lovers – Mandarin Oriental, Doha yesterday opened a chocolate centric outdoor cafe Barahat Square. Qaqaw has a menu of lush chocolate creations in a stylish, art deco inspired outdoor setting.

The desserts and hot chocolates use Valrhona chocolate – for example the raspberry and honey hot chocolate (QR65). There’s the obvious sweet treats as well as salads, sandwiches, waffles and bakery items. The profiteroles with house made vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce (QR70) played into my sweet spot.

Everything is finished tableside with a little flare. Prices range from QR65 for the signature hot chocolates; QR55 for milkshakes; QR35 for coffees and desserts from QR75. It opens daily from 4pm to 12am and is located on the Baraha Square side of the hotel with a separate entrance.

Must order: the lush hot chocolates would convert even a hardened cynic

NOZOMI Teppanyaki

Nozomi Doha Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha has updated its low key upstairs lounge area and revamped it as a Teppanyaki space. And, it’s a winner.

There are three Teppan tables installed, kind of like mini culinary theaters. Teppan means metal plate in Japanese and in this context means the hot, flat grills the chefs use to cook the vegetables and proteins. The live show is means to display precision knife work and of course, some entertainment – flying eggs, volcano onions and flaming grills. Diners sit around these communal tables and are part of the show.

Nozomi’s approach is to offer a set menu as the base – appetizers including gyoza, a salad, miso soup plus mixed veggies and rice both cooked on the grill. You then choose your proteins (which are integral to the show). These start from QR225 for tiger prawns and go up to QR500 for Canadian lobster. The best option in my view are the combos – surf and turf so to speak – starting from QR310.

There is a children’s set menu as well – which included all the starters and extras plus the proteins starting from QR110. It’s all relatively fast and the items good quality, especially the prawns and the Australian beef.

Must order: guys, it’s dinner AND a show

And there we have it – your January Doha dining hit list: the hot, new and just-reviewed places to check out, right now. That’s a great primer for the month and year ahead – 2025 is certainly giving an indication it will be great and this is just a sample of the must-visit spots in the city.

Thank you for reading and all of your support over the past year – here’s to a delicious 2025.

While you are here…

Are you getting my weekly Life on the Wedge newsletter? Sign up here. We have some exciting and exclusive offers and events planned for the rest of the year! I launched my substack which is a platform for some deeper explorations of topics around food. 

You can read my other reviews here.

Please note:
While I pay for a large portion of my experiences that I write about, I am sometimes provided meals and other experiences free of charge or at a reduced rate. However, I make it clear that I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

Contact Information

Opening Hours

Breakfast | From 6:30 am to 10:30 am
Lunch | 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Dinner | From 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm

For table reservations, please book online or call +974 4445 0000.

Location

Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Um Al Saneem Street, Street Number 970, Doha, Qatar, DOHA

For more information visit their website 

IKSHA 360 for three unique dining experiences from the formal and private to the calm and casual. Whether it be an intimate dinner under soft Arabian lighting or a chance to catch up with friends around the Indian influenced cake bar, Iksha 360 is a venue like no other.

40TH FLOOR-EXCLUSIVE DINING

The exclusive dining space on the 40th floor has been purpose built to accommodate all private functions, including a Chefs table, with all offering stunning views of the Pearl, Doha & Lusail.

41ST FLOOR-RESTAURANT IKSHA 360

With its fine decor and stunning floor to ceiling views, the 41st floor features the world renowned IKSHA 360 restaurant for evening service only.

42ND FLOOR-THE 360° LOUNGE

With it’s uninterrupted 360° views, the Lounge serves Indian delicacies, Thali lunches, high tea, cakes, pastries and chaats with a relaxed all day and late night dining experience.

Contact Information

• SATURDAY TO WEDNESDAY: 11:30 AM TO 11:30 PM THURSDAY AND FRIDAY: 11:30 AM TO 12:30 AM
• RESERVATION ON BOOKING ONLY. TO MAKE A RESERVATION –BOOK NOW
• CONTACT: +974 40213333 / +974 33233205 OR EMAIL :BOOKING@IKSHA360.COM

Location : 
The Pearl Tower 1, Pearl Boulevard
Abraj Quartier, Doha, Qatar

For more information visit their website 

Drawing on the diversity of India’s regional cuisines, the team at Dalchini Restaurant & Bar serves a selection of progressive Indian dishes in a modern atmosphere. The a la carte menu features both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Located on the ground floor, Dalchini Restaurant & Bar welcomes guests for lunch and dinner in a soothing environment the combines hues of green, splashes of vivid colours and dimmed lighting. Alfred Prasad, who previously oversaw the 4 restaurants in the Tamarind Collection, including the Michelin-starred Tamarind Restaurant in Mayfair, London is at the helm of Dalchini Restaurant & Bar.

Contact Information

Just four and a half hours from Doha, this family friendly resort allows you to choose your own adventure while delivering some incredible, luxurious service

As the speed boat navigated the choppy approach to the Four Seasons Resort Maldives Kura Huraa, I admit openly that the iconic White Lotus theme song was playing on a loop in my already crowded brain.

Quiet luxury island vibe. A boat trip to access it. Staff waiting on the dock. And…FOUR SEASONS

But no monkeys. Or pong-pong fruit.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives Kura Hudaa certainly qualifies as a bucket list destination for me, or anyone really. There are two Four Seasons resorts in the Maldives — the other is Landaa Giraavaru — and while you can travellers visit both on one trip, Kuda Huraa is the easiest of the pair to access. It’s a just a 25-minute speedboat journey from the main airport on the island of Malé. You’re greeted at arrivals by the team and whisked to a lounge where you’re given warm towels and your details taken. From there, it’s a short walk across the road to the boat jetty.

Within an hour of landing all up you’re in paradise. No seaplane timetables to navigate – you are pretty much through immigration and right on the boat. And at just four and a bit hours right from Doha (and most of the GCC, it’s perfect for Eid or another short break).

My last visit to the Maldives was more than a decade before and at a resort that was a plane and a boat ride from the airport, so it was about time I returned. For first (even second timers) this resort is perfect – a tropical island, relaxed almost village feeling, an easy to navigate set up with all the activities you need, and enough dining options to keep it interesting on a week long stay.

It also has, what I call, the “Four Seasons Touch” – warm, very personalised hospitality from all members of the team. I get it, you’re paying for this, but there is something the brand seems to en gender better than others in its class – being genuine. Quiet luxury? Nailed it.

The villas

During my stay I moved between one of their beach bungalows and an over water number. If you had asked me before, I would have said I was steadfastly an overwater girl. But I’ve changed. The beach villa, with its own pool, small yard and pavilion leading onto the beach, was private and very serene. It was close enough to the restaurants and activities for me to walk.

Meanwhile the over water villa’s while stupendously glamorous, can also be a little noisy – not the people kind of noise. But nature and stuff. Waves lapping. I found myself waking up in the middle of the night to check outside. I don’t know what I was looking for, but I prefer the proximity of the beach villas.

For both villa types you can choose sunrise and sunset – I have no preference but the sunrises here are stunning as you would imagine. The villas are all equipped with the right amount of plugs and charging points, bathrooms with walk-in showers and ample tubs as well as outdoor showers.

In the beach villas there is even a small sitting room/study so you can separate work/play.

I also had a sneak peak at the newly-opened “resort within a resort” concept – the three-bedroom Kuda Estate which can accomodate six adults and three children. Here you have three standalone bedroom villas are linked by communal indoor-outdoor living spaces around a 139-square-meter infinity pool curled around a 140-square-meter oceanfront deck.

This is combining the best of both vacation worlds and frankly I have been plotting how this could be the ultimate girls escape (White Lotus, again) since touring it – perhaps it was the dedicated wine fridge that sparked this idea.

The food

With six restaurants and bars, there is more than enough choice to keep you interested. The Keralan-influenced Baraabaru, on the resort’s lagoon side, was very much my culinary speed – an emphasis on freshly cooked seafood and the flavours of the Southern Indian state. the Italian menu at beachfront Reef Club is very family friendly. Here I indulged in a very specific seafood pizza craving and a glass of wine.

Word of warning, if you are offered Maldivian chili…only accept if you have a high tolerance for spice. You can get your sushi and noodle fix of Asian cuisine at Café Huraa and steak and seafood at Kandu Grill, both of which face the resort’s large infinity pool.

A highlight of the trip was a special dinner with their visiting chef Hari Nayak – who flies in regularly to share his unique culinary perspective around Baraabaru. Chef Hari’s residences at Baraabaru restaurant see him showcase his Indian roots – like a gently spicy South Indian prawn curry and the hearty but subtle raan kebab. I also spent a dawn hour fishing in the open water with Chef Hari -let me be clear that I am a better writer than I am a fisherwoman. I did manage to snag a fish, but my patience and late stage ADHD renders me a bad candidate for this meditative sport.

I probably spent the most time just hanging out at the Sunset Lounge, especially for the evening sundowners which came with a side of shark feeding. These are reef sharks but their dinner time frenzy makes for a unique afternoon. Also don’t miss the nightly crab race – guests can choose the mini hermit crab, all numbered and named after the resort’s staff members. I didn’t win, my crab got lost, perhaps searching for the bar.

Pricing wise, meals are as you would expect expect for a part of the world where most things are brought in. Mains are from around QR150 upwards.

The activities

You can be as active or as slothful as you like here. I hovered somewhere in between – eschewing a snorkelling and turtle watching safari for a treatment at the resort’s dreamy spa. You need to take a short (like five minute short) ride on a Maldivian dhoni boat to the spa, which is set on a separate island. Here you can take any number of muscle melting and disconnecting treatments, including Reiki in their healing tent. The tent is like a teepee and there is a cold plunge bath as well. I begged off the cold plunge, invoking my deep seated fear of cold water.

Also, there’s surfing. Yes, in the Maldives, thanks to nearby surf breaks (there is even the annual annual Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy graced by the likes of Kelly Slater), and tennis, with their academy run by in-house and visiting international pros. I just missed a visit by former world number 3 Nikolay Davydenko. There is also a turtle rescue sanctuary and an on-site marine biologist, which is very much worth a visit.

The Service

Four Seasons just does everything right as a brand. As I mentioned, the personalised service is next level. But this is again elevated by the use of the Four Seasons app. Once downloaded you can connect with the team and request anything you need – from a buggy to room service and of course, activity bookings. Very easy and much appreciated for those times when you want a little distance.

Things to Know…

If I had to nitpick?

• The island isn’t as private as others in the Maldives. By this I mean there is a local island next door and you do pass quite a lot of other resorts en route in the boat. That said it doesn’t impact on the experience.
• Speaking of boats, if the weather is not great, like on my arrival, prepare for an intense 20 minutes barging through choppy water. Some would love it, I was a little white knuckled.
• And, as a diner, the Italian Reef Club was perhaps the weakest of all my dining experiences on the island. This is not to say it was bad, just not as stellar as the other options like the excellent Baraabaru.
• Breakfast can get busy as the resort also seems to be a place enjoyed by multi generational groups – this speaks to its great service. Lean into this like I did or opt for room service if you want complete seclusion.
• Qatar Airways operates its leased Cathay Pacific planes on this route so offers a “premium” economy called Economy comfort – extra space and legroom.
• Speaking of travel, Maldives now requires all visitors to pre-register through the Imuga site. It’s fast and free.

In summary

This is still very much a bucket list location in terms of pricing, but what it gets right is approachable luxury with exemplary service. This is one resort that is well worth the splurge.

The details:

📍 Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kura Hura

🏨 96 villas

💰 From QR4200 bed and breakfast

✈️ Four hours and 35 minutes direct from Doha on Qatar Airways

🍽️ Six restaurants and bars with some outstanding Indian food.

*I was a guest of the Four Seasons.