Hotel: Just Opened! Majestic Marsa Malaz
What: Marsa Malaz Kempinski hotel
Where: The Pearl
Opened: Dec 1, 2014 (though many outlets yet to open)
The lowdown:
Located on its own secluded island, the hotel offers 281 rooms, including 73 suites, with the hotel blending European influences with Arabic elements. The Grand Ballroom is also a major feature of the hotel, which is ideal to hire for large functions.
The hotel has its own exclusive beach and includes water sports facilities, swimming pools, a tennis court and yacht jetties.
Not quite ready:
There are dining and entertainment options available from early 2015, with seven different types of restaurants, two cafés, an indoor lounge area, rooftop lounge and an al fresco beach side dining area. Selected drinks are also available at this hotel.
The restaurants will offer differing menus from European and Mediterranean influences, as well as Pan Latin and Italian cuisine, among others.
The spa will also open in the first quarter of 2015.
Why go:
• Location: perfect by the Pearl
• Exclusive beach facilities
• State-of-the-art architecture
Find out more: Go to kempinski.com/en/doha to find out more information.
Hotel & Resort: Going Bananas
What: Banana Island Resort by Anantara
Where: Banana Island
Opening: Soon (date to be confirmed)
The lowdown:
20 minutes from Doha’s centre will be Banana Island, a place that aims to feel like a world away. Luxury is certainly going to be prevalent here: a private helicopter pad is on site and you get taken over on a yacht ferry.
With 141 rooms, suites and pool villas, this will be a perfect place to come for a romantic retreat, with an 800 metre beach and lagoon pool.
There are numerous activities for those who like to pack their time with sporting experiences. Water sport activities are available, as well as a spa and wellness centre.
Banana Island also has its own conservation reef for you to visit and learn about the marine life, as well as snorkelling and scuba diving expeditions. The place even has its own VIP cinema.
For food, you will be spoilt for choice: Arabic, Italian, international, American diner and other cuisines, including organic options, are available from a range of restaurants and cafés on the resort.
Why go:
• An island paradise of natural exclusivity
• A destination inside a destination
• Luxurious wellness centre
Find out more:
Telephone (4040 5050) or email: doha@anantara.com for more information.
Hotel: Shangri Oh la la
What: Shangri-La hotel
Where: West Bay
Opening: March 2015 
The lowdown:
The five star Shangri-La hotel will have superb views from West Bay and will house 272 rooms and suites, in addition to 42 serviced apartments. It will be directly linked to City Center Mall and it is anticipated that it will be ready in the first quarter of 2015, in March.
The hotel will offer exciting dining concepts, including Fuego, an authentic Argentine grill, Yabby, a trendy seafood restaurant, Sridan, an all-day dining venue in a souq atmosphere, The Den, a classic piano bar, and Shanghai Club, which is situated on floors 43 and 44 and offers traditional and contemporary Chinese cuisine, as well as a club/lounge with a DJ for you to enjoy the latest tunes.
Shangri-La’s signature CHI, The Spa, is also making its Qatar debut along with a tropical pool deck featuring over 90 trees and spanning over 2000 square metres.
The hotel is going to be yet another impressive addition to the exciting and world-class selection of hotels available in Doha.
Why go:
• Creative food and beverage concepts
• Great views overlooking the bay
• Get pampered at CHI, The Spa
Find out more:
Contact Shangri-La hotel: (4429 5000).
Restaurant: Konnichiwa Nobu
Name of place: Nobu Doha
Location: Four Seasons hotel, West Bay
Estimated date of opening: December 2014
The lowdown:
Nobu Doha is about ready for opening, scheduled for the very end of the year (2014). The Four Seasons Hotel Doha, in partnership with acclaimed Chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa, will give customers a tri-level cuisine experience with panoramic views over the Arabian Gulf, serving Japanese cuisine and a selection of international dishes in a wonderful setting.
There will be a 192-seat interior dining area, as well as an intimate 10-seat sushi counter. Two private dining rooms and an 82-seat rooftop lounge complement the restaurant. The building has been designed by acclaimed architect David Rockwell.
Why go?
• Taste the imagination in every bite
• An architectural masterpiece
• Top dinner while enjoying the sunset
Find out more:
Ring the Four Seasons Hotel (4494 8888).
