MAIDEN IN THE MIDDLE EAST

On her first solo adventure in the region, BAYAR JAIN discovers the many pearls of Qatar’s chest in its capital city.

- BAYAR JAIN

I HAVE A CONFESSION to make. The prospect of travelling solo to the Middle East for the first time was frightening for me. The thought of exploring Qatar, an unfamiliar land, without the comforting company of my loved ones was daunting, to say the least.

To make matters worse, I land in the country in the middle of the night. An unfamiliar land in pitch darkness does not make a great first impression. My home in Doha is slated to be the grand Al Messila Resort & Spa, a sprawling botanical oasis in the heart of the city. As my ride makes its way to the regal white building, an opulent driveway dotted with water installations and enveloped by sprawling greens greets me. But this modern vibe is left at the doors, as the lobby welcomes me with golden Arabic embellishments on its walls. I scurry to take refuge in my private villa. By now, traveller’s fatigue has seeped in, and sleep arrives easily.

I wake up to the sound of cascading water, surprisingly not very far from me. Beyond the curtains of my room, my groggy eyes spy a mini fountain in the backyard! It’s only now that I realise my villa comes with its own private pool, a plunge pool, and a small waterfall as well. The rest of my abode, too, seems to carry this sense of extravagance–a widescreen television in the living room, lavish chandeliers in the living area, and a kitchen stocked with silverware. I take a quick shower in the marble bathroom and make a beeline for breakfast at Deli Kitchen, the property’s all-day delicatessen.

My walk to the main building rings with the chirruping of birds and the gentle gurgling of waterfalls. A lavish breakfast buffet, replete with local breads, live egg counters, and a never-ending array of dishes, makes for a great start to the day. However, my mornings cannot kick off without a cup of joe; the habit takes me to a specially crafted epicurean coffee journey on the property’s lawns.