OHLALA Qatar December 2025

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SAVOUR THE Wonders of the Season

From beautifully prepared holiday menus to relaxed seasonal gatherings and thoughtful festive touches throughout the hotel, this is where the moments you look forward to all year come together.

Celebrate the season your way, and savour the good life in the heart of Lusail.

Discover our festive happenings!

Editor’s Letter

And just like that, it's time to wave goodbye to another year. For me, another one that passed way too fast, it feels like it was just yesterday that we were welcoming 2025 full of hopes and intentions.

I am not the type who makes a list of New Year's resolutions – I follow the flow – but this time of year invariably ignites some sort of planning and goal-chasing in the back of my head. I guess I also play a small recap to keep what was good and discard what was not so positive. Regardless, it's a month to celebrate the things that got sorted, the wins and also the losses; they are all part of us. A la OHLALA style, the festive season is embraced with stunning dresses with a touch of sparkle. Our fashion pages will help you sort your outfits for special gatherings and in our Beauty Column, you'll find make-up tips for party-ready looks.

If you want to lock in the year with a golden key, I would recommend a pampering session. We end the year with an unforgettable experience at Alara Spa, Andaz Doha – a journey through the four elements that promotes deep relaxation.

The most anticipated beauty event of the year, the Ohlala Spa & Wellness Awards Qatar 2025, took place last month, and in this issue, you will find the winners and photos from the red carpet event. The end of the year can be a hectic time, and there's nothing better for recharging the batteries to start 2026 refreshed than a staycation. We stayed at Banyan Tree Doha and enjoyed the hotel's facilities and the unique leisure destinations at Doha Oasis.

Good food for me is something that immediately improves my mood and makes me happy. We had two unforgettable meals. I enjoyed an Indian spread at Gymkhana, Katara Hills Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Sirine Boudjadi embarked on an Italian feast at ADRIFT Anda by David Myers, Le Royal Méridien Place Vendôme Lusail.

The last motoring experience of 2025 was behind the wheel of the Bentley Flying Spur Speed First Edition for high performance and good looks.

Enjoy the festive season, be merry and embrace all the possibilities the brand-new year has in store for you.

Fernanda Langhammer Editor-in-Chief @ohlalamagazineqa editor@ohlala-magazine.com

GLAM APPEAL

Any stylish and flamboyant look uses gold as its key element. We have a thing or two for pairing this metallic shade with black to elevate it to the highest level of sophistication. Embrace the party season with confidence!

is all about classic pieces with a twist. The large golden belt makes a plain black dress stand out in the crowd. Ladylike much?

Ballerinas have been the it-footwear for a while, and Givenchy caught the wave by painting its creation in stunning mirrored gold – say plié in style.

renowned Knuckle clutch from

is covered in golden sequins and beads for an embellished accessory that can add an edgy touch to your outfits.

If you are looking to steal the scene (and be the party’s queen), this feathery golden gown from Oscar de La Renta will seal the deal.

PARTY READY

The end of the year calls for glamorous looks for the many gatherings the season brings. Opt for out-there outfits that make you stand out in the crowd, or go for stunning accessories that complement basic dresses. Spend the last month of 2025 looking fab!

Scantoviewour FestiveHappenings

Discoveranarrayoffestiveexperiencesat ThePalaceforAllSeasons,whereevery momentiselevatedwithtimelesselegance andholidaycharm.

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SHINE BRIGHT

In ‘centre-of-attention’ mode, going for a total silver look will help you accomplish that. The metallic shade seems like a good choice for ringing in the New Year – a style to attract good vibes.

A TOUCH OF SPARKLE

Shiny add-ons transform plain cuts and basic pieces into eye-catching outfits. You can go for all-over glittery gems or a touch of light to embrace the holiday spirit.

SIMPLE ELEGANCE

How to never go wrong? Pick a black number and you will be ready for any gathering – be it a redcarpet event or a small family party – a black dress will do the job. You can tone up or down with the right accessories.

MADE FOR WINTER

Some prints appear to have a cold-season energy, maybe it’s the dark background, the way the pattern flows in the fabric or even the combination of elements. Embrace the cooler days in style with motifs that embody the season.

SEASON OF

S E R E N I T Y

1 - 31 Dec | Sunday to Thursday at eforea spa

Enjoy a 90-minute wellness experience featuring a 60-minute massage with your choice of warm oils; calming, vanilla, or oud; followed by a 30-minute mini facial, body scrub, or foot massage for a festive refresh.

QAR 500 Per Person

Season’s Greetings

It’s that time of the year when wearing red and green matches the holiday spirit. To make the combination even more interesting, add a touch of black and white.

This month’s roundup brings together fresh openings, limited-edition drops and inventive collaborations.

A High-Gloss Debut

Rihanna’s favourite shoe designer and a name Instagram can’t get enough of, Amina Muaddi, has unveiled an immersive new store in Doha, a space that brings her sculptural, glossy world to life. Conceived as an installation rather than a classic boutique, it uses aluminium, light and textured surfaces to create an environment that captures the duality of her work: feminine yet powerful, refined yet bold. The environment mirrors the fluid lines of her iconic heels and the luminous finishes that run throughout her collections. “Each installation is an extension of my creative world; a space where fashion, architecture and emotion meet,” said Amina. A curated selection of pieces from the Winter 2025 Collection is displayed as objects of art within the space, encouraging visitors to move through, explore and experience the brand’s visual language up close.

WONDER AWAITS THIS FESTIVE SE ON

Ho, Ho, Ho… the magic begins!

Unwrap a season of festive dining, sparkling events, joyful gatherings, and unforge able celebrations at your favourite downtown destination.

Plush and Chic

Just in time for the festive season, BOSS and Steiff (a German company founded in 1880, known for producing high-quality, collectable stuffed animals) have come together for a playful holiday capsule that blends cosy style with German craftsmanship. The BOSS x Steiff collection features men’s, women’s and kids’ apparel in warm tones of cream and brown, including teddy-textured coats, hoodies, jackets, hats, mittens, soft shirts, sweatshirts and socks. BOSS accessories and shoes, like the Ariell bag and Gary sneakers, are reimagined with plush trims for a luxurious look. The collaboration also introduces new takes on Steiff’s signature teddy bear: a cream plush bear, a brown mohair collector’s bear and a black mohair XP member-exclusive bear, alongside teddy bear charms in black and brown. The capsule is featured in the BOSS Holiday 2025 campaign, starring TikToker Khaby Lame and model Amelia Gray. It is narrated by singer Khalid and supported by immersive social activations on Meta and Snapchat, including AI-created content and a Bitmoji collection.

Mirrored Magic

Maison Margiela launches the Tabi Collector’s series with its first edition: the Tabi Broken Mirror Embroidery. Limited to 25 pairs worldwide, the series reenvisions the house’s most popular shoe, Tabi, through innovative techniques and materials. For the first edition, a silver coating is applied to the leather before being fractured to reveal the layer beneath. Each shoe is then hand-embroidered with more than 8,000 glass beads, sequins and metallic fragments, laser-cut in varying shades to mimic the natural ageing of broken glass. Transparent beads interspersed throughout enhance depth and dimension, creating a three-dimensional, reflective effect. The Tabi, a Maison Margiela icon since 1988, is crafted by 11 dedicated artisans, preserving the shoe’s signature form and artisanal precision. The collection will be displayed in selected stores, accompanied by a film by Italian filmmaker Yuri Ancarani tracing the Tabi’s journey from concept to its final form.

Twice The Style

MINI and Paul Smith have introduced the new MINI Paul Smith Edition as the latest chapter in a long-running collaboration between the two British icons. Building on previous joint projects from 2021 and 2022, this edition brings Paul Smith’s ‘classic with a twist’ design language to the MINI Cooper 3-door, 5-door and Convertible. The exterior is defined by edition-exclusive colours, including Statement Grey and Inspired White, as well as Nottingham Green accents inspired by Paul’s hometown. Details such as the Signature Stripe on the roof, Black Blue MINI logos and 18-inch Night Spoke wheels reinforce the designer’s imprint. Inside, the British theme continues with knitted surfaces and Nightshade Blue sports seats. Subtle, playful touches like a handwritten ‘Hello’ light projection on the floor, an ‘Every day is a new beginning’ motto on the door sill and a hand-drawn rabbit on the floor mats complete the car’s interiors.

Two Decades of an Icon

Versace is marking 20 years of its DV ONE timepiece with an anniversary limited edition that revisits the watch’s origins while introducing archival details. First launched in 2005, the DV ONE became Versace’s defining timepiece, celebrated for its Swiss-made construction, high-tech ceramic case, strong silhouette and signature house codes, including the Medusa emblem and Greca motifs. The new DV ONE 20th Anniversary Edition draws on 1990s’ glamour through a black enamel dial decorated with a gold-tone 3D Barocco (baroque in Italian) pattern taken from the archive. A diamond-set crown and four additional diamonds on the indexes add to the piece’s refined detailing, while the case back reveals a black rotor engraved with the anniversary marking. Powered by a Swiss-made automatic movement and produced in black ceramic, the edition is limited to 240 pieces worldwide.

THE LUCKY CHARM

Van Cleef & Arpels expands the Alhambra universe with pieces that can be worn in multiple ways.

Since its creation in 1968, the Alhambra collection has stood as Van Cleef & Arpels’ emblem of luck, inspired by the four-leaf clover and its promise of good fortune. Over the decades, it has evolved while remaining true to its original motif, combining simplicity, craftsmanship and versatility. Now, the maison introduces a new chapter in this enduring story: transformable pieces that can be worn in multiple ways, making it both an aesthetic variation and a functional creation.

The Magic Alhambra transformable long necklaces extend the collection’s playfulness to design. First introduced in 2006, the Magic Alhambra signature uses asymmetrical motifs of varying sizes to create a sense of movement and dynamism. The new long necklaces incorporate detachable elements, allowing them to be worn as a full-length necklace, a shorter necklace or even a bracelet. Guilloché rose gold is paired with white and grey mother-ofpearl, while another version combines guilloché white gold with chalcedony and white mother-of-pearl. Each motif is carefully arranged to balance proportion, light reflection and the fall of the chain, with clasps discreetly hidden behind the neck.

Two Vintage Alhambra reversible rings add to the collection’s versatility, featuring a double beaded contour and reversible motifs. One presents grey mother-of-pearl on one side and a diamond set in rose gold on the other, while the second alternates chalcedony with a diamond set in white gold. Their design preserves the sparkle of the stones, with smooth rotation mechanisms and a graduated interior of golden beads ensuring comfort. The Sweet Alhambra watch, powered by a Swiss quartz movement, complements these pieces. A combination of guilloché white gold with chalcedony and diamond-set motifs, the design balances decorative detailing with legibility. Crafted with meticulous attention to materials and technique, these creations reflect the maison’s century-old expertise. Stones such as mother-of-pearl and chalcedony are selected for their colour, striations and luminosity, while each motif undergoes multiple steps of cutting, polishing and assembly before being set into the beaded gold mount. This dedication to precision echoes Van Cleef & Arpels’ long history of transformable jewellery, which dates back to the 1920s with clip systems and has since evolved through iconic Passe-Partout and Zip necklaces.

For more information on Van Cleef & Arpels collections, please call the boutique at Place Vendôme Mall on 4416 6662 and 21 High St. - Katara on 4427 7773.

@vancleefarpels

@alibinali_luxury

LIGHT IN MOTION

Pomellato reworks diamond pavé with varied stone sizes and cuts, offering new expressions of the Sabbia aesthetic.

Founded in Milan in 1967, Pomellato is known for its distinctive design language and craftsmanship carried out by more than 100 artisans at Casa Pomellato. The maison now expands its Sabbia collection with new pieces that continue to highlight its signature irregular pavé setting, a technique that places diamonds of varying sizes in natural, nonuniform arrangements, mimicking the way sand reflects light.

The latest designs introduce baguette-cut diamonds alongside brilliant-cut ones, adding a new geometric element to the ensemble. A key piece is the rose-gold lariat necklace. It features the recognisable Sabbia plate set with white diamonds, followed by a tail of baguette-cut stones and a cascading sequence of smaller plates. The adjustable sliding element is also diamond-set and allows the necklace to be worn at different lengths, either with the pendant positioned at the front or draped along the back.

The pendant earrings follow the same structure. The main Sabbia plate is extended with a line of baguette-cut diamonds and completed with a smaller plate, creating movement and a play between the two diamond cuts. The combination of irregular pavé and the warmth of rose gold results in surfaces where each stone reflects light differently.

Alongside these pieces, the brand also presents new High Jewellery creations that further develop the Sabbia aesthetic. These designs are crafted in white gold and combine baguette and brilliant-cut diamonds, set in two distinct settings: baguette diamonds are prong-set, while brilliant-cut stones are arranged in the signature irregular pavé technique. This creates contrasting textures and layers of reflected light.

The centrepiece High Jewellery necklace draws inspiration from the classic tennis necklace. Instead of a continuous linear arrangement, asymmetrically placed Sabbia plates in varying sizes form a flexible, lightweight structure that adapts to the shape of the neck. The accompanying earrings are presented as an asymmetric set, including one stud and two pendants, allowing for different styling options.

Pomellato continues to work exclusively with responsibly sourced gold and supports the continuation of Milanese goldsmithing traditions through training and craft preservation, a significant part of the maison’s identity.

For more information, please call Pomellato Boutique at Place Vendôme Mall on 4415 3555.

@pomellato

@alibinali_luxury

FLOAT LIKE A FEATHER

For its 20th anniversary, CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel transforms feathers into intricate brooches.

CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel is a name revered among collectors for its sculptural, museum-quality creations, even if it remains less familiar to the wider public. The brand is a reflection of its founder Cindy Chao’s dual heritage: trained by her sculptor father and architect grandfather, she approaches jewellery with both a sculptor’s touch and an architect’s eye. Each piece begins as a hand-carved wax model, allowing her to explore movement, structure and light long before the first gemstone is set.

tsavorites, all set in titanium. The piece contains an astonishing 3,693 gemstones totalling 78.51 carats, each placed to follow the fluid curves of the twisted feather, creating a sense of motion and lightness.

The feather has emerged as one of her most defining signatures. Its journey began in 2016, when Cindy presented the Phoenix Feather Brooch at the Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris, inspired by the Belle Époque era, when feathers adorned fashion and interiors. That first piece later sold for USD1.21 million at Christie’s Hong Kong, cementing the motif’s place in her oeuvre.

Today, as the brand celebrates its 20th anniversary, Cindy revisits the feather with a series of brooches. One of them features a three-carat marquise fancy intense yellow diamond at its centre, surrounded by diamonds, yellow diamonds, greyish green sapphires, greyish blue sapphires and

Another brooch is built around a whopping eight-carat flame step cut fancy brown-yellow IF Type IIa diamond (known for its rarity and internal flawlessness). Accented with diamonds, tsavorites, greyish blue sapphires, greyish green sapphires and a colour-change sapphire, it comprises 4,015 gemstones and totals 76.3 carats. A third design centres on a four-carat marquise fancy brown-yellow diamond, yellow diamonds and brown diamonds, set in titanium and ox horn, with a total of 2,835 gemstones (73.91 carats). In each piece, the feathers appear suspended mid-air, twisting along a 180-degree arc, as if caught in a breeze.

Light in appearance, the brooches are made from titanium (one of the most challenging metals in jewellery), which allows volume but demands precision. The titanium form is set with cushion-cut diamonds and gemstones using a double-sided technique, with stones placed across and between layers to control depth and light, resulting in a jewel that feels alive.

ELEMENT OF SURPRISE

The gifting season gets more exciting with Advent Calendars. As wellness lovers, we swap the traditional chocolates for beauty goodies – pamper us, December!

A Multi-Sensorial Shift

Two new launches extend Valentino’s Born in Roma Donna perfume line.

With the growing interest in poly-sensorial beauty, products are increasingly expected to do more than simply scent or hydrate.

Valentino Beauty’s new Born in Roma Hair & Body line, taps directly into this demand, presenting fragrance as something that can be seen, felt and worn in multiple ways. The collection extends the Born in Roma Donna perfume into two formats that build a fuller, layered ritual.

The first addition, the Born in Roma Perfumed Body Shimmer, blends make-up, skincare and fragrance into a single step. Its formula is centred on the RomaLight Complex, which gives the skin a sparkling finish, while hyaluronic acid provides hydration.

The shimmer is designed to offer an immediate visual effect supported by a long-lasting aroma, making it a straightforward way to add both glow and fragrance to the routine.

The second product, the Born in Roma Perfumed Hair & Body Mist, takes a lighter approach. Enriched with argan oil, it is intended to leave hair soft and luminous while delivering the signature scent in a more diffused form. The mist emphasises texture and weightlessness, offering an alternative way to wear fragrance beyond traditional application points. Both products share a cohesive visual identity – sleek black packaging accented with the line’s unmistakable pink, echoing the aesthetic of the eau de parfum. Rather than treating perfume as a final step, the new line positions it as part of a broader, tactile experience that can be adjusted and layered depending on preference.

@valentino.beauty

GLITZ AND GLOW!

For a night that calls for a touch of glamour, Bushra Hakim shares ideas to get you party-ready.

ALL BEAUTY ONE DESTINATION ALL BEAUTY ONE DESTINATION

TIMELESS FAVORITES AND NEXT-GENERATION SKINCARE

TIMELESS FAVORITES AND NEXT-GENERATION SKINCARE

ALL CURATED TO KEEP YOUR SKIN AT ITS BEST

ALL CURATED TO KEEP YOUR SKIN AT ITS BEST

New Year’s Eve is the ultimate evening to experiment with your look. Whether your plans involve a glittering party, an intimate dinner or just a night out with friends, this is your moment to play with colour, texture and shine. With many different styles to choose from, here’s how to ensure your make-up and hair feel festive, polished and completely you.

SNOW BUNNY GLOW

This look is for anyone who loves the idea of winter, even if the weather outside says otherwise. The Snow Bunny aesthetic leans into cool tones and soft blush, giving the illusion of fresh air on your cheeks without the actual chill. Prep the skin to look smooth and bright, then use a lightreflective base for a gentle ‘icy’ sheen. Choose a cool pink blush and sweep it upwards across the cheeks for that fresh, outdoorsy flush. On the eyes, keep things frosted but soft: silvers, pale blues and opal shimmer that catch the light without looking metallic. Finish with lips in sheer pink or a rose tint, applied lightly so the edges stay soft.

RADIANT IN RED

If your celebrations are a bit more mature, then this is your colour palette. Dark shades of red, such as burgundy, berry, plum and soft maroon, all have a richness that feels instantly chic. They work well with everything, from sequins to sleek tailoring. The easiest way to wear this is through the eyes. Build depth using two or three similar tones: a medium shade as your base, a deeper colour in the crease and a hint of muted shimmer right in the centre of the lid. Keep everything blended to avoid stark lines. A soft berry blush ties the look together without overpowering it. For lips, choose a crimson stain for something relaxed or a deeper tone for full polish. Warm, sultry and perfect for late nights.

MATTE SKIN ALL NIGHT LONG

Some events demand longevity, and New Year’s Eve always falls into that category. If you know you’ll be dancing, moving between gatherings or simply out until sunrise, matte skin is your best friend. Hydrate well, then use a smoothing, grip-focussed primer before applying your foundation in thin layers. Set the centre of the face and shine-prone areas, but leave the cheeks slightly softer for dimension. The result is long-wearing, photofriendly skin that stays flawless as the clock hits midnight and beyond.

WINTER BRONZE

A bronzed complexion isn’t just a summer fantasy. In winter, it becomes a chic alternative to the brighter, frostier looks of the season. Winter bronzing is subtle and refined, more for a sculpted look than a glow. Use a matte bronzer to add gentle definition along the cheekbones, temples and jawline. A little along the sides of the nose ties the warmth together. The goal is to add dimension and balance, especially if you’re wearing darker eye make-up or bold lips. Pair it with a minimal highlighter to keep the look sophisticated and not overly glossy. It’s flattering, modern and works beautifully with sleek hair or small jewellery.

MINIMAL GLAM

This look works best for dinners, house parties and last-minute invites. It’s polished without being loud, glowy without being glittery and intentional without requiring too much effort.

Keep the skin luminous with a lightweight illuminator and focus on enhancing the lashes for instant definition. Eyeshadow should be subtle: taupes, browns, soft roses, anything that adds depth without drawing too much attention. Lips look best when kept natural and slightly blurred, using shades close to your natural lip tone. The appeal of soft glam is its simplicity. It looks like you, but elevated.

SMOKY EYES

No beauty list would be complete without the classic smoky eye. It’s dramatic, timeless and looks incredible under evening lighting. The trick to a great smoky eye is layering: start with a deeper tone close to the lash line, then blend upwards with softer shades. Greys, blacks, bronzes, midnight blues, all of them channelling the night sky mood. Keep the edges smooth, pack on mascara and go easy on the lips to keep the focus exactly where it should be. It’s sultry, impactful and always a crowd-pleaser.

FESTIVE HAIR

Finally, the finishing touch: hair. This is the easiest place to switch things up for New Year’s, and accessories do most of the work for you. A simple velvet ribbon tied around a ponytail or bun adds a neat, party-appropriate detail without being overdone. Tweed headbands, with or without rhinestones, are great for winter evenings and suit pretty much any hair texture or style. If you want something smaller, try a few star or moon pins placed through the lengths or at the base of an up-do; they catch the light just enough to make the style feel special. It’s an easy, elegant way to wrap things up.

ORGANIC MAKEUP THAT ’S SAFE ENOUGH TO EAT

Up to 90% USDA- Certified Organic Ingredients

Visit us at Faces stores in Vendôme and Villaggio mall

FOUR ELEMENTS,

ONE GOAL

Spa treatments are commonly inspired by nature. Fernanda Langhammer headed to Alara Spa at Andaz Doha to try the Elemental Alara Journey for a sensorial experience.

Continuing my pursuit of spa treatments in Qatar, this time I headed to Alara Spa at the newly opened Andaz Doha in the vibrant West Bay. Before I move to the spa experience itself, I need to mention how beautiful the hotel lobby is. It is decorated with locally inspired designs and lively contemporary art, creating a stunning vibe. The mix of Arabic textiles, modern shapes and carpets gives this unique space a creative tone – it feels like an open art gallery, inviting you to find inspiration in every corner.

A few steps inside the hotel and you reach Alara Spa. The same liveliness is spotted there, but in a toned-down way – plush armchairs painted in light plum and red contrast with the white-tiled floors, while beige walls with paintings complement the décor. I sat to fill out my consultation form while sipping a hibiscus, ginger and cinnamon drink.

My therapist, Jonalyn, met me at the reception and took me to the changing area, where I left my belongings and changed into a fluffy robe – the red slippers with the Andaz logo caught my attention, no boring plain white ones at Alara – an edgy touch.

Before we started with the pampering session, Jonalyn explained that the 120-minute Elemental Alara Journey is a transformative ritual that reconnects body and mind through harmony and balance. It works with the four elements: Earth, Water, Air and Fire. Each of them plays an essential role in delivering relaxation and rejuvenation – precisely what I wanted to achieve in this spa day. The first step towards it was a 10-minute steam session. This practice is recommended to relax muscles, making them more pliable for a deeper massage, and open pores, allowing the products to penetrate more effectively. After the stipulated time, Jonalyn came to take me to the treatment room.

The space was dimly lit, painted in soft purple and earthy tones and smelled beautifully. The music was at the right volume and I could already feel the sense of tranquillity invade every cell of my body. It’s probably a memory effect; after trying so many treatments, my mind already knows that this kind of scenario will take me on a soothing journey. I love that my brain was already taking me to a state I’d been longing for.

The first step in this elemental therapy was Earth. Jonalyn asked me to lie down on a plastic-covered massage bed for mud from the Dead Sea, infused with jojoba and avocado oils and papaya extract, to be applied to my entire body. This kind of mud is known for its high mineral content, including magnesium, calcium and potassium. It is used for deep cleansing as the mud draws out toxins, helping to purify the skin. She then wrapped me in plastic, placed a blanket over me and left me there for about 25 minutes while the liquid mixture did its magic. It was such a cosy moment; it felt like a whole-body hug.

Time was up, so I went to the in-room shower to wash off the dried mud. I could feel my skin smoother and ready for the next phase of the treatment. I was asked to lie on my tummy. The hole in the headrest allowed me to inhale an aromatic vapour infused with lemongrass oil (the Air part) to awaken my senses. This ritual was followed by warm compresses and wave sounds (Water), which my therapist recreated by placing a cloth on my head and rhythmically moving her arms and hands over it. I was a bit sceptical when she said the movements would represent water; however, whatever she did did indeed transport me to the shores of a paradisiacal beach – I could hear the waves touching the sand – it was incredible. I was then curious about the Fire part and she told me that hot stones would represent this element to restore my inner energy. I am a big fan of hot stone massage; it’s the best way to really help relieve my stubborn knots. Using rose oil, Jonalyn started the massage on my back and immediately noticed she was dealing with severe, deep knots in the upper area. She worked with different movements, applying more pressure to specific points

and sliding the hot stones with precision. She used her hands and forearms to perform movements that helped loosen the muscles. She was not in a rush and worked every bit with patience, using her skills. She then moved to my arms and legs. I thought my problems were just on my back, but nope! Jonalyn found tension throughout my body, which makes sense because everything is connected. I am glad she knows anatomy (she is also a nurse) and worked all the key points to promote an overall detangling operation. At the end, I felt lighter and tension-free, with a sense of renewal. From the treatment room, I moved to the relaxation space, where I drank some jasmine tea and reflected on the fantastic treatment I had received. I really appreciate it when the therapist understands my main concerns and goals and works towards delivering a tailor-made experience. When filling out the consultation form, it asked for the type of pressure I preferred, but after so many massages (yes, that’s part of my job), I believe the pressure should vary – some body parts need a stronger touch, while others need a lighter stroke. At Alara Spa, they clearly understand this, and I highly recommend a visit if you are looking for an innovative experience that meets your pampering needs.

For more information or to make a booking, please call Alara Spa at Andaz Doha on 4452 4026 or WhatsApp 5180 3173.

@alaraspadoha

@andaz_doha

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FAVOURITE - ALEPH DOHA RESIDENCES, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

OUTDOOR POOL

BEST - OUR HABITAS RAS ABROUQ

FAVOURITE - THE CHEDI KATARA HOTEL & RESORT

BEAUTY CLINIC

BEST - HOUSTON AMERICAN MEDICAL CENTER

FAVOURITE - LONGEVITY HUB BY CLINIQUE LA

PRAIRIE - THE ST. REGIS MARSA ARABIA ISLAND, THE PEARL QATAR

SPA DESIGN

BEST - RAFFLES SPA - RAFFLES DOHA

FAVOURITE - MAYSAN SPA - MAYSAN DOHA, LXR HOTELS & RESORTS

MALE SPA

BEST - AL MESSILA SPA - AL MESSILA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA, DOHA

FAVOURITE - THE SPASOUQ WAQIF BOUTIQUE HOTELS

WELLNESS SPA

BEST - EFOREA SPA - HILTON SALWA BEACH

RESORT & VILLAS

FAVOURITE - FOUR SEASONS SPA & WELLNESS

CENTER - FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA

BOUTIQUE SPA

BEST - LAMARA SPA - INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY

FAVOURITE - M|SPA - ALWADI HOTEL DOHAMGALLERY COLLECTION

CITY SPA

BEST - THE SPA - PARK HYATT DOHA

FAVOURITE - PRINTEMPS BEAUTY & SPAPRINTEMPS DOHA

FEMALE SPA

BEST - BIOSKINSPA, DOHA

FAVOURITE - AL MESSILA SPA - AL MESSILA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA, DOHA

RESORT SPA

BEST - ESPA LIFE - WALDORF ASTORIA DOHA LUSAIL

FAVOURITE - SPA INTERCONTINENTALINTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

HOTEL SPA

BEST - ESPA - MONDRIAN DOHA

FAVOURITE - BANYAN TREE SPA DOHABANYAN TREE DOHA

REGIONAL RETREAT

BEST - FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY

FAVOURITE - THE ST. REGIS AL MOUJ MUSCAT RESORT

SPA OF THE YEAR

ZULAL WELLNESS RESORT BY CHIVA-SOM

Our annual awards recognise the best in Qatar’s wellness and beauty industry and we hosted a wonderful ceremony at Banyan Tree Doha, Doha Oasis, to celebrate the winners.

This year, we presented our ninth Ohlala Spa & Wellness Awards Qatar. The annual event celebrates the success of the exceptional venues and services offered in the wellness and beauty field in the country. We hosted our glamorous ceremony at Banyan Tree Doha Hotel, Doha Oasis, with our selected guests, partners and winners. To create a holistic experience, spas, salons and wellness centres engage with the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. These senses are experienced through calming environments, relaxing music, aromatherapy scents, herbal teas, playing with taste, and massages, which are all about contact. With that in mind, the Ohlala Spa & Wellness Awards reflected and translated them in its own way, with a beautiful setup, enjoyable music and conversations, great aromas, delectable food and exchanges of affection, making this a memorable gathering aligned with its purpose. We had 376 nominations in 29 categories, plus the much-anticipated Spa of the Year award. Around 58,700 votes were counted, showcasing the importance of our Ohlala Awards to our community.

This year, we had a few new categories such as Beauty Uplift, which is all about enhancing lashes, brows and more, Male Salon, men also enjoy some pampering, Female Spa and Regional Retreat, which we are very proud to launch as it represents our reach in the region. In this category, we feature destinations around the Gulf that offer wellness escapes that we had the opportunity to experience. The Spa of the Year is granted to a destination that encompasses many of the categories with mastery. From meticulous design and spa products to various treatments and transformative experiences. A place that embraces holistic rituals but also offers cutting-edge skincare in a luxurious yet welcoming space. The chosen spa needs to provide consistency, a wide menu, skilled therapists and top-notch facilities, and it must stand out above others for its outstanding performance.

There are two winners in each category: Favourite is decided by online voting, while our editorial panel and industry experts choose Best. This resulted in 59 winners taking home the title of Best, Favourite and Spa of the Year. These nominees cover the entire spa and wellness industry spectrum, ranging from hotel and standalone spas, spa products and beauty/grooming salons to health clubs and wellness retreats.

This vibrant event was a success due to the support of our incredible partners. We thank NBK Automobiles – Mercedes-Benz Qatar for the beautiful lineup of cars. Banyan Tree Doha Hotel, Doha Oasis for the venue. Faces Beauty Qatar, who provided a wonderful activation and Liht Organics for the stunning beauty products in the goodie bags. Signature Events for the great setup. Lux Entertainment & Events for the DJ and live acts. Trinity, whose lovely hostesses helped us on the night. Lenté Flower Company, which provided the gorgeous floral arrangements and Pierre Marcolini, who contributed with delightful chocolates.

To find out more about the Ohlala Spa & Wellness Awards Qatar 2025, the partners, winners and the dedicated establishments that participated, please visit www.ohlalamag.net

@ohlalamagazineqa

Graceful DESIGNS

To embrace our festive issue, celebrating the last month of the year, we chose a brand that creates stunning evening gowns. Ziad Nakad’s Harmony collection brings elegant dresses for special occasions – an ode to sparkles and red-carpetready numbers.

Inspired by musical compositions, powerful overtures giving way to gentle crescendos, Ziad Nakad’s Harmony capsule unites colours and textures to create stunning works that blend fashion and art harmoniously. The creations involve finely crafted dresses in hand-embroidered muslin, tulle and crepe for lavish flair. Subtle fur details enhance selected designs, boosting sophisticated warmth without sacrificing the pieces’ airy feel. Stylish gowns feature high necklines, dramatic puffed and cape-style sleeves that emphasise fluid movement. Some designs incorporate feathers or delicate flowers for a touch of panache, while belts cinch the waist, accentuating the feminine form. With an array of deep and delicate shades, the palette ranges from green and light blue hues, transitioning smoothly into navy with silver and gold accents. This season, the brand introduces burgundy for richness and warmth with touches of purple. Timeless black-and-white adds an edgy element while pink shades express femininity. Like a symphony, each item from the Harmony collection complements the other for a stunning visual unity. It celebrates a balance between power and softness, luxury and fluidity, resulting in elegance and beauty.

@ziadnakad

THE ART OF SLOW LIVING

Wellness took centre stage as Sirine Boudjadi explored Doha Oasis, from the serene Banyan Tree to Printemps Doha’s elegant spaces.

My restorative journey through Doha Oasis began at Banyan Tree Doha, the beating heart of this shimmering destination with unlimited experiences where wellness seamlessly intertwines with art, architecture and nature. Pulling up to the entrance, I could sense the hum of the city fade away. The air outside was dense with heat but a cool breeze and the sweet, heady scent of lilies spilt out to greet me when the doors opened. Check in took no more than two minutes: a welcoming smile, effortless courtesy and a key card discreetly passed across the counter.

Even though I was eager to see my room, I couldn’t help but pause before the lifts. The lobby unfolded like a living sculpture: a sanctuary designed around the four elements of nature. Two oryx statues stood poised at the entrance like guardians of this serene world, towering metallic trees rose from the polished marble floor and stretched into a mirrored ceiling. Across the space, two vast animated screens shimmered in dialogue, one glowing deep crimson, symbolising fire, and the other radiating cool electric blue, representing water. The gentle play of air connects the outer garden dome with the interior, creating a seamless harmony that evolves with the weather, reflected through the screens’ dynamic display system.

INSIDE MY SERENITY SUITE

Eventually, curiosity pulled me away from the lobby. It was time to trade spectacle for stillness and discover the Serenity Suite that would become my private refuge. When I opened the door, I actually stopped for a moment. Not out of surprise, but from the way the room seemed to exhale. It had an instant sense of calm, like stepping into an apartment I wished were my own. The light was the first thing I noticed: soft and honeyed in the afternoon, turning cooler and bluer as evening approached. Through the floor-toceiling windows, the view unfolded in layers: the hotel’s conical glass towers gleaming nearby, a serene courtyard garden just below and, beyond it all, Doha’s skyline glittering under the Gulf sun. Everything was in beautiful harmony: amber velvet sofas, caramel leather chairs and smoky black tables resting on a golden-honey carpet.

A welcome plate of miniature pastries was waiting for me: delicate squares of chocolate, slivers of baklava that cracked under the fork, rose-scented sweets dusted with sugar and crushed pistachio. On the bed, I found two towel swans facing each other, their curved necks meeting to form a heart. Scattered around them were rose petals, deep red against the immaculate white linen, some caught in the folds of the towels, others trailing toward the pillows.

I wandered toward the bathroom, wondering if the magic of the room carried through beyond the door. A deep soaking tub stretched along one wall, facing a rainfall shower encased in glass. On the counter, sleek black bottles labelled in gold script read Body Lotion and Liquid Soap, Banyan Tree’s own blends, delicately botanical and soft against the skin.

TASTES TO REMEMBER

As tempting as it was to stay cocooned in the suite, the promise of dinner eventually drew me out. On the 25th floor at Qalamkarri, the lift doors opened to a haze of spice and sound: cumin, cardamom and tandoori smoke mingled with live melodies drifting through the air. Every Thursday, the restaurant brings to life NH44 Night, named after India’s longest highway which connects the country from north to south. Lamb or vegetable biryani, butter chicken, rolls and samosas – the buffet stretched like a map of flavours. Returning after dinner, I found the room dimmed to an amber glow, curtains drawn and, on the bed, a tiny turtle plush, its shell patterned in shades of brown and green. It waited there as though it had wandered in from the ocean. It made me smile, genuinely. And then, of course, there was the bed itself – wide and deep, dressed in linen so crisp it gave off a faint rustle as I sank into it. Even the pillows were a small luxury of choice: bolster, reading, anti-ageing, viscoelastic – a menu of comfort waiting to be personalised. One quick call to the team, and a fresh set arrived minutes later, fluffed and neatly arranged.

I slept the way one only does in a truly good hotel: deeply, dreamlessly, as if the world outside had been switched off. By morning, sunlight was already spilling through the curtains and I caught that first flicker of hunger that only follows a restful night’s sleep. I got dressed and made my way down to Jardin, a sunlit Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. There, I decided to go for the Healthy Breakfast, a balance between freshness and indulgence. My plate came alive with creamy avocado toast, a quinoa and Greek yoghurt bowl drizzled with honey and a vibrant fruit salad. My partner went in a different direction and tried the Traditional Oriental Breakfast, served on a generous platter of soft white cheeses, turkey ham, hummus and kibbeh, spinach fatayer and tiny eggplants stuffed with walnuts and chilli.

FINDING MY BALANCE

It was Friday, which in Doha means brunch day, but before surrendering again to temptation, I wanted to slow things down. And I couldn’t have chosen a better place to embrace a wellness pause, since it has always been at the heart of Banyan Tree’s philosophy. Tucked a few floors below the hum of the hotel, the spa offered exactly the reset I needed. From the long list of Asian-inspired treatments, I was drawn to the Thai Essence, a traditional dry massage that relies on pressure, assisted stretches and joint mobilisation, rather than oils. It’s designed to improve flexibility, stimulate circulation and restore the body’s natural energy flow. My therapist worked with calm and precision, pressing along energy lines and pausing at key points to release long-held tension I thought would never go away. Right after that, I lingered in the vitality pool, letting the warm water melt away what little fatigue remained. I also tried the herbal sauna scented with chamomile and mint, the brine steam room and the rainforest walk, a circuit that left me both grounded and light. Lying back on a lounge afterwards, wrapped in a robe and sipping ginger tea, I could have spent the whole day there.

WELL-BEING, THE PRINTEMPS WAY

After hours of slow indulgence, I wasn’t quite ready to leave Doha Oasis, so I wandered next door into one of its most talked-about places: Printemps Doha, one of the largest department stores in the Middle East. Walking through its marble halls, I felt an unexpected sense of familiarity. The subtle lighting, the perfume counters, the understated elegance of the space – it all reminded me of my beloved Paris, where I spent the past 11 years. It was also the perfect excuse to explore Soluna, Printemps’ new wellness department that blends beauty, fashion, lifestyle and gourmet experiences into one seamless world of well-being. I was there during the launch, when Printemps hosted a series of immersive ateliers, and I joined a Dore & Rose Sound Bath and Cacao Ceremony, guided by an instructor from Asaya. The experience was deeply soothing and left me with only one desire: to curl up under a soft blanket and drift away. Yet I resisted the temptation to call it a night. Mosavali, the Georgian restaurant tucked within Printemps, was calling. Georgian cuisine is hard to find in Doha, and this was my first encounter with it. I tried a few of the signatures: the comforting Khachapuri (warm cheese-filled bread), the delicately pleated Khinkali (dumplings filled with minced meat, onions

and aromatic broth) and the rich Shkmeruli (grilled chicken in garlic and cream sauce).

The next morning, I had an Italian breakfast at Cova, a stop I can only recommend. The Milanese pasticceria, originally founded in Milan in 1817 by Antonio Cova, felt instantly welcoming and familiar, with a great smell of espresso filling the air. Breakfast was classic and done right: a light omelette, creamy scrambled eggs with cheese and turkey, and a crisp salad on the side. Everything came out beautifully plated, followed by a tray of mini pastries with a note wishing me a great weekend. Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying the real showstopper: the signature tiramisu with its airy layers of mascarpone and coffee-soaked sponge dusted with cocoa, as light as a whisper yet deeply indulgent. Paired with a black coffee, it was like taking a quick trip to Milan and proof that the best journeys don’t need distance, just a pause.

For wellness lovers, seekers of balance or simply those craving a breath of calm, Doha Oasis is a destination to return to, not once, but rhythmically. A place where Banyan Tree Doha nurtures the spirit and Printemps Doha inspires the senses. A place where wellness is not an escape, but a way of experiencing life beautifully, intentionally and completely.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit dohaoasis.com or call 4410 4100.

@dohaoasis

@banyantreedoha

@printempsdoha

WINTER MAGIC IN BUDAPEST

There is nothing more indulgently right than spending the coldest time of the year in a city that celebrates the season with style and sophistication.

From the vibrant heart of Budapest, Hungary, the country’s capital, to the charming towns and scenic landscapes of the countryside, travellers can immerse themselves in a mix of cultural events, festive celebrations and unique local traditions. The region offers luxurious culinary experiences for food lovers, world-class performances for culture enthusiasts, and refined wintertime activities for those who enjoy staying active amid the festive season.

NEW YEAR’S FESTIVITIES

Budapest, one of Europe’s rich cultural and historical capitals, offers a winter experience like no other where timeless architecture, festive charm and world-class heritage come together in perfect harmony. Start 2026 in a different scenario. In Budapest, you can ring in the New Year at Aquaworld Budapest at the exciting AQUA PARTY or enjoy a gourmet evening at SALT’s New Year’s Eve Dinner. However, if you are looking for something more unusual, embark on a Danube cruise with dinner to admire the city lights from a different angle.

Continuing the theme of cherishing the moment from a different angle, Virtu offers spectacular dining with panoramic city views from high above. For a more refined affair, VIBE features three curated experiences, while other high-end options include Costes Downtown and Rumour by Rácz Jenő. For those looking for a party scene, the NYE Disco Party at Time Out Market Budapest keeps the dancing going until late; GOZSDU Budapest hosts a lively New Year’s party and the Castle Garden Bazaar takes the festivities to the historic Castle District.

CULTURE MEETS CELEBRATION

The capital is well-known for its cultural DNA. With that in mind, an array of events will enchant music and performance lovers, including: Mága Zoltán’s Budapest New Year’s Concert, Stephen the King (Symphonic Rock Opera in Hungarian with English subtitles) at the Opera House, FRIDA (a dance performance), The Nutcracker (classical ballet presentation) and Golden Age: Beethoven (a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 at the Hungarian State Opera).

For captivating winter performances, visitors can experience Recirquel’s Kristály, a world-renowned contemporary circus, at MÜPA, or the cuttingedge, recently debuted immersive spectacle Walk My World, at Millenáris.

OUTSIDE THE CAPITAL

The region surrounding Budapest also offers unforgettable winter and New Year experiences. It is well worth exploring Hungary’s culturally rich, authentic rural towns during the festive season as well. Just a short trip from the capital, the charming riverside town of Szentendre welcomes visitors with festive lights, artisan markets and atmospheric museums, while cosy cafés and winter walks along the Danube set the tone for a relaxed year-end escape. Nearby Gödöllő invites guests to explore the regal splendour of the Royal Palace, once a favourite residence of Empress Sissi, beautifully illuminated for the season. Similarly close to Budapest, the picturesque grape region of Etyek offers winter tastings and atmospheric dinners - an ideal countryside escape for lovers of fine grape.

Visiting Tokaj in any season of the year is an unmissable experience. Hungary’s world-famous grape region offers intimate tastings, firelit dinners, and elegant New Year’s programmes hosted by historic estates. Hévíz also shines in winter: the town is home to one of Europe’s largest natural thermal lakes, where visitors can enjoy warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by misty, atmospheric scenery - an extraordinary experience during the festive season.

Eger delights winter travellers with its baroque charm, thermal baths and seasonal events, and those seeking active fun can enjoy the city’s ice rink or wander the illuminated paths of the historic centre. Around Lake Balaton, Balatonfüred features a stylish winter promenade, sparkling holiday lights and waterfront festivities to ring in the New Year in a refined atmosphere, while nearby Tihany enchants guests with peaceful scenery and cosy local restaurants.

Within easy reach of the capital, these destinations offer a rich blend of culture, gastronomy and magic, making them perfect winter getaways for travellers seeking memorable celebrations just beyond Budapest.

MORE ATTRACTIONS

In Fertőd, the Light Park at the Eszterházy Palace transforms the historic estate into a dazzling winter wonderland, perfect for families and visitors seeking a magical outdoor experience. On the northern shore of Lake Balaton, the Balatonfüred Ice Rink opens on December 12 and hosts a special party on December 31. Sports enthusiasts can join the New Year’s Eve Malom-tó Swim and Szalay Gyöngyi Memorial Run in Tapolca, combining sport, tradition and community spirit. For seasonal enchantment, Miskolc welcomes back its beloved Advent Tram, charmingly decorated and running throughout the holiday period.

As you can see, Budapest offers a wide range of activities to celebrate the New Year and fully enjoy the season – from vibrant city parties and sophisticated concerts to peaceful winter getaways – ensuring a memorable start to 2026.

For more information, please visit www. visithungary.com/discover-budapest

Discovering

Flavourful

and AROMATIC Indian Cuisine

Culinary journeys are always best enjoyed when they play with your palate, and that’s what Fernanda Langhammer experienced at Gymkhana.

Indian cuisine is known for bold flavours and complex use of spices, balancing sweet, salty and sour with a spicy kick. We all know that if this kind of food doesn’t come with some heat, something must be wrong. The country’s diversity is reflected in its food, which varies from region to region. I didn’t grow up eating this type of cuisine, so every time I embark on an Indian culinary journey, the flavours always surprise me positively – it’s like discovering sensations and combinations that my brain can’t relate to – it’s quite exciting.

Gymkhana at Katara Hills Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts offers a menu that mainly highlights Northern recipes. The restaurant has an impressive vibe, with dark parquet floors and olive-green chairs with gold accents that resemble the elite clubs of India. The walls and ceiling are covered in wood panels in dark brown and green tones, creating an atmosphere of sophistication. However, the piece that steals the attention is the massive crystal chandelier hanging imposingly in the centre of the ceiling – a show-stopper. The terrace décor is a bit different, with light tiled floors and beige furniture surrounded by green trees – perfect for the upcoming cooler months.

Our feast at Gymkhana started with some appetisers under the Nashta section of the menu. I learned that this word actually means breakfast, so I believe these small bites can also be eaten as the first meal of the day.

The Kid Goat Methi Keema was a concoction of minced baby goat meat cooked with fenugreek, which was quite pronounced, creating a distinct flavour. The mix was not precisely a paste, but not as grainy as minced meat usually is; the texture was perfect for spreading on the soft pao (bread) that accompanied it. We were told to add finely chopped onions and a squeeze of lemon for the perfect bite. For my dining companion, this was her favourite dish – comforting yet tasty. For me, the Aloo Chaat was the winner. The main ingredient is potatoes, which at Gymkhana were fried in small cubes and combined with chickpeas. Served with tamarind sauce and sev (deep-fried chickpea flour that adds a crunchiness to the dishes), it was a balanced explosion of sweet, savoury, tangy and spicy flavours.

This dish is all about the variety of textures, from crispy to creamy, to play with your taste buds. Seasoned with chaat masala (a spice blend with salty and sour notes), paired with earthy accents from roasted spice seeds and a touch of sweetness from chutneys and garnished with yoghurt and sev – yes, it sounds like everything is happening in this dish (and it is). Still, somehow it works beautifully, and I couldn’t stop going back to it throughout the meal.

We also tried the Patiala Fried Chicken and the Kasoori Chicken Tikka, Moong Sprouts & Kasundi Kachumber. Patiala is related to a royal style of cooking that originated in the Punjab region of North India. The culinary style is known for its richness, robust flavours and heavy use of aromatic spices. The fried boneless chicken was marinated in tamarind sauce and coated with coriander and cumin seeds, with a touch of mint, chilli and onions. The meat was tender, with a sharp hint delicately enhanced by a touch of sweetness. Kasoori refers to kasuri methi, which are dried fenugreek leaves that provided a unique, slightly bitter, aromatic flavour to this second chicken dish. Marinated for one night, the chicken is cooked in the tandoori oven, giving the meat a firmer texture. It also had a lemony and saffron accent, and it was the spiciest dish of them all – if you like super heat, this is the best pick for you.

We then moved to the mains, for my delight (I am a huge fan of curries), we had a lovely selection that included Goan Prawn Curry and Chicken Butter Masala. I have to confess that I love prawns, so this dish had my name on it. Originally from the coastal Indian state of Goa, it is vibrant, spicy and tangy, with a creamy richness from the use of fresh coconut milk. Despite its texture, it felt really light and full of flavour. The classic Chicken Butter Masala was rich, super creamy and sweet with a balanced touch of mild spices and a tang from tomatoes. It was not overwhelmingly hot and the chicken was cooked to perfection, exceptionally soft to the touch of the fork,

but still firm enough. A comforting duo that we gobbled down with basmati rice and a variety of naans (plain, cheese and garlic). We also tried the Dal Lasooni, a lentil curry with an intense garlic touch, and Saag Makai, a thick gravy made with spinach and corn, which paired well with the mains.

Gymkhana offers delectable dishes, but that’s not all. The drinks are as delicious as the food. We tried the Green Park Swizzle (super refreshing with cucumber, mint and elderflower), Billiard Room Punch (made with jasmine tea, it had an intense strawberry flavour), 4th Rifles (with a prominent pineapple touch enhanced by ginger and cinnamon flavours) and last but not least, the Quinine Sour (fresh lemon and ginger, tonic and the detail that made all the difference, curry leaves).

We ended the meal with two traditional desserts: Gulab Jamun and Falooda. As expected, the Gulab Jamun, fried dough balls, was warm, soft and spongy, soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with cardamom and rose water, delicious! It was the first time I had tried Falooda and the whole concept of the dessert was a bit too wild for me. Made with sweet basil seeds, vermicelli noodles, milk and rose syrup, topped with saffron kulfi (Indian ice cream) and nuts, the mix of textures and intense flavours matches this cuisine, which is all about bold, complex flavours.

Gymkhana offers a feast for your palate and an ambience that is cosy and grand at the same time, perfect for a meal with your loved ones. Can’t wait to go back to try the many other options on the menu in the al fresco environment of the laid-back terrace.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Gymkhana at Katara Hills Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts on 4402 4444. @katara.hills

This Is How You Do

ITALIAN

Curious about the buzz around ADRIFT Anda by David Myers, Sirine Boudjadi heads to Le Royal Méridien Place Vendôme Lusail and quickly realises why this Italian spot is getting people talking.

If you think you’ve got elevated casual dining figured out, ADRIFT Anda is ready to shake that certainty. One second, you’re crossing the sleek lobby at Le Royal Méridien Place Vendôme Lusail, the next you’re dropped into a lively Italian space that clearly has a pulse and isn’t shy about it. First thing I notice? The floor with patterned tiles mixed with chunky wooden frames. The lights, ropes tied into knots with bulbs hanging off them, set the mood quickly: relaxed, a bit bold, totally unpretentious. Here and there, piles of pasta and bottles of olive oil double as décor. The real magnet, of course, is the open kitchen. From my seat, I can see everything: chefs rolling pasta like it’s meditation, the pizza oven firing like it’s on a mission. There’s even a red Berkel slicer sitting there like it knows it photographs well.

That level of detail actually makes sense once you hear the story behind the place. ADRIFT Anda is the Italian chapter of chef David Myers, also known as the Gypsy Chef, who basically lives in airports and cooks with the same curiosity he brings to travel. His ADRIFT brand was born in Singapore in 2015, built for people who love exploring. Same spirit everywhere, different cuisine depending on where he’s been. For Anda, he went straight to Italy: Naples for blistered one-minute pizzas; Rome for pastas with three ingredients and zero drama; Florence for fire-kissed bistecca – simple, direct, no overthinking, just the classics, done properly. The evening starts with a welcome drink: the Tropical Breeze, pineapple, passion fruit, lime and instant vacation vibes, served with some focaccia on the side. It’s made from the same dough as the pizzas, fermented for 72 hours, and I can definitely taste the work behind it. It’s warm, lightly blistered, a touch smoky. The spreads seal the deal: a roasted eggplant mayo that’s bright and smooth and a butter-garlic-rosemary-thyme mix that doesn’t exactly believe in restraint. At this point, the tone is set.

Starters follow quickly. We go for what I call strategic chaos: freshness to feel virtuous, comfort food because we all know how this ends. The Mushroom Arancini? Honestly, they should come with a warning. They look perfectly polite until you break into them and get hit with that dry-aged mushroom depth. The tomato sauce underneath is bold and unapologetic. The Heirloom Burrata Salad arrives like a peace offering: creamy centre, confit tomatoes, rocket for a bit of bite, and Parmigiano slices casually falling everywhere.

Starters done, appetite activated, time for the things you don’t share! Obviously, if there’s one thing you have to try here, it’s the Spianata Piccante Pepperoni Pizza. It’s looking innocent, but one bite is enough to tell me everything I need to know. That 72-hour fermented dough makes all the difference. Airy, elastic, no heaviness, no gluten hangover, no ‘why did I do this to myself’ aftermath. The pepperoni brings heat, but the good type: the kind that flicks you on the tongue instead of setting your whole face on fire. It’s comfort food for people who actually want to enjoy the rest of their evening afterwards, not collapse on a sofa questioning their choices. Naturally, we keep going. Sure, the menu is stacked with all the house-made pastas you’d expect from an Italian spot that takes itself seriously: seafood spaghetti, cacio e pepe tagliolini, gnocchi al pesto, all giving us the ‘don’t forget about us’ look. But it’s the red Anda Signature box that pulls us in like a magnet. This section offers a different kind of pull: Orecchia d’Elefante, Bistecca alla Fiorentina and the one we end up choosing, the Spalla di Agnello. Definitely worth it. The lamb practically gives up at the touch of the fork. No effort, no negotiation, it just falls apart, all tender and deeply savoury. Then there’s this date purée hiding in the mix, which sounded a bit unexpected on paper but ends up being the move. The roasted orzo picks up all the juices, the demi-glace adds that slow-cooked richness and the little pops of cherry tomato keep everything bright, so it never feels heavy.

Just as we’re ready to call it a night, the dessert course insists otherwise. No need to think hard about our favourite: this big, unapologetic bowl of tiramisu with a smooth cocoa-dusted surface that looks like it’s hiding a secret. And it is! The tiramisu is not served the same day it’s made, and that extra rest makes it more humid, more together, more itself. The spoon slides in like it’s cutting through a cloud. Inside, the balance is spot-on: soft, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone and a slightly bitter cocoa finish that brings it all to life. It’s nostalgic, comforting and doesn’t try to reinvent anything. That’s why it works! We can’t resist the cannoli either; they’re adorable. Four little golden cylinders dusted with sugar, their shells perfectly crisp and inside, a cool, silky ricotta that’s just sweet enough. Candied fruits add pops of texture and colour without ever tipping into fruitcake territory. Those final bites say it all. ADRIFT Anda sticks to the basics and takes them seriously!

For more information or to make a booking, please call ADRIFT Anda by David Myers at Le Royal Méridien Place Vendôme Lusail, 4141 6050. @adriftandadoha @leroyalmeridiendoha

REFINEMENT IN MOTION

OHLALA SPENT THE DAY BEHIND THE WHEEL OF BENTLEY’S FLYING SPUR SPEED FIRST EDITION – WHERE PERFORMANCE AND PRESENCE MEET POWER IN PERFECT HARMONY.

There are test drives, and then there are Bentley test drives. When we saw the Flying Spur Speed First Edition, we didn’t just take the keys – we took a deep breath. This fourthgeneration Flying Spur, finished in elegant Cambrian Grey, promised to blend British craftsmanship with modern hybrid innovation. Over our drive, it proved that performance, style and sustainability can coexist effortlessly.

GRACE WITH GRAVITAS

At first glance, the Flying Spur Speed looked less like a car and more like an occasion. Its proportions were pure Bentley: long bonnet, short front overhang and a rear stance that radiated presence. The Cambrian Grey paint – a refined mid-grey with a whisper of blue – shimmered subtly under the sunlight, accentuating its sculpted curves. Every detail told a story. The dark-tint brightware and Blackline Specification gave the car a contemporary edge, while the illuminated Flying B mascot rose gracefully from the bonnet like a piece of jewellery. Our test model’s 22-inch gloss-black wheels completed the look – elegant, bold and commanding without ever feeling excessive. The Flying Spur exuded the kind of confidence that doesn’t seek attention – it simply commands it.

THE ART OF COMFORT

Inside, luxury meets theatre. The Pillar Box Red and Gravity Grey hides by Mulliner delivered a dramatic yet tasteful contrast, paired with high-gloss carbon-fibre veneer for a touch of modern sophistication. The dark chrome

accents gleamed softly – technical, stylish and unmistakably Bentley.

The new Precision Diamond quilting on the seats and 3D diamond hide across the doors created a tactile sense of sculpture. Everything you touched, pressed or adjusted felt deliberate – as if Bentley’s designers had asked: “What would feel good after a long day of being fabulous?” It’s a cabin that makes you sit taller and drive slower, just to make it last.

INNOVATION WITH INTUITION

Beneath the glamour lies technology that anticipates your every move. The My Bentley App Studio integrates navigation, music and streaming apps directly into the system, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep things effortlessly connected. The crisp 12.3-inch display is intuitive and elegant – simple, fast and logical.

Rear passengers are equally indulged. The Bentley Rear Entertainment system transformed the back seats into a private lounge, complete with twin screens and crystal-clear sound from the 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen setup. It’s the kind of comfort that encourages unhurried travel – no one in a Bentley is ever in a rush.

A POLISHED PERFORMANCE

Underneath that graceful exterior lies Bentley’s Ultra Performance Hybrid – a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired with a 190PS electric motor. Together they deliver 782PS and 1,000Nm of torque, making this the most powerful Bentley saloon ever. The result? 0–100km/h in 3.5 seconds – and the only drama was on the speedometer.

“The Flying Spur exuded the kind of confidence that doesn’t seek attention – it simply commands it.”

The Performance Active Chassis and Bentley Dynamic Ride systems worked in harmony to keep the car balanced, while All-Wheel Steering made manoeuvres fluid. The eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox felt psychic – always one step ahead, the kind that quietly makes you look more skilled than you are.

In full-electric mode, the Flying Spur glided silently for up to 76km – ideal for early starts or late arrivals when you’d rather impress the neighbours with your taste than your exhaust note.

SMART, SUBTLE AND SAFE

During our drive, the Flying Spur Speed revealed how advanced Bentley’s technology has become – not hidden in the background, but elegantly present in every moment. The car’s electrical system worked like an invisible co-driver, monitoring surroundings through the environment display and responding with precision. Intelligent Park Assist proved its worth, guiding the car into tight spaces with accuracy that inspired confidence – and spared us the indignity of a second attempt.

The optional Wellness Seating Specification also made its presence known and appreciated. Seat Auto Climate and Postural Adjust constantly adapting to our movements and the cabin temperature, easing muscle tension and keeping us comfortable long after most cars would have us fidgeting. The air-filtration and ionisation system kept the cabin calm and fresh, even when the outside world was doing its best to test both.

Remote Park Assist and cabin pre-conditioning felt like small luxuries that made a big impression. Watching the Flying Spur glide neatly into a space or stepping into a cabin already cooled to perfection was a reminder that true refinement is about thoughtfulness, not theatre.

FINAL REFLECTION

Our day with the Flying Spur Speed confirmed what we already knew –Bentley doesn’t build cars; it crafts experiences. This isn’t merely a grand saloon; it’s a statement of refinement and quiet power.

From long highways to the heart of the city, it felt perfectly at home: poised, potent and effortlessly composed. To us, the Flying Spur Speed First Edition isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about making every journey feel like it’s worth dressing up for.

For more information, please call Bentley Qatar on 4411 4411. @bentleyqatarofficial

WORD ON THE STREET

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