Joanna James
From ethereal museums and breathtaking desertscapes to adrenaline-fuelled theme parks and upmarket indulgences, Doha is a vintage-inspired futuristic dreamscape. Here are some wild nature-kissed bonding opportunities in this luxuriant Gulf oasis.
While there’s plenty of cutting-edge glamour and heritage charm to be found in the pearlescent labyrinths, jewel-toned souqs, graceful culture villages, and otherworldly architecture of Qatar’s dreamy Capital, from the aquamarine canals of the Venetian-style Villaggio mall and the spectacular structure of the Museum of Islamic Art to the dazzling man-made island dubbed The Pearl with its immersive hi-tech retail, sophisticated recreation hubs, and artisan indulgences, you can’t refuse the irresistible call of the desert! Whether it's skidding down desert slopes on a sandboard, Bedouin-style camping under the shimmering constellations, riding a gentle camel across the rippling inland sea, or catapulting over the behemoth dunes in an expertly guided 4WD, there’s plenty of liberating exhilaration to savour in this awe-stirring terrain. You can also witness a once-in-a-lifetime camel race at Al Shahaniya racetrack during tournament time!
After your dunescape exploring, it’s natural to want to cool off, splash about, and rejuvenate! The size of five football fields, this aquatic playground is idyllic for swashbuckling thrill-seekers and lazy river floaters alike, with all manner of splash-worthy shenanigans, including a wave pool with different crystalline swells to conquer, 4-storey-high water slides, rainbowy fibre-glass tunnels plunging into beautiful pools, and even a realistic African Cultural Village to explore! If you’re looking for outstanding 1 bedroom apartments in Doha, venture no further than the likes of Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks.
Whether it’s breathing in the incense and spices of the atmospheric souqs as you collect blown-glass ornaments and customised essential oils, roaming the graceful intricately patterned structures at Katara Cultural Village, or admiring the blend of traditional and futuristic allurements along the iconic Corniche, there are peaceful moments to be found in this vivacious cityscape. If you unwind best in pristine nature, escape to Al Thakira beach and get deliciously lost in Qatar’s largest mangrove reserve as you slice through the tranquil emerald water immersed in lush vistas. If paddling serenely through the ocean isn’t exciting enough, Qatar has no shortage of more extreme sports to enjoy, whether it’s spinning about in a banana boat, kitesurfing over the sparkling Gulf, or diving deep to marvel at the splendid coral realms.
While dune-bashing is an unmissable escapade, careening up and down the windswept dunes on a quad bike directed by your whims gets the adrenaline up a whole other notch! Head to Sealine Beach to rent out an ATV motorbike and experience the breathtaking freedom of flying through the windswept open spaces yet untouched by human innovations.
For heartening greenery, sparkling cascades, and wildlife-rich encounters, take your tribe to Al Khor Park for an all-in-one edutainment experience, complete with an onsite museum, golf course, play zone, football field, top-quality restaurants, and a family zoo hosting vibrant birds, oryxes, zebras, and other fascinating animals.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
