1. CITY ESCAPISM
While the final whistle of the World Cup may have been blown in Doha, the all-new Waldorf Astoria Lusail is giving good reason to keep coming back to Qatar. Just 25 minutes from Hamad International Airport, the hotel’s beautiful beachfront location feels a million miles from urban interruption, with spacious rooms and suites that drink in the spectacular views from their private balconies. For an elevated sense of occasion, book one of the nine Sky Villas, which come with their own rooftop Jacuzzi and 360 degree views of the sea. Make the most of the hotel’s location by venturing out to the Parisian-inspired luxury shopping and entertainment epicentre of Lusail, or stay put and enjoy what’s on your doorstep across the resort.
You’ll find three outdoor pools, a Wadi Lusail Waterpark, 200 metres of private beach, an Aloha Surf Club, Kunuz kids and teens clubs, a beautiful ESPA Life wellness space and Fit-For-Life Fitness with cross-fit, an aerial yoga studio, hammam and Jacuzzi. You’ll never go hungry either, with some of the best cuisine in Qatar on offer across the hotel, from internationally-acclaimed Asian and South-American cuisine at SUSHISAMBA, to iconic Italian dishes at Scarpetta, and refined revelry at The Highmore, one of the city’s most exclusive establishments.
2. LUXURY IN THE HEART OF DUBAI
Bridging the worlds of business and pleasure, Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre has its finger firmly on the pulse of the city, offering guests immediate access to Dubai’s central business hub as well as its best-in-class restaurants, arts and entertainment. Located just 10 minutes from Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and The Museum of the Future, the hotel is an urbanite’s dream, while inside it’s all old-school glamour with a modern edge for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
The 18th floor is the heartbeat of the hotel, home to Bull & Bear steakhouse, St. Trop rooftop lounge and pool inspired by the French Riviera and the Waldorf Astoria Spa, which, beyond its treatment rooms, has a Floatation Suite and Vichy Suite with water therapies and a heated hammam table. Sweet dreams can be found amidst the contemporary design and comforts of its rooms and suites, from its King Deluxe Room with views over the city, to the impressive Presidential Suite, with its own kitchen, living room, dining room, study and media room.
3. REGAL SPLENDOUR
Be transported to a land of old-world opulence in the Palace of the East at Waldorf Astoria Jeddah - Qasr Al Sharq, where a three-storey Swarovski chandelier hails your arrival and accents of gold, Italian furnishings and glistening crystals collide to create Arabian magic on the Red Sea. A personalised butler service ensures no wish will go unanswered so you can rest, unwind or entertain in the lap of luxury.
This suite-only hotel offers a lavish experience for all who stay, from its expansive one-bedroom Qasr Executive Suite, perfect for both business and pleasure; the opulent two-bedroom Qasr Al Sharq Suite spread over 1,000sqm; to the truly spoiling Qasr Al Sharq Suite that covers half a floor of the hotel, and features a majlis, dining room, kitchen, private health club with gym and sauna, and spectacular views from its balcony. Languish in further luxury at WA Spa, which has an aquamedic pool and ladies-only area, or amidst the regal interiors of Mataam Al Sharq restaurant, feasting on Lebanese cuisine inspired by centuries-old flavours, recipes and techniques.
4. ISLAND IN THE SUN
Experience island life in the city courtesy of Waldorf Astoria PalmJumeirah, an unique beach property on the iconic palm-shaped island. Just 40 minutes from Dubai International Airport, you’ll find yourself happily sandwiched between the Arabian Gulf and 200 metres of private beach, with two temperature-controlled pools and palatial public spaces at your fingertips.
You’re never far from Dubai’s most exclusive attractions, but when you want to leave urban life behind, you can find peace within the resort’s 319 rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, and a stunning Waldorf Astoria Spa. Sleep amidst contemporary European furnishings and understated elegance, feast at award-winning Italian restaurant, Social, or on authentic Asian cuisine at LAO, take to the high seas for fishing, parasailing or leisurely boat cruises, then use the beach, pool and spa to help you rebalance, refresh and revive so you can do it all again the next day. For a resort-centric escape with all the trappings of an easy-access urban experience, this really is the secret up the city’s sleeve.
5. AN OASIS IN THE CITY
Plumped pretty in the heart of the city’s retail and entertainment district, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait’s prestigious location means it is close to the Kuwait Opera House and the Grand Mosque, as well as being connected to The Avenues, Kuwait’s largest and most exclusive shopping mall. Inside its walls the hotel continues the timeless luxury the Waldorf Astoria brand is so renowned for, creating a modern city enclave wrapped in both elegance and refinement. The classic style of its wood and leather interiors plays out against Calacatta Oro marble, with one-of-a-kind design features found in places such as the Waldorf Astoria Clock in Peacock Alley, with fine art prints from renowned local and international artists and galleries peppering the walls.
The Royal Suite is the epitome of unbridled luxury, spread out over two floors, with panoramic views and butler service, with the Ikaros Club offering a more personalised and elevated experience for those staying in Ikaros Club rooms and suites. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, indulgence in a wellness journey at Waldorf Astoria Spa, then refuel on Mediterranean cuisine at AVA or with a night of Japanese Robatayaki at Roka.
6. A COASTAL ESCAPE
Renowned as one of the most exquisite family-friendly destinations in the Emirates, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah has everything you could need for a resort-style getaway as a couple, with friends or with mini VIP travellers. Sitting on the sun-kissed shores of the Ras Al Khaimah coastline, the hotel basks in the beauty of the Hajar Mountains, cradled by crystalline waters and immaculate gardens. A place to rest or reinvigorate, there are ample ways to spend your day. Test your golfing prowess at the nearby 18-hole championship course, seek refuge at the 12-treatment room spa, refresh yourself in one of the two temperature-controlled pools or let the kids play the day away at the kids club.
There’s a personal concierge service for when you need guidance on what to do next, as well as a sleep fragrance and bath master to ensure all aspects of your experience are covered. Treat yourself at Qasr Al Bahar, Azure, Lexington Grill & Bar or UMI for everything from international cuisine to seafood to sushi, enjoy the most beautiful golden hour views at Sunset Beach Club & Lounge, then recline in restorative luxury in one of the 346 rooms and suites, with the Four-Bedroom Suite Sea View perfect for glamorous group getaways.