Built to resemble the intersecting scimitar swords from Qatar’s national seal, the structure of the Katara Towers cuts a dramatic swathe through the Doha sky. Occupying this building is a hotel with ambitions as lofty as the city that built it.

To enter the soaring lobby of the Raffles Hotel is to step inside a giant indoor kaleidoscope – an ever-changing pattern of dynamic colours and hues. At every turn, the décor emits an air of quiet opulence and unmatched quality. Each of the hotel’s suites offers up something slightly different, with the pinnacle being the exquisite two-bedroom ‘Parisian townhouse’. Each suite is assigned a personal butler to attend to your every need around the clock. The Compoz scent library – a world first for hotels – allows you to choose your room infusion based on your mood. And the piece de resistance – a fully personalised, private bar, a personally curated treasure chest filled with your favourite refreshments.    

The hotel’s dining scene is legendary. The flagship restaurant, Alba is headed by none other than 3-time Michelin-star recipient Enrico Crippa. It’s northern Italian gastronomy, but not as we know it. Then there’s L’Artisan, which serves an exquisite array of dishes from all over the world, each one finished tableside to add to the drama. At Malaki Raffles Lounge, tea is less a beverage than an art form, elevated to new heights in the lofty atrium setting. The Aqua Urban Deck serves a selection of Greek and Mediterranean delicacies against the backdrop of its vast pool.