Worth The Layover: How Qatar’s Hamad Airport is Catering To The Stylish Jetset
Testament to the nation’s rising prominence, Qatar’s Hamad International Airport may just be one of the most fashionably comfortable places to kick up your heels between flights
Home to Qatar Airways, Doha’s Hamad International Airport’s latest expansion is one that actually makes travellers cross their fingers for an overnight stay. A lot of that enthusiasm has been driven by the 2022 opening of the airport expansion which includes multiple new lounges, a second airport hotel – the Oryx Garden Hotel and a 6,000 sqm tropical garden located at the centre – Orchard.
Visitors at Hamad International Airport have a variety of options to relax, rejuvenate and refresh in-between flights. A highlight is the Vitality Wellbeing Spa and Fitness Centre at the Oryx Airport Hotel, which sits above Hermes and next to the famous yellow teddy bear – LampBear, features a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, spa, golf simulator and squash court.
Elsewhere, unique customer experiences abound, including luxury retail offerings and Middle eastern firsts like the first Fendi Café in an airport. Following its Miami Design District debut in 2021, the Roman house’s Doha iteration incorporates signature Italian flavors and is the perfect place to get an FF-logoed cappuccino, pastries wrapped in Fendi packaging all adorned in the Fendi Art De la Table crockery. Why not?
Ralph Lauren has injected the terminal with its easy, metropolitan New York vibe with the first Ralph’s Coffee Shop in an airport, located in the expansion and features coffee accessories as well. Hamad International Airport also welcomed the world’s first Orea Café, the New Jersey-founded cookie paradise. If coffee isn’t your cup of tea, located at the South Plaza is The Harrods Tea Room which is connected to a Harrods Signature store.
The first Dior Boutique at Hamad International Airport, the only FIFA shop in the world, Thom Browne’s first and only store to be erected in an airport and the largest airport Ray Ban store are among the key hotspots worth the stopover. With over 130 retail and 45 F&B options, Hamad International Airport has an unrivalled selection of luxury boutiques that will not disappoint seasoned jet setters.
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