Why Qatar Is The Perfect Pick For Your Winter Sun Holiday

Luxury beach life beckons you this winter to the golden shores of Qatar, where 560 kilometres of coastline offers sensational holiday spots.

The colder months at home offer perfect conditions to visit this wonderful destination and enjoy some invigorating warm weather. A year-round sunshine paradise, there’s very little rainfall annually, meaning you can forget your umbrella and rain coat and instead adorn your beachwear and sun hats. The bustling capital, Doha, is a hive of entertainment and history as it blends traditional Arabian culture with modern architecture to create an eye-catching skyline. You’ll also have the chance to discover the wonders of the Arabian Desert or venture out to explore the waters of the Arabian Gulf, with both places delivering epic adventure activities for holidaymakers of all ages. So whether you’re seeking family magic, serenity and romance or a mixture of everything, Qatar will deliver it all. Here’s what else you can expect.

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Family Fun

Choose Qatar for your once-in-a-lifetime family holiday if you’re seeking excitement and endless opportunities for memory making during the winter months. Ensure there’s never a dull moment by visiting the vast array of attractions. Meryal Waterpark is home to 69 slides, chutes and rides, including the 85 metre-tall Icon Tower, the world’s tallest waterpark tower. Prepare for a full day of fun thanks to the on-site dining venues, from gourmet restaurants to on-the-go bites, as well as souvenir shops. Doha Quest, Qatar’s first-ever theme park, is another fun-filled attraction that will delight the whole family. Situated in Doha Oasis, the indoor entertainment venue features more than 30 thrilling rides. Another option for a fabulous day out is Oli Oli, a children's museum boasting numerous exhibits, including the Water Gallery, Kinetic Gallery and Fitness Gallery that promise hands-on splashing, playing, building and exploring.

Luxury and Romance

Qatar oozes luxury, and if you’re searching for a destination that wows, you’re in the right place. Select from the plethora of exceptional hotels, where you’ll find sumptuous spas, ultra-modern fitness facilities, hot tubs, yoga classes and accommodation with jaw-dropping sea or city centre views. Blend this with out-of-this-world romance and you’ll have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable couple’s holiday. Spend quality time together on a blissful beach like La Mar, where you can take in the views of the West Bay Skyline and Arabian Gulf while you relax. There’s also the private Banana Island Resort for that exclusive luxury feeling. Venture to one of the capital’s showstopping dining venues. Jiwan serves up authentic Qatari flavours and Coya will take you on an immersive journey through the Peruvian culinary landscape. Nobu Doha is the trendy Michelin-recommended hotspot, while Three Sixty - The Torch will take your date night to the next level with unobstructed views of Doha.

Sensational Sport

Home to bundles of electrifying sports, Qatar promises to keep you on the edge of your seat during your epic winter sun holiday. Experience the exhilaration of Formula One when you visit Qatar in November with the chance to watch the twists and turns of the Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit. You can even test your racing skills on the track yourself with some go-kart racing. An extremely deep-rooted part of Arabian culture is horse racing, and you can experience the top-class facilities of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club while watching the exciting races. For something a little less intense, Doha Golf Course is an excellent spot for a laidback round. While you’re located in the city centre, you’ll be wowed by the lush greens and stunning views at this 18-hole championship course. Alternatively, you can enjoy a tour of Doha via a leisurely bicycle ride. 5/6 Park is a verdant area that boasts multiple cycle paths, while Al Bidda Park has a five kilometre-long path that overlooks the Corniche.

Action and Adventure

Forget the winter blues when you experience the incredible action and adventure on offer in Qatar. Suitable for the whole family, Banana Island Adventure Park promises unparalleled fun with activities like ziplining, climbing walls, human slingshots, free falling and much more. The Arabian Gulf and mangroves are a hub for action and exotic marine life that you can discover by getting active with some water sports. Snorkelling and scuba diving will reveal dugongs, dolphins, sharks and rays, while you can also enjoy jet skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking and paddleboarding. Fuwairit Kite Beach is a superb spot for kitesurfing, as its name suggests, and boasts sublime golden sand and aquamarine waters. You can’t visit the Middle East without exploring the desert and Qatar uniquely has access to the Inland Sea, where sand dunes converge with the Arabian Gulf to create this wonder. Conquer the 40 metre-high dunes by dune buggying, sand boarding and in a 4X4 jeep.

Culture and Heritage

Discover a rich history and heritage on your Qatar winter holiday. Qatar National Day takes place on December 18 every year, and you can get involved with the music, fireworks and festivities that take place. A hotspot to celebrate is at the Katara Cultural Village, which also showcases beautiful mosques, an Ancient Greek amphitheatre, planetarium and art galleries. Souq Waqif is another highly-cultural centre to experience. Standing on the site of Doha’s original trading market, you can shop for traditional wares like rugs, clothing, pottery and art while overlooking the picturesque Wadi Musheireb. There’s also food, spices and bespoke jewellery. Tour the immersive museums in Doha, including the Museum of Islamic Art. Located nearby the Corniche, there’s four floors of art exhibits plus a heritage library with 21,000 books. This centre of culture also hosts many activities like film screenings, orchestra performances and calligraphy classes.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl Doha

Immerse yourself in palatial splendour during a 5-star holiday in this lavish island retreat. Relax and revive your senses in impeccable surroundings, with the splendid living spaces furnished to perfection to provide the utmost comfort. Leisure features include an indulgent spa, ultra-modern fitness areas, pools, tennis courts, padel courts and a children’s playroom, while innovative cuisine from around the globe can be discovered in the sublime restaurants.

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Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North

Relaxation, recreation, reconnection and romance can all be enjoyed at this 5-star island haven, where luxury and fun combine to perfection. Among the treats for families with little ones is Qatar’s largest waterpark and the fabulous Rixy Kids Club. A sports club and outdoor jungle gym allow for holiday workouts for grown ups, while the sanctuary of the Anjana Spa and the adult-only beach club add to the appeal. Plush living spaces can also be expected, along with a superb selection of enticing restaurants and bars.

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Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas

Beachfront bliss and endless family fun await at this spectacular luxury retreat on the sun-drenched shores of Qatar. Enjoy relaxing hours on the private sandy beach, unwind in the spa or cool off in sparkling swimming pools. The resort is also home to the spectacular Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park, a kids’ club, marina and fitness centre. Elegant guest rooms, spacious suites and luxurious villas provide options for all needs, while delicious cuisine is on the menu in the exceptional dining destinations.

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Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Embrace peace and serenity amidst an oasis of palm trees and pools at the Sharq Village & Spa, a stunning 5-star beachfront retreat overlooking Doha Bay. Here you’ll find beautifully appointed accommodation filled with luxurious modern comforts. Indulge in exceptional dining, unwind with soothing treatments at the spa or maintain your fitness routine in the state-of-the-art gym. The private beach is perfect for sunbathing and exciting water sports, while Ritz Kids keeps little ones entertained. When you’re ready to explore, nearby attractions include Doha Corniche, Souq Waqif and the National Museum of Qatar.

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