SD experienced a weekend of ultimate relaxation on a visit to Le Royal Méridien Place Vendôme Lusail.

It’s that time of year when Doha has shed the last traces of winter with balmy weather replacing our beloved chill breeze, as the city shifts into a more relaxed rhythm.

Whatever the weather, Doha never sleeps and, usually, neither do we. But as an exception, we’re pressing pause just once. For a weekend, we’re trading our usual pace for something slower, more indulgent and truly relaxing.

We’re checking into Le Royal Méridien Place Vendôme Lusail and looking forward to a luxurious escape with longer showers and 12-hour sleeps. But, even with our informed anticipation, we’re not fully prepared for just how restful this experience is going to be.

The check in process is smooth and welcoming. As soon as we enter our Explorer Suite, we’re already assured of a well-deserved reset in one of the city’s most elegant settings. The suite is impressive and built to cocoon you. Dream with us and imagine a space where everything is soft, wonderfully scented, bright and airy. This is how we’d describe life fit for a king – in a suite so spacious it transports you to a parallel universe of pure relaxation.

Everywhere we turn, there’s something to calm our nervous system. Who designed this? And how did they accurately predict our city-life-induced stress?

Every corner is thoughtfully curated – from plush fabrics and soft carpets to a luxury marble dining table and a king-sized bed that would put any grand emperor’s personal suite to shame. The blend of neutral colours with pops of yellow and terracotta make this space energetic yet relaxing and vibrant but sophisticated.

We’re ready to kick-off the weekend with some fun time at The G.O.A.T. sports lounge. Located on the Mezzanine floor, this venue is perfect with European football being screened all around. The Mixology Programme on the menu immediately catches our attention with some delightful sports-themed drinks. We settle in for a glass of Michael Phelps, one of the signature mocktails (nothing to be alarmed about – just a great blend of passion syrup and apple juice). We’re famished – it’s been a long week – and there’s probably nothing better to get started with than a plate of Spicy Shrimp Tempura. Chef Oguz surprises us with one of his creations. Not on the menu and unnamed to date, this garlic and mint yoghurt with three-hour cooked chicken stock inside (forming soft jelly like pieces) is a foodie’s fantasy. We enjoy the crowd cheers, the football fanaticism, some great drinks and food, and a few fun games to keep us busy until it’s time to retire into the softest bed ever.

The 12-hour sleep dream may not entirely have come true, but there is a very good reason for our 9am wake up call. In Room Dining wants our breakfast preferences and would we ever shun the very voice that’s about to deliver our order to the amazing hotel chefs?

It’s time to rise and discover how gorgeous our suite looks in the morning. A beautiful curved balcony with sweeping vistas of Lusail takes us by surprise. We’re not really reading types, but views of the Gulf across from Lusail Boulevard and brilliant rays of sunshine from these floor-to-ceiling windows make us want to curl up with a book (or the latest edition of FACT magazine preferably) and enjoy this magical morning. We step out onto the balcony and the warm weather doesn’t bother us. The balcony is just perfect overlooking the Lusail Towers in all their daytime grandeur. And breakfast arrives right on time. A regal cart adorned with food fit for a king makes quite the entrance and the staff sets up the most exquisite spread for the most important meal of the day.

The daylight showcases a quietly understated aeroplane aesthetic. The curved cabinet styles, the mustard yellow upholstery accents and the wall panelling are all subtle nods to the hotel chain’s founding family – Air France. The wall panelling adds elegance to an already stylish space.

It’s a windy day, but we’re determined to catch some sun and soak in the beautiful pool at Jardin Vendôme – the hotel’s poolside area. Unfortunately, the wind isn’t giving in, but luckily the kind staff direct us to another secret (well, not anymore) pool in the residents’ area. Because of its placement, the pool completely blocks out any wind but is still bathed in Doha’s beautiful sunshine. How delightful! We spend a few hours until the ravenous feelings return.

Don’t blame us – this hotel has been really spoiling us with seriously high-quality gourmet experiences.

We get ready and head straight to Elissar’s Butcher Block Brunch. We’re no strangers to this venue – we’ve dined here enough to know that we should immediately grab a bowl of the signature (and the absolute best) Manti. This Turkish speciality is prepared to perfection here. While we’re loading up on hot and cold international appetisers, Chef Vincent arrives with his weapon – a trolley laden with prime cuts of meat – followed by an invitation to choose our steak. Tenderloin, Ribeye, striploin, lamb chops, Shish Tawook – it’s an impossible choice. The marbling on the Ribeye looks tantalising (there’s really no other adjective to describe it) so our choice is clear. Of course, we add in some striploin and lamb chops too. The meat platter is a real showstopper – cooked medium rare and served alongside creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and a very indulgent peppercorn sauce that we may have requested seconds of, with zero guilt. The meat is tender and so flavourful – we don’t even need the sides, but who are we to refuse some much-needed fibre and carbs to go along with this hunk of protein? We close with dessert – special mention to the Tiramisu in a Croissant Cup.

And now it’s time for a quick nap. A staycation warrants a siesta and we really are just following the rules. Roughly an hour later, we wake up to make our way to the newly opened La Vallée SPA Switzerland.

Our therapist Sorormi preps us for the highlight of our staycation – a relaxing 90-minute Sleep Enhancing massage. Details matter and La Vallée doesn’t skimp on them. Worthy of mentioning is the heated spa bed with the fluffiest towels we’ve ever laid on. This aromatherapy massage is going to make everything better. Our essential oil preference is a mix of florals and herbals, including geranium and lemon. Sorormi starts off with a foot ritual before we lie face down on the comfortable bed as she skilfully kneads her way through our tense muscles using light to medium pressure. She’s attentive, gentle when she needs to be, and clearly knows what she’s doing. When the massage ends, she presses a button and we comfortably move up as the back half of the bed automatically raises. The will to leave is zero, but we aren’t opposed to the idea of relaxation post relaxation. A fruit platter and cold drink later, we’re ready for the evening.

We head back to our room to experience it a bit more, and the uber luxurious bathroom begs an exploration. Marble tiles, rainfall shower, top-of-the-line bath and body products and a soaking tub that can we could honestly live in.

We end our second night feeling rejuvenated and ready for the world again, but not before our final long sleep.

Waking up in the Explorer Suite is frankly an experience in itself. We waste no time and get ready for breakfast at Elissar Mediterranean Grill.

This is not your ordinary breakfast spread. The food here goes beyond the average and you can find dishes like Menemen, Pogacha stuffed with cheese, Flat Chocolate Dipped Croissant and so much more. We get some cappuccinos to go along with it and we’re ready to seize the day.

The weather is fantastic today and we are amped to finally experience the scenic poolside. Sweeping views over Lusail, comfortable sunbeds (seriously, they have chunky cushions), a cold wet towel and a shot of healthy juice – this makes for the perfect afternoon in the sun. We enjoy a few dips in the pool and our experience is complemented with a fresh fruit platter and some kiwi Juice served cold.

After an entire weekend of pure indulgence and relaxation, ADRIFT Anda’s honest Italian food to wind up our staycation sounds splendid. The Saturday Sabato Brunch is simple – a selection of cold cuts, hot and cold appetisers, pasta, pizzas and mains to order and a spread of dessert. The highlight is an incredible rendition of bruschetta – made with the same dough as the outlet’s popular pizzas, fermented for six to seven hours and topped with stracciatella, roasted cherry tomatoes and aged balsamic. We can’t resist a Margherita Pizza before our mains. We choose a silky, addictive Wild Mushroom Risotto and a perfectly cooked Fish Fillet with Grilled Vegetables. Dessert is served buffet style and naturally, we’re not skipping the Tiramisu.

Our unforgettable weekend staycation at this luxurious property has come to an end, leaving us refreshed, recharged and already planning our next visit. From the moment we stepped in, every detail spoke of refined comfort, sophistication and elegance. We slept like royalty, dined like gourmands and truly let go of the week’s stresses as we became one with the serenity of the suite and the spa. Service throughout was impeccable, warm, attentive and seamless, with staff who go above and beyond to make every guest feel seen and special. This is top-tier hospitality and the perfect experience on a sunny Doha weekend; one that you must pamper yourself with. ✤

GO: CALL 4141 6000 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.