Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha provided a haven of tranquillity during Liz O’Reilly’s recent visit.

As we drove up to the exterior walls of the property, I was surprised by its urban setting, so was not expecting the gorgeous green oasis hidden inside its impressive gates.

In the lobby, soaring ceilings draw the eyes upwards. Hints of gold on the pale walls, intricate chandeliers providing the lighting and gently rhythmic water features transform the cavernous space into a welcoming introduction to a property that’s every bit as impressive as this first impression suggests.

A quick golf buggy ride with lovely guest relations lady Miat – no cars are allowed on the resort – and I was shown to my one-bed pool villa, my home for the next few days.

Built For Relaxation

Large and bright, the quality of the furniture and fittings told a story of its own. Solid deep-red wood combined with marble tiling on walls and floors, while little extra touches, like mashrabiya patterned metallic décor on columns showed an abundance of thought.

A breakfast bar bordered the fully equipped kitchen, where amenities, including a fridge and freezer as well as a washing machine and dishwasher, made this the ideal spot for a longer stay.

The lounge area featured a TV and comfortable seating with tall windows and a sliding door leading to the garden – for me, the piece de resistance.

Completely private and calm, with mature trees outside the walls, it was the perfect place to relax and unwind with a full-size dining table, two comfortably cushioned chaise day beds and a small seating area. My eyes were immediately drawn to the infinity-edged plunge pool and I could barely wait to jump right in.

Bird song and an occasional ‘whoop’ from something I didn’t yet recognise added to the air of tranquillity, while a wall of cascading water at the end of the garden added a gentle, rhythmic background.

The pool itself was temperature controlled so, even on a blistering Doha day, the sparkling, clear water provided cool relief and an open invitation to linger.

Back inside and I went to check out the bedroom before heading out to dinner and, honestly, if I hadn’t been so hungry, I probably would have tucked myself in for the night right then.

A full king-size bed boasted those crisp, white, high-thread-count linens that seem impossible to replicate at home. Sliding doors gave a garden view while arched windows allowed in abundant natural light. Lights and curtains were conveniently controlled by bedside panels and everything was just designed for rest.

The en-suite bathroom offering a gleaming deep tub as well as a separate shower with water jets and a rain-shower-style head, was everything you would expect and just that little bit more. Amenities from Byredo, lightly scented and deeply satisfying to slather on, were coupled with an abundance of fluffy towels and every kind of extra you could wish for.

Delightful Dining

Al Messila, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha boasts an array of dining options and I was lucky enough to try several of them. As you might expect, there was abundance aplenty, so I shall highlight my favourite experiences – there were many.

At Parisa, I found stunning Persian-style décor and a warm welcome. I was served the house speciality of Shivid Polow Ba Mahiche – braised lamb shank with sautéed onions and dill rice. The meat is slow cooked for seven hours and you can taste every minute of that indulgence in the texture of the flesh, which literally melts from the bone, and the deliciously gooey, gelatinous fat.

At Deli Kitchen, the breakfast buffet is famed city-wide – I cannot think of a taste or wish that’s not available from fresh fruit to smoked meats, pastries and breads, eggs to order and even an intact honey comb with a selection of different honeys. But, for me, a highlight of my stay was the early morning arrival of a floating breakfast, served in my private pool. Eggs and bacon, pancakes topped with fresh fruit, salad, fresh orange juice and more. It was truly both generous and excellent.

The award-winning Taj Rasoi is the resort’s excellent Indian eatery where stunning décor and dark, intricate chandeliers set the scene for intimate fine-dining. Here I was delighted by the intricate flavours of the Champaran Murgh Tikka – tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated with yoghurt, basil and coriander and cooked in the tandoor oven. The mix of herbs and spices rendered the meat deeply flavourful, lingering on the tongue and enticing just one more bite.

Spa Indulgence

There is so much to be said about the wellness facilities at Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha. I chose the ladies-only section at the gym where machines, weights, floor mats and more were arranged in a space that’s the largest in Doha. On the next level, the mixed facilities are equally as impressive with every piece of Technogym equipment you could possibly want.

I returned later in the day to visit Al Messila Spa which, at more than 14,000sq/m is the largest in the region and offers everything from complete wellness therapies to facial and body treatments. Walking in through a darkened corridor with black and white patterned flooring, I immediately experienced a sense of calm before my therapist Eva escorted me to one of the massage suites, complete with private bathroom facilities, where a deeply padded table awaited. I had booked an aromatherapy massage with lavender oil for relaxation. It did not disappoint.

Next, I moved on to Susy, who conducted a very thorough facial using Biologique Recherche products, a brand which has long been a favourite. Through cleansing and toning to exfoliation and a gentle peel to address pigmentation, she talked me through every step, constantly checking that I was OK before finishing with a deeply nourishing mask, moisturiser and sun protection. I left with my skin feeling plumped and renewed and my evening’s dinner companion even remarked on how well I was looking.

Part of the Ladies’ Retreat, the spa is also home to The Worlds – four wellness spaces delivering services and facilities inspired by the elements with the themes of Oriental, Floral, Mystic and Mineral. Here you’ll find the traditional Hammam, a salt room, an oxygen tank, flotation pools and much more.

The Crowning Glory

Honestly, I could wax lyrical about Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha’s facilities all day. But the absolute best part for me was the location itself, set on 33 acres of land that was once an arboricultural station where specialists studied tree species to gauge their resilience to Doha’s harsh climate. When the site was developed, the owners managed to preserve 76% of the trees. The result is a massive space, with jogging tracks ranging up to 2.5km where old-growth woodland shades your path and birds are all around – at least 15 different species, some of them rare, have been recorded on the site, including a peacock, whose joyous ‘whoops’ I couldn’t identify on my first day.

An extra mention should also go to the team whose welcome was warm and genuine, nothing was too much trouble – they even brought sun screen when I realised I’d forgotten mine and extra teabags, without which I couldn’t have enjoyed my stay nearly so much.

Safe to say, I will be booking a return visit. I would love to see this amazing place in the spring time.

GO: Visit Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha’s official website for more information or to make a booking.