Like the fantasy-fuelled exploits of the classic novel Alice in Wonderland, and the unique experiences of the animated movie masterpiece Spirited Away, Lindsey Steenkamp takes you to a parallel world – where fantasy and reality meet to create an unforgettable adventure. This is your voyage into Mondrian Doha, an enigmatic, alluring and unforgettable hotel.

At first view of the spectacular hand-painted glass-dome ceiling, like Alice with her looking glass, I was intrigued by Mondrian’s bold visual statements. On immersion, I realised that the choices are focused on making guests feel part of a story – a fairy tale – far removed from utilitarian functionality and fully embracing fantasy fulfilment, whether for one amazing meal or for a one-week stay.

From the immersive nature of the hotel, to the food choices that transport you to that space, it’s about make-believe, made real. Reviewing it is akin to reading Alice in Wonderland for the first time and taking that adventure together with her. There are many layers of engagement and delight, each revealed as the journey unfolds.

But, before the fairy tale begins, let’s look at the big picture. Capturing the cool California mood of the original Mondrian in Los Angeles, Mondrian Doha brings the same spirit to Qatar, with a Middle Eastern twist.

It’s façade, forged on the image of an Arabian Falcon, is visually arresting. Developed in collaboration with renowned Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, the iconic edifice is a portent of the surreal interior experience. The hotel pays detailed homage to fantasy with a design language that seamlessly mixes whimsy and glamour, sophistication and cheekiness.

Giving a knowing nod to One Thousand and One Nights, the collection of Middle Eastern folk tales, and set in a strikingly contemporary idiom, the Mondrian is bold and daring in its desire to excite you. Marcel Wanders in his own words envisioned Mondrian Doha as an “oasis of indulgence and fantasy, a place that would embrace the rich traditions of local culture and give life to modern design”.

“AN OASIS OF INDULGENCE AND FANTASY, A PLACE THAT WOULD EMBRACE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF LOCAL CULTURE AND GIVE LIFE TO MODERN DESIGN.”

This has been realised in the final iteration. The interior décor incorporates bespoke design features with classic literary references and regional influences, merging the beauty of local patterns and weaving an intricate tapestry of ornate Arabic writing and historic souks into the aesthetic. I was drawn into Mondrian’s world – a place where the expected and unexpected merge.

I observed multiple themes collectively layered throughout the hotel. It’s clear that each individual space aims to create a fresh fable. When you visit, you experience your own tale and write your collection of stories. Wanders’ deft hand is clearly evident in the unique guest rooms and sumptuous suites. You can choose from five distinctive room categories that range from standard guest rooms and studio suites with their own unmistakable style, to elegant one- and two-bedroom suites imbued with luxury and fantasy, culminating in breathtaking penthouse options, all of which share the universal design details of Swarovski crystal chandeliers and bespoke furniture, dressed in hues to mirror the desert.

In her epic literary adventure, Alice encounters a note that says, ‘eat me’. This could easily apply to your Mondrian experience. Our trip through the looking-glass starts with a tale of the taste buds. The food options, by their nature, demand that you follow their instruction to ‘eat me’. Luckily, it’s easy to do so. During lockdown the hotel brings the magic of Mondrian to patrons as a conduit to the complete experience, delivering beloved dishes from its signature restaurants Morimoto, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Walima and EllaMia, as well as the more relaxed Hudson Tavern.

When I ordered in from two of these restaurants, it felt less like a delivery from the hotel and more like a transportation to their eclectic theatre of the imagination. First on my plate was a mystery combination from Morimoto. Like the celebrated movie Spirited Away by Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki, the combination took me from my apartment to a dream-like world. Morimoto is the first Middle Eastern iteration of this famed Japanese restaurant by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto. He is the mastermind behind the fantastic culinary experiences. The physical space offers an opulent tribute to its cultural heritage, adorned with vibrant and graceful artworks by Japanese painter, Hiroshi Senju. The ambience is an ode to luxury with the 16-seat sushi bar and main dining area surrounded by rose-gold-studded columns.

It’s a rich and textured sensory activation, and the food unquestionably mirrors that experience. Part of the Morimoto ‘spirit’ is a heady mix of intrigue and surprise. When I ordered a Sushi Combination it was not revealed beforehand what I would receive. You have to embrace the experience. Morimoto graced me with a package that included a sensational Robata Teriyaki Salmon. Packed with irresistible flavour, the crispy salmon skin rocked my world. With a reputation that preceded it, I ordered the freshly baked cheesecake as the pièce de résistance and it proved to be as remarkable as anticipated. It was a perfect mix of lightness and richness.

I would describe it as a playground for the taste buds. Next, courtesy of EllaMia, I was invited to a hedonistic confectionary experience befitting the Queen of Hearts at The Mad Hatters Tea Party. EllaMia at Mondrian, is a stylish and subtle contemporary take on artisanal coffee blends and teas. But, on this occasion, I was tempted by their more indulgent offerings. I tried a Pistachio Baklava and Mixed Nuts Baklava in lethal combination.

They proved to be an irresistible duo. Pâte à Choux or Choux pastry, is a delicate expression of confectionary delight. I revelled in a range of mini choux buns that pleased my palate. To round of my culinary adventure, I sampled some of the EllaMia Mamool – a delectable Levantine dessert comprised of a semolina shortbread cookie filled with dates. All in all, a wonderful experience that left me with a grin like the Cheshire Cat. In next month’s edition we descend further down the rabbit hole and into the living spaces and unique features of the hotel. ✤

GO: CALL 4045 5555 FOR MORE INFORMATION.