By Annick Dournes & Frederic de Poligny
Boeing 777 200LR Qatar Airways
Burgundy is the emblematic colour of Qatar Airways and has become a sign of recognition for all demanding airlines clients. The company has been awarded best world airline for the sixth time in 2021. This certainly comes as no surprise when you take a look at the comfort and excellent service you get on board, the seemingly endless number of destinations served throughout the world and the many options offered to travellers. With the FIFA World Cup 2022 getting closer Qatar Airways is ready for a great 2022 year.
A-few-recent-awards…
Qatar Airways boasts many awards over the last ten years. The company has been awarded best world airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021 by the World Airline Awards organised by the international grading organisation Skytrax. This award actually is the passengers’ choice award since it is done from a vote made by real customers. Qatar Airways was also awarded Best Business Class, Best Business Class Lounge, Best Business Class Seat, Best onboard Food Service. Not to mention its hub set in Hamad International Airport in Doha, capital city of Qatar that has been awarded best airport in the world in 2021. Both the airport and Qatar Airways have got a 5-star award for their Covid security measures.
Hamad-International-Airport-of-Doha
Nearly 150 destinations worldwide
Flying with Qatar Airways will of course take you to Doha from where you can get a plane to many places of interest everywhere in the world. In Doha you can either wait for your next flight taking advantage of all the facilities proposed by Hamad International Airport or choose to stay in Doha for a stop-over. Modern, spacious and elegant Doha airport has been designed to enhance the passengers’ experience. Apart from the huge duty free shopping areas you can take advantage of extensive and varied dining options, relax in one of the several lounges or in the comfortable waiting spaces, entertain your family or work in one of the dedicated workstations equipped with computers.
Even-Harrods-is-there-at-Doha-airport
You can also stay at the 5-star Oryx Airport Hotel. It’s a great place to recharge your battery and you can check in and out at your convenience depending on your flights schedule. You can rest in your luxury bedroom, relax at the spa or swim in the 25-metre indoor swimming pool enjoying hydrotherapy tubs, shower rooms and a fully equipped gym.
Modern-Doha-capital-city-of-Qatar
You can take advantage of a “stop-over” option to visit Doha. The capital city is quickly changing in order to be ready for the FIFA World Cup. Hotels, museums, restaurants and entertainment places are being built to meet the demand of all the football fans that will invade the city next November. If the heritage offer is minimal you can nevertheless have plenty to do in Doha. There are two brand new museums, the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar designed by Jean Nouvel in the shape of a desert rose. You can also discover the Katara Cultural Village, shop in the traditional souks or in the brand new and numerous shopping malls. We had a wonderful time in Doha especially during our SUV tour in the nearby desert going up and down impressive sandy dunes.
Traditional-Doha-near-the-souk
Best Business Class of the World
We have recently been able to travel business class on our way to the Seychelles. This trip included a stop-over in Doha allowing us to visit the capital city of Qatar that is getting ready to welcome hundreds of thousands visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2022. We were able to see for ourselves that the Qatar Airlines Business Class is very popular among those who can afford it since on each of our four flights the business class was fully booked. This shows that the company’s awards owe nothing to chance.
Enjoying-the-Qsuite-the-world-best-Bussiness-Class
Qatar Airways has created a new standard of business class that easily match what other companies propose only in first class seats. The Qsuite is a private space with movable panels allowing to protect your privacy or to transform it into a working, dining or socialising space to share with your family, friends or business colleagues. When you wish to relax or sleep you just have to put the panels back into their upright position and enjoy your private comfortable cocoon. Relax in soothing ambient mood lighting, sleep in a fully lie-flat bed of finest fabrics, use the media panel with its all-access power port with USB, HDMI and NFC facilities. If not sleepy you have 4,000 entertainment options to choose from your interactive screen. To take care of your skin during the flight you have a lovely amenity kit manufactured by the renowned French brand Dyptique
Lobster-and-scallop-appetiser-for-Bussiness-Class-passengers
The “à la carte menu” makes the dining experience a very pleasant moment. The flight begins with a welcome drink and you can enjoy a glass of Champagne Taittinger, a cocktail or mocktail of your liking. I really liked the freshly made lime and mint juice. There is a “à la carte” menu for every meal whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, personally served at your seat with white fabric tablecloth and napkin. Hot or cold dishes have been concocted by renowned chefs from across the world and are made with fresh quality produce. Not to forget an interesting selection of grand cru wines from the best vineyards worldwide.
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One of the very best Economy Class ever
Hospitality and service are also to be expected in economy class. Qatar Airways economy seats are among the widest seats in the industry and you will have enough room to relax, dine and enjoy the entertainment program. Choose among the 4,000 options of movies, TV shows, games and music while enjoying a movie snack offered by the crew.
Meals are really well prepared with fresh products paired with a good selection of exclusive vintages. The “à la carte” menus, including a vegan option, are available before your flight through the Qatar Airways app or via the on-board Wi-Fi portal. Don’t hesitate to ask for a drink, a mocktail or a nice cup of tea or coffee before, during or after your meal.
Iconic-Qatar-Airways-Qsuite
Much more to enhance your experience
Qatar Airways does its best to make your flight as enjoyable as possible and you can book several options when making a reservation online. By joining the Privilege Club you will get access to many ways to make your trip even better with complimentary Super Wi Fi, upgrades, extra baggage allowance, access to international lounges…
Why-not-try-a-stop-over-to-discover-Doha
Qatar Airways also proposes holiday packages that include your flights and your stay in your favourite destination with savings up to 30% on tickets, hotels and activities. With a choice among 200,000 hotels and 10,000 excursions and activities your possibilities will be endless. When choosing one of these packages you can also opt for a stop-over in Doha with very interesting offers with really low fares. Not to be missed!
Much more and booking at www.qatarairways.com/en-gb
and at www.discoverqatar.qa
Text ©Annick Dournes
Photos ©Frederic de Poligny
Oryx-is-the-emblematic-desert-antelope-of-Qatar
