Stop off in Doha, the gateway to new destinations
Thanks to British Airways’ partnership with Qatar Airways, you can now travel to a thrilling number of new destinations on one booking – with a cheeky stopover in the glitzy capital of Qatar, Doha
01/02/2023
If you fly to Qatar, a whole new world of bookable destinations is now open to you. A fruitful partnership between British Airways and Qatar Airways means that you can travel direct to Doha, then use the city as a jumping-off point to explore a greater number of onward destinations than ever before – while collecting Avios as you go.
But don’t rush off to your final holiday spot straight away. Qatar’s glittering capital is not only a gateway to some of the world’s most exciting countries, but also a dynamic destination in its own right, setting the scene for the trip of a lifetime.
A sparkling cityscape created by some of the world’s greatest architects towers over a traditional dhow harbour, Arabian horse stables, the Museum of Islamic Art (pictured above) and the dizzying Souq Waqif – where you can find traditional spices and gold jewellery for sale. The city then gives way to a vast expanse of desert, where adventure awaits.
Thanks to the expanded airline partnership, 185 destinations are now accessible across more than 60 countries via just one booking. This means more connections between countries than any other shared network in the world. Game changer, much?
Your onward journey from Doha: where to go next?
Sentosa Island is awash with adventures (Taylor Simpson/Unsplash)
Green luxury: Singapore
Singapore is known as the Garden City for good reason. Tour the city-state’s lush tropical gardens, visit the World Heritage-listed botanical gardens and watch sound and light shows at the futuristic Gardens by the Bay. It’s also famed for its world-class shopping, hawker markets, dazzling rooftop bars and the adventure-fuelled Sentosa Island, which is home to Universal Studios and plenty of family-friendly resorts. For a hotel that lives up to Singapore’s reputation for luxury and style, check in to The Duxton Reserve. Former Bond girl-turned-interior designer Anouska Hemel has layered the Chinatown boutique's 49 rooms in elegant shades of black and gold, across historical Asian design touchpoints: theatrical fans, calligraphy and printed screens.
A feast is prepared at a Hong Kong street food stall (Getty)
Foodie heaven: Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a city of dynamic contrasts, from mesmerising monasteries and temples to neon-lit skyscrapers and hidden beaches. The city’s dining scene is just as varied. While the Michelin-starred restaurants are worth a visit, it’s the famed street food stalls where you’ll discover the real taste of Hong Kong – try Macanese egg tarts and pineapple buns for breakfast, and cheung fun rice noodle rolls and curry fish balls for lunch. For a boutique experience in the heart of Hong Kong Island, book a room at the Cosmo Hotel. Conveniently located in Wan Chai, it’s just minutes from Causeway Bay MTR station and the Times Square shopping mall.
See Bangkok on a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River (Adobe Stock)
On the water: Bangkok
It’s worth taking your time to discover the diverse wonders of Thailand’s capital. The bustling, boat-filled Chao Phraya River runs through the sprawling city – and a river cruise is a great way to get your bearings. Take in the opulent Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew Temple and the impressive reclining Buddha at Wat Pho Temple, visit floating markets, then dine at a romantic riverside restaurant or visit one of the city’s street food markets. For spectacular sweeping views over the river, stay at the ultra-contemporary Millennium Hilton Bangkok – there’s even a private wharf for sightseeing by boat.
Nakhal Fort, Oman, dates back to the 9th century (Adobe Stock)
Royal heritage: Muscat
Oman is an unspoiled corner of the Middle East, awash with rich cultural heritage and spectacular landscapes – there are family-friendly beaches to flop on, souks to explore and the unparalleled artistry of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to marvel at. Head to the tiny walled city of Old Muscat, which is defined by beautiful Omani architecture, including a pair of imposing forts standing guard above the Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace. Immerse yourself in Oman’s otherworldly landscape at the Chedi Muscat resort. Set on Oman’s northern coast and surrounded by the Gulf of Oman and the Hajar Mountains, it boasts one of the city’s largest spas, the longest pool in the Middle East and a 370m-long private beach.
The Red Mosque, built in 1908, combines Gothic and Neoclassical architecture (Brian Kyed/Unsplash)
Contrasting cultures: Colombo
Sri Lanka’s oceanside capital of Colombo is a colourful melting pot of different cultures and experiences. Colonial-era buildings and iconic sites – including Fort Station and the Red Mosque – sit alongside contemporary hotels and skyscrapers. Street markets overflow with textiles, fresh produce and fragrant spices. There are also plenty of options when it comes to dining. Eat like a local at Pettah Bazaar, enjoy high tea overlooking the ocean or savour Sri Lankan dishes at Paradise Road The Gallery Café, in the former offices of noted landscape architect Geoffrey Bawa. For easy access to the city’s best attractions and expansive vistas over the Indian Ocean, book a room at the luxurious Shangri-La Colombo.
