Review: The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

Qatar might not immediately scream beach destination, but Ritz-Carlton has dreamed up a relaxing oasis in this on-the-rise Persian Gulf capital. There’s a lovely stretch of sand and a palm-lined freeform pool outside, but when it gets too scorching, come in for the sea-view gym with indoor tennis and squash courts and a spa with a luxury hammam where you can feel reborn after an Arabic clay and kese exfoliation. Of course, befitting the region, there’s also quite a bit of luxury on display: To wit, the property is home to the Middle East’s largest chandelier, a Viennese Baakowitz stunner with 2,000 individual crystals—one of a whopping 264 chandeliers across the property.