Blending heritage with innovation, Rosewood Doha emerges as a striking new chapter in Qatar’s evolving luxury landscape. Managing director Juan Samso reveals how the property’s creators wove meaning into every detail, ensuring that guests don’t just visit Doha, they truly connect with it.
Rosewood Doha is described as a destination that bridges Qatari heritage with modern sophistication. What was the guiding philosophy behind this transformation?
At Rosewood, a sense of place is more than a design philosophy; instead, it’s embedded deeply in the brand’s DNA. Each property must feel inseparable from its surroundings. Similarly, it should reflect the culture and spirit of its unique home. For Rosewood Doha, we aimed to go beyond referencing heritage; rather, we sought to reimagine it authentically. Therefore, we studied the country’s maritime history, pearl-diving legacy and hospitality traditions, integrating them into architecture, interiors and guest experiences. As a result, the destination doesn’t just exist in Qatar, it speaks the language of place, acting like a cultural lens. Ultimately, guests don’t simply stay with us; instead, they feel a meaningful and lasting connection to where they truly are.
The architecture draws inspiration from coral formations and pearl-diving traditions, two deeply symbolic aspects of Qatari identity. How were these natural and cultural references translated into the structure and interiors of the hotel?
For us, design was never about decoration; it was about storytelling and weaving meaning into every crafted element. Meanwhile, the façade is wrapped in a coral mashrabiya, a modern nod to Islamic architecture that honors Qatar’s rich heritage. The mashrabiya also protects the building from the region’s intense heat and relentless sunlight. Furthermore, its intricate pattern takes cues from coral reefs, creating a beautiful play of light and shadow throughout each day. Once inside, you’ll see gentle pearl tone, soft textures and subtle marine-inspired details that quietly recall the nation’s pearl-diving past. Ultimately, it feels organic and effortless, representing luxury rooted in meaning rather than excess, which defines a more authentic experience.
With offerings like Asaya’s social wellness club, theatrical dining venues and the exclusive Manor Club, Rosewood Doha embraces a very forward-thinking approach to luxury. How did you balance innovation and cutting-edge experiences with the need to preserve an authentic sense of place?
Luxury today is about more than just beautiful spaces. At Rosewood Doha, we wanted to introduce something exciting to the region, so we created the innovative Asaya Social Wellness Club. Additionally, our dining concepts are designed to surprise and delight, yet they remain rooted in our sense of place philosophy. Even the most modern touches, however, have stories linked to Qatar, through local ingredients, traditional healing rituals or coastal-inspired design elements. In the end, it’s about offering guests both worlds: innovation that feels meaningful because it’s deeply anchored to where they are.
From local artisanship to immersive cultural programming like dhow trips and calligraphy, the hotel is rich in Qatari storytelling. How important was it for you to go beyond aesthetics to create a space that invites guests to live the story of Qatar?
A property should feel alive, with stories that unfold the moment you step inside. We wanted our guests to do more than admire the beauty of the place. We wanted them to experience Qatar in ways that feel personal and real. That’s why we collaborate with local artisans, inviting guests to explore calligraphy and traditional crafts, and offering experiences like sailing on a dhow at sunset. These experiences allow them to fell the rhythm of the culture and not just observe it. In the end, it’s the genuine connections that linger long after our guests leave.
