A Desert Retreat Part II - Sharq Village & Spa in Doha, Qatar (Dining & Spa)

A continuation of our tour through the Sharq Village & Spa in Doha, Qatar

brings us to this fabulous outdoor dining space with a fantastic view of the

shoreline.  Qatar is a peninsular nation that is attached to Saudi Arabia on

one side and lies Northwest of United Arab Emirates.

They have an upscale and chic restaurant

with gorgeous lighting and furnishings.

Love the cascading light fixtures and the tufted curved banquette. 

 Shades  of green, brown and purple seem to blend really smoothly

together.  Just gorgeous.

In this space, you know you that you're in the Middle East.

The whole property is indeed structured like

a village inside high fortress like walls.

Here is the very grand entrance to their spa called The Sixth Sense.

Love the organic and rustic feel of this washing area.

Talk about a space that is soothing, serene and beautiful.

I certainly wouldn't mind spending the day at this spa.

I'd say the pool area ain't too shabby either.  A desert may not be the very

first you think of when you think of a vacation - but a desert by the sea,

why not indeed.

Photos from Kiwi Collection and Sharq Village & Spa

A Desert Retreat - Sharq Village & Spa in Doha, Qatar (Rooms & Scenery)

Many of you know that I love to draw inspiration from around the world.

I found this fabulour spa retreat called Shaq Village & Spa in Doha, Qatar -

not your every day sort of retreat.  I gotta tell you though, it's one of those

places where you know that you are in a whole different world.  I've always

loved Moorish  design which overlaps with Islamic architecture.  Above is a

very romantic bedroom with a desert and middle eastern flair.

Here's another room with a great balcony with a fabulous view.

Can you imagine gazing at a pink and orange sunset

like this? The sunsets must be absolutely gorgeous.

Some beautifully cultivated succulents in a courtyard.

A lounge area with a variety of exotic lamps and lanterns.

I just love the rich fabrics and tones used in this room.  Some

parts of Moorish design seems to overlap at times with the

Indian use of colors and intricate cut outs for windows.

The high ceilings of the buildings reminds me of a fort in the desert.

The scale of the place must be grand and like a city within a wall.

More photos to come of this place later in the week.

Do any of you share my love of Moorish design?

Photos from Kiwi Collection and Sharq Village & Spa

Layla Moussa of Saudia Arabia

I just returned from my trip last night and I'm not

even unpacked yet! I reall missed you all. I've yet to

sort through my photos so I thought I would start my

first post back with an introduction to a middle eastern

designer from Saudia Arabia.

Layla Moussa is based out of Jedda, Saudia Arabia.

She's been an interior designer and an embroidery

expert who started her business in 1981 as an antiques

dealer specializing in textiles. Layla's style very much

adopts many elements from the old world and her work

includes a lot of textiles and texture.

The bed above is simply gorgeous.

A closer look at the bed uncovers brilliant textiles

and colors!

A luxurious bathroom with marbled counter tops

and gorgeous chandeliers.

I love how cozy her rooms are.

A sitting room with tons of ...why of course... seating!

Her use of luxurious materials such ase wood

and rich colors is really shown in this powder room.

If this room doesn't scream old world, I don't know

what would.

The artistry on the floor is quite detailed and

wonderful.

I leave you with some wonderful examples

of embroidery from the old world. You simply

don't see workmanship like this any more.

All photos from Layla Moussa.