Where the ‘illusion’ is real

Entering Illusion, the suave new night spot that has now opened in the plush environs of Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha, is a lot like entering an awe-inspiring film set – only that there’s nothing reel about this place, the “illusion” is real.
Promising patrons an upper-crest supper club experience, Illusion takes the whole sensory experience up a few notches by blending an old world charm with new age finesse. Right off the bat, the extravagance is unmistakable yet sophisticated.
A unique concept in Qatar, Illusion plays with your senses from the moment you step into its low-lit hallway with its clever manipulation of light and shadow. Inside The Grand Hall, classic décor literally acquires a new light as multihued light beams stream from various sides and corners. To enhance the experience, the acoustic arrangement is super compact, enabling patrons to enjoy high-quality sound as the DJ spins some groovy mixes.
Encompassing the entire rooftop at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Illusion goads guests to explore three impressive experiences – The Garden Terrace, 1933 - The Grand Hall and The Private Lounge. As the management team behind Illusion says: “Set in one of the most stunning venues in the region, we have created a distinct, unique and captivating new hospitality concept that will dare guests to dream and marvel with wonder.”
The three varied experiences are perhaps what helps most in setting Illusion apart from the other Doha night spots. Open six days a week from Tuesday to Sunday, The Garden Terrace offers a green, breezy rooftop balcony lounge with 360? views over Arabian waters. Chilled music, light bites and a broad drinks menu within a special rooftop ambience make for an unparalleled party vibe. As the sunset cascades over the hotel’s classical domes, the venue assumes a distinct new verve. It has a capacity to seat 170.
As for 1933-The Grand Hall, a spectacular dome studded with LEDs provides a mesmerising backdrop. You can soak up the extravagance with an eclectic décor of bespoke furniture and collection of art pieces for an immersive, interactive supper club experience. This section is open exclusively, for reservations, on Thursdays and Fridays only, from 8pm to 2am.
Exclusively available for select guests, The Private Lounge is a refined, discreet hideaway of indulgence offering everything from appetisers and cigars, to handcrafted beverages from the liquid nitrogen cart, a vintage beverages fountain and bubbles trolley. Enjoy it all served tableside for a fascinating private show.
Conceived by Demind Holding, the lifestyle group behind Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE and The Act Dubai, Illusion is the group’s first venue in Qatar. Formed in 2002, Demind has become a regional encompassing powerhouse in high-yield hospitality, real-estate development, and entertainment venues.
Focused around a sharing concept, Illusion serves up an assortment of world-inspired cuisine, including luscious lobster arancini, sweet potato bravas glazed with honey jalapeno, succulent seafood options and an enticing selection of pizzas. You can accompany the sharing plates with a variety of bespoke beverages and bottle-service delivered to guests by an award-winning beverage team.
The Executive Chef of Illusion is Bobby Griffing. Born in El Paso, Texas, Griffing discovered his passion for cooking at nine after watching American chef, author, and television personality Julia Child make the simple classic dish macaroni and cheese. Griffing asked his mother for the ingredients to replicate the same dish, which marked the start of his passion for the art of cooking.
During his formal culinary training and education at The Culinary Institute of America in St Helena Ca. Greystone, Griffing met celebrity chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality, Todd English, and worked closely with him to expand the rustic Mediterranean Olives brand of restaurants seeing the opening of Olives Las Vegas in the Bellagio Hotel in 1998.
Griffing stayed with the Todd English brand for 15 years, including a successful tenure as Corporate Executive Chef for the Group overseeing a portfolio of 43 restaurants including: Olives New York, Tapas hotspot, Ça Va in New York; Latin inspired Beso co-owned by Eva Longoria in Los Angeles and Las Vegas and Bluezoo restaurant in the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando.
Joining forces with premiere NY based hospitality group EMM Group, Griffing oversaw the opening of CATCH Dubai, the first international outpost of successful eatery CATCH New York, working as Executive Chef of the Dubai flagship for the globally-influenced seafood brand.