With a large number of visitors expected to descend upon Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the hospitality industry in Qatar is witnessing hectic activity in the run-up to the mega event. Joining the list of high-quality tourism offerings that will open their doors before Qatar 2022 is Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort, located in northeastern Qatar.
The new state-of-the-art kite beach resort, which is over an hour’s drive from Doha, will be opened to the public early next month, it was learnt during a media tour of the purpose-built resort on Tuesday.
Beyond 2022, the resort will serve as a global kite-surfing destination, taking advantage of perfect conditions for the sport while also providing a premium holiday experience.
At first glance, the coastline of Fuwairit looks like any tropical destination away from the city. Clear, blue-green waters, a vast empty beach; rich, lush turtle life. But step out on the sand and one will notice something unusual: the sand is so soft that perhaps it can pass off as talcum powder. This idyllic quality has been famous among residents but is now all set to welcome visitors at large. A unique destination, Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort will cater to guests who want the ultimate relaxing holiday kicked up a notch with the adventurous activity of kitesurfing, while pushing Qatar to join the ‘surf tourism’ market that has already been on the rise globally.
On its website, the property is described as “a purpose-built resort designed around the kitesurfer’s lifestyle with everything you need on the water and even more off it. This is a place for everyone to enjoy”.
According to Qatar Tourism, “Qatar is exceptionally well-placed to offer everything a kitesurfer seeks – stable and consistent winds for nine months of the year, calm and shallow lagoons, warm water, a favourable climate – and it’s globally accessible.”
Arriving at Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort, one is greeted by the Hawaiian spirit. You pull up to the resort and the staff, dressed in deep blue, welcomes you with ‘Aloha Marhaba!’ and then offers a fresh-squeezed juice and a wet towel to literally take the stress off for driving all the way.
An appreciation of nature is woven into every aspect of the resort. Through its architecture and interior design, the resort brings its surrounding splendour indoors via the placement of lush green plants, its choice of colours on the wall, murals and art pieces, along with the Vespa and bicycle that add to the appeal.
The resort is designed to offer its guests a sporty, exciting and a serious amount of space.
While guests can book an individual room, they also have the option of twin-sharing. There are about 50 rooms in total, both king beds and twins, and eight units are connected. As kitesurfing is also more of an activity that gather friends and family — from beginners to veterans — the connecting units are ideal for larger groups.
Each oceanfront room, delineated by the lush foliage that runs throughout the resort, is outfitted with thoughtfully curated furnishings and pillows, towels and rugs. The crown jewels of the design are the artworks placed in each room, which highlight the local Qatari heritage and culture. The stylish and comfortable rooms are bathed in natural light and boast of all modern amenities.
The premier kitesurfing destination offers different stay packages for guests, specially curated for kitesurfers, including beginners. One can also find colourful kites dancing above the water.
In kitesurfing, high-speed surfing and sailing are activities that complement each other. In the middle of manoeuvres, turns and jumps can reach about 20m high. Even if it’s your first time, the resort’s got you covered with its instructors who can help even novices find their feet.
Although the roaring waves and gusts of wind might appeal the most to visitors, the beach itself at the resort is also worth a day’s trip for those who prefer turf over surf. There is also a gym, yoga studio and an open-air theatre for guests to enjoy.
