Chedi Katara

Prominently situated at the end of a public promenade, The Chedi Katara is the newest addition to the Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar. General Hotel Management (GHM) entrusted WATG and Wimberly Interiors, with the creation of GHM’s third property in the GCC region. 

The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort offers 59 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, along with 32 villas. Nestled along the pristine beachfront of the Katara Cultural Village, the property will be complemented by world-class culinary concepts, providing guests with a truly immersive experience. 

WATG, drawing upon its more than 75-year legacy, embarked on reimagining Doha’s luxury landscape by infusing the Mughal heritage with a touch of Ottoman influence. Meticulous attention to detail was given to every aspect of the design, ensuring authenticity in every element. From the carefully detailed frame fretwork to the precise accuracy behind the hotel’s figurative elements and moldings, the design elements reflect a deep reverence for the fabric of Mughal design. The interiors elegantly showcase a fusion of old and new, with strong Arabic influences. Inspired by a captivating exploration trip to Rajasthan in India, the facade is adorned with chhatris, characteristic of traditional Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture. Refined stone carvings, meticulously crafted, grace the palatial building, adding an element of timeless elegance. 

Seamless cohesion between the architecture and interior design is a hallmark of The Chedi Katara. The interior spaces strike a delicate balance between classic style and contemporary subtleties, creating an atmosphere of elegance and calm. Sightlines to the sea draw guests into spaces that blend the refined, formal style of traditional palaces with the cool, comfortable tones of coastal resorts. The color palette further accentuates this tranquil equilibrium, with soothing neutrals punctuated by luxurious reds and fresh greens, underscoring the sophisticated ambience of the Chedi brand. 

The absence of a public promenade has allowed for the creation of palm-lined courtyards, inviting guests to explore and discover hidden corners of tranquility. Additionally, the standalone signature pier restaurant, Marsa Katara, provides an exquisite dining experience with indoor, outdoor, and private options, accessible via a scenic jetty ride across the azure blue waters. 

The Chedi Katara embodies the concept of holistic design, where every aspect has been thoughtfully considered to ensure a seamless and immersive experience for guests. From the most prominent architectural elements to the soft, subtle details within the custom-designed textiles and carefully curated artwork, a sense of design consistency permeates throughout. The result is an environment where the grandeur of Mughal architecture and the modern comforts of contemporary luxury seamlessly coexist. 

Mindful of Qatar’s challenging climate, the London architecture and interiors teams took an integrated approach to ensure guest comfort year-round. By strategically installing glazed screens, The Chedi Katara remains mostly enclosed, protecting guests from the elements while preserving architectural authenticity. These screens were installed to appear authentic and seamlessly with the building’s original architectural details. 

Jeremy Heyes, Senior Vice President at WATG London, remarked, “With The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort, we kept in mind the architectural elegance of the locale and fused this with the avant-garde building’s design, materials, and colors, with subtle but apparent injections of The Chedi’s rich legacy. The result is an authentic design that embodies the destination and breathes new life for all who enter to relish.” 

Tommy Lai, Chief Executive Officer of GHM, expressed their confidence in the partnership with WATG and Wimberly Interiors, stating, “We recognized WATG’s mastery in honoring a sense of place and authenticity by seamlessly infusing sensory cues from the land and culture into beautiful design solutions. This strategic partnership aligns well with our vision to expand GHM’s distinctive presence at the most captivating and culturally significant destinations with The Chedi brand’s relentless pursuit of hospitality and design excellence.” 

From the meticulously crafted exterior showcasing the grandeur of Mughal architecture to the refined interiors that blend traditional palace styles with coastal resort aesthetics, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to captivate and delight. The Chedi Katara’s unique location, positioned between the Arabian Gulf and a picturesque canal, offers guests a sense of exclusivity and serenity, complemented by inviting palm-lined courtyards.