Fun mum finds her groove at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort in Doha

A Doha family holiday at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort and Villas promises to unleash your inner fun parent and give you some well-deserved grown up time too. Rochelle Streater and her kids recently put that to the test.

Funning it up on our Doha family holiday

Doha in Qatar had never crossed my mind as a family holiday destination, but how wrong I was! Our Hilton Salwa Beach Resort holiday offered not only a relaxing and luxurious stay but also a wealth of activities that kept both the children and adults entertained from start to finish, all within an atmosphere of safety and comfort.

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort, Doha

Our Hilton Salwa Beach Resort holiday stuns from the start

Upon arrival, the reception area, adorned with a stunning water feature and warm lighting, gave us a first taste of the luxury we were about to experience. The staff welcomed us with smiles and refreshments, making check-in smooth and effortless. We were thrilled to stay in a spacious two-bedroom suite that boasted breathtaking views of the beach and the sparkling blue sea. With grand doors, high ceilings, and ample space, the suite struck the perfect balance between elegance and homely comfort. The kids loved having their own rooms to unwind, and the massive balcony soon became our favourite spot to watch the sensational Doha sunsets together as a family.

Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park is one of the largest in the Middle East

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort truly shines when it comes to family-friendly activities. The options to entertain children were endless, from basketball and professional football courts to an arcade, various water sports, excursions, and two large, inviting pools. But the crown jewel of the trip was undoubtedly the Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park: one of the largest waterparks in the Middle East. With 19 attractions and over 30 rides and slides, it had everything a thrill-seeker could ask for. Our kids, being adrenaline junkies, couldn’t wait to try canyoning and aqua-gliding. After bravely completing a 5.5-meter jump and gliding underwater through a pirate ship, we all left with huge smiles, feeling both exhilarated and proud.

Parents can relax and breathe at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort

As a parent, the biggest plus was the cave-like design of the waterpark, so it was mostly shaded: an absolute lifesaver considering the soaring temperatures on our Doha family holiday. This meant we could enjoy the water activities any time of day without worrying about too much sun exposure. The high ratio of lifeguards to guests also allowed us to relax a little, knowing the kids were well looked after while having the time of their lives.

When we weren’t at the waterpark, the girls couldn’t wait to dash off to the resort’s incredible Kids Club. It was like a dream come true for them, complete with a gaming section, soft play area, trampoline, and more toys than they could ever have hoped for. While the kids were happily entertained, I took full advantage of the peace and quiet, sneaking away to the spa for what was undoubtedly one of the best massages I’ve ever had.

The Nesma Lobby Lounge

Picky kids eat up with no fuss at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort

Food is definitely one of the highlights at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort. We indulged in some absolutely delicious meals, and the variety of restaurants left nothing to be desired. Our favourite was Levantine, where the authentic Middle Eastern flavours and delightful mocktails made each meal feel like a celebration.

Dante, with its exquisite Italian dishes, was another standout, while the breakfast buffet at Souk Kitchen had such a vast range of options that even the pickiest of eaters (both our kids!) found something they loved. And the buffet dinner at Souk Kitchen was equally impressive, with a rotating menu that kept things fresh and exciting.

The Nesma Lobby Lounge offered a relaxing afternoon tea with a unique Middle Eastern twist: a perfect treat after a morning of waterpark fun. Or, for a more indulgent experience, Miss Wong’s all-you-can-eat dim sum night was a hit with our family, giving us a chance to sample one of everything on the menu. The girls especially enjoyed being part of the ritual of sounding the gong upon arrival! If you’re a sports fan, don’t miss The League, where you can watch major games while enjoying pub food and a fully-stocked bar.

Lighthouse and beach, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort

Movie night in a lighthouse? My kids are still talking about it!

One of the most magical memories from our stay was a movie night in a lighthouse. Sitting on giant bean bags with popcorn in hand, we got to pick the movie, and the unique setting made it an experience like no other. It felt as if we were in a fairy tale, and the kids still talk about it to this day.

Hilton Salwa promised dolphins, and they delivered

Another unforgettable experience was our Dolphin Cruise. We set off early in the morning, not knowing if we’d be lucky enough to spot dolphins, but within minutes of leaving the shore, we were greeted by a whole pod of them, including a playful baby who swam alongside the boat. It was a truly magical moment, and the girls were absolutely mesmerised and thrilled.

Day and night waterpark excitement, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort after-dark swims are magical

Another unexpected surprise was the resort swimming pools’ opening hours which were from six in the morning until 10 at night, allowing for after-dark swims with fun lights and music. It was a refreshing way to cool off after a day in the sun, and it gave the whole resort a lively, yet relaxing, evening atmosphere.

Movie night in The Lighthouse

We’re already planning our next visit…

In conclusion, Doha turns out to be an exceptional destination for families, and Hilton Salwa Beach Resort is the perfect place to stay if you’re seeking relaxation, adventure and unforgettable experiences. The luxurious accommodation, diverse dining options, and a vast array of activities for kids of all ages created a truly outstanding holiday for our family. And whether we were lounging by the pool, indulging in world-class cuisine, or diving headfirst into thrilling waterpark adventures, the resort’s effortless blend of comfort and excitement left us with amazing memories. We’re already talking about what we plan to get up to on our next visit.

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