This past decade, the world has become a battle grounds of sorts for four airlines from the Middle East, each one vying for the favours of today’s savvy traveller. Well, you know who they are. As the fierce competition in the air can only be sustained by having a well-oiled hub – pun intended – with excellent facilities, it makes sense that the carriers’ respective homebase airports go the extra yard as well to woo passengers. Qatar Airways‘ fast-growing hub Doha, and more specifically, Hamad International Airport, has pulled the Louis Vuitton card and opened a branded lounge in its South Terminal. It’s a collaborative effort by the luxury behemoth, Qatar Duty Free and triple Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, and aims to cater to the most discerning of travellers. Situated right above the Louis Vuitton boutique on Level 1, the restaurant and lounge offers a tranquil culinary refuge ahead of departure. The setting features a pleasant, secluded setting infused with Louis Vuitton elements, such as stacked trunks are surrounded by lush greenery with suspended and colourful Quetzal bird creations overhead by atelier oï, a Swiss design practice and longtime collaborator of the luxury brand.
And speaking of which, the Louis Vuitton Lounge is furnished with India Mahdavi low tables, Paola Lenti high tables, Costela armchairs by Martin Eisler, and all interspersed with pieces from the aforementioned furniture collection. The range of selected items includes the Cosmic table by Raw Edges and Bell lamps by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby. As said, the Louis Vuitton Lounge is a culinary haven, and accordingly, the restaurant’s elaborate menu lists specialties that highlight local ingredients, French favourites and international fare, along with dishes that recognise various palettes and dietary needs. From breakfast through brunch, Parisian viennoiseries and local baked goods are complemented by hot sandwiches and eggs, smoked fish platters, caviar and indulgent pastries. At all hours of the day, travellers can choose from lighter fare or starters and mains that represent Alléno’s inspired cuisine, such as langoustine carpaccio with geranium essence, confit lamb shoulder flavoured with yuzu and pilaf rice with dried fruit and spices. Items can be enjoyed à la carte or experienced as a multi-course tasting menu.
Louis Vuitton Lounge
South Terminal, Duty Free Level 1
Hamad International Airport
Telephone: +974 44134931
Daily 24/7
Publishers Note
Just to be clear – superfuture® is a design blog and not a political commentator. No surprise there. The scope of our content has always been global and borderless, however that can often mean covering projects in countries where we will not agree with the politics or actions of those countries. In a world that’s as screwed up as ever right now, the focus of our support is to those designers, architects and other creatives who aim to make the world a more liveable one – as opposed to people that try their hardest to destroy it. So if a project hits our desk and we like it based on its design credentials, we may choose to publish regardless of its location or creators nationality. superfuture® has always been inclusive and hopes for all current wars, aggression, violence, hate and extremism to end.
