MAIDEN IN THE MIDDLE EAST

I HAVE A CONFESSION to make. The prospect of travelling solo to the Middle East for the first time was frightening for me. The thought of exploring›Qatar, an unfamiliar land,›without the comforting company of my loved ones was daunting, to say the least.

To make matters worse, I land in the country in the middle of the night. An unfamiliar land in pitch darkness does not make a great first impression. My home in Doha is slated to be the grand Al Messila Resort & Spa, a sprawling botanical oasis in the heart of the city. As my ride makes its way to the regal white building, an opulent driveway dotted with water installations and enveloped by sprawling greens greets me. But this modern vibe is left at the doors, as the lobby welcomes me with golden Arabic embellishments on its walls. I scurry to take refuge