Louis Vuitton unveils luxury lounge at Doha's Hamad International Airport

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
May 30, 2023

Louis Vuitton has announced the opening of the Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno, a new culinary concept in partnership with Qatar Duty Free at Hamad International Airport, Doha.

Described as a "destination for travellers to dine and relax ahead of their departures," the 24/7 lounge and restaurant is designed as an extension of Louis Vuitton’s travel heritage and culinary explorations, and is located directly above the brand's retail store in the airport.

Accessible from the Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden, located at the HIA expansion, visitors upon entering will walk into a contemporary, tropical setting with soft light alongside Louis Vuitton elements such as stacked trunks surrounded by greenery, with Atelier Oï’s colourful Quetzal bird creations overhead.  

Seating is mixed in with the maison’s designer edition pieces including India Mahdavi low tables, Paola Lenti  high tables, Costela armchairs by Martin Eisler. Among the Objets Nomades is the Cosmic Table by Raw Edges and Bell Lamps by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, alongside twist glasses by Studio Louis Vuitton, as part of its art de la table universe. 

As for the restaurant, world-renowned chef Yannick Alléno has developed a “multilingual” concept catering to a range of visitors and times of the day. Alléno, whose Alléno Paris at the Pavillon Ledoyen and Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc have both received three Michelin stars, took a contemporary approach to the menu by using local ingredients, French favourites, and international fare.

This includes Parisian viennoiseries and local baked goods, alongside hot sandwiches and eggs, smoked fish platters, caviar and pastries. At all hours, visitors can choose from lighter fare or starters and mains 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.

“The menu is complex because, above all, it should please everyone," said Alléno, in a press release.

The Doha opening comes on the back of Louis Vuitton's Cruise 2024 show held last week, which took place on the tiny Italian island of Isola Bella. Earlier that year, the maison took its pre-fall 2023 show to Seoul, South Korea, as it homes in on emerging markets across the globe.