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Louis Vuitton debuts first-ever airport lounge in Qatar’s Hamad International Airport

Louis Vuitton has dubbed the newly opened Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno at Hamad International Airport (HIA) an alignment with the house’s travel heritage while bolstering its ongoing culinary explorations.

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The restaurant-lounge was opened on 22 May on the top level of the Louis Vuitton duplex, in association with Qatar Duty Free. The elegant, expansive space is open to Qatar Airways Gold and Platinum Privilege Club members and Louis Vuitton VIPs.

Designed as a destination for travellers to dine and relax ahead of their departures, the lounge is open 24/7 and accessible from the Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden at the HIA expansion opened last November.

Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno welcomes visitors to the new facility. Source: Louis Vuitton

Visitors enter a contemporary, tropical setting bathed in soft light where emblematic Louis Vuitton elements such as stacked trunks are surrounded by lush greenery with Atelier Oï’s colourful Quetzal bird creations overhead.

Seating arrangements are interspersed with the Maison’s designer edition pieces including India Mahdavi low tables, Paola Lenti high tables and Costela armchairs by Martin Eisler.

Objets Nomades, Louis Vuitton’s collection of travel-inspired furniture and objects made in collaboration with internationally renowned designers, include the Cosmic Table by Raw Edges and Bell Lamps by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby. Twist glasses by Studio Louis Vuitton stand out as part of the Maison’s art de la table universe.

Yannick Alléno has developed a ‘multilingual’ concept for the restaurant designed to satisfy and delight a wide range of visitors through all times of the day.

Source: Louis Vuitton

The chef’s Alléno Paris at the Pavillon Ledoyen and Le 1947 à  Cheval Blanc in Courchevel have both received three Michelin stars. In Doha he took a contemporary approach to the expansive menu by proposing 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, visitors can choose from lighter fare or starters and mains that represent Alléno’s 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.

Extending beyond the retail below, the new lounge underscores Louis Vuitton’s five-store presence in Doha.

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“Amidst the airy natural ambiance and artful expressions of flight, the space provides an elevated experience, whether to calm, nourish or recharge those in transit,” the brand said.