As a fairly new Qatar resident, when I found out that there were farms about 40 minutes – 1 hour away from Doha, I jumped at the opportunity to spend a weekend at my first one, the Heenat Salma Farm.
Choosing to spend the night at the farm with the bed and breakfast option, my time at Heenat Salma was nothing short of relaxing and served as a great reset.
In this blog post, I’ll talk about my time at the Heenat Salma Farm so you know what it’s like and what aspects of my stay I feel were worth it and not.
Disclaimer: All views are my own. This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book one of these activities using my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting BCJ!
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About the Heenat Salma Farm
The Heenat Salma Farm is a space dedicated to sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives through hospitality, regenerative agriculture, cultural, and other intentional experiences offered on the property.
Owned by the Caravane Earth Foundation, an organization that has similar-focused initiatives in other destinations worldwide, the farm has evolved over time to include all that it does now.
Opened in 2018, Heenat Salma Farm was originally a date farm that transformed into an organic farm in 2019. Today, it has grown to include educational workshops, overnight lodge stays, and more tailored experiences for visitors.
Getting to the farm from Doha
The farm is located in the Al Shaniya area, about 40 minutes from Doha’s main city center.
I recommend renting a car for this trip, as it would be easier to get in and out of the farm, but I don’t see any issues with using Uber to get to the farm if you don’t drive or have a car.
The drive to the farm was fairly smooth, with no traffic. The further out from Doha I got, the fewer cars were on the road. It was very easy to find using Google Maps and the few signs that direct you to the entrance of the farm.
Checking into the lodge
Once I arrived at the gate, I was asked for identification and received instructions to enter the lobby/majlis area.
The lack of signs directing to the lobby means that I did get lost a few times before finding the parking lot that meets the main area of the farm, but eventually, I found my way into the majlis.
Before even stepping inside the majlis, I was greeted with a fresh glass of hibiscus juice, which was delicious.
I enjoyed my glass while signing paperwork and paying the total amount for my stay, and then I was escorted to my lodge for the night.
What to bring to the farm
For an overnight stay on the farm, you honestly don’t need much, but here are a few things that I found helpful to have or wish that I had brought:
- Three outfits
- Bathing suit
- A book
- Personal hygiene products
- Sandals
- Hat/sunglasses
- Sunscreen
In terms of general clothing choices, I would lean toward more conservative wear, as many locals visit the farm, especially at night.
Inside of the lodge at Heenat Salma Farm
The farm has different lodge packages you can select based on your desired experience.
I selected the double occupancy bed and breakfast option, which included the following:
✓ Farm-to-Table Breakfast
✓ Access to the Swimming Pool
✓ Guided FarmTour
✓ Palm WeavingSession
✓ Free Wi-Fi – High-Speed Internet
✓ Full-day access to Bikes
Pricing:
- Single Occupancy: 750 QAR ($205.98)
- Double Occupancy: 950 QAR ($260.91)
The lodge was very cute and felt like a glamping experience, with a cozy bed, shower, toilet, and daybed available inside.
Electricity, WiFi, water, and even portable air conditioning were provided.
At $205 – $260, considering the inclusion of breakfast, a few other amenities, and a workshop, I think the price was okay for the experience.
Guided farm tour
One aspect of my stay at Heenat Salma Farm that I enjoyed was the guided farm tour after settling inside the lodge.
A staff member took me around the entire farm, pointing out the various stations and areas and explaining its history.
This was a great touch, as it allowed me to ask any questions I had and learn more about the farm and its offerings.
Things to do at the farm
The Heenat Salma Farm offers plenty of impressive activities for guests and visitors.
Upholding its commitment to education and connection with nature, the farm offers workshops and experiences in wellness, culinary arts, arts and crafts, and agriculture.
Whether you’re interested in learning how to make Arabic coffee or want to plant a tree, you can choose from plenty of activities on the experiences page of the farm’s website.
After the tour, I immediately began to engage in some of the activities offered.
Goat Milking
With a staff member by my side, I learned how to milk a goat. It was my first time doing this!
Vegetable Harvesting Tour
During this tour, I was taken to the different sections of the farm and was able to hand-pick the produce I wanted and take it home with me.
Swim in the Cool Pool
The farm does have a cool pool right before the lodges and near the eating area that I got to enjoy and was lovely. I recommend going to swim in the morning – afternoon, as you won’t have an audience of people staring at the same time!
Palm Weaving
This is the practice of using palm leaves in various patterns and shapes. During this mini-class, I was taught how to use the leaves to make a coaster.
Late Night Bonfire Entertainment
At night, the bonfire is a space for guests to gather around while enjoying live music.
Planning Tip: I highly recommend calling ahead, even up to a week, and booking the activities you are interested in. There were activities I wanted to do, like getting a massage, that were not available when I asked, so this will save you from any disappointment.
Food at Heenat Salma Farm
The farm utilizes the farm-to-table approach, which means that the menu at Heenat Salma is constantly changing based on what is growing on the farm.
Because of this, there are no buffet or a la carte options, but instead a set menu that can usually be found online, although it is subject to change.
The farm offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.
Rates for meals at Heenat Salma are about 180 – 250 QAR ($49.45 – $68.68).
I think it’s worth having at least one meal on site any time I stay at a property, but if I’m being honest, I found the meal rates extremely expensive and was not overly thrilled with my breakfast meal.
A look into the breakfast meal
The next morning, at 9 a.m., I got to choose where to sit for breakfast, and a full spread of food was placed in front of my friend and me, so the food was enough for two.
While the spread appeared to be absolutely beautiful, and I enjoyed getting to try a variety of different things, it was not the absolute tastiest, and I can’t say that I would come back and pay 180 QAR for it.
I would be willing to try a lunch or dinner meal at Heenat Salma for the experience, but I would say to mentally prepare for the meal expenses or come with snacks if you’re not interested in eating at the farm.
Final thoughts on Heenat Salma Farm
Heenat Salma Farm was my first farm visit and stay in Qatar, and it definitely set the bar high for what I can expect to experience in the future.
The property is simple yet beautiful. It truly provides an escape and is a place I would return to when I need a reset or to clear my mind.
Let me know if you would visit this farm in the comments below!
