Category Archives: Hotels

Habitas, the sustainable, experience-led hospitality brand which continues to fortify its status as an industry disruptor with the recent launch of its Namibia and Bacalar properties, has opened its next “home” – this time even further off the map, in the uncharted AlUla region in the Northwest of Saudi Arabia. Launched November, 2021, Habitas AlUla rests within an ancient oasis in the desert canyons of the Ashar Valley, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and palm groves.  The serene resort pathways lead guests up to each of the 96 guest rooms which span three tiers: premium Celestial Villas, Alcove Villas and Canyon Villas, as well as to the yoga deck, wellness and fitness centers, restaurant, and swimming pool. Each of these spaces is constructed from ethically-sourced organic materials which blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings. This minimally invasive build model, along with the property’s sustainable construction methods, are the Habitas calling cards: modular-build, low impact design that does virtually no harm to the environment, creating an organic space in which meaningful experiences of all kinds will spring to life.   Habitas AlUla is the true embodiment of the brand’s six programming pillars: music, wellness, adventure, culture, learning, and culinary, all of which are meticulously developed to immerse guests within the region’s authentic culture and natural environment. This is illustrated through programming that accommodates art and culture walks, canyon trekking, yoga, meditation and breathwork. Habitas will leverage its musical roots to create and curate sounds from the region’s unique talents, and showcase them for guests through the medium of a concert series.   AlUla’s on-site restaurant Tama, aptly named after the word “here” in Aramaic, is in line with one of Habitas’ core …

Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai, Hyatt’s newest modern lifestyle boutique hotel, recognized for its fusion of contemporary style, debuts in the Middle East. The 7-story property is set to become a social hub in La Mer, featuring 173 sophisticated guestrooms, including 27 spacious deluxe rooms and suites, showcasing the city through the playful juxtaposition of colors, textures, and curated curiosities. Offering a touch of classic elegance and refined comfort, Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai will have its soft opening on December 15th, 2021. Nestled in the heart of Dubai and bringing in a fresh take on the modern hospitality sector, the hotel is the ideal destination for those looking to unwind in local hot spots and discover the city’s hidden gems. Adding to the vibrant scene, the hotel features tantalizing dining concepts. The hotel is a great launchpad to discover all that Dubai has to offer. Centrally placed between traditional and uber-modern Dubai, the hotel offers guests a window to experience both the city’s rich culture and the iconic city skyline. Situated in Dubai’s laid-back beach front destination, La Mer is your one stop shoreside getaway with bustling backstreets, variety of cuisines and lounges. Nearby attractions include Laguna Waterpark, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and for those seeking authentic experiences. The neighborhoods of Satwa, Bur Dubai and Al Fahidi, home to traditional souks and places are also within the vicinity. Dubai International Airport is also just 20 minutes away from the hotel. “Surrounded by the ocean with year-round sunshine and a stunning aesthetic, we are proud to introduce the 10th Hyatt branded hotel in Dubai and to bring the first Hyatt Centric hotel into the UAE,” said Britta Leick-Milde, hotel manager of Hyatt …

Accor expands its footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the signing of Rixos Obhur Jeddah, the first Rixos property in the Kingdom. The group is partnering with Dur Hospitality to manage the upcoming luxurious resort which will upgrade and restyle the Makarem Annakheel Village, transforming it into a full-fledged tourist resort with a 5-star luxury hotel. In addition, a water park, swimming pools, and villas with private pools will be featured, all of which will be developed in line with the Rixos brand standards. “We are pleased to partner with Dur Hospitality as we truly value their long-standing experience in the Saudi hospitality sector,” says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey. “We are confident that Rixos Obhur Jeddah will become an outstanding destination taking the hospitality and tourism services in Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea and the Kingdom, to the next level. This resort is Rixos first project in the Kingdom and we hope this will be the first of several projects on which the group collaborates with Dur Hospitality across the Kingdom.” Rixos Obhur Jeddah will become the first luxurious integrated resort in Jeddah, specifically designed to keep up with the increasing demand from guests looking to experience true luxury while enjoying high-end hospitality services, as well as a range of exceptional and memorable leisure activities. On the significance of this development, Dur Hospitality’s Chairman of the Board Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Issa stated: “The partnership with Accor is aligned with our strategy to enhance our capabilities and cement our leading position in the Kingdom’s hospitality sector by offering our guests the best services and experiences available in the hospitality industry …

Marriott International, Inc. signed an agreement with Diriyah Gate Development Authority to open two luxury hotels as part of the Diriyah Project in Saudi Arabia. Located in Diriyah around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the properties will bring modern and distinct views on luxury to the historic town of Diriyah, set to become one of the world’s most forthright cultural and heritage cities. “We are delighted to be working with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority and look forward to elevating the luxury experience of the Diriyah Project with these two iconic and celebrated brands,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah, Riyadh – Renowned for its legendary service and refined design, the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is the epitome of modern luxury. Slated to open in 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah, Riyadh is expected to feature 195 guestrooms including 34 suites along with a specialty restaurant, an all-day dining venue, meeting rooms, an outdoor pool and fitness center. Ritz Kids, the brand’s signature kids club and programming is part of the vision, as is a signature spa and immersive guest programs. The Luxury Collection in Diriyah, Riyadh – The Luxury Collection offers global travelers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations, with each hotel serving as a unique and cherished expression of its location. Situated in the district of Samhan, the hotel is expected to welcome its first guests in 2022 with 141 guestrooms, including 27 suites. Design plans are slated to feature two signature restaurants, an all-day-dining restaurant, coffee and juice bar, fitness center, pool and spa. The property is also expected to offer meeting and event …

This newly built 20+ storey hotel is located in the upscale residential and diplomatic district of Maadi with direct access to the Nile Corniche. Hotel guests will be able to enjoy the spectacular views of the Nile river while sunbathing by the outdoor pool. Perfect for both leisure and business, Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi will feature a large health club and spa, an outdoor swimming pool, two restaurants, an executive lounge, as well as fully-equipped meeting and event spaces.

Located along Al Fateh Highway, the 348-room Hilton Bahrain will feature studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with all the comforts of home and a stunning view of the sea from each unit’s balcony. With six distinct restaurants and lounges, nine meeting rooms and a luxurious spa, the hotel promises an exceptional guest experience.

Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, this upscale hotel’s beachfront location makes it a destination of choice for those looking for a relaxing getaway. After waking up to the sunrise reflecting over the serene waters of the Palm, guests can exercise on the mile-long promenade, take a dip on the property’s private beach, enjoy a treatment at the spacious eforea spa or have a bite at the hotel’s wide range of restaurants, bars and lounges – including Trader Vic’s, Barfly by Buddha Bar, and Claw BBQ.

The 200 luxury guest rooms at the new Waldorf Astoria Kuwait will be just feet away from world-class shopping and dining, thanks to its location in Avenues Mall — a destination with more than 1,100 shops and a movie theatre. The hotel will also be home to the award-winning Japanese restaurant concept ROKA and will feature an exclusive Club Lounge as well as an awe-inspiring 13,560 square foot Waldorf Spa.  Kuwait City Centre, historical and cultural sites, and the Grand Mosque of Kuwait are just a short 15-minute drive away.

Situated in the Old Salata district, Hampton by Hilton Doha Old Town will feature 221 modern guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, juice bar, 24/7 snack bar, work zone and fitness centre. It will be conveniently located close to Doha attractions such as the corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar, and the famous Souk Waqif. It will also be in close proximity to the banking district and the Emiri Diwan Palace, and just 12 kilometres from Hamad International Airport

While travel restrictions continue for parts of the world, many of us are now able and willing to travel once again, with vaccine drives in many countries enabling open borders. As we become more open to taking vacations, a new global travel survey has found that UAE travelers seek a homely experience when staying in a hotel, with 36% saying they like to feel like they’re visiting a friend’s home.  Nearly a fifth (19%) said they are bothered when there aren’t personal touches in their hotel. Cleanliness and comfort were among the highest priorities for guests, with an uncomfortable bed rated the most disliked factor about a hotel stay (33%), while nice food and clean rooms or communal areas among the experiences most likely to make guests book again, at 49% and 43% respectively. On the dining front, 37% of those surveyed said they prefer it when there are a mix of cuisines on offer, while 36% would like more buffet or help yourself options.  And with an emphasis on feeling at home crucial to UAE hotel guests, it’s not surprising that 36% prefer when food is served for longer hours e.g. not just a two hour window for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  And with clean eating a key trend, 13% said they dislike it when there aren’t enough vegan or vegetarian options on hotel menus. Sustainability was also a key point of interest for UAE guests with nearly half (46%) keen to see hotels purchase more environmentally friendly products, for example, using glass instead of plastic, which 41% would support. However, the survey commissioned by voco hotels to launch their new Turn Up Service found guests’ experience with staff …