Category Archives: Hotels

Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with The Red Sea Development Company to debut its distinguished Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand off the west coast of Saudi Arabia. Slated to debut in 2023, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is expected to form part of the eagerly anticipated Red Sea destination and offer a highly personalized leisure experience that blends intuitive and heartfelt service with stunning natural beauty and indigenous design. Nujuma will be the first property from the brand in the Middle East and joins an exclusive collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide. “We are thrilled to bring our most luxurious brand, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and its exemplary experience to the Middle East. Perfectly situated on one of the most anticipated regenerative tourism projects in the world, the resort will blend seclusion and sophistication to provide a highly personalized luxury escape,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. Nujuma will be situated on a pristine set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole cluster of islands. Surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, the resort is expected to feature 63 one to four bedroom water and beach villas. Plans also include a range of luxurious amenities and exceptional services including a lavish spa, swimming pools, multiple culinary venues, a retail area and a variety of other leisure and entertainment offerings including a Conservation Center. Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a complete escape to the unexpected: a private and transformative travel experience that is centered around human connection and brings together unique elements of the local culture, heritage and environment.  For the most discerning travelers seeking …

UAE’s Stella Stays announces its expansion into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, introducing the first tech-enabled residential hospitality concept in the region. The highly anticipated Stella Stays Riyadh Olaya Tower will open its door in June 2022, as a significant milestone in the company’s impressive growth trajectory. Stella Stays Olaya Tower offers modern, fully equipped, tech-enabled apartments and hotel suites, a co-working space, recreational and commercial amenities. Stella Stays offers holidaymakers, business travellers, and residents a seamless hospitality experience, through leveraging ground-breaking technology and modern service. Guests and residents in Saudi Arabia will be able to use the Stella Stays app to navigate the entire journey – from booking and managing their stays, checking in, controlling smart home systems, to ordering a wide range of guest services. Payment terms are flexible and can be made through various methods, including debit, credit cards and crypto payments. Riyadh and Jeddah are strategic locations for Stella Stays’ expansion with more than 1 trillion dollars of real estate and infrastructure developments underway. The Kingdom’s economy has fueled solid growth in residential construction with developers progressing a booming number of freehold apartment projects. Saudi Arabia also offers some of the most attractive set-up costs in the real estate sector in the region. Commenting on the expansion, Mohammed Al Ghussein, Chairman of Stella Stays said: “We are extremely proud of our launch in Saudi Arabia, and we believe that our vision for the future of living and hospitality aligns perfectly with Vision 2030, in transforming the Kingdom into a world economic centre with blossoming tourism and entertainment industries. The speed of national development is phenomenal, with around 730,000 homes to be added to Riyadh by 2030. …

Canal Central Hotel Business Bay will focus on attracting travelers from Germany, France, UK , Italy, North America, Canada, Australia and GCC who contributed to the property’s record occupancy rate of 90% during the first quarter of the year. The team met with tour operators and key stakeholders at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Middle East’s premier travel show, the team gathered additional information to further understand the travel requirements of these travellers to acquire a more significant share of the market. “We were very excited to participate in this year’s edition of Arabian Travel Market after two years. This year was packed as the industry learnt the latest travel trends and new and potential markets and reinforce our valuable partnership with key players in the industry. ATM also gave us an excellent opportunity to leverage awareness about our facilities, especially since international travel has resumed, and Dubai has lifted most of the travel restrictions,” said Abdulla Al Abdulla, General Manager, Central Hotels Group. In addition to the new segment, Canal Central Hotel Business Bay showcased its summer promotions to continue attracting travellers from its top source markets, including the UK, Russia, Germany, France, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “This is an exciting time for the region’s tourism industry and offers a myriad of opportunities for the Group. Our portfolio caters to corporate and leisure guests, and our great business and leisure facilities are perfect for a holiday, business trip, or short break,” added Al Abdulla. This summer, the 278-room property will offer a 25% discount on the best available rate and a 15% discount on food and beverage. Guests will feel at home with spacious rooms, …

JW Marriott announced the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea. Surrounded by the tranquil Sea of Marmara, the new luxury hotel offers guests a transformative and elevated stay to nourish the mind, body and spirit within Istanbul’s serene Atakoy district. “JW Marriott combines a legacy of extraordinary hospitality with a refreshing commitment to mindfulness and wellbeing that resonates so deeply with today’s global traveller,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea embodies this holistic approach to the guest experience from its JW Garden where organic herbs are harvested for use by the culinary team, to its robust fitness and wellness classes and introspective, intentional design. We know these principles will be the perfect complement to this breathtaking location.” Styled by London-based firm KCA International, the hotel’s aesthetic draws inspiration from Turkey’s vibrant textures and marries them with the JW Marriott brand’s serene sensibility. The lobby has a unique flying carpet art installation that pays homage to traditional Turkish crafts with a contemporary twist. Signature bespoke lighting by the artist Khuan Chew found throughout the hotel showcases a modern interpretation of Turkish culture. From tranquillity pools in the lobby to tucked-away garden spaces, opportunity awaits around every corner for guests to escape in a moment of calm reflection. “With breathtaking views and exhilarating activities for travel enthusiasts, JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea is ideal for guests seeking to enjoy meaningful moments as they explore this historic destination,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “As with all JW Marriott hotels, mindfulness and connection to place are thoughtfully woven into the hotel’s nature-focused design, …

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has captured the imaginations of both market leaders and emerging players in the region’s inbound and outbound travel industry, as it announced two new mega projects in the luxury hospitality sector at the 29th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre until May 12. Alongside these global announcements, three of Shurooq’s latest projects in luxury hospitality that are making eco-tourism in the region more appealing than ever, also made their ATM debut. Raising Sharjah’s profile as a leading destination in the region for heritage-inspired travel, the first Shurooq project which made a global debut on the ATM 2022 stage is: The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim – a pearl merchant’s 19th century family home in the Heart of Sharjah district, which Shurooq is converting into a modern 12-key boutique wing of The Chedi Al Bait. Launched by Shurooq in 2017 and managed by GHM Hotels, The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, is a 53-key hotel offering luxurious Emirati hospitality and bespoke experiences. Scheduled for completion in Q4 of 2022, the property will provide unique insights into traditional Emirati life, taking guests on a journey through the home of a family living in Sharjah, as it was, over 100 years ago. Alongside world-class accommodation and hospitality, additional guest attractions include access to the facilities of the Chedi Al Bait Hotel and access to Heart of Sharjah’s souqs and heritage areas. The second project Shurooq unveiled is the Najd Al Meqsar Village. Nestled in the mountainous terrains of the picturesque coastal city of Khorfakkan, the destination is being developed to bring travellers and residents a brand-new opportunity to experience …

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts announced the completion of the first phase a of an extensive, three-phase transformation that will see two of the three towers currently occupied by Sheraton Kuwait Hotel reimagined under the iconic St. Regis brand. The first phase of the transformation introduces The St. Regis Kuwait to the city with its collection of newly debuted refurbished guestrooms and suites. The third tower will remain home to the historic Sheraton Kuwait Hotel. Both brands are part of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands. The 102 exquisitely appointed guestrooms and suites at The St. Regis Kuwait feature timeless design and modern technology. All guestrooms and suites enjoy the signature St. Regis Butler Service, providing around-the-clock anticipatory service that ensures every guest’s stay is carefully considered. The next two phases of the comprehensive transformation will include the property’s public spaces, culinary offerings and recreational facilities. Plans also include an extensive makeover of the hotel’s function spaces.  The St. Regis Kuwait will remain operational during this period. St. Regis continues to expand its renowned global portfolio by adding the sought-after address of Kuwait City. Following the full completion of its transformation in 2023, The St. Regis Kuwait will usher in an elevated era of luxury as the capital city’s newest best address, marked by the brand’s celebrated traditions, bespoke service, rich heritage and glamorous design. The St. Regis Kuwait is steps away from the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Center and the bustling business district, and a short drive away from the Al Shaheed Park, the largest urban park in Kuwait. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes away from Kuwait International Airport and the Avenues Mall …

voco Dubai The Palm is set to open its doors in the fall of 2022, on the iconic lifestyle destination, the Palm Jumeirah. Continuing its expansion across the UAE, international brand voco hotels will bring the boutique-styled premium hotel to the iconic lifestyle destination, the Palm West Beach. voco Dubai The Palm will be IHG Hotels & Resorts first property on the world famous Palm Jumeirah, featuring a bold and distinctive identity with contemporary-style hotel living, spanning stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. voco Dubai The Palm combines the reassurance of a global brand with the informality and charm of an individual hotel. By making travel both personal and purposeful, voco Dubai The Palm will welcome business and leisure travellers into an environment that is comfortable and reliable, but also vibrant and of unique character. The hotel provides the ideal destination for travellers looking to stay connected, productive, and energised when travelling, with its flexible spaces to work, network, and relax. voco Dubai The Palm features 143 spacious guestrooms and suites that combine comfort and functionality. Each guestroom is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities and intuitively designed work areas with thoughtful comforts including cozy bedding made from 100% recycled materials. Relaxing and dining with views of the skyline, guests are invited to taste the rich authentic and flavourful European cuisine at Maison Mathis, the hotel’s family restaurant. Located on the ground floor, the award-winning restaurant will serve delicious dishes including Classic Mussels, Pain Perdu, Belgian Waffles and Steak Tartare and freshly baked bread from the in-house bakery. For sundowner aficionados, Frenia, the hotel’s poolside rooftop lounge, is the perfect location to wind down while enjoying Mediterranean cuisine, entertainment and uninterrupted …

Minor Hotels announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Diriyah Gate Development Authority to develop a hotel under its luxury Anantara brand.  Diriyah is set to become the historic hub of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and will showcase 300+ years of the country’s history through an engaging and inspiring set of cultural, heritage, hospitality, education, shopping and dining experiences for residents, tourists, and frequent visitors. Located just outside the Saudi capital of Riyadh, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) is transforming more than 11 square kilometres of Diriyah into what will become the world’s largest cultural and lifestyle development, which will be home to 38 hotel brands, more than 100 restaurants and 400 plus luxury retail brands and souk offerings. Anantara will be bringing its experience-led indigenous luxury to DGDA with a new hotel. Currently in the final stages of planning, further details of the upcoming new property will be announced soon. Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is well known in the Middle East region through its portfolio of striking properties, including Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort in the Liwa Desert in the UAE, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort in Oman and Anantara Banana Island Resort Doha in Qatar. William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels, commented, “We are excited to announce our intention to be part of what will be one of the world’s most exciting and impressive collections of hotels at Diriyah Gate. This project is second to none globally in terms of scale and luxury and will bring a completely unique experience to the people of Saudi Arabia, residents and tourists alike. I …

ibis Styles Deira opened its 143-room hotel, located in the heart of Dubai’s heritage centre, in close proximity to a plethora of cultural attractions, is a welcome addition to the vibrant locality. Nestled in the heart of one of the city’s historic districts and bringing a fresh perspective on the modern hospitality sector, ibis Styles Deira serves as an affordable and stylish launchpad to discover the city’s local hot spots and hidden gems. The property is a short walking distance to many of the historical wonders Dubai has to offer, offering guests the unique opportunity to explore the bustling Souks, wander along the scenic Creek waterfront and uncover the area’s many cultural attractions such as Dubai Heritage Village. Inspired by the beauty of Arabic calligraphy and urban movement, ibis Styles Deira is a stylish reflection of the area’s rich heritage, while tastefully embracing modern elements through bold colours and designs. Spread across six floors, the vibrant property offers an array of different room types, including conveniently connecting family rooms, making it the ideal destination for leisure and business travellers alike. Speaking on the opening, Robin Solomon, General Manager at Aparthotel Adagio & ibis Styles Dubai Deira says, “I am extremely proud to launch ibis Styles Deira today; a culmination of the hardwork of many talented individuals. With a modern aesthetic that draws inspiration from local traditions, ibis Styles Deira will become a sought after destination for regional and international travelers alike. I look forward to welcoming guests through our doors and providing them with a personalised and unique experience.” ibis Styles Deira features four distinct dining experiences catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Lily’s Garden, the airy and …

Situated on the beachfront of Santa Monica, California, Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows is perfectly located to attract GCC travelers and has retained the services of Tiri Consultancy to achieve this objective. Steeped in history, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is among the most exciting places to stay in southern California. It originally functioned as a mansion owned by a former United States Senator, who helped found the city of Santa Monica during the 1800s. Today the property boasts 297 elegant guest rooms, suites, and bungalows and offers a unique experience in premiere Santa Monica luxury accommodations. Just a stone’s throw away from the beach and a short walk to the famous Santa Monica Pier, the property is ideally located to serve GCC families and FIT travelers alike. Nour Aridi, Managing Director of Tiri consultancy will utilize her strong network of trade and influencers to promote the property across the region. “We are delighted to be selected to represent such an iconic property in the GCC and we believe there is a strong opportunity in the family travel and FIT segment of the GCC market” says Aridi. “With over 13 years of experience in the GCC hospitality and tourism marketing sector, we are delighted to partner with Ms. Nour Aridi and Tiri Consulting to support our iconic luxury hotel as one of the most sought after destination across the Middle East,” says Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows General Manager Sam Jagger. “With her passion for tourism and extensive knowledge in the region, we look forward to working with Nour as an extension of our team to welcome and service our distinguished guests from the Middle East here in Santa Monica …