Category Archives: Hotels

GCC is one of the main markets for Turkey especially during summer. This year Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul is inviting guests from the region to immerse themselves in Turkish culture, art and natural beauty with a range of new city experiences with their new campaign. When it comes to cities that combine history, beauty and culture with art, style and creativity, there are few places on earth that can compete with Istanbul. And there are few people who know the city like the team of local experts at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul. Tapping into these deep-rooted connections throughout the city,  Shangri-La has created a series of curated experiences that invite guests to rediscover the best of Istanbul this summer. The new experiences make every Istanbul adventure even richer for guests, whether they’re jewellery lovers, art aficionados, or just love getting out on the water. Loved by celebrities including Elizabeth Hurley, Halle Berry and Whoopi Goldberg, Sevan Biçakçi launched his first collection of extraordinary jewellery in 2002, having spent years working as an apprentice with master craftsmen in Istanbul’s famed Grand Bazaar. His unique pieces are a reflection of Istanbul in miniature, incorporating Ottoman history, art and traditional motifs, with one of his most famous pieces to date incorporating a miniature of the Hagia Sofia mosque embedded into a ring. On this Shangri-La-curated half-day tour, guests will visit Biçakçi’s store deep in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar for a close-up look into the intricacies of his designs, including one unique and highly desirable piece that is usually under wraps and off-limits to visitors. A must for lovers of jewellery and Ottoman style, the experience is priced at EUR 250 per person for a minimum …

IHG Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is expanding its presence in Egypt with four new Hotel Indigo branded properties. As part of a Management Agreement signed with real-estate specialists Mountain View, IHG will introduce the world’s first globally branded boutique hotel brand, Hotel Indigo, to Egypt with Hotel Indigo Mountain View North Coast, Hotel Indigo Mountain View iCity New Cairo, Hotel Indigo Mountain View iCity  6th of October City and Hotel Indigo Mountain View Ain El Sokhna. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, and Dr. Assem el Gazzar, Minister of Housing and Development.   The four new hotels will reflect the unique ethos of Hotel Indigo – to serve the curious – by creating an immersive hospitality experience that draws on the history, rhythm and pulse of each of the four distinct neighbourhoods, providing diverse vantage points to view the country and its culture. All new built properties will cater to a broad range of travelers as leisure and business tourism rapidly rebounds across the country.    Speaking on the agreement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “Egypt is one of the most dynamic tourism markets in the region with a great vision for the future of leisure and business travel. We have a long-standing legacy in the country and are proud to continue to support the development of its hospitality sector through the introduction of our boutique, lifestyle brand, Hotel Indigo. Our partnership with Mountain View, one of the most forward-thinking developers in Egypt, is testament to our continued commitment to bolstering the hospitality sector with more versatile properties, diverse offerings and immersive experiences for domestic as well as new segments of international visitors that are expected to visit Egypt as travel returns. Through …

The UAE welcomes a new experience-driven, hospitality group to the market, Limestone Lab, a company with a vision of introducing new and innovative hospitality concepts to the UAE social and dining scene. With the notion of “re-imagining” hospitality experiences, Limestone Lab is set to roll out a lineup of unique concepts to the market between Q4 of 2021 and Q4 of 2023, with a disruptive approach to the traditional brick-and-mortar models. The company’s solid pipeline of bespoke F&B venues will be nothing short of innovative and cultural, boasting of interactive experiences, socially-elevated ambiances, which will be paired with culturally-infused cuisines and themes. Limestone Lab will also bring together a team of prominent designers, architects, hospitality experts to create thoughtfully designed properties located in unexpected destinations. All the venues will be unified by a common goal: to create spaces and experiences that hold lasting memories. Founded by Dubai-based serial entrepreneurs, Hassan Ballout and Hani Doueik, the formation of the company was an inherent process sparked by the passion of these two businessmen, accompanied by their extensive hospitality expertise, to bring truly inspirational F&B and nightlife concepts to the UAE. Ballout, CEO of Limestone Lab, is most known for his recent position as Chief Growth Officer for Seven Management, where he launched and managed Seven Sisters and Antika Bar in Dubai. Ballout has in addition co-created and rolled out 12 virtual restaurant brands in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait & Saudi Arabia, including Tawook Nation, Luca, Japang and Vigilante, to name a few. Alongside Ballout, Hani Doueik will also serve as the Co-Founder and COO of Limestone Lab. Doueik prides over a decade of experience in consulting multiple international brands within creative advertising …

It was recently announced that Sun Siyam Resorts regional office will be opened in Dubai, which will enable the hospitality group to tap into the GCC market following a rise in travel as we near the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Since opening its first resort over 20 years ago, Sun Siyam Resorts have grown to own and manage five luxury private island properties in the Maldives and a boutique beach retreat on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. Each resort is unique, but what unites them all is the genuine warmth and heartfelt hospitality of their people, many of whom have been with the hospitality group from the beginning. Previous Emirates Holidays’ Product and Contracting Manager, Manica Radjou, speaks on the “exciting opportunity that this new office will bring by opening many doors for the resort, attracting a new demographic and customer base within the UAE and Middle East.” Stepping in as Director of the Dubai office, Radjou has the experience needed to take the Sun Siyam Resorts to new heights within the GCC. Beginning with the intent to promote inbound tourism to the Maldives, Sun Siyam Travels was established in 1990, founded by Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Group. The opening of a Dubai based office will allow the company to begin expanding their operation globally with attentive focus on the GCC region to gain market share for its portfolio. Sun Siyam Resorts, has announced that Siyam World, their fifth property in the Maldives, a stand-alone brand in its collection is due to open on 28th October 2021 – a revolutionary resort, located on a stunning natural island nestled in the Noonu Atoll …

Hilton Garden Inn Bahrain Bay has officially opened its doors to guests in time for the upcoming Eid Al Adha holidays. The 192-room hotel, located in Manama, is the first to open under Hilton’s portfolio of brands in the Kingdom of Bahrain.  Nestled in the heart of Bahrain Bay and directly connected to the newest retail and leisure destination in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Avenues Mall, the Hilton Garden Inn also offers unrivalled proximity to the Kingdom’s bustling business district and prime shopping areas. Located a mere 15-minute drive to the newly opened Bahrain International Airport, the hotel is ideally located nearby key cultural destinations and iconic tourism landmarks in the likes of the Bahrain National Theatre, Bahrain National Museum, and the heritage-steeped Manama Souq, to name a few. The hotel boasts 192 spacious rooms (including 35 suites), all with breath-taking bay and sea-facing views and complete with curated furnishings that meet the daily lifestyle needs of guests, such as a clutter-free desk, a sleek 55-inch LED screen, and complimentary access to Wi-Fi. Catering to a wide variety of experiences be it for a short weekend stay or for longer periods, 70% of the guest rooms offer confirmed connecting room . Each space is artfully accentuated with earthbound tones and sea inspired design notes and neutral colour palettes, creating a sanctuary of style and calmness.  Additional features include flexible meeting spaces with state-of-the-art facilities, and a fully equipped fitness center alongside an infinity pool and jacuzzi. In addition to a room service menu, the hotel offers unique food experiences through its restaurant Together& Co serving guests breakfast, lunch and dinner with glittering waterfront views of Bahrain Bay. “As Hilton Garden …

Radisson Hotel Group welcomes back guests this summer with exciting new hotel openings and new property signings, as the Group is ready for the rebound of holiday and business travel. With over 90% of the Group’s hotels across EMEA open again, Radisson Hotel Group is pleased to welcome its business and leisure guests with flexibility and safety top of mind. Building on the success of the Group’s five-year expansion and transformation plan, Radisson Hotel Group is ready for the rebound of travel and remains solidly committed to becoming the brand of choice for owners, partners, and guests.   With the addition of 33 new hotel signings with close to 4,500 rooms across its EMEA portfolio, Radisson Hotel Group has achieved a strong start to 2021 and remains prudently optimistic about business recovery in the second half of 2021. The Group plans to open around 30 properties in 2021, including iconic hotels in popular summer holiday destinations such as Turkey, Dubai, Italy, France, UK and Poland. One of the most exciting new properties to discover is Radisson Collection Hotel, Bodrum, a stunning premium lifestyle hotel located in Bodrum’s most tranquil and magnificent Aspat Bay on the Aegean coast. Destinations such as France, Switzerland, UK, Russia, the UAE have proven popular amongst guests, with occupancy rates continuing to increase. The UK and France specifically have experienced a strong increase in demand where the Group expanded its presence with the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre in the historic city center of this medieval city, and a new hotel from the Group’s latest brand, Relais de Margaux, a member of Radisson Individuals in the famous Bordeaux wine region. Other additions to the Radisson …

IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the opening of Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah in partnership with the region’s reputed hospitality group, Ishraq Hospitality. Established as one of the world’s largest upscale and fastest growing hotel brands, Crowne Plaza has presence in over 60 countries, with locations in busy cities, airport and resort locations; everywhere modern travellers want to stay. Being a brand designed for people who are more digital, more mobile and more connected than ever before, Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah offers modern business travellers the perfect blend of balancing work and life so guest feel fulfilled and successful. The 252 room and suites hotel offer guests a distinct sense of place with stunning views or the Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah beach and the city. Located in the heart of Jumeriah 1, Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah’s excellent location enables its guests to be within reach of Dubai’s key leisure and business areas. Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah is an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers alike as guests can enjoy a relaxing day at Jumeirah Beach or visit nearby lifestyle or shopping landmarks. The renovated rooms and suites include 32 family connecting rooms and come with a number of technology-driven features to provide guests with a harmonious stay experience day and night. From USB outlets throughout the hotel, to unlimited high-speed wifi and Chromecast TVs, the generously sized guestrooms are brimming with technology-led features designed to blend the 9-to-5, 5-to-9 day. Accompanied by IHG’s Sleep Advantage program, which includes plush bedding, pillow menus, aromatherapy spray, sustainably sourced amenities and a bedtime ritual guide, the guestrooms are there to restore, inspire and rejuvenate. Crowne Plaza …

The much-anticipated Fairmont Taghazout Bay opened its doors on July 9, 2021. Located in the iconic bay of Taghazout, renowned for its golden sand beaches, azure waters and extraordinary sunsets, the resort is located only 17 kilometers from Agadir. Stretching on 18-hectares of beachfront land, Fairmont Taghazout Bay boasts of 146 rooms, suites and villas all offering magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. The resort exudes an architecture that combines sophistication and authenticity, inspired by the fullness of a serene oasis. Its aesthetic design draws from a register of semi-nomadic codes inspired by Amazigh culture to create a space of well-being by the ocean, ideal for welcoming guests to a sensory journey in the heart of nature. Blending in naturally with its sand colored backdrop, the design was completed by American company HKS, in partnership with Moroccan architect Mr. Abdessamad Achrai. Beyond the heartfelt service and the unforgettable experience embodied by the Fairmont brand, Fairmont Taghazout Bay will offer a range of gastronomic concepts as refined as they are inventive. The establishment has four restaurants, two themed bars and a tea lounge, offering a rich and diversified experience with a unique panorama of the Atlantic coast and its breathtaking sunsets. The Commons invites modern gastronomy with nomadic concepts to start the day on a gourmet note. Beef & Reef reinvents the Surf and Turf concept based on ocean flavors and local Moroccan products. Nola, the Jazz Bar embodies symbolic infusion of local Gnawa Music with Jazz in a unique setting. Lastly, the signature Japanese restaurant symbolizes legendary cuisine with innovative techniques offering a mix of Japanese and American influences. Juniper offers an outdoor Bar experience in the heart of the …

It was recently announced that Sun Siyam Resorts regional office will be opened in Dubai, which will enable the hospitality group to tap into the GCC market following a rise in travel as we near the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Since opening its first resort over 20 years ago, Sun Siyam Resorts have grown to own and manage five luxury private island properties in the Maldives and a boutique beach retreat on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. Each resort is unique, but what unites them all is the genuine warmth and heartfelt hospitality of their people, many of whom have been with the hospitality group from the beginning. Previous Emirates Holidays’ Product and Contracting Manager, Manica Radjou, speaks on the “exciting opportunity that this new office will bring by opening many doors for the resort, attracting a new demographic and customer base within the UAE and Middle East.” Stepping in as Director of the Dubai office, Radjou has the experience needed to take the Sun Siyam Resorts to new heights within the GCC. Beginning with the intent to promote inbound tourism to the Maldives, Sun Siyam Travels was established in 1990, founded by Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Group. The opening of a Dubai based office will allow the company to begin expanding their operation globally with attentive focus on the GCC region to gain market share for its portfolio. Sun Siyam Resorts, has announced that Siyam World, their fifth property in the Maldives, a stand-alone brand in its collection is due to open on 28th October 2021 – a revolutionary resort, located on a stunning natural island nestled in the Noonu Atoll …

The Arabian & African Hospitality Investment Conference (AHIC) has released the fourth annual AHIC Hotel Investment Forecast ahead of the 17th edition of the event, which returns to Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai live and in-person from September 20-22, 2021. According to research into the GCC hotels projects market conducted by MEED Projects, a division of MEED, co-organiser of AHIC alongside Bench, there are US $27bn worth of hotel investments in the pipeline. More than US $3.5bn worth of new hotel projects in the GCC have been awarded since the start of 2020 alone. These new investments are mainly located in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, including phases five and six at Jabal Omar, Makkah; the Jewel of the Creek development in Dubai; and Qetaifan Island North in Qatar. Ed James, director of content and analysis at MEED Projects, said: “Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, the hotel industry is still optimistic about its medium-term outlook.  “Some US $3.5bn worth of hotel construction contracts have been awarded across the GCC over the past 18 months during the height of the pandemic, indicating that investors expect the market to return to normality in the next two to three years when the new projects are due to open.” James continued: “Longer-term, the industry is even more bullish, with US $27bn worth of hotel investments in the pipeline. “The majority of these are comprised of the ‘gigaproject’ tourism investments in Saudi Arabia led by the Red Sea Project, NEOM, Amaala, Diriyah Gate and Al-Ula, to name but a few,” he added. “All told, these will add more than 40,000 rooms to the Kingdom’s emerging hospitality sector, as it seeks to diversify its economy …