Tag Archives: luxury

Minor Hotels announces the upcoming opening of a new ultra-private luxury resort in the United Arab Emirates. The 22-key Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is set to launch in Q4 2023 and will provide a unique boutique escape from the city, including the option for exclusive use buy-outs. This sophisticated new addition to Anantara’s growing Middle East portfolio is located in Ghantoot, an unspoilt enclave of coast approximately halfway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Offering uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, away from the towering skylines of the cities in either direction, Anantara Santorini is a 25-minute drive from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport and 35-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Created to reflect the iconic buildings of its namesake island, the low-lying white buildings of Anantara Santorini blend gently with the surrounding landscape and house a collection of ultra-private accommodation offering spacious interiors with ample sun-drenched terraces and unspoiled sea views. The luxurious spaces have a refined décor with soft, neutral furnishings, which continue throughout the resort. Guests will find relaxing moments on the resort’s private beach, an expansive outdoor pool that overlooks the Gulf, while the indoor cinema provides private screenings on demand with the option of late-night movies with custom gourmet cuisine. Bespoke spa treatments will be able to be enjoyed in private beachside cabanas and 24-hour butler service will ensure guests’ needs are fulfilled around the clock. The culinary experiences on offer at Anantara Santorini will include an elegant restaurant dedicated to the heritage of the region, where local ingredients and spices are brought to the fore, plus in-keeping with the property, an ocean-side restaurant will serve delicacies from Greece. Evenings can be enjoyed at …

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind two of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism projects, has announced that its flagship destination, The Red Sea, has been accepted into Virtouso’s ® exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprising over 2,300 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. Set to welcome its first guests in 2023, The Red Sea will join Virtuoso’s elite network of the world’s finest hotels, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators and other travel entities worldwide. These prestigious partners are recognized for not only delivering world-class services and experiences but also for providing superior offerings and rare opportunities to clientele. “Set among desert canyons, dormant volcanoes and unexplored islands, we are pioneering a unique relationship between luxury tourism and the natural environment at The Red Sea. By committing to putting people and planet first, we are enriching the surrounding environment and giving new meaning to the concept of responsible development. Working with Virtuoso, we’ll showcase the distinct benefits of regenerative tourism, while bringing our unparalleled guest experiences to travelers from all over the world,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia across 28,000 square kilometers of pristine lands and waters, The Red Sea will be home to a host of prestigious luxury brands, including Ritz Carlton Reserve and Miraval resorts – the first to operate in the Middle East. While staying at some of the world’s most iconic hotels, visitors to The Red Sea can enjoy diverse activities across the full spectrum of retail, sport, entertainment, health and wellness – from desert safaris and spa days to sailing and diving. A key attribute of the new partnership is The Red …

Rather than cost, the Middle East’s luxury travel sector should focus on the long-term gains offered by decarbonisation, waste reduction and community initiatives. That was the assessment of experts speaking on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will run at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until Thursday 4 May today. ‘Sustainable Luxury: At What Cost?’ included a range of insights into how luxury travel is leading the tourism industry’s sustainable charge in the Middle East. Moderated by Joe Mortimer, Editor-at-Large at Destinations of the World News, panellists included Nadia Ibrahim, Member of the Board of Directors of the UN Global Compact; Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President Operations – Middle East & Africa at Minor Hotels; Candice D’Cruz, VP Luxury Brands at Marriott International; and William Harley-Fleming, Vice President of Operations for JA The Resort and Indian Ocean. Commenting on growing demand for sustainable offerings among consumers, the UN Global Compact’s Ibrahim said: “Luxury and sustainability have not always gone hand in hand, but this is changing. We are encountering a new generation of travellers that wants high-end experiences that do not compromise sustainability. This is why airlines, hotels, travel agencies and tourist destinations are thinking about how sustainability can be integrated into their existing services, and how it can be used to attract more customers.” Referencing the approach Minor Hotels’ Anantara brand has taken to sustainable luxury, Golbarg said: “Globalisation opened the doors to the world, but I think localisation is now equally important. We took the decision to go indigenous as a lot of the costs associated with sustainability relate to the importation of goods. It’s all about how you are benefitting the communities in …

A homegrown Qatari brand with ambitions for international expansion, The Outpost Al Barari is designed to help preserve the natural heritage of its surroundings and is a self-proclaimed ode to the country’s history and culture. Recently opened, visitors can learn about local wildlife on a guided desert walk, or simply bask in the beautiful sunshine at one of the resort’s opulent tented villas. Commenting on one of the country’s most exciting and newest luxury hospitality openings, Co-founder of The Outpost Al Barari, Dr. Peter Van de Bunt said: “The Outpost Al Barari brings an entirely new, one-of-a-kind luxury hospitality concept to Qatar by integrating immersive nature experiences, and sustainability into a close-to-nature resort concept. The resort is all about celebrating the rich natural heritage of Qatar and will be an inspiring place for the domestic, regional, and international traveller to get a well-deserved break from the hectic, overworked world and to learn about Qatar’s stunning natural environment.” He added: “Beyond delivering high-end hospitality, our resort takes guests on an adventurous and thoughtful journey with insightful activities, signature wellness treatments and delectable gastronomic experiences. We are excited to welcome visitors and invite them to indulge in one-of-a-kind hospitality experience that they will love and will never forget.” Reflecting on the expansion of the hospitality landscape in Qatar, Haya Al-Noaimi, Head of Marketing and Promotions Sector, Qatar Tourism, said: “The Outpost Al Barari is sure to become one of Qatar’s most prized luxury leisure destinations. In what has already been a banner year for new hotel and entertainment venue openings, this has been one of the country’s most highly awaited new launches. Sustainability is of paramount importance to the tourism sector and …

The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MOHT), hosted the largest Global Travel Week Middle East this week with the participation of 200 professionals in the field of luxury tourism from around the world, along with 40 local Omani tourism industry key players. It was two days of networking opportunities to connect with the luxury exhibitors across the globe in the Sultanate of Oman. Asma bint Salem Al Hajriya, Deputy Director General for Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in the Sultanate of Oman said in her closing remarks stated, “On behalf of my country, the Sultanate of Oman, and on behalf of my entire team of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, we are all delighted to welcome you here today – we hope you have a very enjoyable time and are excited to learn more about our beautiful country. Oman is a blessed country with a diverse landscape, nature, heritage and history and of course, without forgetting the most aspect of its people, the most renowned friendliest and hospitable people of Oman are the assets of this country. With all these components, Oman delivers a unique luxury travel experience.” She further reiterated, “striking the perfect balance between international outlook and traditional atmosphere, our deep culture and heritage combined with world-class hotels and authentic Arabian experiences, means that we are very well placed to make the most of the growing interest in visiting our region. Events like today are an invaluable opportunity for you to connect with our stakeholders, and I hope that as we end this two day event you had fruitful meetings and good knowledge of what Oman offers …

Gulf Craft is showcasing the new Majesty 111 and Nomad 101 superyachts at the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) 2023, two breathtaking vessels that highlight the celebrated yacht maker’s new vision of the future. Making their global debut at DIBS 2023, the two superyachts epitomise Gulf Craft’s new era of dynamic growth under the strategic theme, ‘Legacy in Motion’, driving the company to push boundaries through four core focus areas:  Technology & Innovation, Path to Sustainability, Global Expansion and Next Generation. Gulf Craft celebrated its 40th anniversary at last year’s Dubai International Boat Show, looking back on four decades of passion, innovation and growth. This year, the boat and yacht manufacturer will build on that rich legacy as it moves towards its future and sets out its commitment and vision for the decades ahead. Meticulous market research and trend forecasting for a broader global market establish the Majesty 111 and Nomad 101 as new leaders in their class. Luxurious interiors and earthy hues set the tone for the onboard experience of the Majesty 111: the cabins flow from one to another, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. Sustainability is also a major theme in the superyacht, with better fuel efficiency,  smart product design and emissions-reducing technologies. Incorporating sustainable materials throughout, the Nomad 101 features powerful engines, which, combined with much better fuel efficiency, unlock more adventurous and far-flung destinations for exploration. A generous amount of glazing maximizes exterior views, while the Portuguese Bridge offers a full walkaround deck. Mohamed Hussein Alshaali, Gulf Craft Chairman, said: “At Gulf Craft, we never shy away from out-of-the-box thinking. This innovative spirit inspired our growth from a builder of small fishing boats to one of …

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind two of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism projects, has confirmed its flagship destination, The Red Sea, has joined the exclusive Serandipians network of luxury travel and hospitality organizations. Set to welcome its first guests in 2023, The Red Sea is one of the first Saudi tourism destinations in the Kingdom to join Serandipians, and is one of just a small select number of luxury destinations to join the network before officially opening to guests. An industry-leading ecosystem drawing together the best boutique luxury travel agencies and hospitality brands from around the world, Serandipians has specifically selected The Red Sea to join its community on account of the destination’s ambition to deliver outstanding services and best-in-class accommodation in a breathtaking location along Saudi Arabia’s west coast. Combining the natural beauty of rolling sand dunes, untouched islands and abundant coral reefs with first-class luxury guest experiences, The Red Sea is poised to welcome travelers to Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s few remaining unspoilt gems. Our partnership with Serandipians will help us bring regenerative tourism to the world, and demonstrate a new kind of sustainable development that aims to enrich natural capital and benefit the environment in which we operate said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG. An impressive portfolio of 13 internationally renowned hotel brands have already announced they will have a presence at The Red Sea, including Ritz Carlton Reserve and Miraval hotels, the first to operate in the Middle East. In addition to some of the world’s leading luxury hotels, travelers will enjoy a bespoke and unique experience at The Red Sea that caters to every need. Guests have the …

Blackwire, an in-vehicle Wi-Fi service provider entered into a partnership with infotainment platform Savvy Buddy to create an internet connectivity bridge between the airport and hotel. With a sole commitment to create an unmatched luxury experience for the UAE visitors, Blackwire will keep travellers connected as soon as they enter their taxi upon arrival to the country. This service will allow travellers to  plan their business dinner arrangements, room preferences and family entertainment programmes. As soon as visitors enter the Wi-Fi enabled vehicle, they will be introduced to the Savvy Buddy interface that will power in-room mounted smart phones, soon to be available at major five-star properties across Dubai. The second stage of the user experience will be Savvy Buddy powered phone that hotel guests will be able to take with them everywhere they go in the UAE and use it to connect with the world, call taxi services, use the most popular apps and control their smart hotel rooms remotely.