Category Archives: Hotels

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 …

As the island of Samui is getting ready to reopen to international tourists on the 15th July, Avani+ Samui Resort (www.avanihotels.com/samui) is introducing its “#RediscoverSamui” holiday package, just in time for the summer holidays. Thanks to the ‘Samui Plus Model’ travel scheme announced by the Thai Government, fully-vaccinated international travellers staying at certified SHA+ (Safety and Health Administration) and official ALQ (Alternative Local State Quarantine) hotels will now be able to enjoy Koh Samui’s rejuvenated beaches and bays that are looking more pristine than ever. The new package from Avani+ Samui Resort, which is both SHA+ and ALQ certified and has vaccinated all employees, combines full board accommodation, seamless airport transfers, in-room RT-PCR tests carried out by medical staff and complimentary on-property activities. On the day of the arrival, following the first RT-PCR test, guests will be asked to remain in the room to recharge their batteries after the flight and indulge with comfy beds or order a variety of in-room dining with choices from wellness to Thai food or even gourmet menus. Guests looking for extra space and a private pool can upgrade their stay to a beachfront villa. Following the negative test results, travellers are free to roam in the resort on the second day and enjoy open-air activities, such as floating yoga, guided meditation, kayaking or SUP (stand-up paddleboard) yoga. Guests can explore sealed tourist locations on day four, such as a trip to Tamlang Beach at Mu Koh Angthong National Marine Park. After day seven, holidaymakers are free to travel anywhere on the island, move to another resort or go to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao islands, which are also part of the ‘Samui Plus Model’ …

Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group, with more than 400 hotels and resorts across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, is introducing a bespoke 1 year Sales & Distribution learning program for Saudi Talents across Accor properties in the Kingdom. With over 30 years of presence in the Kingdom, the group is continuously finding new ways to contribute and comply with the Kingdom’s Saudisation vision of 2030. Accor is building strong partnerships with educational institutions, local authorities and NGOs, recruiting Saudi role models to support new recruits and working with the government to provide placements for university students. Learning & Development opportunities are crucial to attracting, recruiting and retaining Saudi talent, with a focus on accelerating career development, Accor has rolled out several initiatives exclusive to the hospitality group, including the Saudi Management Training Programme (SMTP), the first initiative of its kind in the Kingdom, launched in 2014. Fairmont Riyadh –  In June 2021, the Sales & Distribution learning program began for 150 Saudi nationals, “Heartists”, across the Kingdom with the objective of building a new sales generation in compliance with local regulations. Participants of this immersive program benefit from the opportunity to acquire and build competencies in sales knowledge and skills, interaction and learning from peers and subject matter experts, and can participate in the program from any business function. The program will be taking place virtually and participants will be enrolled through Accor’s digital platform, INES. Over the four months before being certified, each participant will have to attend 3 sessions and only successful participants will be part of the second phase of the Sales Up-Skilling program starting in October 2021. Sofitel Al Khobar – “Learning and Development …

The First Group introduced a unique and innovative lifestyle brand, The First Collection, which encompasses the firm’s portfolio of hotels, restaurants and leisure venues. The launch of the brand marks a major step in the firm’s evolution that has long been recognised as one of the UAE’s leading property developers, thanks to its existing portfolio of 11 award-winning properties, which includes Wyndham Dubai Marina, Millennium Place Marina and TRYP by Wyndham Dubai. Additionally, The First Group has a pipeline of seven upscale and upper-midscale hotels in development in Dubai, with many of these exciting new projects launching under The First Collection banner, along with a selection of The First Group’s existing properties that will be rebranded in the coming months. “The First Collection brings our assets together under one sophisticated brand, providing a platform for the development of exciting lifestyle experiences that leverage our core strengths while providing investors new opportunities to further capitalise on our long-term growth plans,” commented Rob Burns, Chief Executive Officer of The First Group. “The First Collection will enable us to accelerate our expansion plans in new and existing markets, while ensuring strong brand recognition across our entire portfolio,” continues Burns. Over the past several years, The First Group has diversified its operations, branching into key vertical markets, including property asset management and Food & Beverage (F&B) – with the latter earning the brand a formidable reputation as one of Dubai’s most ambitious and innovative hospitality operators. This is thanks in part to the launch of MasterChef, the TV Experience – the world’s first restaurant based on the global reality TV phenomenon, located at Millennium Place Marina. In recent months, the F&B team have rolled …

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts becomes the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China 2021, which is set to take place as a physical event in Shanghai from 24 – 26 Nov 2021, with a virtual extension from 8 Nov to 31 Dec 2021. With over 8,900 hotels and 21 established brands across nearly 95 countries, the world’s largest hotel franchising company becomes the official partner hotel of ITB China for the third year in a row. The corresponding agreement was formally signed on 29 June, by Jane Yang, Senior Director, Commercial, Asia Pacific, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Mr. David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai), the organizer of ITB China. The hotel industry giant will have a strong presence on both the physical and digital show floor of ITB China, introducing its brand-new products and innovative services to the industry in one place. Mr. David Axiotis, General Manager of ITB China, said: “We are very delighted to continue our strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The dynamics and synergies that come from our show has helped forge many mutually beneficial industry partnerships. We believe that the new hybrid format of ITB China 2021 will be the perfect platform for our partners to develop their business and organize marketing campaigns.” Joon Aun Ooi, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Asia-Pacific, said: “As the largest B2B show for the travel trade in China, ITB China is an excellent platform for hoteliers to form meaningful connections with travel agencies, convention organizers and corporate clients. We are honoured to be the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China for the third time – a strong testament of our long-standing partnership as well as …

The Kleindienst Group has completed 50% of the structure construction on the Marbella Hotel. The six-floor hotel structure reached the halfway mark this month, with construction topping the 3rd floor, and is expected to be completed by Expo2020 with the cladding of facades to be finished in the fourth quarter of the year. As part of Phase 1 of The Heart of Europe, the Spanish inspired resort, is the fastest construction update on Europe Island, the projects largest island. With its waterproofing, compaction, and foundation raft completed in January 2021 in just six months, the venue has reached a grand milestone, championed by its mission to bring the best of Spain to Dubai. The units are not for sales as of yet and the sales launch will take place during Expo20. Marbella hotel will comprise 191 keys, out of which 140 will be upscale hotel apartments, each with viewing deck and up to 47 square metres (505.90 square feet) of space. Guests will also choose from 48 deluxe five-star cuevas – meaning caves – with sizes ranging up to 60 square metres (645.83 square feet), plus three super-luxury ‘fisherman house’ suites, comprising a generous 250 square metres (2,690.98 square feet) and a large viewing deck. This upscale boutique hotel, will span a total area of 20,881 sqm to recreate an authentic taste of Spain just a few minutes from Dubai shores. Commenting on the highly-anticipated project, Josef Kleindienst, Chairmen of The Kleindienst Group says, “Marbella is an upscale and highly differentiated destination set to be the perfect getaway for vibrant staycations and couples seeking a cultural holiday where wine tasting, and Flamenco are part of the experience. This atmospheric, epic …

Emerald Hospitality Group has unveiled that they are the new operators of the family focused leisure club, Al Furjan Club, Dubai. The group have big plans with the clubhouse and have confirmed they will be revealing a new bar and restaurant concept for the ever-growing Al Furjan community. The Glasshouse restaurant that was located within the club is now closed as the team work on the renovation of the new concept which has yet to be revealed. The leisure facilities remain open including tennis courts, gym, classes and the fabulous swimming pool during this period. This is the second venue announced by the Emerald Hospitality team to open in Dubai. They are also the group behind the highly anticipated Irish pub, McCafferty’s which is due to open in Circle Mall, Jumeirah Village Circle very soon. Declan Boyle, CEO of Emerald Hospitality owns and operates over 35 pubs across the UK, Ireland and Spain and is the mastermind behind McCafferty’s Irish Pubs. Unbelievably Declan also found the time to become one of Ireland’s leading rally car drivers with 4 championships under his belt. Declan Boyle said: ‘We’re so excited to be bringing a new concept to as the new manager of Al Furjan Club. This community hub has incredible potential, we believe we can add something special. We want to become an integral part of the Al Furjan community and beyond. We’ll be unveiling the new restaurant & bar concept soon along with refreshing the leisure facilities including a new, extensive group exercise class timetable’ Gail Sangster, Assets Director at Nakheel said, “We are thrilled to join forces with Emerald Hospitality Group to support the growth of Al Furjan’s leisure and …

Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island opened its doors to guests, marking the debut of Hampton by Hilton in Ras Al Khaimah. Located on a 750-metre beach, the hotel features incredible sea and island views – and throughout their stay, travellers can look forward to experiencing the brand’s award-winning friendly, thoughtful service and inclusive hot breakfast. As the largest Hampton by Hilton in the world, featuring 515 guest rooms – half of which are interconnected – the hotel is ideal for groups of friends or family.  Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton, an innovative booking technology, will allow guests to easily book and instantly confirm at least two connecting rooms. The hotel’s interiors are inspired by a “day at the beach” – encouraging good vibes with colourful boat paddles hung in the guest rooms and surf boards adorning the restaurants and public areas. “We are pleased to debut Hampton by Hilton in Ras Al Khaimah and our Team Members are looking forward to welcoming guests with warm and friendly hospitality for a fun-filled stay,” said Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, President, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Hilton. “Ras Al Khaimah attracts visitors for many different types of leisure trip, from adventure to culture to sun and beach. With 800,000+ visitors arriving in the emirate in 2020**, this latest addition to our portfolio of six hotels already welcoming guests in RAK will no doubt attract more travellers to the Northern Emirate from both the UAE and beyond.” For those looking to keep fit, the hotel has a variety of great leisure facilities including an infinity pool and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. The hotel invites families to enjoy a getaway in Ras Al Khaimah – catering to …