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Marriott International announced the opening of the design-led Aloft Palm Jumeirah, the first Aloft to open in the buzzing city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Located on the Eastern crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, the hotel delivers a distinct lifestyle experience to the iconic landmark with its tech-forward approach, vibrant social experiences and modern style that is different by design.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of our first Aloft in Dubai, situated on one of the world’s most sought-after destinations – the Palm Jumeirah” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “We see a strong demand for Aloft properties in the region as the brand continues to re-define the traditional hotel experience with its vision and innovation. In the UAE alone, the brand will double its portfolio in the next three years with five new openings.”

Designed for the hyper-connected, “always on” global travellers, Aloft Palm Jumeirah offers 206 loft-inspired leisurely guestrooms with airy 9-foot-high ceilings and mesmerising views over the Arabian Gulf. All rooms feature the brand’s signature offerings, such as an ultra-comfortable plush bed, walk-in shower, custom amenities by Bliss® Spa, fast & free Wi-Fi, and 49-inch LCD TVs linked to a Plug & Play connectivity panel. Rooms are also equipped with SPG Keyless, the industry’s first truly mobile check-in system where guests can utilise their mobile phones as room keys.

“Aloft Hotels are modern, tech-forward and design-focused, and allow value-conscious savvy travellers to stay connected, network openly, and relax in style,” said Max Wiegerinck, Aloft Palm Jumeirah’s General Manager. “The offering is unique to the Palm Jumeirah and brings a contemporary and independent vibe to the destination.”

Further elevating Dubai’s vibrant social scene, Aloft Palm Jumeirah is home to six dining and social spaces, which includes East & Seaboard Restaurant – the hotel’s all day dining venue; the Afterdeck Lounge where guests can enjoy lounge beats over beverages and snacks; and the Aloft brand’s signature W XYZ^SM Bar and Re:mix Lounge which will offer the iconic global Live At Aloft Hotels programming that showcases live acoustic performances by up-and-coming artists. For those on the go, Re:fuel^SM by Aloft, the brand’s signature 24/7 grab and go venue, provides light meals, mix-and-match munchies, healthy bites, beverages and more. The hotel will launch a unique Mexican-themed cantina and cocktail lounge, Luchador, which will host eclectic live events to entertain visitors from its expansive rooftop location. The restaurant is slated to introduce a new, exciting way of Mexican dining, combining a buzzing social scene, great food, drinks and entertainment.

Aloft Palm Jumeirah offers a 24 hour Re:charge fitness center and Splash pool – an infinity pool with panoramic ocean views, perfect for sundowners. Known for creating unique experiences, the property runs an adventurous initiative, Camp Aloft that includes bed-in-a-bag and special treats for kids. The property also features two on-site Tactic meeting rooms with outdoor function spaces that are equipped with state-of-the-art A/V equipment and fast and free WiFi.

Aloft Palm Jumeirah is just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). Aloft Palm Jumeirah is close to numerous attractions that include Aquaventure Waterpark and Skydive Dubai.

For more information, visit www.aloftpalmjumeirah.com

At the mention of Dubai, what comes into your mind? It could be sand dunes or futuristic cars. It could also be the annual camel beauty contest or even the tallest building in the world. It is no doubt that Dubai wears so many hats. In fact, it is dubbed the global city always on the move. And that is not all; hotels in Dubai have once again placed this in the global map.

Do you want to feel heaven on earth? Yes you do and these hotels in Dubai should be in your bucket list.

Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel

This is the spot where you can begin sampling the city’s hospitality after jetting in at the Dubai Airport. It is only a 10-minute drive from the airport anyway. It will only be a walking distance to the Ibn Battuta Mall if you would like to shop for a few things for your stay. You
can as well see Jebel Ali Free Zone and the Dubai Marina even if you do not have them in your must-visit list.

Burj Al Arab Hotel Dubai

Of any list about Dubai, you will not miss the mention of this elegant and icon structure. In the global circles, this has come to define what Dubai as a city stands for. And if you thought it is only the exterior marvel, there is more in its interior. The hotel has some of the best experiences any visitor would dream of anywhere else.

Apart from all the kinds of delicacies served here, you will also get a private beach and helicopter rides at your beck. There is a good reason why Burj Al Arab Hotel Dubai has won the coveted position of being the most luxurious hotel in the world. You will be the judge.

Atlantis the Palm Hotel & Resort Dubai

Bearing its inspiration from the lost city of Atlantis, this hotel befits the name and its fame. Its location at the head of Palm Jumeriah adds to its good fortunes. There is a lot to do and not limited to dining at an underwater hotel Ossiano, wild water rides in private beaches and
passing time around the enormous Lost Chambers Aquarium. Even better is the fact that Dubai mall is within the walls of the hotel just in case you cannot wait to quench your urge to splurge.

Palazzo Versace Dubai

Are you ready to take a plunge into an Italian themed hotel? You should make a date with Palazzo Versace Dubai. Everything here is done to superior taste. Right from the floors, furniture to accessories, you are rolling with best a hotel has ever had. If you want to be pampered to the last value of every dime you are paying, this hotel should be your stop.

To make you feel like you are in Italy, a bite at Vanita would always get things started in a great way. If you would rather go with the Turkish cuisine, Enigma is your best bet. The best sauna and pools will be open to you anytime you want to wind down in style.

Taj Dubai

In Dubai, everything is possible. Let us see how true that is. Do you want an Indian treat while you are at Dubai? That will be no problem. Taj Dubai will make your wish come true. The warm reception you get at the doors should tell you the great time you will be having here. The location of the hotel is one thing you will not miss to complement: Dubai Marina, the Mall of Emirates, and Dubai downtown are all within a few minutes of driving. To
spice up the location advantage, you would be able to view the Burj Khalifa from your room. If you are a night bird, Billionaire Mansion is where things go down every single night every other day.

In terms of hotels, Dubai will never come short of any of your preferences. You will have the best hotel experience the world can offer. You are not going crazy if you think that it feels like heaven in one of the top hotels in Dubai. And it does not mean you have to spend an arm and leg to get booked for these hotels; some of them are ridiculously affordable.

Millennium Plaza Dubai, a luxury accommodation along Sheikh Zayed Road, was named the “Best Family Hotel in United Arab Emirates” for 2017 by the prestigious Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards.

General Manager Nemo Acimovic accepted the honours at the illustrious gala ceremony held in Bangkok, Thailand on October 27, where Millennium Plaza Dubai won the Best Family Hotel in UAE and was acknowledged for offering the finest in hospitality experience.

“The Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards is considered one of the highest recognitions in the hospitality industry because the results are based on hotel guests’ feedback. They have rated the hotel from their experience after staying at Millennium Plaza Dubai. The hotel welcomes all kinds of travellers including those who visit with their family so we ensure that we create a family friendly atmosphere and strive to develop a facility where all members of the family are catered for during their stay. I am very proud of my team because we have succeeded in being a family-friendly hotel and this award reflects their hard work and commitment in ensuring that we offer only the best and the finest in all aspects of our service,” commented Acimovic.

The award honors the highest achievements from across the global hotel industry, recognizing the most exceptional in hospitality experiences across 7 continents, 172 countries and 94 categories. Distinguished global hotel brands compete for the ultimate accolade in overall excellence and greatest contribution to the industry over the past year. The ratings are based on a unique concept exclusive to Haute Grandeur which relies on quality feedback from guests rather than a quantity of votes by the general public or judges so fairness, transparency and unbiased results are guaranteed.

The 5-star Millennium Plaza Dubai has been a preferred accommodation of residents from the other emirates, visiting families from neighbouring GCC countries and international guests because of the spacious rooms and modern facilities including its location, being close to the World Trade Center, Dubai International Financial Center and The Dubai Mall and with direct access to Emirates Towers Metro station.

The 65-storey tower offers 398 guest rooms with stunning views of the Zabeel Palace and Jumeirah Beach. Guests can enjoy the newly renovated Infinity Health Club and Spa, the Club’s Lounge, and the temperature-controlled swimming pool with views of the Arabian Sea.

UAE-based holding company Meraas, said its key development, Bulgari Resort Dubai, will open the doors to guests on December 7, 2017.

Commenting on the launch, Abdulla Al Habbai, the chairman of Meraas Group, said: “We are proud to deliver The Bulgari Resort & Residences Dubai, a first-of-its-kind master development in scale and magnitude. Our partnership stems from shared values and a common objective to offer unique and exquisite experiences in Dubai and the region.

“We are confident this project will contribute and will add a new dimension to the tourism and hospitality landscape in line with the Dubai Vision 2020 for tourism, and strengthen Dubai’s global position as a leading tourism destination.”

This newest addition to the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts collection is the fifth in the group, following on from the most recently launched Bulgari Hotel Beijing, which opened in September 2017. It joins a growing portfolio of properties around the world, which began with the inaugural Bulgari Hotel Milan in 2004, The Bulgari Resort Bali in 2006, and The Bulgari Hotel London in 2012, and will be followed by Shanghai in early 2018, and then Moscow in 2020.

The resort is styled with European-inspired gardens and pools and blends Mediterranean landscaping with the natural settings of the shores of the Arabian Gulf, said the developer. Comprising 101 rooms and suites, 20 private villas, a vast spa, the Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, and the world’s first Bulgari Marina and Yacht Club, the property is set to become the destination of choice for visitors seeking the solitude of an island escape.

Designed entirely by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the 158,000sqm property is the first-of-its-kind development for the brand, both in scale and magnitude. The resort offers a full range of amenities, such as the gourmet Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, the Il Café open all day , Il Bar with its iconic oval-shaped freestanding bar and La Spiaggia, the most exclusive beach club with private beach and a unique mosaic-design outdoor swimming pool.

Jean-Christophe Babin, the chief executive of Bulgari, said: “This is another milestone for the Bulgari Hotels and Resorts Collection and represents a tribute to the importance of the Middle East market for the brand. It is an honour for us to partner with Meraas on this extraordinary project, which brings the best of the Italian design and lifestyle culture to one of the most modern and future-oriented city in the world.”

Guests can also enjoy the 1,700sqm spa with hammam, indoor pool, fitness centre, beauty salon with a traditional barbershop and hairdresser. The private marina features 50 boat berths and the world’s first Bulgari Yacht Club with peerless views over the sea.

Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts is celebrating after winning eight trophies at the World Travel Awards including the award for the Middle East’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand 2017.

The World Travel Awards are voted for by travel and tourism professionals and business and leisure travel consumers worldwide and these accolades recognise Jumeirah Group’s commitment to excellence over the last twelve months.

Marc Dardenne, Group Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO, said: “We are delighted to be named as the Middle East’s leading luxury hotel brand 2017 at the Middle East Gala Ceremony for the World Travel Awards. This accolade demonstrates Jumeirah’s strength in the market and enduring position as the region’s leading luxury hotel brand.

Equally as pleasing are the seven awards collected for our hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait – testaments to the dedication of our General Managers and colleagues who work hard to constantly exceed our guests’ expectations.

The complete list of awards include:

Middle East’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand 2017: Jumeirah

Middle East’s Leading All Suite Hotel 2017: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai

Middle East’s Leading Family & Mice Hotel 2017: Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai

Middle East’s Leading Hotel 2017: Jumeirah Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Middle East’s Leading Luxury Business Hotel 2017: Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates’s Leading Hotel 2017: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

United Arab Emirates’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2017: Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi

Middle East’s Leading Business Hotel 2017: Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa, Kuwait

Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, operates a world-class portfolio of hotels and resorts including the flagship Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts manages properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Kuwait in the Middle East; Frankfurt, Istanbul, London and Mallorca (Spain) in Europe; the Maldives and Shanghai in Asia. Jumeirah Group also runs the luxury serviced residences brand Jumeirah Living^TM with properties in London and Dubai; the new lifestyle hotel brand Venu^TM; the wellness brand Talise^TM; Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai^TM; Wild Wadi Waterpark^TM; The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management^TM; Jumeirah Sirius^TM, its global loyalty programme; and isme by Jumeirah™ an app based rewards programme in the UAE. Future openings include luxury hotels in the UAE, Indonesia, China, Oman, Jordan, Malaysia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. www.jumeirah.com

Since opening its doors in 2008, Desert Palm, as it’s affectionately known has been Dubai’s little oasis of calm on the edge of the city. Formally opened by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the 160-acre private estate will be known as Desert Palm Dubai and is independently operated.

As part of Albwardy LLC’s portfolio, Desert Palm Dubai has become a firmly established retreat, spa and fitness destination within the UAE community and stylish society.

James Reeves, General Manager states that “The future of luxury hospitality will be to celebrate guest’s individuality, imagination and to redefine the code of unpretentious service. Our retreat focuses on continuously improving services using the ease of technology for in-house guests, enabling them to book experiences around the city from the privacy of their suites and villas, or simply reserving dinner at RARE to booking a spa treatment.

Although we recognise that technology should not be seen as a ‘replacement’ for guest services, rather we believe it should enhance it. At Desert Palm Dubai, we focus on you so you can decide when you want something and how you want it as opposed to your stay being defined by breakfast, lunch, dinner.

The hotel focuses on the elements that makes the guest’s experience truly private, from the surrounding appeal of a boutique property, the sense of intimacy in certain spaces, “it is always important to keep some things classic and personal,” stated Reeves.

Situated as an oasis opposite the new Dubai Safari Park, which is slated to open later this year, and near IMG Worlds of Adventure, Desert Palm Dubai features 38 guest suites and villas, an infinity swimming pool, organic-specialised treatments at LIME spa, RARE as the fine dining restaurant that masters Argentine-style Grill, a relaxed poolside brasserie, the chic lounge RED bar or the outdoor Polo bar.

Desert Palm Dubai is an elegant, equestrian-themed boutique hotel and basks in the lush landscape to provide a refreshing, avant-garde contrast to the conventional flamboyance of the city’s sky-scraping image. The hotel’s culture is providing guests with everything they need for a relaxing and timeless experience from the fast-paced business hub’s lifestyle. Taking cues from its rebranding celebration, guests will receive beautiful benefits when reserving directly from their new website on www.desertpalm.ae/en

The summer holiday is coming to an end, but you don’t have to have the holiday blues! Take advantage of the last weekend in September, and unwind with family or friends at JA Palm Tree Court or JA Ocean View Hotel. Don’t miss these last minute deals, so book direct now and enjoy the privileges.

Escape to a family-friendly beachfront resort at JA Palm Tree Court amidst lush gardens. Just 15 minutes from Dubai Marina, you won’t have to travel far for a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you are looking for an active weekend on the award-winning 9-hole golf course or for outdoor activities like horseback riding, tennis and water sports, or you just simply want to enjoy the setting and delicious dishes with refreshing cocktails – there is something for everyone at Dubai’s only true resort. Starting from 695 per person/per night, guests can enjoy an all-inclusive offer of breakfast, lunch and dinner from a wide range of restaurants.

Enjoy a stay at the award-winning 4-star JA Ocean View Hotel in a prime location on ‘The Walk’ JBR, which is situated on one of Dubai most popular beaches. This hotel is the perfect escape for those looking for a staycation in the heart of the city.

Starting from 575 per room/per night, including breakfast, guests won’t be short of things to do. JA Ocean View Hotel, overlooks the gorgeous Arabian Sea and offers a wealth of leisure facilities such as spa treatments and children clubs, restaurants offering a selection of international delicacies and entertainment and recreational possibilities in and around the hotel. So, whether you want to get away from the everyday hassle, or make the most of the weekend with family or friends, this is the perfect place for a much needed break.

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AccorHotels, the world’s leading travel & lifestyle group, revealed that it has surpassed 100 hotels in operation across its Middle East portfolio, with the opening of 12 landmark properties in its economy, midscale, upscale and luxury segments thus far in 2017. The number of hotel openings this year exceeds the number of hotels opened by the Group in all of 2016, and has already established 2017 as a year of record growth.

AccorHotels’ Middle East current portfolio is spread across 11 countries, including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and Iran.

This milestone was achieved as part of a major expansion strategy by AccorHotels Middle East in recent years. The Group announced plans last year to double its room count to 50,000 by 2020, and has already reached the 30,000 room mark to date.

Olivier Granet, Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer of AccorHotels Middle East and Africa, commented: “When I joined AccorHotels in the Middle East more than six years ago, we set a very ambitious objective to reach 100 hotels in operation.  We were at the half way point at that time due to the solid foundation laid over the past 35 years in the region. Today, I am pleased to announce that with strong teamwork, we were able to achieve this milestone in record time.” He further added, “Our core values of ‘Feel Welcome’ and ‘Feel Valued’ are at the heart of everything we do at AccorHotels, and my genuine gratitude goes out to our teams that deliver memorable guest experiences across a wide spectrum of segments and brands.”

“We continue to build great momentum with the acquisition of Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel as well as our Group’s addition of innovative lifestyle brand and resort offerings, as seen in the Middle East by the opening of one hotel on average every month until the end of the year and two hotels a month from 2018 onwards.  I am very confident that we will achieve 50,000 rooms in operation by 2020 based on performance, team engagement, guest satisfaction and successful long term relationships with owners.” concluded Granet.

Development Highlights

– 101 hotels in operation representing over 30,000 rooms
– 12 new hotels opening since the start of 2017, representing over 4,500 rooms
– 1 new hotel signed every two weeks with plans to open 1 hotel every month in 2017 and 2 hotels every month from 2018 onwards
– Largest hotel operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with over 9,500 rooms in operation, and plans for the portfolio to grow over 60 hotels

Brand Expansion Highlights

Signing of the largest Sofitel in the Middle East with the 598-room Sofitel Dubai Wafi

Opening of the largest Mercure hotel globally with the 1,019 rooms and apartments of Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights Hotel Suites & Apartments in the UAE

Signing of the first AccorHotels’ lifestyle brand – Mama Shelter – in the Middle East, with plans to debut in Dubai’s Business Bay

Signing of the first Swissôtel & Swissôtel Living in the UAE through the rebrand of Dubai’s most iconic properties, Al Ghurair Hotel and Al Ghurair

Living in addition to the expansion of the Swissôtel brand in Makkah with the opening of the 1,624 room Swissôtel Al Maqam

Entry of the first MGallery brand in the Middle East with The Retreat Palm Dubai, MGallery by Sofitel, set to open later this year

Surpassing 30 operational and pipeline Novotel properties in the Middle East, thereby securing the largest brand footprint for the Group in the region

Opening of the first ibis Styles hotels in Saudi Arabia and in Bahrain in response to greater demand for quality budget accommodation

Growth of Fairmont in the Middle East through the opening of two flagship properties –  Fairmont Fujairah and Fairmont Amman – and the signing of hotels in Cairo and in the North Coast of Egypt