Top Hotel January February 2017 Issue

january/february 2017 Issue 17

Essential reading for hotel operators, owners, developers and investors

The Design dynamic

Environmental awareness and sustainability are key trends, Godwin Austen Johnson

Aeron designer chairs Seating world leaders

Wellness brand focus Elemis

Destination report The Philippines

Top hotel Wellness A dedicated look at the regional wellness industry

VingCard Allure

The “no lock on the door� solution. With its unique design and exceptional features, hotel locking solutions are brought to a new level. By moving hardware from the guestroom doors to the walls, you are left with a sleek and minimalistic environment where the Allure by VingCard is part of the interior design.

VingCard Allure lock is compatible with Visionline, hence providing the same features and functionalities as any other online electronic lock by VingCard.

ASSA ABLOY Hospitality ASSA ABLOY Hospitality UAE Rep Office Dubai | Dubai, UAE | POB 125748 Phone: 00971 50 2400845 mea.hospitality@assaabloy.com | www.assaabloyhospitality.com

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Our network video solutions can inform security staff when deliveries come in. And set off an alarm if an unauthorized vehicle or party crosses a predefined line. You can also choose to monitor high-quality live video from a central location. Either way, you’ll save resources and money – and prevent theft – without the need for constant staff presence.

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The Beginning of a NEW JOURNEY HORECA Trade, the leading foodservice partner in the UAE, has joined hands with Perrier!

- The French natural sparkling mineral water Famous for its elegantly-shaped green bottle, Perrier is the ultimate refreshment to quench all thirsts.

It is in fact an extraordinary addition to HORECA Trade’s beverage portfolio.

Raise a glass to natural refreshment!

800 3210 | telesales@horecatrade.ae | www.horecatrade.com

Top hotel Middle East is published in association with Signature Media LLC & Freizeit-Verlag Landsberg Gmbh.

SIGNATURE MEDIA FZ LLE P. O. Box 49784, Dubai, UAE Tel: 04 3978847/3795678 Email: info@signaturemediame.com Exclusive Sales Agent Signature Media LLC P.O. Box 49784, Dubai, UAE Publisher: Jason Verhoven jason@signaturemediame.com Sales Manager: Sunil Ross Sunil@signaturemediame.com Managing Editor: Munawar Shariff munawar@signaturemediame.com Sub Editor: Umaima Tinwala Art Director: Tamara Eger tamara@signaturemediame.com Production Manager: Roy Varghese Roy@signaturemediame.com

Printed by United Printing Press (UPP) – Abu Dhabi Distributed by Tawseel Distribution & Logistics – Dubai

FREIZEIT-VERLAG LANDSBERG GMBH Johann-Arnold-Straße 32b+c, D-86899 Landsberg am Lech Postbox 101255, D-86882 Landsberg am Lech Telephone +49 (0)8191- 947 160 Fax +49 (0)8191- 947 16-66 www.tophotel.de Managing Directors: Thomas Karsch, Eckhard Lenz Contributor’s opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or editor and while every precaution has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this handbook is accurate and timely, no liability is accepted by them for errors or omissions, however caused.

Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Signature Media FZ LLE & SIGNATURE MEDIA LLC and cannot be reproduced in any form without written permission.

The design dynamic Hospitality design is one of the first impressions of a property a guest has when they see the hotel and walk inside. But today’s traveller is who is dictating the current design trends. This consumer wants simplicity in design, functionality and the presence of all essentials is more important to him. Family, availability of options when it comes to technology, fitness and most importantly value are all important to this consumer. How do these trends translate into the hotels around us, is what we need to see in the many new hotels that are coming up in the country.

Besides design, this issue talks with Gerhard Hecker, General Manager, about the newly renovated Shangri La on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road. As well as how the correct project management of a property can save energy, reduce maintenance costs, and significantly improve the guest experience. We look at the Philippines as a lucrative destination and how the country has prepped herself to receive more tourists this year.

All this and lots more inside, and again a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2017 to all reading this.

Munawar Shariff Managing Editor munawar@signaturemediame.com

january/february 2017 3

Contents

november/december 2016 Issue 16

Cover: Sheraton Dubai

20

26

32

06 Top hotel Undercover 46 Anantara Jeddah’s

The glitzy and glamorous W Dubai

You wouldn’t be disappointed expecting a wow experience from this hotel

10 News All the latest from hotels in the region 20 What’s coming next…

Top Hotel Projects rounds up the most interesting projects underway around the world for us

26 cover

Destination Philippines

For 2017, there’s a promise of exciting things to come

38 GM Interview

49 Project management for

building equipment upgrades

A well-executed building equipment project can save energy, reduce maintenance costs, and significantly improve the guest experience

58 Skin vitamins Noella Gabriel, Managing Director at 62 The bubble experience Natura Bisse’s Oxygen Bubble

experience is a revolutionary concept

64 Products review

Renovated and rejuvenated

Gerhard Hecker, General Manager, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, talks about his property’s new look

44 The most comfortable desk chair

Outgoing President Obama sits on the Aeron chair

4 january/february 2017

38

Elemis, spoke with Munawar Shariff about their brand new product, the Superfood Facial Oil

The design dynamic

Design firm Godwin Austen Johnson talks hospitality design with Managing Editor, Munawar Shariff

32 Destination report

wellness focus

An extensive selection of wellness journeys

A boost of hydration and moisture

We have for you perfect products that guarantee spa worthy results from the comfort of your own room

68 Community

Mövenpick Ibn Battuta Gate strikes gold

Well their recycling initiatives definitely have worked for the property

57

Top hotel Undercover

About Top hotel Undercover...

Building on the legacy established by our big brother publication - Top hotel - in Germany, Top hotel Middle East sets out to highlight all that is great and good about the five-star properties in the Middle East, as well as the things that such prestigious properties should really do better.

Top hotel has built its reputation on fair and balanced assessment of five-star hotels in Europe and beyond; we now pledge to carry on that tradition in the Middle East. We hope that by highlighting the good and the bad, we can help to raise standards across the region and recognise the properties that have clearly got it right.

6 january/february 2017

Top hotel Undercover

The glitzy and glamorous

W Dubai

Saying that the reputation of a W Hotel precedes it is an understatement. So expecting a wow experience was what we went in with. And did this new hotel meet and exceed all our expectations, or what?! It was fantastic from the get go

The W Hotel, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, sits amidst two other high end hotels - Dubai’s first and very exclusive St-Regis and a brand new Westin Hotel - on either side and a whole bunch of other hotels in very close proximity on Shaikh Zayed Road. And it holds its own in between local and international hospitality giants that Dubai is home to.

Since the entire area is called Al Habtoor City it has a separate road leading right to the entrance of the property. The entrance is airy, spacious and has a huge W alphabet on one side.

We were received by one of several valets awaiting guests’ arrivals.

There was a huge “Good Evening” carpet at the entrance. Inside was very trendy looking, lit up with lines of blue light on the ceiling giving off a very club vibe and not really anything looking like a lobby. We were greeted by a member of staff who asked us if we were checking in and reconfirmed if we were at the right property. He informed us that the check-in lobby and reception was located at the 30th floor. He said that when he joined the property he thought that was a very unique idea to have the lobby on a completely different floor. Rearranging ideas into their own concept. Does it work, though? Since it is done so well, why would it not?

Reservation As always before calling the property, we checked rates online and got a better rate when we called the property. Including breakfast and taxes and the Tourism Dirham, the rate was 1,184.24 per night for a Spectacular room including breakfast.

Evaluation: Excellent

Check-in We arrived a bit later than check-in time and our room was ready and waiting for us. We were however upgraded to a Marvelous room which had a spectacular view of Shaikh Zayed road and the Dubai Canal.

Evaluation: Excellent january/february 2017 7

Top hotel Undercover

Room 820 The room was a large 46 sq metres. It had a passage as the door opened into the room. The passage had mirrors on either side giving off a very confusing yet exciting approach to the room.

There wasn’t really a door to separate the bathtub and the separate shower and w/c areas from the room. Which, while being different and attention grabbing, a door of some sort to separate the area from the room would have definitely been an aspect providing a level of necessary privacy.

The room however, was faultless. White walls and furniture and black carpet. Quite a stunning contrast. Also the lights were hidden around the mirror on the walls and around the other furniture in the room giving off a very space-craft-interiors look.

Evaluation: Excellent

Bathroom A large area with marble vanity and a single sink. The large bathtub in the centre of it all with a huge painting behind it was very striking. The separate shower and w/c stalls were spacious enough. The rain shower and bliss amenities were exceptionally good.

Evaluation: Good

Breakfast at Level 7 The breakfast buffet from 6.30am-10.30am was ample. With all the usual suspects and many more choices. The decor of the restaurant was beautiful with different sections of the restaurant having ceiling that had lots of steel pots and pan infused with the lighting and other sections had inverted glasses infused with the lamps. Very different and stylish.

Evaluation: Excellent

Check-out 11.45am Check-out was smooth enough. Done in a matter of minutes, our car was called for us which by the time we reached the ground level was waiting for us and we were on our way.

Evaluation: Excellent

8 january/february 2017

Top hotel Undercover

W hotel, Dubai Top hotel ratings 0-20 - Un-satisfactory 21-40 - Poor 41-60 - Satisfactory 61-80 - Good 81-100 - Excellent

Reservation:

Excellent

Check-in:

Excellent

Room:

Excellent

Bathroom:

Good

Floor service:

Excellent

Landscaping:

Good

Breakfast buffet:

Excellent

Fitness:

Excellent

Corridors, elevators, stairs:

Excellent

Housekeeping:

Excellent

Check out:

Excellent 0

20

40

60

80

100

Total: 90% Top hotel Undercover opinion:

Excellent

january/february 2017 9

GROHE ventures into style, luxury and sophistication GROHE has partnered with GM Architects and The Sofitel Tamuda Bay to equip the luxury hotels in M’diq.

Located on one of the most beautiful Moroccan beaches of the Mediterranean, and set against the stunning backdrop of the Rif Mountains, the Sofitel Tamuda Bay features 104 bedrooms and suites, eight bungalows and five villas. The hotel was fitted with a select collection, carefully chosen from GROHE’s extensive range of brassware, showers, and accessories, to create dreamy bathrooms and complement each room to help guests experience a genuine sense of well-being.

The collection combines superior technology with a choice of luxurious designs, such as the Atrio basin mixers with SilkMove® technology offering the smoothest handling for effortless precision and ultimate lifetime comfort; and Euphoria hand showers to deliver an unparalleled shower experience. A range of GROHE’s unique Atrio accessories adorn the bathrooms, which are also fitted out with a state-of-the-art flushing technology, the Skate Air, engineered with a single, dual and start/stop flush to help conserve water.

Sofitel Tamuda Bay Morocco

10 january/february 2017

Sofitel Tamuda Bay Morocco

Qatar Airways and Hasbro Inc refresh children’s in-flight experience

Qatar Airways, in partnership with Hasbro Inc, has updated its range of plush toys, children’s activity kits and in-flight lunch boxes designed to entertain and delight the global airline’s youngest travellers.

Plush infant toys Elefun and Mr Potato Head are joined on board by classic favourites such as Clue Junior, Guess Who, Monopoly Here

and Now World Edition, and The Game of Life for older children, as they go places together with the award-winning airline. The airline’s specially prepared children’s meals feature new Pictureka or Monopoly designed lunch boxes – a gift that children can take home and use long after their flight.

Minors will stay entertained thanks to the

range of different activity kits being provided on flights across the airline’s network of more than 150 places. Special thought has been paid to families travelling on overnight flights with the introduction of a glow-inthe-dark Clue Junior entertainment pack; perfect to keep restless youngsters busy once the lights are dimmed.

Qatar Airways introduces new premium amenity kits Qatar Airways has also signed an exclusive three-year partnership with premium purveyors BRICS and Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio to elevate the airline’s premium cabin experience. BRICS, the Italian maker of stylish travel bags, has created a bespoke premium amenity bag, inspired by their world-famous Bellagio series. The First Class amenity kit will come in four colours:

black, grey, burgundy and white, with full grain leather inserts paired with a high-tech shell designed with contrasting stitching accents, with Tuscan leather trim.

The BRICS Business Class amenity kit is inspired by the Sintesis line of trolley bags, is an asymmetrical shape, also in four colours: black, grey, burgundy and white, featuring innovative lightweight materials

that provide functionality with style.

The amenity kits also exclusively feature products from Italy’s Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio, the environmentally friendly olive oil company, including lip balm, hydrating facial mist and City Cream antiageing moisturiser in Business Class, with the added Night recovery cream for First Class kits.

Business Class amenity kits for men

First Class amenity kits for men

Business Class amenity kits for women

First Class amenity kits for women

january/february 2017 11

Ascott makes first foray into Ireland CapitaLand’s wholly owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has expanded its global footprint to Ireland, by acquiring an operating hotel in Ireland’s capital city Dublin, the 136-unit Temple Bar Hotel, for EUR 55.1 million. Located within Temple Bar, the vibrant cultural heart of Dublin’s city centre, the property is close to museums, boutiques, restaurants, cafés, galleries and attractions such as the famous Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery.

Ireland’s economy is expected to expand by 4.9 per cent this year, one of the top three fastest growing economies in Europe. Tourism is booming in Ireland, with a record number of visitors, up 12 per cent in the first nine months of this year. Dublin hotels had the highest Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) growth rate in Europe in 2015, and the city is expected to top the European cities in RevPAR growth again in 2017.

Ascott achieved record growth this year with more than 10,000 apartment units added globally.

Hotels.com offers speed and convenience for ME travellers Going beyond offering fast hotel reservations on mobile and desktop, Hotels.com set a new Guiness World Records title for the World’s Fastest Mobile Bed in the UAE on December 13, 2016.

The hi-octane feat saw a Hotels. com bed, based on a modified Ford Mustang GT, traveling at almost 84 miles per hour.

The Guinness World Records title was claimed during an event at the purpose-built Emirates Motorplex dragstrip in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain by renowned international racing driver Tom Onslow-Cole, at a verified speed of 135 kilometres per hour, beating the previous record of 111 kilometres per hour, which was held in the UK since 2008.

Hotels.com refreshes Middle East site Realising the importance of speed for its Middle Eastern customers, Hotels. com has recently refreshed and improved the functionality of its Middle Eastern websites, in both English and Arabic, to improve both usability and performance.

They already serve millions of customers globally through 89 localised websites in 39 languages, and are continuously building their portfolio of properties with the latest hotel deals for popular destinations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.

12 january/february 2017

Emaar signs agreement with Al Marjan Island in RAK Marjan Island, which will feature a five-star Emaar Properties PJSC has signed luxury hotel and serviced residences and a an agreement with Al Marjan Island (AMI) world-class retail precinct. Framed against to develop two million square feet mixedthe Yanas and Jais Mountains, and with its use projects, including high-end residential, exotic all-round waterfront location, the hospitality and retail components in Al Mardevelopment is aimed to drive the growth of jan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The agreethe tourism, hospitality and retails sectors. ment was signed by Sheikh Khalid Bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of Al Marjan Island, and Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties.

Ras Al Khaimah’s first man-made project, Al Marjan Island has a development value of over US$ 1.8 billion with 1,500 operational hotel keys, and more than 2000 residential units. Al Marjan Island is a cluster of four coral-shaped islands that is set to be a tourism and leisure hub.

Emaar will pilot the first phase of its project on Al HE Sara Al Madani

Etihad Airways collaborates with Uniway Etihad Airways has announced the ‘1,000 Chinese Visitors to Morocco’ campaign, with Beijing Yougo World International Travel Service Co Ltd (Uniway), one of the largest Chinese tour operators for outbound tourism to the Middle East and Africa.

The award-winning airline is also joining hands with the Moroccan National Tourist Office to support plans to attract 100,000 Chinese visitors each year by 2018. This follows the recently-implemented visa exemption policy for Chinese tourists. Uniway expects to carry 1,000 Chinese travellers with Etihad Airways to Morocco between February and June 2017.

Said Daniel Barranger, Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Etihad Airways,“The UAE government also granted visa upon arrival for Chinese visitors from November 1st, 2016, which positions Abu Dhabi as a perfect stopover for the visitors before transiting to Morocco. They can spend a couple days enjoying Abu Dhabi, a modern and vibrant Arabian city offering a rich variety of remarkable leisure activities to tourists.”

Dubai International Hotel wins awards and accolades Dubai International Hotel has received three prestigious awards and accolades recently. The luxury airport hotel won the ‘Best Airport Hotel’ on a continent level at the 2016 Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards, which recognises exceptional contributions by outstanding hotels. The awards are a prestigious achievement in luxury hospitality, honouring an unbiased result of only the finest in the industry. Winners are chosen by giving due importance to the quality of guest feedback rather than the quantity of votes.

Consolidating its position as a leading airport hotel, Dubai International Hotel was also voted as ‘Regional Winner - Luxury Airport Hotel’ at the 2016 World Luxury Hotel Awards. World Luxury Hotel Awards recognises the accomplishments of hotels in the luxury hospitality industry. Winners are chosen on the basis of guest votes.

Ever growing in popularity, Dubai International Hotel’s Ahlan Business Class Lounge has recently taken the coveted Number One spot on Trip Advisor’s list of ‘Restaurants in Dubai’, out of a total of 8,733 restaurants in the city.

january/february 2017 13

Shangri-La Hotel Dubai creates designer tree Shangri-La Hotel Dubai collaborated with SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker for a truly unique designer shoe-tree, which became the centrepiece of the hotel’s 2016 festive celebrations. SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker is a luxurious, handcrafted, Italian-made, shoe collection, comprising classic, timeless silhouettes in an array of beautiful colours, embellished with crystals and colourful gems. US actress and fashion icon turned designer, Sarah Jessica Parker collaborated with the Shangri-La Hotel Dubai to create yet another Dubai first, an opulent and breathtaking SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker ‘Shoe-Tree’. The bespoke golden, hand-made wooden ‘tree’ design has been commissioned by the hotel, and has the brand’s latest collection as the ‘branches’ of the tree.

New Venue Manager for caféM

Media One Hotel has recently appointed Adele Malik as the Venue Manager for the newly refurbished caféM. With five years’ experience in the Dubai hospitality industry, Malik has worked in hotels in three different countries since the start of her career. Originally from the UK, she made the move to Dubai in 2011, and has been here since.

Malik joins Media One from the Desert Palm Resort & Hotel, where she was the Multi-Venue Manager.

14 january/february 2017

Sanjeev Agarwala returns to Al Habtoor Group as Chief Operating Officer Sanjeev Agarwala is appointed Chief Operating Officer, Habtoor Hospitality and Al Habtoor Investment. Agarwala re-joins the Al Habtoor Group from Meraas Holding as Chief Strategy Officer and Vice President-Funding, where he was instrumental in successfully leading the IPO and Rights Issue of Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Prior to that he had a career spanning 17 years at Al Habtoor Group in various roles, including Group CFO and Director Strategy and Business Development, as well as various positions at Habtoor Hotels, including Chief Investment Officer and Assistant CEO Lebanon. He is a chartered accountant from India and Certified Public Accountant (United States).

Emirates introduces new range of comforts Emirates has enhanced comfort in the air with a host of exclusive, new products introduced to its First and Business Class cabins. Customers will travel in luxury with new additions including First Class lounge wear, luxury blankets, skincare from VOYA, and a new range of amenity kits from Bvlgari.

For a comfortable night’s sleep on board the aircraft, Emirates has introduced the world’s first moisturising lounge wear designed for an airline. It will be available in the First Class cabin on overnight long haul flights. In partnership with Matrix, the suits use Hydra Active Microcapsule Technology designed to keep skin hydrated during the flight. The suits include matching slippers and eye mask and come in a stylish felt pouch.

To complete the relaxing travel experience, a new range of luxury spa products are now available both on board and on the ground from award-winning Irish brand VOYA. Created exclusively for Emirates, this skincare line includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cleanser, body moisturiser, hand wash, soap and hand cream.

Emirates has also partnered with luxury Italian brand Bvlgari for its latest designs of the airline’s exclusive kit bags. The new set of

amenity kits for both First and Business Class feature Bvlgari’s woody floral fragrance – Eau Parfumée au thé noir - and contain skincare essentials to keep customers feeling fresh and pampered throughout the flight.

Emirates First Class lounge wear with Hydra Active Microcapsule Technology designed to keep skin hydrated during the flight

A new range of luxury spa products from VOYA now on-board and in the lounges

Ladies Business Class Bvlgari amenity kits

R Hotels to open the first Wyndham Garden in the UAE R Hotels and Wyndham Hotel Group have announced an agreement to open the first Wyndham Garden in the United Arab Emirates. Wyndham Garden is a hotel brand designed to make stays more carefree by focusing on what matters most to deliver stressfree, easy travel. The Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche is expected to open by Q4 2017.

The 17-storey, four-star hotel will feature 179 guest rooms, including 138 standard rooms and 41 suites, as well as an executive lounge on the top floor with panoramic views of the Arabian

Gulf. Additional facilities will include two restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, gym and spa, separate health clubs for men and women, and a kids’ play area.

Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche, with a total investment of AED 200 million (US$ 54.5 million), will be the fifth collaboration between R Hotels and Wyndham Hotel Group in the UAE, and the third in Ajman. R Hotels presently owns two Wyndham-branded hotels in the emirate: Ramada Hotel and Suites Ajman, and Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman.

january/february 2017 15

Oman hosts Executive Office meeting for the 19th Arab Ministerial Tourism Council The Arab Ministerial Tourism Council met last month at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel in Muscat to discuss ways to develop the tourism industry in the Arab World. Attendees included Ministers from the Arab countries, members of World Tourism Organisation, as well as representatives from the Arab Centre for Tourist Media.

This meeting was preceded by the Executive Office Meeting for the Arab Ministerial Tourism Council, which is entrusted to follow up and study the recommendations made by the Council.

Among the many issues, the Council addressed the development and implementation of the Arab Tourism Strategy, as well as the tourism activities that drive the youth, as this is one of the most important tourism segments in the region. The Council also discussed initiatives that will generate tourism-related statistics from different hotels and feed the development of future strategies.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Ministry of Tourism took the opportunity to take the delegations on a tour to showcase some of the cultural treasures of the capital, such as the Royal Opera House and the National Museum.

HE Ahmed Bin Nasser Al Mahrizi, Minister of Tourism with dignitaries

HE Ahmed Bin Nasser Al Mahrizi, Minister of Tourism

KSA Delegation

Dusit International signs flagship project in Myanmar

Dusit Thani Yangon

Dusit International has signed a management agreement with Myanmar V-Pile Group to operate the Dusit Thani Yangon. Located just 15 minutes by car from Yangon International Airport, and approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the city’s main tourist attraction, the Shwedagon Pagoda, the new property sits at the heart of land earmarked by the Myanmar govern-

16 january/february 2017

ment to become the former capital’s new Central Business District.

Dusit Thani Yangon will be positioned as a five-star corporate and MICE city hotel within a pioneering mixed-use development, incorporating a convention centre, offices, retail, and residential units. The hotel will comprise 338 rooms and feature one all-daydining restaurant, Dusit’s signature Thai restaurant, and one rooftop restaurant and bar. Meeting facilities will include a 400-seat ballroom with adjoining conference rooms.

Guests will also have access to a swimming

pool, gym, and the luxurious Devarana Spa. With Myanmar’s government aiming to attract 7.48 million annual visitors to the country by 2020, Dusit Thani Yangon, which is slated to open at the end of 2019, will be perfectly positioned to capitalise on this influx of trade.

First Six Senses property opens in Seychelles Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has opened its first property in Seychelles, Six Senses Zil Pasyon. Set on the private island of Félicité, the resort occupies one third of the total land. It is a 20-minute helicopter journey to Félicité, or approximately 30 nautical miles (55 kilometres) northeast of the Seychelles International Airport, which is located on the main island of Mahé.

Drawing upon the renowned Six Senses perspective of providing innovative top-tier facilities wedded to environmental responsibility, the resort has been brilliantly designed to embrace the picturesque landscape of vibrant beauty. There are unsurpassed vistas of the ocean and surrounding islands from the higher

Six Senses Zil Pasyon

points on the island. Into these pristine surroundings nestle just 28 one-bedroom pool villas and two two-bedroom pool villas.

Other facilities include a stunning elongated infinity pool offering views of the surrounding islands, three white sand beaches, Trouloulou villa for youngsters, a gym with on-site personal trainer, cooking classes, treasure hunts, signature cinema beneath the stars and a library. Right off the resort’s beach, guests have the opportunity to swim with turtles and the resort’s Experience Centre has all the equipment that is required for exhilarating water activities, including dive excursions around the island.

Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek team at the top of SIAL 2016 The Chefs of Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, have wrapped up the year with the most successful Sial, thanks to a small, but a very effective team. Chef Hillary Quentos Anthony Joseph – Chef De Partie in the Banquet Department won the trophy for the Best Chef of Sial 2016. Chef Rabiah – Chef de Cuisine of Aseelah, won the Trophy for the Best Arabian Cuisinier La Cuisine Du Sial 2016.

The Radisson teams from DDC and Yas Island won the trophy for the Best Effort by location. Five of Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek’s Chefs won the prize for the best in class, which is the highest score in their respective classes. La Cuisine Du Sial had 520 competitors, and nine international teams competing for the Alen Thong Trophy.

In total, the chefs bagged six gold medals, five silver medals, and five bronze medals.

january/february 2017 17

at the apan

Asha’s Wafi Awarded the Best Indian Restaurant Category Asha’s has recently been awarded as the ‘Best Indian Restaurant’ at the Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards 2016 for their WAFI branch. The finalists and winners were selected by a panel of judges, including Uwe Micheel (President of Emirates Culinary Guild), and Ibrahim Yaqoot (Executive Director DTCM).

Renowned for its gastronomical delights, the restaurant combines traditional North Western cuisine, Indian home-style cooking and new-age fusion selections that give traditional Indian dishes an innovative twist.

Meliá Hotels International’s new hotel openings The year 2017 is expected to be an exciting one for Meliá Hotels International (MHI), Europe’s third largest and Spain’s leading hotel company, with a pipeline of 18 scheduled openings, including MHI’s first state-of-the-art sustainable hotel, Meliá Serengeti Lodge. Some of the openings include: Gran Meliá Nacional Rio, Brazil - December 2016 Meliá Cartagena de Indias, Colombia - Spring 2017 INNSIDE Doha, Qatar - Q3 2017 Gran Meliá Huravee, Maldives - Q4 2017 ME Dubai, Dubai - Early 2018 Meliá Serengeti Lodge, Tanzania - Q3 2017 Meliá Shanghai Hongqiao, China - Q1 2017 INNSIDE Glasgow, United Kingdom - Q4 2017

ME Dubai Personality Suite

Meliá Hotels International to open ME Sitges Terramar Meliá Hotels International announced the addition of a new hotel to the portfolio of exclusive resorts operated under its ME by Meliá brand. Located alongside the beach in Sitges, and occupying what until now has been the Hotel Terramar, the new ME Sitges Terramar will be the first hotel for this avant-garde luxury brand on the Catalan coast, after its success in some of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean, such as Mallorca and Ibiza.

For at least the next 20 years, the Meliá group will manage the hotel owned by HI Partners.

After a thorough renovation, the hotel will open in the second quarter of 2017, offering 213 rooms, two restaurants, one of which has a 1,200 square metre terrace, bars, a cafeteria, and extensive meeting and convention facilities, as well as a wellness area and kids club. ME Sitges Terramar will also have a spectacular Beach Club.

18 january/february 2017

UAE Marriott Business Councils celebrate Marriott International ‘Together We’re Better’ Day of Service Last month marked another milestone in Marriott International’s history as the company celebrated ‘Together We’re Better’. Inspired by Marriott’s ‘Spirit To Serve Our Communities’ and Starwood’s ‘Together As One’ programmes, ‘Together We’re Better’ will focus on issues of both business and social importance, and unite the company’s associates through service.

On December 10th, 2016, the UAE Marriott Business Councils brought together over 630 associates from 25 hotels to participate in a clean-up campaign of the desert and roads around Al Jaddaf, Dubai. With the support of Dubai Municipality, one truckload of garbage was collected and left a large area trash free. Throughout the month, Marriott associates shared their service photos and stories on social media.

See how the Marriott associates demonstrate the company’s culture with the hashtag #MITogetherBetter.

Langham Hospitality Group to open new luxury hotel in Jeddah

Langham Hospitality Group announced an agreement with Advanced Hotels Company to manage a luxury urban hotel in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Strategically located within the downtown core, directly across a new shopping complex, and with a 360-degree view of the city and Corniche, The Langham, Jeddah is expected to open in the summer of 2018.

The agreement was signed in the presence of HE Mohammed A Al-Amri, General Manager, Jeddah, Makkah Province for the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage.

Led by David T’Kint and his team at the Dubai office of the multiple award-winning interior design firm HBA, The Langham, Jeddah will feature classic yet elegantly contemporary furnishings – a stylistic homage to the brand’s heritage as one of the premier grand hotels in Europe. Each of the 238 wellappointed rooms and 39 suites is equipped

with the Langham signature Blissful bed, motorised drapes and separate large-format rain showers. Guests who prefer to live the high life may choose to stay in the opulent

two-bedroom Royal Suite spanning 295 square metres with separate sitting, dining and cooking areas that allow for private entertaining.

The Langham Jeddah - contract signing/key stakeholders: From left to right: Abdelelah Al Darwish, CEO, Advanced Hotels Company, Robert ‘Bob’ Warman, Chief Executive Officer, Langham Hospitality Group, Mohammed Yousef Al Hasan, Founder and Chairman, Advanced Hotels Company and H.E. Mohammed A Al-Amri, General Manager, Jeddah, Makkah Province for the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts to open in Fujairah Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand within the AccorHotels portfolio, is all set to open the Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort this month. The property’s inauguration ceremony, held on December 15th, was attended by HH Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; advisor to HH The President of the UAE, and HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi; member of the supreme council and ruler of the Emirate of Al Fujairah.

Enveloped by panoramic vistas of the marina and the Gulf of Oman, this luxurious 180-room property will be the region’s first art inspired hotel highlighted by spacious and light filled spaces.

Upon opening, it will join a distinctive collection in the UAE, which includes Fairmont Dubai, the brand’s original flagship hotel in the Middle East, Fairmont The Palm on the largest manmade island in the world, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, and Fairmont Ajman, located in the emirate of perennial sunshine.

An approximate 90-minute drive from Dubai and set against the majestic backdrop of the Al Hajar Mountains and deep blue of the wide Indian Ocean, the luxurious retreat will serve as an idyllic getaway for local UAE residents and international guests. The 182-room Fujairah and 252-room Ajman properties will seek to reap the benefits of growing tourist footfall in the Northern Emirates, drawn by competitive room rates.

january/february 2017 19

www.tophotelprojects.com

What’s coming next…

Top Hotel Projects rounds up the most interesting projects underway around the world for us

Atlas Hotel channels the jungle in Vietnam

A veritable jungle spills from the balconies and openings of the new Atlas Hotel in Quang Nam, Vietnam. A visual delight of lush greens, juxtaposed against an earthy sandstone cladding gives the hotel the appearance of having an internal jungle, and is at once inviting and protective.

The Atlas Hotel is located in Hoi An old town, the part of the city that has seen a rapid expansion in development and growth in tourism since it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. This has led to a gradual loss of some of the old town’s characteristics, namely the tiled roofscape and internal courtyards, which it was known for. This is something that is recaptured in the hotel, which sits on an irregularly shaped plot. Architects and interior designers of Vo Trong Nghia Architects have used the unusual lines and angles of the site to their benefit to create a beautiful layered building, where the play between internal and external spaces is achieved by lifting the footprint of the hotel off the ground. This frees up the ground floor to create a series of interconnected courtyards around which the building sits, echoing the harmony and character of the old town.

The hotel’s 48 guest rooms also take advantage of the site’s layout, and are shorter and wider than regular hotel rooms.

20 january/february 2017

www.tophotelprojects.com

Architects and interior designers of Vo Trong Nghia Architects have used the unusual lines and angles of the site to their benefit to create a beautiful layered building, where the play between internal and external spaces is achieved by lifting the footprint of the hotel off the ground Deep balconies and planter boxes have been added to the front of the rooms, and these have been filled with vegetation, which not only offers privacy by creating a visual buffer to the outside, but also functions as natural ventilation and solar shading. It is also in keeping with an urban planning strategy to incorporate landscaping into the buildings themselves to improve and rejuvenate urban areas.

According to www.tophotelprojects. com, 58 hotel construction projects are currently in the pipeline in Vietnam with more than 16,500 rooms. Top three cities are Da Nang (10 projects), Ho Chi Minh City (eight projects), and Phu Quoc (eight Projects).

New division of Marriott brands explained

Marriott recently began the gargantuan task of streamlining the categorisation of its many branches. Amid customer confusion over the identity of their now 30 brands, Marriott has started dividing its hotels, residences and condominiums into different sections.

The brands fall under four broader umbrellas: Luxury, Premium, Select, and Longer Stays. Luxury is the most high-end section, and offers“bespoke and superb amenities and services”, and contains brands under the following headings: Classic Luxury (Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis), and Distinctive Luxury (BVL-

GARI, W Hotels, Edition).

The infographic displays the division of brands.‘Classic’ (left of the infographic) reflects the more traditional hotel experience, whereas ‘Distinctive’ (right of the info-graphic) is contemporary. Hotels under the group’s identifying brand are the most numerous, with 534 five star Marriott Hotels and Resorts and 1,047 four star Courtyard by Marriott.

Premium is a mid-range section, and offers“sophisticated and thoughtful amenities and services”, and has the following categories: Classic Premium (Marriott Hotels, Sheraton), and Distinctive Premium (Le MERIDIEN, Westin, Design Hotels).

Select is a more economic selection, and offers ‘smart and easy amenities and services’, and contains the following headlining categories: Classic Select (Courtyard Hotels, Protea Hotels), and Distinctive Select (AC Hotels, Moxy Hotels).

Longer Stays is at the more residential end, and offers“amenities and services that mirror the comfort of home”.

Some of the categories are: Classic Longer Stays (Marriott Executive Apartments, Residence Inn), and Distinctive Longer Stays (Element). january/february 2017 21

www.tophotelprojects.com

This is why Marriott linked all three of its loyalty programmes as soon as the Starwood purchase was finalised, and why Marriott has been so eager to reward its loyalty members with discounted room rates According to Skift, the travel industry intelligence platform, loyalty in particular, is the primary strategy by which Marriott is building its game plan for the future. This is why Marriott linked all three of its loyalty programmes as soon as the Starwood purchase was finalised, and why Marriott has been so eager to reward its loyalty members with discounted room rates. Marriott is pursuing growth, not only in its number of brands, but also in the number of its most loyal guests. Not only to gain business, but also to collect information about members to craft a better guest experience.

In terms of development, the single brands are expanding their presence worldwide, but with different powers.

According to www.tophotelprojects. com, Marriott has 1.034 hotel projects in the pipeline. The leading brand, with currently 123 projects, is the four star brand Four Points by Sheraton, followed by aloft Hotels (96 projects) and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts (93 Projects).

In addition to projects in China (19 per cent), Marriott’s main focus is still the US market, with 372 projects (36 per cent).

A new Radisson Blu Beach Resort to open on Cape Verde Islands in 2019

The Rezidor Hotel Group, a member of Carlson Rezidor, has announced their very first resort on the Cape Verde island of Sal. The Radisson Blu Beach Resort Sal will feature 240 guest rooms, and 22 january/february 2017

open its doors in third quarter of 2019.

The five-star beach resort will be located in Santa Maria, the number one beach location in the country, and will be designed by DSA Architects with a modern minimalistic design – the first of its kind in Cape Verde.

“We are delighted to sign this landmark hotel beach resort under our upper-upscale Radisson Blu brand, known for contemporary design, innovative concepts, and unique service philosophy. The Radisson Blu Beach Resort Sal will further strengthen our resort portfolio across EMEA. Rezidor operates and develops some 60 resorts, with 14,000 rooms. We are equally delighted to partner with East-West SA, a high profile multi-hotel construction and management company established in France and Cape Verde, and look forward to successful partnership based on trust, responsibility and delivering results,”said Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of Carlson Rezidor.

The Radisson Blu Beach Resort Sal will offer two restaurants, four bars, including a unique rooftop destination outlet, 800 metres square wellness spa, and an iconic swimming pool design with various pools and lounges leading onto a spectacular white sandy beach and ocean. The beach resort will also offer the largest conference centre in Cape Verde Islands, with more than 1,500m2 of meeting and event space.

The Rezidor Hotel Group is not the

only one who sees the untapped potential of the African country. According to www.tophotelprojects.com, 13 new hotels and resorts, with 4,300 rooms, are currently in the pipeline in Cape Verde.

W Hotels takes up residence in the 50-floor Evolution Tower in Panama

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, is collaborating with SBA group and Krause Sawyer to create a hotel located in the heart of Panama’s financial district.

The new hotel will be located on Calle 50 and within the 50-floor Evolution Tower, a mixed-use building which will also include premium office space. The new construction is in close proximity to Uruguay Street, known as the ‘Zona Rosa’ of Panama, and is bustling with trendy restaurants and nightclubs. The W Panama will offer 203 stylish guest rooms, with 24 suites, three Wow suites, and one Extreme Wow suite (the W brand’s take on the Presidential Suite).

Moreover, two signature restaurants, the W Living Room experience (reinterpretation of the traditional hotel lobby), destination nightclub, WET pool deck, spa, and 8,400 square foot workout fitness facility will be built.

W Panama will feature more than 21,900 sq feet of meeting and events space, including a Great Room and six meeting rooms. Saul Faskha, President of Evolution Tower Corp has already

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sharing economy has, of course, put a dent in the traditional hotel industry, with many big chains attracting an older, wealthier generation, whilst younger people opt for the more economic solution of paying to stay in someone else’s home.

So what’s the benefit, apart from the obvious difference in price tag?

Millennials want to know what’s happening locally, by locals, and for locals.

Hotels are for tourists, they think. Millennials want genuine experiences, while hotels are sterile and stuffy. Millennials value culture and spontaneity over stability and safety, meaning traditional hotels don’t offer enough opportunity or excitement for them.

But the stereotype of hotels as bland and boring is changing, and the new chain of Radisson Red are leading the field. Appealing to the ‘ageless millennial mindset’, this re-vamped branch of the renowned hotel group is casting its net to incorporate more art, music, and fashion into its services and offerings.

The W Panama will offer 203 stylish guest rooms, with 24 suites, three Wow suites, and one Extreme Wow suite (the W brand’s take on the Presidential Suite)

announced,“It has been a dream of ours to bring the W brand to a growing cosmopolitan city such as Panama”. The planned Evolution Tower will have an impressive impact on the Panama City skyline, and will undoubtedly offer superb views of the city, and on the upper floors, of the bay and Panama Canal.

According to the www.tophotelprojects.com’ online database, currently seven hotel projects with 1,514 rooms are in the pipeline in Panama. Besides the W Panama, the Gran Evenia Hotel & Spa, as well as the Santa Maria hotel, will be located directly in Panama City.

Radisson Red is appealing to millennials by breaking the stuffy hotel stereotype Millennials are not really interested in hotels. They’re interested in exchanging via Social Media and AirBnB. The 24 january/february 2017

Marketing itself as a ‘lifestyle select brand’, it implements a bold colour scheme in its branding and fit-out, with red being the optimum colour to make its patrons feel ‘alive’, and promising a ‘reality check for hotels’. With branches in creative hot-spot Brussels, and new hotels opening this year in Sao Paulo and Minneapolis, Radisson Red’s hotels focus on communal spaces that flow, such as the bars and lobbies, cultivating a shared environment that people look for in temporary accommodations within the hotel itself. Another big seller is their limited customer service, the idea being that everything from extra pillows to the mini-bar is available on the Radisson Red app, specially developed for the chain.

According to www.tophotelprojects. com, 17 new properties are currently in the pipeline. Especially in Asia (eight projects) and America (six projects), the new Radisson Red brand is all set to attract the interest of young travellers.

The massive Marriott merger on Twitter

Marriott International is one of the largest hotel chains, and it grew even larger recently after acquiring Starwood

www.tophotelprojects.com

Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. This new merger has created a vast company that will offer more than 5,700 properties worldwide, with 1.1 million rooms, spread across 30 brands in 110 countries.

This merger also more than doubles Marriott’s foothold in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

These numbers are impressive, to be sure, but the real indication of Marriott International’s success might actually be found on Twitter too, where the company has a whopping 416,000 followers, more than double that of its closest competitors. Experts say that as more and more consumers begin to use social media apps on mobile phones as their primary access points to the internet, having a massive social media following such as Marriott International’s will increasingly be the key to success in the hotel and travel industries.

According to New York City-based marketing company eMarketer, by 2017, spending on social media promotions will soar to nearly US$36 billion (AED 132 billion), which will make up 16 per cent of all ad spending on the Internet across the globe. Social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, TripAdvisor, and others, already have the means for companies, including global hotel chains, to manage their reputations and engage directly with consumers. Reports also show that social media reviews have risen to rank among the top three factors that guests consider while deciding which hotels to stay in.

Arne M Sorenson, president and chief executive officer of Marriott International, has said that social media use, particularly when it comes to promoting crucial hotel loyalty programmes online, is“more relevant than ever. It’s the place we can use technology to compete with new technology programmes.”

Indeed, a look at the Twitter followings of five of the biggest hotel chains in the world seems to bear this out. Marriott International is far and away the world leader in terms of Twitter followers, with Hilton Worldwide placing second with 126,000 followers. According to earnings statements from last year, Marriott International has 1,071,096 rooms in 5,456 hotels, while Hilton Worldwide Holdings ranks second with 737,922 rooms in 4,480 hotels.

Social media impact also extends past the decision to book at a hotel. After a trip, more and more consumers are

taking to their social media accounts to share their experiences with friends and family. A recent report from the marketing group Crimson Hexagon has shown that hotel chains must use social media in three crucial ways. These ways include understanding who their guests are, creating a valuable resource for travellers to find information about hotel chains, and promoting the perks that driver consumer loyalty, such as the loyalty programmes mentioned by Marriott’s Sorenson.

So yes, it’s important that Marriott International’s acquisition of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc has given the company a combined 85 million members to its loyalty programmes, but what may be even more important in the long run is that through a substantial following on Twitter and other social networks, those numbers will continue to grow.

More and more luxury hotels in Miami’s financial district Brickell Miami has always appealed to the rich, the famous, and the glamorous. And now more than ever, the Florida city, renowned for its beaches, beautiful people, and nightlife is seeing a new wave of luxury developments in the form of hotels, condominiums, and residential complexes.

But perhaps where this five star resurgence is most evident is in Miami’s Brickell neighbourhood, traditionally the financial centre of the city. Los Angeles’ trendy hotel group sbe have recently opened a new hotel in the area, the SLS Brickell. Employing the artistic savvy of legendary designer Philippe Starck, and the gastronomic genius of chefs José Andrés and Michael Schwartz, SLS Brickell harnesses the energy of the area and combines it with the vision of SLS founder Sam Nazarian, to create a unique and luxurious hotel and residential development.

The SLS Brickell opened in October 2016.

Besides the SLS Brickell, the Panorama Tower Brickell is a project worth looking at. The tower is a mixed-use development, located at the epicentre of the Brickell financial district, and will

The Miami based architecture office Cosicher Moshe Architects is responsible for the complex design of the 83-story tower, working closely with Zyscovich Architects , who will provide the interior design concept

feature 821 luxury rental apartments, office and retail spaces, as well as a luxury hotel with 208 rooms. The Miami based architecture office Cosicher Moshe Architects is responsible for the complex design of the 83-story tower, working closely with Zyscovich Architects, who will provide the interior design concept.

In Miami, currently 34 new hotels with more than 9,800 rooms are in the pipeline, and nine projects with 2,300 rooms in Miami Beach.

New AccorHotels brand for millennials

Millennials, or the so-called ‘Generation Y’, is a target group of young adults that is challenging the international hospitality. In collaboration with future guests, experts, students, and a committee with 12 millennials the Accor management put together a new budget hotel concept: the JO&JOE brand.

“Break with tradition, forget old habits, be surprising, authentic, unexpected, bring a breath of fresh air to AccorHotels,”explains Sébastian Bazin, Chairman and CEO of AccorHotels, the idea behind the new brand.

The brand plans to offer a perfect environment for all kind of travellers: singles, couples, groups, and families with its ‘Happy Floors’. Guests can stay at small ‘Happy House apartments, and enjoy a maximum of privacy, or use the ‘Together’ modular sleeping area, with shared bathrooms and recreation areas.‘Yours’ are rooms and apartments for up to five people, with a private bathroom, and some rooms also have a kitchen area. The ‘OOO!’ (Out Of the Ordinary) offers unexpected accommodations for people traveling alone, or in groups such as yurts, hammocks, and caravans.

The current plan is to expand the Jo&Joe brand rapidly, with 50 properties by 2020, especially in destinations that are popular for the millennials, such as Paris, Bordeaux, Warsaw, Budapest, Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo.

The venues will be located in the cities centres, close to public transportation and less than 15 minutes away from major points of interest.

The launch of its new brand is just one step of AccorHotels to expand its presence worldwide. Just recently, the French group acquired FRHI Hotels & Resorts with its three brands Raffles, Fairmont, and Swissôtel. january/february 2017 25

coveR story

The

design

dynamic

Keith Gavin, Design Director - Godwin Austen Johnson, speaks to Munawar Shariff about what goes into the design and creation of a hotel, and why it’s best to always start from scratch

Sheraton Dubai 26 january/february 2017

cover story

Sheraton Dubai

W

hen it comes to design, environmental awareness and sustainability continues to be a key focus at the moment.“We are also seeing a lot more innovation in projects, particularly in terms of connectivity and design around today’s millennial guest,” says Keith Gavin, Design Director - Godwin Austen Johnson.

Responsible for the design direction for Emirates, Gavin shares how it has evolved over time: “The current design style is definitely contemporary, and looks like it is headed in the same direction for the future. Dubai prides itself on new innovations and adopting current environmental trends, and this holds true for architectural and engineering initiatives.

There was a period, a few years back, of embracing its past and its architectural heritage, but as we see it the future, trends are firmly established toward the contemporary and the big

name brands – as branding is everything to Dubai.”

A design firm is most challenged when it comes to delivering quality projects within the very restrictive and onerous contracts currently being implemented by developers.“In addition, challenging budgets and the pressing timelines that we face all too often in this region creates pressures. The timeline for a hotel design is generally two years, from concept to completion, but we have very often been pressured to deliver a project in a lot less. Budgets for projects is another big challenge that we have to consider while designing. A designer’s creativity should not be limited or compromised as they try to keep the project cost effective,” explains Gavin.

As a rule, design firms prefer to be involved from the beginning, where all responsibilities for the design lie with them. When a project is taken during

The timeline for a hotel design is generally two years, from concept to completion, but we have very often been pressured to deliver a project in a lot less

january/february 2017 27

coveR story

Hyatt Regency

design, or even after the design stage, in spite of the lack of involvement in early design stages, the firm becomes responsible for any issues that crop up as a result of incorrect assumptions or solutions. It is, therefore, critical to do a thorough review and highlight all potential issues before commencing work.“Unfortunately though, this in itself is not a guarantee against being held responsible at a later stage. It is never truly satisfactory taking over like that, and that we have found in the past that our clients accept that a redesign is required which thus avoids all these issues,� he informs.

Gavin has been involved in an array of hotel projects, including everything from luxury resorts to inner city business hotels, mid-market hotels and schemes for innovative budget brands.“Currently, we are working on the Marsa Al Seef hotel on the Creek, a polo resort for The Ritz Carlton in Marrakech, a desert resort in Abu Dhabi, two boutique hotels for GHM 28 january/february 2017

Hyatt Regency

cover story

In my opinion, great architecture and interior design is something that is innovative, responds to its context and delivers the functionality expected of its purpose

in Sharjah, a resort hotel in Unaizah, KSA, a number of business hotels in Riyadh, a 4-star hotel and a 5-star resort in Oman, as well as a Raffles, Fairmont and Swissotel in Egypt,” he informs. The projects are in various stages of completion, with some in the early concept stages, and some on site already, in locations including the UK, Morocco, Oman, UAE, and Egypt.

An important element in design and creation is access to products. At one time, most products were brought

in from Europe, or sourced from China, depending on the rating and budget. Of late, however, a lot of outsourcing is done to places like Egypt and Morocco, as well as locally, within the UAE.“The market is definitely trying to source more and more locally to avoid the sometimes perceived, additional costs on importing from Europe,” he muses.

Sourcing is not so much of an issue though, when it comes to branded hotels, as choices have already been

Hyatt Regency january/february 2017 29

coveR story

Hilton Garden Inn Dubai

made, a trend that is catching up fast in the UAE, and further afield.“Clients feel they are getting better sales and marketing responses for these, as nowadays, and with social media being what it is, everyone is aware of who has endorsed what. Big investors tend to favour the branded link as they feel their investments are more secure.

Personally though, Gavin can’t pick on hotel or interior that stands out among the rest.“There are so many options to choose from, and so many different aspects of each building or interior. A great interior, for example, may be relevant to a small intimate 30 january/february 2017

building, but not necessarily relevant on the larger stage. I do feel however, that these days there is too much emphasis on the image and branding of the designers, which means that there is a tendency to try too hard with complex shapes and forms designed purely, it would seem, to gain exposure, rather than letting the design speak for itself. In my opinion, great architecture and interior design is something that is innovative, responds to its context and delivers the functionality expected of its purpose without having to be concerned about exposure on social media,” he concludes.

Currently, we are working on the Marsa Al Seef hotel on the Creek, a polo resort for The Ritz Carlton in Marrakech, a desert resort in Abu Dhabi, two boutique hotels for GHM in Sharjah, a resort hotel in Unaizah, KSA, a number of business hotels in Riyadh, a 4-star hotel and a 5-star resort in Oman, as well as a Raffles, Fairmont and Swissotel in Egypt

cover story

Hilton Garden Inn Dubai

Hilton Garden Inn Dubai january/february 2017 31

Destination report

Destination

Philippines Wanda Corazon Teo, Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Tourism chats with Top hotel Middle East about what 2017 is expected to bring for GCC travellers visiting the country. There’s a promise of exciting things to come

Alona Beach 32 january/february 2017

Destination report

T

he growth momentum in the Philippines will likely continue in the year 2017.

Private consumption is being supported by both, strong remittance inflows, and upbeat consumer confidence - which has positively influenced the perception of an improved peace and order stemming from new government’s policies.“Retail sales were also accelerated from July to September 2016. Moreover, unemployment rate has dropped to a 10-year low in Q3, and the manufacturing sector has expanded throughout the same quarter, extending the streak of positive readings up to October.

Further positive news came from the external sector, as exports returned to growth in September after seventeen consecutive months of decline,”says Wanda Corazon Teo, Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Tourism.

Wanda Corazon Teo, Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Tourism

Unemployment rate has dropped to a 10-year low in Q3, and the manufacturing sector has expanded throughout the same quarter, extending the streak of positive readings up to October january/february 2017 33

Destination report

Discovery Shores Hotel

A total of 63,970 visitors from the GCC visited the Philippines from January to August 2016. Among those, the travellers from Saudi Arabia were the highest, at 39,352 (+13 per cent).

Visitors from the United Arab Emirates were the next highest, followed by visitors from Kuwait 34 january/february 2017

Bohol virgin island

In terms of the economy’s top achievers, tourism has climbed to third place, with the trade industry taking first place, and real estate coming in second.

Foreign tourist arrivals was at number three among the biggest export items of the country in 2015, giving tourism an 8.2 per cent share of total exports of goods and services of the Philippines.

Expenditures of foreign visitors to the Philippines doubled, from 4.3 per cent to 8.2 per cent in 2015, reaching P 306.6 billion for 2015, according to the 2015 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) last 15 June 2016.

Additionally, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority 2015 report, as an employment generator, tourism

industries employed about 4.98 million people, with the Passenger Transport Sector having 36 per cent, and accommodation and the F&B sector taking 34.8 per cent of total employment.

“Looking back, the positive outlook of the industry, the harmonious public and private partnership, a good marketing campaign, and the strong government support that the Department of Tourism (DoT) received allowed tourism to reach the economic heights where it is today,”said Secretary Teo. To maintain industry’s growth, the 2016-2022 National Tourism Development Plan is being finalised presented to the new administration for approval.

A total of 63,970 visitors from the GCC visited the Philippines from Janu-

Destination report

ary to August 2016. Among those, the travellers from Saudi Arabia were the highest, at 39,352 (+13 per cent). Visitors from the United Arab Emirates were the next highest, followed by visitors from Kuwait.

In 2015, 76,163 people form the GCC visited the Philippines,which was an increase of ten per cent form the 014 figures. Among those, Saudi Arabia was still the highest at 50,884 travellers, which was an increase of 17.02 per cent compared to the year before. Visitors from the United Arab Emirates were the next highest, followed by visitors from Kuwait.“In the GCC and Middle East, we operate through AVIAREPS as our representative office,”she informs.

“For the Middle East market, we are

running the ‘Kids Stay Free Campaign’, which has been designed exclusively for, and offers exceptional value to families (both nationals and expatriates) living in the GCC. The campaign packages will be highlighted at the Riyadh Travel Fair, and provide two children per family under the age of 11 with an exciting array of activities, food, accommodation, and other experiences, all on a complimentary basis. Additionally, the packages allow families to twin both the Philippines capital Manila, with another exotic Philippine destination, such as Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Davao, or Bicol, providing both an urban and idyllic getaway experience,”Teo states.

The Philippines’ no visa requirement for GCC and many other nationalities,

The Philippines’ no visa requirement for GCC and many other nationalities, plus it’s many popular shopping experiences, tranquil beaches, and numerous family-friendly attractions has resulted in an increasing number of GCC residents choosing to make it their holiday destination of choice january/february 2017 35

Destination report

Davao eagle

Kiteboarding at Bulabog Beach

For the Middle East market, we are running the ‘Kids Stay Free Campaign’, which has been designed exclusively for, and offers exceptional value to families (both nationals and expatriates) living in the GCC

36 january/february 2017

Davao

plus it’s many popular shopping experiences, tranquil beaches, and numerous family-friendly attractions has resulted in an increasing number of GCC residents choosing to make it their holiday destination of choice.

With a nine-hour flight from the region to the Philippines, the DoT is targeting travellers who are looking to spend quality time with their families in exclusive setting.“We are also talking to groups of friends and travel aficionados who want to experience an exotic destination,”she smiles.

Taking off from the success of the Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 campaign, the DoT launched Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016, as part of its intensive marketing efforts to establish the Philippines both as a tourist and

business destination.

After the new management took charges, the DoT Philippines has gotten a substantial budget increase this year, up 44 per cent from the 2015 budget of 2.5 billion pesos (US$ 53 million) to 3.61 billion pesos (US$ 76.5 million) for 2016. The allocation of the budget is still to be decided.

Referring to Duterte’s state of the nation address in July 2016, Teo said, “We are elated and inspired by the president’s announcement that topping his list of priorities is the building of highways and roads that can provide easy access to our tourist sites. The president had further stated in his speech that labour-intensive industries such as tourism will need reforms, in order to ensure competitiveness, and to

Destination report

With the news that The Philippines will host the Miss Universe pageant on January 30, 2017 the private sector will fund the US$11 million needed to mount the 65th edition of the most prestigious beauty pageant promote the ease of conducting such businesses in the Philippines.”

With the news that The Philippines will host the Miss Universe pageant on January 30, 2017 the private sector will fund the US$11 million needed to mount the 65th edition of the most prestigious beauty pageant. The ancillary Miss Universe events will possibly be held in the country’s top tourist destinations in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, and Vigan. The country’s hosting of the Miss Universe pageant would give a big boost to businesses and livelihood of millions of Filipinos, and they expect the tourism industry to“gain tremendously”from it.

As 2016 ends, Teo also disclosed that they are making an investment to

create a new slogan because, although “It’s more fun in the Philippines”is catchy, there is a big room for improvement.“The country and the people has so much more to offer than sheer fun,” she says, adding,“The upscaled and much improved campaign, which will showcase the total Philippine tourism experience, will be launched in January 2017, in time for the Philippinehosting of the Miss Universe Pageant in Manila.”

This was confirmed by DOT Undersecretary for Media Affairs Kat De Castro, who said that the budget would cover television and all media placements all over the world, including commercial, billboards, radio jingles, and the like.

Bohol, Chocolate Hills

Treetop Adventure

Davao january/february 2017 37

GM Interview

Renovated and rejuvenated

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, Lobby Lounge 38 january/february 2017

GM Interview

Gerhard Hecker, General Manager, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, tells Top hotel Middle East how the renovation on the property is just another step towards enhancing guest experiences

In a city that has several new hotels coming up so quickly, the Shangri-La has recently been renovated. Tell us why you felt the need to do this, and how you plan on capturing more business going forward.

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai has embarked on a journey of transformation with an exciting renovation across its public areas – including the hotel’s impressive, atrium-style lobby, Lobby Lounge and Dunes Café.

The remodelling has completely re-energised the hotel, and has created a contemporary, sophisticated haven of elegance, which blends modern Arabia with Shangri-La’s legendary hospitality, in the heart of Dubai.

The hotel’s Lobby Lounge has been extended, which has not only created more space for guests, but it has also made the restaurant much more private from the rest of the lobby area, so the spaces are more distinguished than before. Steel and gold chandeliers are suspended from the lobby’s ceiling to cast a low, ambient glow across the Lobby Lounge, enhancing the intimacy of the space, which looks particularly impressive in the evenings. Dunes Café has been enhanced, with a complete change of interior touches, giving the restaurant a much more vibrant, contemporary feel, which provides the perfect setting for its popular, quirky theme nights.

Steel and gold chandeliers are suspended from the lobby’s ceiling to cast a low, ambient glow across the Lobby Lounge, enhancing the intimacy of the space

What is the difference in the experience for the business and leisure guest at the hotel?

We pride ourselves on our people here at Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai and both business and leisure guests can expect the same levels of the highest quality service, for which the brand is well-renowned. In addition to this, the hotel enjoys an excellent location in the heart of the city.

Our business guests really value the fact that we are just a few minutes’ drive from the thriving Dubai International Financial Centre, january/february 2017 39

GM Interview

lucky to have such a wide range of culinary concepts, which appeals to every type of guest that stays with us. As part of the renovation, we have introduced a new Asian High Tea – something that sets us apart from other Lobby restaurants in the city, and which embraces our heritage as an Asian hotel brand. Our executive chef and his team worked tirelessly to perfect a product that creates a point of difference. In the newly-refreshed Dunes Café, we are continuing with our popular theme nights - the Lobsterlicious and Butcher’s Block evenings perform particularly well, and have created a true following of culinary connoisseurs.

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai

Downtown Dubai, and of course, the Sheikh Zayed Road hub, making getting to meetings simple. Our leisure guests also enjoy the location due to its close proximity to The Dubai Mall, the newly opened Dubai Canal area, and a metro station for those that wish to explore further afield.

The facilities in the hotel offer something for every guest – the rooftop, resort-style, outdoor swimming pool and sundeck provide a perfect hideaway to catch a tan, relax, and enjoy poolside drinks and snacks, whilst CHI The Spa offers therapeutic treatments for a blissful stay. On the other hand, our Horizon Club, business centre and health club provide ideal facilities for guests staying for business purposes.

How much are your F&B outlets contributing to the overall earnings? What are the new initiatives in place when it comes to promoting a different experience at The Shangri-La, whether for business or otherwise?

Our restaurants and bars are important, and an integral part of our business - many of our in-house guests choose to dine with us. We’re very 40 january/february 2017

Hoi An restaurant

Shang Palace restaurant

How much of the hotel’s earnings are through meetings, conferences, and events? In busy times like these, how is the property poised to stay ahead of the competition?

As a centrally-located hotel in one of the world’s fastest developing cities, meetings and events are a crucial segment of the business. All of our events space benefits from natural light, which is of great importance to the majority of our guests, whether for a wedding or social gathering, or a corporate conference or team meetings.

Our culinary team works hand-inhand with the events team to bring

GM Interview

Hoi An restaurant

iKandy bar, terrace

Our leisure guests also enjoy the location due to its close proximity to The Dubai Mall, the newly opened Dubai Canal area, and a metro station for those that wish to explore further afield

january/february 2017 41

GM Interview

unrivalled experiences to our guests.

Themed coffee breaks, and carefullycrafted menus make meetings and events something special. Earlier this year, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts also launched its loyalty programme, The Events Collection, specifically curated for event planners. Linked to the group’s Golden Circle loyalty programme, our events team can help guests bring events to life by handpicking from the exceptional locations, facilities and services that Shangri-La has to offer. Our planners benefit from three per cent instant value; an event planner’s toolkit; 10 per cent future event credit; and Golden Circle award points, to be redeemed personally, or up to five per cent of the event spend. It is a very unique programme, which is already proving very popular, and certainly sets Shangri-La far ahead of its competitors.

A successful wedding is one that runs smoothly, so that the bride and groom can enjoy the day and focus on themselves and their guests. Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, has some of the most discerning, highly-trained banquets experts in the industry, so the service we are able to deliver is really second to none.

Our two ballrooms are located on one level of the hotel, with a light and spacious pre-function area inbetween. This means that couples can make use of the large space available to really get creative in terms of the experience they deliver for their guests. Again, our culinary team are very experienced in tailoring menus to suit individual requirements, with only one aim in mind – to delight each and every guest.

Our secluded rooftop terrace on

What about weddings? Tell us more about how the hotel promotes that service.

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai is a popular venue for weddings, owing to its prestigious reputation as a high-end hotel brand that delivers exceptional service.

Health Club & Spa at Shangri-La Reception

Chi Spa Facilities 42 january/february 2017

Horizon Guestroom

Level 42 is the city’s hidden secret, which is not only ideal for a pre-or post-wedding dinner for two for the happy couple, but provides a breathtaking cityscape backdrop for those all-important wedding day photos.

How have occupancy rates in your hotel changed from the time the hotel opened? What is the optimal occupancy percentage at the hotel, in which the guest experience is not compromised? Is there even such a thing?

The hotel has maintained a healthy occupancy during its lifecycle. We are very fortunate to enjoy such a prominent position on one of Dubai’s main arterial routes, giving easy access to the whole city. We operate the hotel on the basis that, whether we are running at 60 per cent or full occupancy, the service standards remain the same, just as you

GM Interview

Our secluded rooftop terrace on Level 42 is the city’s hidden secret, which is not only ideal for a pre-or post-wedding dinner for two for the happy couple, but provides a breath-taking cityscape backdrop for those all-important wedding day photos

Al-Shams Presidential Suite

Romantic dinner at the View at 42

would expect from a five-star ShangriLa hotel. The guest experience should never be compromised, and certainly never because the hotel is busy.

How have you managed to cut the fat in terms of spending, without altering the guest experience, over the time that the hotel has been operational?

As with any business, we are always striving towards running a better operation, and seeking ways in which we can increase efficiency and reduce costs where possible, without impacting the guest experience. The hospitality industry is a very dynamic one, with new products and technologies emerging all the time. We listen to our guests’ feedback intently, and we always act on positive ideas that enable us to delight our guests, including both in-house guests and those that visit us for social or business purposes.

Tell us about your team. What are the challenges you are facing in terms of the people that work with you in making the hotel a success

every day?

Diversity has been key to the success of Dubai. It is such a cultural melting pot, and we are very proud to have over 55 different nationalities working in our team. This ensures great cultural diversity, which means that each and every one of our people bring unique skills, experience, and languages, which makes all the difference in a guest’s stay.

The biggest challenge is making sure that all our people are trained to the highest standards possible. However, we have fantastic training courses that each colleague goes through as soon as they join the business to ensure consistency in service, approach, and to ensure that everyone lives and breathes our brand ethos.

How is the hotel being promoted in other parts of the world? Which market do you think internationally is the biggest target audience for your hospitality?

We have a very consistent and ef-

fective marketing plan in place that encompasses the whole marketing mix, to ensure we are hitting our target markets successfully. We have recently seen more of a shift towards digital communication methods as technology continues to evolve. Our core target markets include the United Kingdom, the United States and GCC countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Dubai is still a very attractive option for travellers from these countries, whether for business or leisure.

Particularly on the long-haul trips, we are seeing more people visiting Dubai as a stopover destination in a wider itinerary, before they travel onto shores further afield. It’s a great way to break up a long flight, and makes for more interesting travels.

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Designer chairs

The most comfortable desk chair

Herman Miller is re-launching their iconic office chair - the Aeron. When it first launched in 1994, it was the first office chair ever without cushioning and fabrics. Over the years, it has found its place in the Modern Art Museum in NY and used by top world leaders including outgoing President Obama. Chris Morley, Head of Design MEA, Herman Miller, spoke to Top hotel Middle East about why the Aeron chair is a must-have for every hotel that cares for its guests 44 january/february 2017

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lassic Aeron was developed at a time when the workplace was evolving, specifically in relation to the rise in the use of computers.

Aeron was, in part, a response to this, but Don Chadwick and Bill Stumpf also wanted to make the most comfortable office chair they could, while questioning assumptions about how an ergonomic office chair should be.“The result was a chair that was completely different from all the other office chairs on the market at that time - not only was Aeron made with new materials and technologies, but it also broke new ground in chair design,”states Chris Morley, Head of Design MEA, Herman Miller.

“The workplace of 1994 would be virtually unrecognisable today – with all the changes that have taken place, it made sense that Aeron needed to be updated to reflect this. The new Aeron chair reflects the latest understanding of anthropometrics, ergonomics, and advancements in materials and manufacturing,”explains Morley about the relaunch of the chair.

The new Aeron was made available in the Middle East in November 2016.

Working with Chadwick, Stumpf began thinking about what a chair ought to do for you, by consulting people who spend a lot of time in chairs – older people in retirement centres. When Stumpf and Chadwick took what they learned, and applied it to work seating, they started a revolution in ergonomics.“As the first office chair in which fabric and foam were replaced with a breathable, woven suspension membrane – its innovative Pellicle seat and back – Aeron distributes your weight evenly, eliminating pressure points and heat build-up,”explains Morley.

Designer chairs

The new Aeron maintains its iconic form, but has been remastered from the casters up. With updates that include a more refined tilt mechanism, adjustable PostureFit SL, and an 8Z Pellicle suspension, the new Aeron performs better than ever before.

“When it comes to hospitality, guests expect quality and comfort at each touch point of their hotel experience.

For business travellers, this includes a fully-functional, ergonomic workspace. With comfort and ergonomics at the heart of the design, the Aeron meets the demands of guest rooms, conference areas, and meeting rooms. This iconic chair inspires loyal followers around the globe,”he says.

The Aeron can be found in hotels around the globe, including the Westin Xiamen, China, which towers above the ultra-modern Wu Yi Plaza. This hotel offers guests direct access to the core business district. The hotel’s 300 rooms and suites are furnished with Herman Miller Aeron chairs.

Adds Morley,“In Singapore, the 255 Fraser Suites are nestled in a prime residential area, with easy access to Singapore’s affluent financial hub. Herman Miller Aeron chairs provide the high level of ergonomic comfort and reliable service that this establishment assumes as a given. Aeron can also be found in the Intercontinental Hotel Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Fairmont Bermuda, the Westin, Cancun, and the Pan Pacific hotels in Singapore, amongst others.”

Choosing authentic, high quality furniture is one way a hotel can demonstrate a commitment to the personal wellbeing of its guests.“At Herman Miller, we will help you to differentiate your business. Working with clients directly, and through our extensive dealer network, Herman Miller helps companies understand how chairs such as Aeron can enhance their customer experience,”he concludes.

With comfort and ergonomics at the heart of the design, the Aeron meets the demands of guest rooms, conference areas, and meeting rooms

Chris Morley, Head of Design MEA, Herman Miller january/february 2017 45

Wellness

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Wellness

Anantara Jeddah’s wellnessfocus Minor Hotels debuts in KSA with Anantara Jeddah, keeping a focus on spa and wellness with an extensive selection of wellness journeys

M

inor Hotels is all set to open a new hotel under its Anantara brand in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. And this time, the focus will be on ‘spa and wellness’. On this new property, an extensive selection of wellness journeys will be available as part of Anantara’s ‘Balance’ programme, including detox, de-stress, weight management, antiaging, and rejuvenation.

Also on offer will be therapies such as ayurveda, hammam, and reflexology.

Guests can tuck into wellness cuisine, and partake in healthy cooking classes, in addition to enjoying activities like yoga, pilates, and tai chi. In addition, the resort will offer a regular programme of wellness-focused educational workshops and special events.

Said William E Heinecke, chair and CEO of Minor International,“Anantara Jeddah, which represents Minor Hotels’ debut in Saudi Arabia, grows our presence in the GCC to four countries. Minor Hotels has been looking for the right opportunity to expand into Saudi Arabia, and we finally found one to launch our luxury Anantara brand in this key strategic market.”

The Obhur area of Jeddah, where the Anantara resort will be, is undergoing a huge transformation, spearheaded by the development of the one kilometre high Kingdom Tower, opening in 2020. Obhur is to effectively become Jeddah’s new city centre, and the Anantara Jeddah will be perfectly primed to offer stunning views of the nearby Kingdom Tower.

Jeddah’s transport and airport infrastructure is also currently being renovated. A new high speed railway is scheduled to open in 2018, which will connect Jeddah to the airport, Makkah and Medina.

Obhur is to effectively become Jeddah’s new city centre, and the Anantara Jeddah will be perfectly primed to offer stunning views of the nearby Kingdom Tower

january/february 2017 47

Picture perfect by fabric library

A huge range, all stocked and serviced

Silkland Trading LLC PO Box 8044, Dubai, UAE Between 3rd & 4th interchange, Sheikh Zayed Road Tel:+971 4 3233237/38; 3233237*202 mail@silkland.com, url: silkland.com

Project management

Project management for building equipment upgrades A well-executed building equipment project can save energy, reduce maintenance costs, and significantly improve the guest experience. HVS’s President of Energy and Sustainability Kevin Goldstein and Alvine Engineering’s Matthew Severson provide essential pointers to a creating a perfectly constructed and long term revenue generating asset

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very hotelier wants his physical asset to be of long term value in terms of his investment.

Hence, a poorly managed project can be disastrous for a hotel in terms of the resultant cost overruns, guest complaints, and longterm dissatisfaction with the installed equipment.

We discuss five areas where strong project management can provide for a successful building equipment upgrade including: 1) Project Team Structure; 2) Operator Involvement; 3) Scheduling; 4) Risk Management and Contingency Planning, and 5) Project Closeout.

Project Team Structure

The majority of building equipment projects follow a fairly routine implementation process including due diligence, engineering design, permitting, mobilization, construction, and close-out / commissioning. These

january/february 2017 49

Project management

For projects that require significant levels of capital, we like using a design-bid-build approach, where the hotel retains control over the project design and contracting phases – this enables market forces to dictate the most competitive installed cost 50 january/february 2017

various project phases can be handled all by a single entity (a design/build contractor or a direct installation by an equipment manufacturer), or by multiple parties (including an engineering firm, a construction management firm, a mechanical contractor, and a commissioning authority). On occasion, an owner or operator may have the in-house capability to provide some of these services, which can add additional players to the mix.

We believe that the proper team structure should be determined based on the level of financial exposure, complexity, and risk of the proposed construction activities.

For projects that require significant levels of capital, we like using a design-bid-build approach, where the hotel retains control over the project design and contracting phases – this enables market forces to dictate the most competitive installed cost, and ensures that the equipment specification is both appropriate and efficient in nature. However, there are other project delivery methods that can work well in certain circumstances including design-build and design-build with engineer assist.

Project management

The involvement of the hotel operations team – starting with the engineering team but going beyond to touch the other hotel departments – improves the probability that the due diligence phase will correctly identify all existing issues planning is an important first step.

The involvement of the hotel operations team – starting with the engineering team but going beyond to touch the other hotel departments – improves the probability that the due diligence phase will correctly identify all existing issues. It further encourages buy-in on the part of personnel who will have to live with a construction headache for a short to moderate timeframe.

When selecting project team members, it is important to understand both their technical qualifications and their experience working in a hospitality context. The best engineer or contractor in the world may still fail to meet expectations if they are not familiar with the challenges of construction in a functioning hotel – including the needs to have flexible scheduling, be respectful of guests and employees, and understand that mistakes will happen but must be resolved expeditiously.

Operator Involvement

For a front of the house renovation, there is generally a fair amount of“buzz” around the project and the resultant improvement to the property. However, this same level of communication is oftentimes lacking in building equipment upgrades. This can result in the operations team feeling left out of the process and therefore unable (or unwilling) to accommodate the difficulties of building equipment upgrades. That’s why the operator’s involvement during early project

Before work begins, the project manager should ensure that the hotel operations team understands the following critical aspects of the project: • The scope of the project and benefit to the property • The duration of work • The area affected by the work, including material staging if required • Anticipated service interruptions (i.e. electricity, water, heating/cooling, etc.) during the work • Any potential construction impacts including sound or vibration that may extend beyond the direct area of work • The level of oversight and time commitment required on the part of both the project manager and hotel operator (if different entities)

Scheduling

The scheduling process should begin with an understanding of a hotel’s operating patterns and constraints.

This should ideally occur when the project is first contemplated so that the project schedule can permeate into the design documents, bidding process, contract award, and construction phases. Topics for discussion should include the following: • When are the busy times of year for each department?

• Can the project be scheduled around peak occupancy

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Project management

The scheduling process should begin with an understanding of a hotel’s operating patterns and constraints. This should ideally occur when the project is first contemplated so that the project schedule can permeate into the design documents, bidding process, contract award, and construction phases 52 january/february 2017

or rate timeframes, or outside of typical periods of high corporate client demand?

• From a mechanical equipment perspective, what is the best time of year to execute the project? For example, a chiller replacement during hot summer months would not be ideal.

• Will the project require temporary services? How might the design minimize the duration and cost of these services?

A very detailed project schedule should be prepared prior to construction. In fact, some projects may require a conceptual schedule as part of the contractor’s bid proposal. A good schedule will create synergy amongst the project team, minimize disruptions to hotel operations, and enable the contractor to perform the job in accordance with the agreed upon contract value.

The project manager should confirm that the schedule includes the following elements: • Timeframe estimates for due diligence and engineering design • Permitting periods • Procurement phasing, especially for any long lead-time equipment such as chillers or cooling towers • Material staging and access to the project site

Project management

• Time allowances for critical tasks, including sequencing for tasks that must occur in chronological order • Periods of utility service interruptions • Periods of anticipated noisy or disruptive activities • Periods of anticipated off-hours work

Risk Management and Contingency Planning

Most of us in the hospitality sector know that things can go wrong quickly once construction is underway. That’s the reason that good project managers will talk with their teams about risk management and create a contingency plan.

The project manager should focus on asking targeted questions of the hotel operations team, design engineers, and installing contractors to pinpoint the areas where there is the highest level of risk. The following questions are a starting point: • Has the due diligence process been exhaustive in nature?

• Do the design documents address any potential changes in space use?

• What type of contract is appropriate to use, and what level of legal review is required?

• Should the contract include recourse if the contractor fails to perform?

• Are hidden or unknown conditions addressed in the owner/contractor agreement?

• How stable is the installing contractor’s cash flow? Should the project be bonded and what is an appropriate level of retainage?

• Will the contractors’ personnel be in direct contact with guests?

• What activities have the greatest risk of adverse impact to employees and guests?

• If there are unforeseen delays, how will this impact the hotel (particularly key revenue events)?

• Should a third party be retained to verify that operation is consistent with design intent?

Project Closeout

Quite regularly, engineers and contractors are tasked with selecting replacement equipment at a hotel without a full understanding of the existing conditions. And more often than not, that uncertainty results in additional design and construction costs. These issues can be largely avoided for future maintenance events with better project closeout. A good closeout package should provide the hotel engineering team (and future engineering staff) with installation dates, basic system information, recommended maintenance intervals and where to begin when troubleshooting a problem.

The project manager should request that the closeout package include items like the following: • Construction Documents • Contractor Shop Drawings

A good schedule will create synergy amongst the project team, minimize disruptions to hotel operations, and enable the contractor to perform the job in accordance with the agreed upon contract value

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Project management

• Test and Balancing Reports • Manufacturer Start-Up Reports • Operation and Maintenance Manuals • Training Videos for Future Maintenance Staff • Substantial Completion & Equipment Warranties • Point(s) of Contact for Routine Inquiries

Most of us in the hospitality sector know that things can go wrong quickly once construction is underway.

That’s the reason that good project managers will talk with their teams about risk management and create a contingency plan

54 january/february 2017

Providing a thorough closeout package can also be beneficial to the installing contractor, as it provides a resource for engineering staff and increases the likelihood that the contractor gets the first call for future service work.

Putting it All Together

Strong project management is a fundamental component of any renovation, and back of the house equipment projects should be viewed no differently. We recommend that the project management considerations outlined in this article should be reviewed early in the planning process – to identify the correct project team and provide for seamless project delivery during all phases of due diligence, design, and construction.

Project managers who oversee HVAC and MEP system upgrades should not only have a strong technical background, but also should be well versed in the financial decision making process for both capital and ROI upgrades – to support project execution that is aligned with the owner’s investment goals for the asset.

With the right information in your hands and the correct personnel at the helm, building equipment improvement projects can be highly beneficial to both the guest experience and the bottom line.

-www.hvs.com

Project management

Quite regularly, engineers and contractors are tasked with selecting replacement equipment at a hotel without a full understanding of the existing conditions.

And more often than not, that uncertainty results in additional design and construction costs

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Kevin A. Goldstein is the President of HVS Energy & Sustainability, a division of HVS that helps hotel owners and operators reduce utility costs through diligent facility management and informed, strategic investment into building equipment. HVS’ pioneering approach in this area is financially-driven, owner/ investor-facing, and hospitality-specific. HVS also hosts the Hospitality Energy Benchmarking Platform which provides a comprehensive analytical resource to manage a property’s utility spend. Prior to joining HVS, Kevin was a development executive for a design/build firm where he led multidisciplinary teams responsible for feasibility, investment structuring, master planning, A&E design, entitlements and construction. Contact Kevin at: kgoldstein@hvs.com Matthew Severson is a licensed engineer and general contractor based in California. His experience includes facilities recognized nationally for their innovative MEP systems and energy efficiency, including several LEED Platinum certified projects. He has designed and managed numerous capital and ROI projects for hospitality clients, and he specializes in providing turn-key project administration and oversight. Matthew is affiliated with Alvine Engineering, a family-owned MEP firm with two generations of expertise in fire protection engineering, architectural lighting design, building commissioning services, technology systems design, and life support systems engineering. Contact: mseverson@alvine.com january/february 2017 55

Elemis Superfood facial oil

Natura Bisse The Oxygen bubble

Spa products The home experience

Brand focus - Elemis

SKIN vitamins

Noella Gabriel, Managing Director at Elemis, spoke with Munawar Shariff about their brand new product, the Superfood Facial Oil, which promises to nourish skin with the vitamins it needs to be its best

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Brand focus - Elemis

Noella Gabriel, Managing Director at Elemis

The Superfood Facial Oil is quite revolutionary, and has shown excellent results everywhere. What was the need to create a facial oil, and how did you go about researching the ingredients for it, and arrive at the right combination?

Elemis has always educated on the benefit of oils, whatever your skin type, so when we created Superfood Facial Oil, we wanted to make a definitive facial oil, packed with nutrition for the skin. With the pace of life today, we know we should be eating better to ensure the skin is functioning at an optimal level, but this is not always possible.

Superfood Facial Oil delivers an easily-absorbed booster of vitamins, omegas, and anti-oxidants directly to the skin for natural radiance and luminosity. Superfood Facial oil harnesses potent natural and nutritional elements, allowing the skin to benefit directly. Rich in anti-oxidants and minerals, the Superfood Facial Oil acts like a personal trainer for the skin, keeping it supple, strong, and most of all, healthy – the key to a smooth, glowing and radiant complexion.

This game-changer of an oil is replete in anti-oxidants and fatty acids. Broccoli seed oil leads the mineral charge in addressing hydration and softening the skin. Flax seed oil boasts soaring levels of Omega-3, which soothe and seal moisture in, while Daikon Radish helps everything absorb for increased levels of nourishment. Texture is improved.

Health is maintained. The result is skin that is richly fed.

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Brand focus - Elemis

Elemis Superfood Facial Oil launch event in Dubai

What are the current skin and body care trends?

Ingredients that energise the skin are popular right now. You must respect the skin as a live organ that responds.

Elemis is showing its commitment to this with Biotec Energising Skincare System (encapsulated Zinc and Copper, plus Phyto-Bioactive) that addresses the wear and tear that everyday lifestyle has on the skin. Your lifestyle choices are being mirrored every day in the texture of the skin, moisture levels, and sensitivity.

Our R&D is led by the effects our lifestyle choices have on our skin. There is progress on the understanding about how our environment, lifestyle, and other external triggers may be bearing down on our internal body clocks, causing imbalance and disruption. For body well-being and skin health, stabilising natural internal rhythms is important as it counter-balances what modern living is desperately trying to disrupt.

Elemis’ commitment to education increases the clients’ awareness around that ‘you are a product of your lifestyle’.

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How are the needs of the consumer changing when it comes to skin care?

Results. Today. Now. Immediate. They want it now after one treatment in a spa/salon, and after using it for a few days at home. We have always believed in clinically trialling facials, and have clinically proven results. For example, the Pro-Collagen Age Defy Facial is clinically proven to reduce the number of wrinkles by up to 97 per cent, and improve skin firmness by up to 93 per cent after just one treatment.

Superfood Facial Oil delivers an easily-absorbed booster of vitamins, omegas, and anti-oxidants directly to the skin for natural radiance and luminosity

What new products are you currently developing?

We currently have a key focus on developing new delivery systems, so it can support your skin throughout the day. Everything today is technology led, and we believe your skin is paying the price. As a skincare brand, this is what drives our innovation. We must

find better delivery systems for our clients to combat against the stress everyday life puts on their skin.

Will there be a range of other products to support the super food facial oil?

We will be expanding our Elemis Facial Oil offering in 2017, watch this space.

What has been the biggest concern that Elemis has addressed as a brand over the years - dry skin, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles? How do your products support this concern?

We understand the demand for products that must be quick, effective, and gives results in a few days.

People are no longer willing to wait a month to see the benefits. The other emerging demand and trend is ‘Active Fragrances’. Great aromatics that the skin and body respond to. The new approach is on aromatherapy, targeting the busy, hectic millennials in a fast-paced society, bombarded with technology. Look out for more on this in 2017.

Brand focus - Elemis

At Elemis, we talk about skincare ever-evolving with your lifestyle and life stages. We have created products that work in synergy with the skin, and have always created targeted skincare products, for example, for the face, neck, and in a variety of textures to suit our client’s needs. There is not one that can do it all. It must be targeted to deliver a significant result to that area. Ultimately, the customer is still looking for their skin to look as good as possible, and that will always involve trying to make it look younger, smoother, and firmer.

Regionally, how do you ascertain skin concerns? Are there any products that are created specific to any region?

It is very important that we take on board the ever-changing needs for each market. Elemis is now trading in over 80 countries, which keeps us on the frontline of changes and trends in skincare needs throughout the international market. We listen and we react, and, as an example, White

Brightening has really been driven by demand from our international market.

We’re going from strength to strength, and currently Elemis touches over 6.5 million people per year.

Also, being a British brand, our home market is equally important, and has been a key driver behind the British botanicals range – where we can celebrate British botanic ingredients.

Elemis is now trading in over 80 countries, which keeps us on the frontline of changes and trends in skincare needs throughout the international market

Biotec Energising Skincare System

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Treatment review

The bubble

experience Natura Bisse’s Oxygen Bubble experience is a revolutionary concept that uses pure oxygen in an enclosed bubble ensuring your skin and you breathe in the best air for the duration of your treatment of choice.

The result? Unbelievable skin

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Treatment review

Natura Bisse’s Pure Vitamin C ritual and back massage Jumeirah Zabeel Talise Ottoman Spa Time: 90 minutes

The Talise Ottoman Spa at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is definitely a space that one will be happy to get lost in and time definitely passes quickly here. There is just so much to do, with its beautiful Turkish interiors giving off a very exclusive community feel just as the famed Turkish baths are supposed to feel, its many amenities - the snow room, the thallasotherapy pool, many treatment rooms, thai massage suites, adventure rooms and the VIP couples floor. This is where the Bubble experience was set up.

With it’s own separate entrance and floor this is as exclusive as exclusive gets. Double beds to relax before and after the treatment and a mini healthy buffet awaiting guests, it’s definitely an experience worth having.

The treatment began with the 30-minute back massage, which was meant to jumpstart blood circulation, rejuvenate muscle relaxation, improve the flow of

energy and relieve tension. It delivered the goods and more.

Then was the 60 minute Vitamin C ritual. The skin care brand has pure vitamin C serum - C+C Vitamin Complex - which is really a potent formulation that helps reduce dark spots, signs of pollution and ageing which is a real boost to the skin making it look brighter and cleaner. The facial treatment began with an exfoliation the readies the skin to receive the nutrition that follows in the other products, which is the citrus concentrate full of anti-oxidants. This is followed by a face mask that is packed with intense moisture for reversing the effects of skin damaged and darkened by the sun. The best part of this treatment is the pure oxygen bubble which detoxifies, energises, balances and repairs the skin.

Verdict: Excellent!

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products review

A boost of hydration & moisture We’ve not really had a winter so far. However skin is drier than other months … this month we have another batch of perfect products that guarantee spa worthy results from the comfort of your own room. Hope you enjoy learning about them as much as we have enjoyed trying them out!

Derma E Hydrating Day Cream, 2oz, AED 225: This is our first time reviewing this brand. Derma E is 100 per cent vegan, has crueltyfree formulas free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, petrolatum, mineral oil, artificial colors, gluten, soy or GMO’s. Very impressive indeed. This day cream is light, glides on smooth and has a strong fruity fragrance. So even though it is effective in providing the skin with much needed hydration, the smell needs a little getting used to.

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash, AED 220: This is a skin refining and resurfacing cleanser. The texture smoothes and refines the skin with the result of a very bright, clean, soft and exfoliated face. A must have in your beauty cabinet!

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bliss paraben free blood orange+white pepper body butter, 6.7oz, AED 133.50: Used in every spa massage, this cream is ultra moisturising with a refreshing citrusy, spicy smell. One that will linger on your body for a long time. The thick and rich consistency means that you don’t need a lot to get soft, smooth, moisturised skin after every shower.

June Jacobs hydrate and nourish essentials: Creamy Cranberry Cleanser – 60 ml / 2.0 fl oz Neroli Hydrating Mist – 60 ml / 2.0 fl oz Mandarin Moisture Masque – 15 ml / 0.5 fl oz This cute travel collection includes all the essentials for clean hydrated skin on the go. The Creamy cranberry cleanser removes all traces of makeup, the Neroli hydrating mist is the most divine smelling toner, and the Mandarin moisture masque provides much needed tlc for tired and dehydrated skin.

products review

Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil, 30ml, AED 329: Quite a delightful product, one that will have you hooked onto it the morning after you first use it. It has a magical way of making skin look tighter, firmer and pore free. Can be used on its own or under a moisturiser for night and under your sunscreen for day.

Derma E Hydrating Night Cream, 2oz, AED 235: This intensively moisturising cream is what you need to work on your skin while you sleep. The hyaluronic acid content in this cream is the star ingredient, locking in moisture and plumping up fine lines. A very good experience.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream for Men, AED 461: This anti-wrinkle moisturiser is an award-winning cream. It helps firm, smooth and hydrate the skin removing the appearance of fine lines and improving overall skin elasticity.

Qtickles Holiday Collection 2016: Rich pigments, quick drying and guaranteed to not chip off for up to five days … yes this nail polish is every party week’s essential. As once its on you are covered for at least a week of worry free nails that look fantastic and shimmer and sparkle too! The holiday special comes in 2 festive shades of shimmering forest green and bright candy apple red.

The remover pads for specific dark colours is an amazing product too as it removes dark nail lacquers in literally one swipe.

June Jacobs Mini Masque Quartet AED 170: 1. Mandarin Moisture Masque – 15 ml 2. Cranberry Pomegranate Moisture Masque – 15 ml 3. Papaya Purifying Enzyme Masque – 15 ml 4. Perfect Pumpkin Peeling Enzyme Masque – 15 ml Another travel attraction from June Jacobs, we all need to rejuvenate our skin while we travel, this is what you need. The citrusy Mandarin Moisture Masque refreshes the skin and mattifies it removing excess oil, the Cranberry Pomegranate Moisture Masque moisturises, the Clarifying Papaya Purifying Enzyme Masque removes dead skin cells and other impurities using ingredients such as papaya, mango and pineapple and the Perfect Pumpkin Peeling Enzyme Masque exfoliates the skin gently to make it smooth and soft.

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products review

Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant, 2fl oz, AED 275: This is an upgrade to one of Dermalogica’s most fabulous products the Daily Microfoliant, in this it has more active ingredients which effectively resurface the skin and simultaneously gentle enough to be used daily.

Derma E Skin, hair and nail oil, 30ml, AED 175: This is quite a unique product, as it is applicable on the skin, hair and nails, We even used it on our heels and the effect was amazing. It literally sures dry, broken skin such as those on extremely dry cuticles and heels.

Elemis Hydra-Boost Day Cream, AED 323: This is the best day cream for those who need a good amount of moisture during the day as well.

Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid lock in much needed hydration and Vitamin E helps reduce damage. Skin looks supple and well taken care of.

June Jacobs Exfoliating Scrub for men, AED 210: This scrub does away with dead skin, unclogs pores and improves the texture of the skin. Used twice a week, it helps keep the skin clean, smooth and pores clean.

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June Jacobs Rapid Repair Healing Cream, travel size 47ml, AED145: This is a very special cream, because it can be used anywhere on the body and it will heal whatever the problem you may have there ‌ it provides moisture and also soothes irritation. It protects the skin and makes it smoother and softer.

products review

Elemis Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask, AED 357: This is an exceptional face mask because it dries up looking like a white layer or dried powder on the skin and it stays that way until you wash it off after the recommended 10 minutes.

Water literally falls off the skin because there is so much moisture locked into it.

Leaving it on overnight is a treat you feel like doing every night as the look of the skin in the morning is unforgettable.You need this in your life.

Guerlain Shalimar Holiday Make-up Collection Created by model Natalia Vodianova who wanted to pay homage to the perfume she has been the face of for the past eight years - Shalimar, this collection is also a tribute to India and hence comprises of vibrant colours of jewels and the bright red of the ‘bindi’ Indian women use to adorn their faces.

Perfumed iridescent powder for hair and body: A delicately fragranced shimmer powder for adding the mysterious and alluring edge to your look.

Rouge de Guerlain - Exceptional complete lip colour: The bright red of the ‘bindi’ Indian women use between their eyebrows, a very festive and unique shade.

Ecrin Shalimar Eyeshadow duo of gold and sapphire: The pigment on these shades is exceptional, the shimmer will keep your eyes looking stunning all evening long.

Precious Light - Pink pearly illuminator: To highlight the high points of your face, this magic wand creates the subtle glamour that adds a finishing touch to your look.

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community

Going green all the way Mövenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel’s reduce, reuse, and recycle strategy has brought home the gold

M

övenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai has added another feather to its cap with the Green Gold Membership by international certification body, Green Globe, (GGC), which is a structured assessment of the sustainability performance of any travel and tourism business. The hotel qualified for Gold Membership after five years of consistent certification.

The hotel recently replaced 800 incandescent lightbulbs with energy efficient LEDs, helping to deliver Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is the largest internaenergy reduction of 1.28 per cent alone in 2015 tional hotel group to commit to Green Globe Certification for all of its properties worldwide, and commenting Mövenpick Ibn Battuta on behalf of Mövenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai, Gate Hotel Dubai, General General Manager, Robert Barker said:“The hotel has Manager, Robert Barker now been recertified by Green Globe for five consecutive years, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, operating best practice in sustainability.”

“We now join an elite group of enterprises to hold the coveted gold membership status worldwide, and along with our business partners, we are committed to making a difference by reducing any negative impact the hotel may have on the environment,”he added.

UAE-based Farnek, Green Globe’s preferred Sandrine Le Biavant, Director 17.74 per cent in 2015, and in 2016, partner in the Middle East, carried out the assessment Consultancy, Farnek, presents the Gold Membership award it increased to more than 20 per of 44 core criteria, supported by over 385 compliance to the Mövenpick Ibn Battuta cent. Annual waste reduction is at indicators, measuring energy and water consumption, Gate hotel’s ‘green team’ approximately 60 metric tonnes, as well as waste management, with its online Hotel a 7.1 per cent saving in 2015, and Optimiser benchmarking software. in 2016, a waste audit has been “The hotel has made great efforts lowering its completed to identify even further carbon footprint over the past five years. For example, reductions. a recent lightbulb replacement programme has seen To further improve its green 800 incandescent lamps replaced with energy efficient credentials, the property installed LEDs, helping to deliver energy reduction of 1.28 per an electric car charger earlier in cent alone,”said Sandrine Le Biavant, Director Con2016, which is one of only two sultancy, Farnek.“This is approximately 172,194 kWh docking stations located within a lower or around the same amount of energy used by hotel in Dubai. The charging station 190 households over the last five years,”she added. is capable of charging two cars Waste reduction has also been a priority for the hosimultaneously, and is free to use for electric vehicle drives tel, and since implementing a paper and carton recycling with a green card charger. system in 2011, the hotel has collected an average of 1,860 “It is critical to maintain standards and increase sustainkilograms per month for recycling comprised of 92 per cent carton and two per cent paper. This is roughly equiva- ability initiatives that will create a difference, economically, socially, culturally and environmentally over the long lent to protecting around 380, 20-year-old trees every year. term,”added Le Biavant.

The hotel’s waste diversion from landfill was at

The hotel has now been recertified

by Green Globe for five consecutive years, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, operating best practice in sustainability

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