Haute Grandeur, The Best in Hotels, Spas and Restaurants™ June 2018

VOL U M E XX I I

An Informative Guide | JUNE 2018

THE H AU T E GRA N D E UR RAT I N G SEAS ON O P EN S

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HOTE L S, SPA S & R E S TA U R AN TS

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INDEX

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 6 New Hotel Opening 8 Change in order to win 11 The spa industry 13

AS I A THAILAND

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort 20

INDIA N OCE A N MAURITIUS

Sofitel Mauritius L’Imperial Resort & Spa 63 MALDIVES

INTERVIEW: Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives 64

A F RI CA SOUTH AFRICA

Pondoro Game Lodge 68

PHILIPPINES

Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary 24

SOUTH AFRICA

Ginkgo Petite Spa at the Andros Boutique Hotel 70

VIETNAM

Hotel Royal Hoi An, MGallery by Sofitel 26 THAILAND

Beach View Villa 28 CHINA

Hotel Royal Macau 30 MALAYSIA

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson 34 INDONESIA

Maca Villas & Spa Bali 36 CHINA

Nüwa Spa 40 INDONESIA

INTERVIEW: Raffles Jakarta 42 MALAYSIA

Sama-Sama Hotel KL International Airport 44 CAMBODIA

Sarai Resort & Spa 46 MALAYSIA

Lexis Suites Penang 48 INDONESIA

Spa Collection at Hanging Gardens of Bali 52 VIETNAM

The Grand Ho Tram Strip 54 INDONESIA

The Griya Villas and Spa 56

KENYA SOUTH AFRICA

Rhulani Safari Lodge 74 SOUTH AFRICA

Areena Riverside Resort 76 SOUTH AFRICA

Ginkgo Luxury Spa at the Arniston Spa Hotel 78

E UROPE SWITZERLAND

frutt Lodge & Spa 84 NETHERLANDS

INTERVIEW: Kamer01 Amsterdam 88 TURKEY

Elika Cave Suites 90 ITALY

Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà 92 BULGARIA

Spa Club Bor 94 BULGARIA

INTERVIEW: Balneo Hotel Saint Spas 96 ITALY

Thalassa Timi Ama at Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna 98 TURKEY

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus 100 RUSSIA

MEGUmi at Lotte Hotel Moscow 102 GREECE

INTERVIEW: Olympia Golden Beach Resort & Spa 104

SWEDEN

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

N O RT H A M ER I C A

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Yasuragi 106

Great British Restaurant 138 INTERVIEW: Manzil Downtown 140

CANADA

Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel 111 MEXICO

The Spa at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort 113

O CE A N IA

KUWAIT

Olio Italian Restaurant 142 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

INTERVIEW: Palace Downtown 144 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Palazzo Versace Dubai 146

AUSTRALIA

ADGE Hotel 116

KUWAIT

Pepper Steakhouse 148

FIJI

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa 120

SAUDI ARABIA

INTERVIEW: Raffles Spa at Raffles Makkah Palace 150

FRENCH POLYNESIA

K Restaurant 122

KUWAIT

Salt Seafood & International Restaurant 152

NEW ZEALAND

INTERVIEW: Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa 124

BAHRAIN

Sparadise at Gallaria in Bahrain 154

FIJI

Taveuni Palms Resort 126

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The SPA at Palazzo Versace Dubai 158

MIDDLE EAST

QATAR

SULTANATE OF OMAN

Al Nahda Resort & Spa 130

The Torch Doha 160

OMAN

Dunes By Al Nahda 132 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Dunes Hotel Apartment - Oud Metha 134 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Eclipse Spa 136

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46

120

146

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EDITOR’S NOTE

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR We call ourselves travel missionaries at this magazine. The mission is to get our readers out to experience the world, with all its eye-opening, mind-expanding, and lifeenhancing possibilities.

Showcasing hotels, spas & restaurants is what we do in the pages of this edition, with

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features about alluring destinations from Thailand to Maldives, to name just two in this issue. Our focus remains on providing readers with the inspiration and information they need to achieve their dreams and aspirations. It’s a great time to travel—uniquely appealing and well-priced opportunities abound. If you can travel now, please do as

Marinique de Wet FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

travel enriches lives and expand horizons.

This is an exciting month as the Haute Grandeur Rating Season is in full swing! Make sure you cast your feedback in our rating polls by visiting www.hautegrandeur.com and support your favorites! May the best be rewarded!

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P A R T N E R S

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To b e co me an Event Par t ner o r Spo nso r co ntact us o n info @hauteg randeu r. co m

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New Hotel Opening

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Hyatt Place Milwaukee |W| milwaukeedowntown.place.hyatt.com.

Janko Hospitality, a Chicago-based operator of Midwestern

It is the first Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Milwaukee and the

hotels, opened a new Hyatt Place hotel today at The Brewery

first Milwaukee hotel to be operated by Janko Hospitality, which

in Milwaukee. Hyatt Place Milwaukee/Downtown, a 150-room,

manages other select and full-service properties throughout the

six-story hotel, is located in the heart of this rapidly redeveloping

Midwest.

historical neighborhood as well as one block away from Milwaukee’s much-anticipated entertainment district and new

The interior design of the new Hyatt Place hotel features subtle

Milwaukee Bucks arena.

and elegant references to its athletic surroundings, including a basketball-net inspired backdrop at the registration desk, basketball-

“Located between a booming neighborhood full of history and

themed artwork in the guestrooms and a feature ceiling in the lobby

exciting new sports and entertainment opportunities, Hyatt Place

evoking the floor of a basketball court.

Milwaukee/Downtown offers a great new hotel option for out-

One-of-a-kind modern lobby design means that the Hyatt Place

of-towners, visiting sports fans and even locals looking to see a

Host Desk also serves coffee and cocktails. The combination

new side of Milwaukee,” said Director of Sales Jennifer Terpstra,

check-in desk and bar features a mini Starbucks in the mornings

Hyatt Place Milwaukee/Downtown.

and transforms into a full-service bar in the evenings. All Gallery Hosts are cross trained to both check guests in and serve them

Terpstra recently joined Janko Hospitality to serve as Director of

drinks, including locally-brewed beer from Lakefront Brewery, MKE

Sales for the new hotel. A Racine native and graduate of University

Brewing, Explorium Brewpub, and Pabst, which can be enjoyed on

of Wisconsin-Parkside, Terpstra recently served as Director of

the hotel’s outdoor public terrace overlooking the new Bucks arena.

Sales and Marketing for a Crowne Plaza hotel before joining the Janko team.

The new hotel boasts more than 1,700 square feet of meeting space and an oversized fitness center on the first floor, and the sixth

The contemporary hotel is located on the eastern edge of

floor offers raised ceilings in hallways and rooms as well as raised

Milwaukee’s vibrant and historical Brewery District, the former

showerheads for athletes taking advantage of the hotel’s proximity

home of the Pabst Brewing Complex, at 800 W. Juneau Avenue.

to the new basketball arena.

About Hyatt Place Hyatt Place, a brand of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, combines style, innovation and 24/7 convenience to create a seamless stay with modern comforts. There are more than 305 Hyatt Place locations in Australia, Armenia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Honduras, India, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Thailand, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States. For more information, please visit hyattplace.com. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #HyattPlace and #WhySettle.

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R AT E

Y O U R

FAV O U R I T E

H O T E L

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22 Ju ne - 11 July Hotel Awards: www.hautegrandeur.com/hotels/rate/ Spa Awards: www.hautegrandeur.com/spas/rate/ Restaurant Awards: www.hautegrandeur.com/restaurants/rate/

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CEREMONY

2018

1 NOVEMBER 2018

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Boo k your seat o n li n e www.hautegran deu r.co m /h otel s/g a l a - b ook i ng 2 0 18 Haute Gran deu r Ga l a Cere m ony info@hau t eg ran deur. com + 2 7 (0)861 AWAR DS

B O O K

N O W

HOST VE NUE

PA L A Z ZO V E R SAC E D U BA I U N I T E D A R A B E M I R AT E S

Change in order to win the growth of the luxury market

As the industry invests in more and more high-value tourism

However, we cannot relax. The competitive landscape is

products with exclusive services and one-of-a-kind features in

intensifying as players vie for a serious share of this growth; the

their properties, it is comforting to know that the luxury travel is,

number of luxury properties are increasing globally, there are

in fact, growing at a faster rate (4.5%) than overall travel (4.25%).

improvements in service delivery to luxury guests in existing

According to a report published by Horwath HTL, ‘Rethinking

operations and there is increased guest mobility and a flood of

Luxury in Hospitality’, the world luxury market was estimated at

quality online marketing.

one trillion Euro in 2016 with an annual growth of 4%. Over the six-year period (2010-2016), those classified as High Net Worth

According to the report, the luxury customer mindset is shifting.

Individuals (HNWI), the customer base for luxury tourism, grew in

While HNWI travelers still expect every detail of their travel

numbers by 52%. Their total wealth grew by 49%. Luxury travel is

to be taken care of, what is new is the aspiration behind the

forecasted to grow at a rate of 6.2% compared to the growth of

journey, not just experiences, but transformational experiences,

overall travel at 4.8%.

self-actualization; a more profound meaning and sincere human connections. This shift is triggered by two key factors; changes in lifestyle habits and digitization.

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New and deeper awareness of personal wellbeing is shaping a

Balanced Disconnection: The opportunity lies in focusing on

trend referred to as ‘health is the new luxury’ with a substantial

an approach to balance between digitally intensive and digitally

shift towards stronger self-consciousness, leading a healthier

aversive experiences. Ironically, technology can serve as an

lifestyle as well as minding the social and ecological surroundings.

enabler for a personalized and seamless experience leading to a

Secondly, the crucial role of digital technology in today’s society

transformational impact.

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causes a paradox of connected disconnection which attempts

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to reconcile two opposites. While digital intensity is essential,

Seamless Journey: Impeccable service has always been the

guests increasingly long for a digitally aversive experience. The

core of the luxury hospitality, and today new methods and

tech-obsessed always-on culture demands state-of-the-art

technologies support delivery of the service. This increased

digital solutions. On the other hand, the possibility to completely

complexity requires detailed planning including scenario planning

disconnect becomes a privilege of its own.

approaches.

What is the ‘New Luxury in Hospitality’?

How to deliver ‘New Luxury in Hospitality?

‘New Luxury in Hospitality’ means that the traveler is seeking more

According to the report, to deliver ‘New Luxury’, two perspectives

transformative and soul-enriching experiences. The emotional

should be addressed: customer journey and emotions as the

impact on guests, therefore, needs to be a strategic focus. While

essence, and comprehensive integration.

luxury hospitality is traditionally known as a human-centric, today we need to be aware that it also must have a transformational

To understand how to provide luxury, hoteliers need to follow

impact on the individual.

the customer journey of each segment as well as the emotions correlated to each touchpoint, even well before the physical

So how do we achieve this?

hotel experience starts. From brand promise to technology integration, every aspect has an impact on delivery. To ensure

According to the report there are five key elements to be

comprehensiveness in the approach, the report offers a 360

considered.

degree framework for delivering ‘New Luxury’.

Purpose: Customers are in pursuit of a better, more fulfilled –

Core brand values and story: It is crucial to get to core brand

lifestyle, increasingly turning their backs on spending on superficial

values, as well as a clear brand essence and brand identity,

brand experiences. Brands must address ‘self-actualization’ as a

backed up with appealing storytelling – upon which everything

business strategy.

within the property should be aligned. With this, consistency in the brand delivery is fundamental.

Personalization: Brands should develop a genuine interest in the guest’s lifestyle to create an understanding of preferences.

Gourmet: Customer expectation of F&B has risen significantly.

They must have the potential to evoke feelings of appreciation

While a high standard in gourmet delivery has always been an

and surprise, develop an intimacy with the guest and as a result,

integrated element of luxury, there is now a stronger emphasis

generate trust.

on the experiential component, sometimes extending beyond the kitchen and restaurant.

Experiential: Hotels need to rethink guest experience and take it to the next level by focusing on the emotional value and the

Purpose/Deeper Meaning: The thought behind core lifestyle

potential to transform ‘me’. The evolved mindset of travelers is

values has significantly shifted in the last couple of years.

to seek lifestyle solutions while travelling. This shift concentrates increasingly on experiences that address the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional needs.

The spa industry is experiencing immense growth all over the world Effective spa management requires you to follow and implement a few number of tips and tricks, in order to contribute your best in the health and wellness industry.

This may consist of educating your employees, enticing your customers to come back, providing state of the art services, etc. Here below we explore some key sections and spa management tips.

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• Plan out your strategies

comfortable with the equipment used and services provided,

Where do you see your spa business in the next decade or so?

but also helps them from the perspective of interacting with the

How do you think you can reach your desired target audiences?

customers, thus attracting positive word-of-mouth and even

Of course such questions need to be answered if you want to

greater customer audience. The latter part is a critical part of any

build a good spa service providing brand. Always remember to

training as it’s very important as you would want to make your

combine strategy planning with building up the business. In

customers feel comfortable and at ease. Train your employees,

this way, you can always ensure you have a few options to rely

increase their knowledge and improve their confidence in

on, if by chance things do not happen as desired. A strategic

handling spa wellness treatment and your business will flourish!

plan involves parameters such as variety of services provided, uniqueness of services, brand visibility by your potential

• Invest in Suitable Equipment

customers, and many more. This might also involve taking help

It is very important for you to invest in the right type of spa

from third party companies who deal with providing effective

equipment for your business. This aspect is particularly

spa management services. It is recommended that you strategize

important if you have just started with your spa company. It is

most of your plans right at the start of your brand build.

not necessary to invest in very high end and costly equipment.

Instead the equipment you choose should be perfectly suitable

• Give the best training

for your services. You also need to check whether you have the

This is perhaps the most overlooked factor when it comes to

suitable space for placing the equipment. Keep in mind your

the industry that involves health and wellness treatments.

budget allocations for equipment and accordingly buy, taking

There might be hundreds of spa brands (at least well known

into consideration investments required for as you would also

ones) spread across the world. But, what makes them stand

have to shell out money for other spa operational and marketing

out from the rest? Of course the type of services provided is

aspects.

the answer, but this all rests on how well a particular business’ employees are trained in this sector! Always remember that if

• Take Help from Professionals

you want to set up a good spa business, then you should train

Are you worried about how you are going to make your spa

your employees accordingly as if they are meant to work for an

brand popular and attract customers? Well, you are not alone, as

international brand. Such training can not only makes them feel

there are scores of other brands struggling to achieve the desired

acclaim in the wellness treatment industry. In this case, you

business organization. A spa firm director needs to have a good

might want to approach a third party spa consultant businesses,

personality and above all, good management skills. Although

who can effectively guide you to set up your brand. Choose a

it might be difficult to find such a person we’ve found that

spa consultant based on their size, popularity, reputation, and

generally great spa directors have the following attributes:

other similar aspects.

• Attitude • Promote Offers and Packages

A person having an emotionally mature side along with a level

Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you did,

headed personality is great for heading a good spa organization.

but people will never forget how you made them feel” (Hotel

This is because being emotionally stable can help the person to

Executive, SPA BRANDING – THE CRUCIAL DEFINING

properly control and manage the processes.

ELEMENT, 2017). This is not only relatable on a personal level, but also makes sense in the context of spa branding. If you

• Recruiting Skills

manage to make your customers feel special on their visit to

Every spa director should have it in himself/herself to manage

your wellness centre, they will keep coming back. And one of

the recruitment of appropriate and qualified spa employees.

the best ways to do this is by promoting exciting offers and

The benefits of this include providing quality services so that

packages. This is because your customers might tend to look

maximum customers are retained.

out for something extra apart from the regular services, which is possible with the help of these offers. For example, there

• Expense Management

might be a festival or another event that might bring tourists

Spas and similar wellbeing treatment centres are costly

to a beach spa. In this case, you can provide them with exciting

businesses. This especially exists in case of luxury resorts and

discounted offers such as family packages, additional treatment

5-star hotels. If you are planning to look for a person who can

services, and other similar options.

be a director to a spa firm, he/she should properly know how to handle expenses.

• Tips for Being a Great Spa Firm Director Apart from the above mentioned tips, your business might need an appropriate person who can head an entire spa

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O F F I C I A L H A U T E G R A N D E U R T R O P H Y TM Fa c t s a b o u t H a u t e G r a n d e u r E x c e l l e n c e A w a r d S t a t u e

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• Gain global recognition • Showcase your great achievement to hotel guests by displaying the Award in your hotel lobby • The Award confirms that your hotel offer the highest possible standard and customer experience • Guarantee awareness and build staff morale.

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ASIA

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THAILAND

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Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

S H O RT L I S T E D

Discover the luxury of Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa

Dine at three restaurants serving Thai, Indian, Italian and

Resort, where French art de vivre blends with gracious Thai

international cuisines, relax beside Thailand’s largest free-form

hospitality. To make your stay unforgettable, the resort offers

swimming pool, find sanctuary at So SPA with L’OCCITANE, stay

exclusive Club Millésime privileges, a Leisure Concierge service

in shape at the fitness center, enjoy a challenging game at the

from the minute you arrive, as well as a personal assistant.

exclusive 9-hole golf course, or explore idyllic tropical islands by private speedboat.

Each of the 276 rooms and suites are decorated in colonial style with teakwood floors and furniture, a signature MyBed by Sofitel, marble bathtubs and a large private balcony overlooking the sea, pool or garden.

|W| www.sofitelkrabiphokeethra.com

|E| h6184-re@sofitel.com

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ASIA

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ASIA

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PHILIPPINES

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Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary

S H O RT L I S T E D

Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary’s mission and vision

Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary’s villas and cottages

is to protect the endangered sea turtles and nature.

are beach front, fitted with modern feature comforts. The resort also facilitates a herbal sauna and massage treatments, as well

The resort is set in two private coves with a five-kilometre

as 24-hour power and Wifi. The resort is exclusive for staying

coastline, lined with coconut trees, four private beaches and a

guests only.

waterfall. The resort’s exclusive 90-hectare nature reserve has plenty to offer guests with its three hiking trails, free kayaks to explore the four beaches and snorkel equipment to swim with the turtles and fish in the two-house reefs. Guests can snorkel with the turtles and fish in the 28-hectare marine sanctuary called “Turtle Bay”.

|W| www.secretparadiseresort.com

|E| inquire@secretparadiseresort.com

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ASIA

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VIETNAM

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Hotel Royal Hoi An, MGallery by Sofitel

S H O RT L I S T E D

Hotel Royal Hoi An, MGallery by Sofitel is the first and only

With 119 luxurious room, an Art-Nouveau outdoor pool, the

MGallery property in Hoi An and is a proud member of the

first ever high-end Japanese restaurant in town, an exclusive

elite collection in Vietnam. The Hotel is situated next to the

spa and intuitive services from the best staff you can find, Hotel

majestic Old Quarter of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage

Royal Hoi An is the ultimate destination.

town and bordered by the tranquil Thu Bon River.

Combining the delicacy of Japanese touch and the luxury of Indochina architecture, Hotel Royal Hoi An dazzles the eyes with elegant decorations, intuitive design and a fascinating love story between Sotaro and Wakaku that dates back centuries ago. Inspired by the rich heritage of Hoi An, the hotel’s designers brought together an iconic five-star hotel in the heart of Hoi An.

|W| www.hotelroyalhoian.vn

|E| reservation@hotelroyalhoian.com

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ASIA

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THAILAND

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Beach View Villa

S H O RT L I S T E D

The new luxurious Beach View Villa is located in an exclusive

The villa’s architectural style is Modern Asian and features a

enclave of custom built homes in the most desirable area of

100 sq. meter open kitchen, dining, living design with sea views

Koh Samui. The hillside location gives guests breathtaking

from every room. There is a 12-meter infinity pool with stunning

views and total privacy, while being 100 meters from the beach

views of Tongson Bay and the beach below. Multiple outdoor

and minutes from the best hotels and restaurants on the island.

lounging and dining areas offer guests a wide range of options

The villa offers one of the most beautiful views in the world

to relax and to enjoy the views in comfort and style. The villa

with total privacy.

even offers a glass walled lift from the parking area.

|W| www.beachviewvilla.com

|E| info@beachviewvilla.com

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ASIA

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CHINA

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Hotel Royal Macau

S H O RT L I S T E D

Hotel Royal Macau is an elegant luxury hotel situated on

Well equipped with a Fitness Centre, a swimming pool and a

Estrada da Vitoria near the centre of Macau at the foot of the

choice of 381 spacious guest rooms and suites over 19 floors,

city’s legendary landmark, the 90-metre-high hill, Colina da

the Hotel Royal presents the highest standards in all areas

Guia. Well placed for both business and leisure travelers, Hotel

of accommodation and service in Macau. Every guest room

Royal Macau offers a haven of comfort and serenity in one of

is beautifully appointed, using the finest furnishings in an

Asia’s most exciting cities.

innovative style, to create an atmosphere of contemporary luxury.

Hotel Royal Macau sits on the doorstep of the Guia Fortress, the site of the first lighthouse on the Chinese coast. Within walking distance, hotel guests will find the ruins of St Paul’s, the Vasco da Gama Monument and many other attractions in Macau’s vibrant city centre. Hong Kong is only an hour away and the Chinese border gate at Zhuhai is a 15-minute drive.

|W| www.hotelroyal.com.mo

|E| reservation@hotelroyal.com.mo

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Welcome to Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the icon of luxury in Hanoi since 1901. w Ideally located near the Opera House & Old Quarter w Character, history and tranquility in a romantic setting w Award winning Vietnamese, French & Italian cuisine

15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Tel: +84 24 3826 6919 - Fax: +84 24 3826 6920 Email: h1555@sofitel.com www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com

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ASIA

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MALAYSIA

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson

S H O RT L I S T E D

Nestled along Pasir Panjang beach and about an hour’s drive

Apart from exciting dining options and comprehensive

from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the iconic

conferencing facilities, there is also a diverse choice of

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson resembles the national flower of

recreational activities available at Lexis Hibiscus, including a spa,

Malaysia.

a beach as well as teambuilding activities. The Hibiscus Walk at the beachside provides guests a sampling of Malaysian cuisine.

34 Each of its spacious 639 pool villas is tastefully decorated and comes with its own private dip pool and steam room for luxury and privacy. The Resort is the proud record holder of GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS for achieving “The most swimming pools in a resort” and “The most overwater villas in single resort”.

|W| www.lexishibiscuspd.com

|E| reservations@lexishibiscuspd.com

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INDONESIA

Maca Villas & Spa Bali

S H O RT L I S T E D

The tranquil setting of Maca Villas & Spa Bali is just minutes

covered day beds floating over their pools, ideal for idling the

away from the beach, and the myriad of fine dining restaurants,

hours away. Maca villas’ beautifully designed bedrooms all have

boutique shops and nightlife venues that have made

king size beds and luxurious en-suite bathrooms.

Seminyak famous.

Maca Villas & Spa Bali is a villa concept with all hotel services

36 Set amongst lush tropical landscaping and the shooting of

and facilities such as a 24 hour reception service and in-villa

running water, 25 villas with private swimming pools are

dining experience. Maca Villas also offer a spa center, shuttle

intimately designed for total privacy and capture the true

services to the town, a communal swimming pool area as well

essence of a Bali Holiday.

as Mase Kitchen & Wine Bar. Time is all yours at Maca Villas & Spa Bali.

Spacious living rooms with an abundance of natural light open on to wooden pool decks with sun loungers. Deluxe villas have

|W| www.macavillas.com

|E| info@macavillas.com

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CHINA

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Nüwa Spa

S H O RT L I S T E D

Nüwa Spa offers the ultimate, rejuvenating spa experience in

This myth about the five stones encapsulates the fundametal

a contemporary and resort spa environment where discerning

principle of Chinese medicine. Each stone represents one of the

guests can indulge in a range of sophisticated wet spa facilities.

Five Elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water, and one can

In addition to pampering body and facial treatments, this

only reach equilibrium by honing the power of nature.

exclusive haven also offers salon services for hair and nails.

The spa’s therapies are designed within the Five Element The spa program draws its inspiration from Nüwa, the goddess

framework which takes into consideration one’s emotions, the

who created mankind in ancient Chinese mythology. Nüwa

changing of seasons as well as flow of chi. Together with the

smelted together five-colored stones in order to patch up the

finest spa products, the spa’s therapists will craft an inspiring,

azure sky, saving the world from disaster.

effective and customized spa experience, elevating your spa experience to a whole new level.

|W| www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/en/spa

|E| nuwaspa@cod-macau.com

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ASIA

INDONESIA

INTERVIEW: Raffles Jakarta

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|W| www.raffles.com/jakarta

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|E| Bookus.Jakarta@raffles.com

Yves Mudry General Manager

“For me, listening to our colleagues is the most important element”

What is your current biggest challenge

what keeps Raffles Jakarta positioned as

competing on a global scale in a highly

the number #1 luxury hotel in Jakarta.

competitive industry?

Following the grand opening in 2015, in 2016 we opened the Raffles Spa,

S H O RT L I S T E D

Talent acquisition and talent retention.

which has won numerous international

Especially in Jakarta, where there is an

awards since and is the most luxurious

exceptionally large amount of five star

spa facility in Jakarta. It is also unique,

hotels, it is a constant mission to hire and

as it offers hydrotherapy facilities such

retain the very best service professionals.

as the “Experience Shower”, an “Ice

At Raffles, our service is legendary dating

Fountain” and “Heated Loungers”.

back to 1887 when Raffles Singapore first

following year, we launched Events on

opened. Service levels at Raffles is what

Two, a spectacular venue that takes

sets us apart from other competitors,

private dining and exclusive gatherings

and in order to consistently deliver

to a new level. Our current project is the

the ultimate luxury experience, we are

Raffles Lounge, which we will unveil later

constantly searching and training the best

this year. It is important to have these

talent in the market. Come and meet our

constant innovations in order to remain

Raffles butlers, they have been trained in

the preferred luxury hotel in Jakarta.

The

the same way as the butlers of the British What is a “FUN FACT” about Raffles

Royal Family.

Jakarta?

What

is

your

secret

to

staying

competitive?

The fact that the hotel is located in the heart of the entertainment and

It is no secret that we have to continuously

shopping district makes it such a fun

innovate and offer new services. That’s

destination. In fact, the hotel is attached

to a Broadway Musical Theatre that offers spectacular shows

Tell us more about your culinary team & why the culinary

and entertainment at night. While on the other side, the hotel

experience at your hotel plays such an important role to the

connects to the Lotte Shopping Avenue with hundreds of retail

guest experience.

and dining outlets. It truly is the place to be.

Our culinary team, lead by Chef Matias Ayala, is originally from The hotel is also notorious for its tribute to Hendra Gunawan,

Argentina and has won countless awards over the last twenty

a renowned Indonesian artist, as most of Hendra Gunawan

years. Not surprisingly, Chef Matias follows the very latest

works are showcased throughout the elegant interiors of the

culinary trends, and is inspired every day by some of the most

hotel.

famous Chefs in the world. Now more than ever, especially in Indonesia, he believes every dish needs to be “instagrammable”.

In fact, the art concierge of the hotel will provide complimentary

In a recent poll, 65% of what Indonesian post on their social

art tours for hotel guests that will conclude in the adjacent

media is food related. This is among the highest compared to

Ciputra Artpreneur Museum.

any other country in the world.

What is your secret to staying “one step ahead” as a respected

For Chef Matias, food and art is synonymous and when joined

leader in your organization?

together they bring new meaning. It’s best enjoyed with family and friends, sparking lively discussions, laughter, love, leaving

For me, listening to our colleagues is the most important

long lasting memories. That’s what it’s all about. That is why

element. Every week, we setup a GM forum and invite

Chef Matias believes great food must not be over complicated;

colleagues from different departments to voice their challenges

the magic is in its simplicity, with a focus of bringing out the

and ideas for improvement. By doing so we make sure their

best flavors using only fresh natural ingredients.

needs are addressed and solutions are found. It also promotes think from the perspective of our guests’ wellbeing. The great comments our guests post on websites and social media, is a testament to this and something I am particularly proud of.

ASIA

engagement within the hotel and empowers our colleagues to

How do you see the association with Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards may improve your hotel’s revenue, how will you be using the news to your advantage?

Having received Haute Grandeur global hotel awards over the years further establishes the reputation of the hotel for outstanding service. It’s an honour to be associated with the Haute Grandeur Hotel Awards and we are confident it will drive further awareness for travelers to Jakarta and help them find their home away from home.

What is your short-term goal for the hotel in general and do you feel this Award will assist to achieve this?

As mentioned, it will drive awareness to potential guests that are looking for the ultimate luxury stay, event and dining experience.

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MALAYSIA

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Sama-Sama Hotel KL International Airport

S H O RT L I S T E D

Sama-Sama Hotel, KL International Airport is a five-star hotel

1,615 square foot foyer, equipped with audio-visual equipment

located adjacent to KLIA main terminal. The hotel features

and high-speed internet access. This makes the hotel an ideal

422 non-smoking guestrooms that offer travelers comfort and

venue to host local and international seminars, conferences,

tranquillity in a luxurious setting, a choice of F&B outlets, an

exhibitions and dinners.

Executive Floor and a freeform swimming pool surrounded by beautiful greenery and a Spa.

The Hotel offers an airport fast track service with a dedicated Lounge as well as Immigration and Custom lanes for swift

A popular transit hotel for those who are on long-haul traveling

clearance during arrival or departure.

to Sepang International Circuit, the hotel is a top choice for major sports events and corporate functions.

Whether for business or leisure, guests will cherish the SamaSama experience, where meaningful connections are made,

The hotel offers 30,951 square feet of flexible event space with

from touch down and throughout the stay.

ten well-appointed function rooms and grand ballrooms with a

|W| www.samasamahotels.com |E| reservations@samasamahotels.com

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CAMBODIA

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Sarai Resort & Spa

S H O RT L I S T E D

Situated in the exotic city of Siem Reap, Sarai Resort & Spa

with the stars. The rural atmosphere makes Siem Reap the

is a luxury Moroccan-inspired resort. Sarai has been designed

perfect destination for your vacation. Take a break from the

to be a destination where travellers from East and West

demands of every-day life by taking a breath, relaxing, looking

come to pleasantly discover superior services, beautiful and

up at the stars and taking a moment to simply gaze at their

comfortable rooms, great food, an exquisite spa and a tranquil

gentle beauty.

swimming pool.

Angkor Wat was constructed to become a connection between the citizens of the Khmer kingdom and the gods. Sarai Resort & Spa is built to act similarly as a medium for guests to connect

|W| www.sarairesort.com

|E| book@sarairesort.com

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MALAYSIA

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Lexis Suites Penang

S H O RT L I S T E D

Located at the idyllic Teluk Kumbar, Lexis Suites Penang is

The dining options range from local and regional flavours to

about ten minutes’ drive from Penang International Airport. It

Japanese and international tastes, while the banqueting facilities

is the only hotel on the island which offer guests the luxury of

cater for events and meetings. Apart from the therapeutic

an individual private pool and steam room in each of the 222

treatments and massages at the spa, Lexis Suites Penang also

suites.

offers a range of recreational and leisure activities, suitable for families and friends as well as corporate team building.

Each spacious guestroom is equipped with two king sized beds and a commanding view of the sea from its private balcony.

|W| www.lexissuitespenang.com |E| reservations@lexissuitespenang.com

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Spa Collection at Hanging Gardens of Bali

S H O RT L I S T E D

Set in a lush rainforest in the heart of the Balinese jungle, Spa

treatment foot wash, an en-suite bathroom, separated by an

Collection by Hanging Gardens of Bali boasts a special tranquil

antique wooden shutter as well as a rain shower and an open-

place for you to indulge yourself in a series of wonderful

air bath.

wellness treatments. Enjoy traditional spa treatments by the 52

river while listening to the sound of rushing waters of the Ayung

After their treatments, guests may enjoy the cascading, two-

River. The treatments are handed down through generations

tiered swimming pool. Suspended above the rainforest, it gives

and the spa’s therapists know exactly what to do to make this

swimmers the unique sense of swimming above the treetops

wellness treatment a wonderful one.

— which is, in fact, how one feels wherever one is in the resort.

The suites of this luxury resort spa are designed to give you total privacy while enjoying your wellness treatments. Each suite has twin treatment beds and a huge divan for your traditional pre-

|W| www.hanginggardensofbali.com/spa-collection/

|E| spa@hanginggardensofbali.com

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VIETNAM

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The Grand Ho Tram Strip

S H O RT L I S T E D

The Grand Ho Tram Strip became Vietnam’s first integrated

Located two hours away from the country’s economic hub, Ho

beach resort in 2013. The Grand offers a choice of luxurious

Chi Minh City, the resort can be found on 2.2-kilometers of

room types, all with gorgeous sea views or of the Bluffs golf

pristine beach. The Grand offers many world-class amenities

course, all with multiple room amenities. The resort also offers

including Vietnam’s only large-scale live table casino, a dozen

access to The Bluffs, Vietnam’s only top-100 rated golf course,

restaurant offerings, a spa, mini-golf, a waterslide, a nightclub, a

and is host to the Ho Tram Open golf championship on the Asia

1000-seat ballroom as well as convention facilities.

tour.

|W| www.thegrandhotram.com |E| reservations@thegrandhotram.com

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INDONESIA

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The Griya Villas and Spa

S H O RT L I S T E D

The Griya Villas and Spa, with its 14 intimate and luxurious villas,

The Griya is the perfect hideaway venue for travellers wishing

is a situated on the unspoiled East coast of Bali, Indonesia. Each

to escape the busy tourist areas and enjoy the more authentic

villa offers a private infinity pool and stunning vistas over the

island life and activities. For those who are on the path of an

ocean and the neighbouring hills. All villas are complemented

inner Journey, the resort offers powerful and transformative

by a high-end Restaurant, a healthy Café, a Rooftop Lounge

workshops on Open Heart Meditation™, Reiki Tummo and

with a 180-degree ocean view, a Wellness Centre (spa & gym)

Secrets Of Natural Walking™.

as well as a Resort Boutique.

This modern and comfortable Luxury Villa Resort is set in a natural and tropical environment with beautiful views.

|W| www.thegriya.com |E| reservation@thegriya.com

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INDIAN OCEAN

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MAURITIUS

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Sofitel Mauritius L’Imperial Resort & Spa Bordered by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean and

Most of the rooms overlook the Indian Ocean and are equipped

the sheltered west coast of the island, the Sofitel Mauritius

with Sofitel MyBed™ in which guests will experience dreamy

l’Imperial Resort & Spa is set in nine hectares of lush, tropical

nights. Free WiFi is available in the main area and in-room.

gardens along a huge beach of white sand and a majestic

The resort’s So Spa is the ideal place to get away from the

outdoor pool.

everyday where guests are pampered by a team of professional therapists.

Exquisite breakfast, lunch and dinner from French to Asian gastronomy with live Teppanyaki are served in the resort’s four

|W| www.sofitel-imperial-mauritius.com |E| H1144-RE@sofitel.com

INDIAN OCEAN

restaurants.

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MALDIVES

INTERVIEW: Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives H AUTE GR A NDE UR |T | + 2 7 ( 0 ) 8 6 1 AWA R D S |E | I N FO @H AU T EG R A ND E U R .COM | W | HAU TEGRA NDE U R.COM

|W| www.hih.com.mv |E| sales@hih.com.mv

64

Utkarsh Faujdar General Manager

“The overall quality of service offered here is warm and unmatched which goes a long way in creating memorable experiences.”

How is the hotel positioned to attract

is a unique experience coupling work

travelers to stay over when in Maldives?

with leisure, giving them more time in a beautiful

S H O RT L I S T E D

destination.

Complimentary

The hotel is conveniently located on the

shuttle service running between the

airport island, befitting the guests flying in

airport and the hotel along with the ferry

and/or out of Maldives. We are catering

service to and from Male’ island make

to various business segments including

commuting simpler and enjoyable. Our

airline crew, business clientele and leisure

restaurants and food outlets are mostly

simultaneously, making it demanding on

busy; we cater to our guests accordingly,

us but that is what motivates us to go that

like the business traveller wants his

extra mile making their visit worthwhile

breakfast

and that’s what we do best. Guests,

introduced Business Breakfast meetings

staying on leisure in transit with us enjoy

wherein the mornings are more enjoyable

the spirit and freshness of this island while

and meaningful for the corporate guests

stepping foot here, their stay with us is

at Uduvilaa restaurant. Bubbly breakfast is

an extension of their holiday rather than

another such offer over the weekend with

the cumbersome transit. The beach, spa,

an extensive International buffet breakfast

gymnasium and the sports activities keep

with unlimited sparkling wines. Uduvilaa

them joyfully engaged, the proximity to

serves as a refreshing venue for holding

the airport further facilitates in timely and

meetings over breakfast with Gadhoo

smooth departures or arrivals making the

being another cozy lounge facility.

elaborate

yet

quick,

we

most of their time here.

All the facilities and features offered here

Do you offer special group incentives

are thoughtfully designed, well suited to

or packages that ensure you remain

the comfort and ease of the airline crew

competitive?

and business travellers alike, in fact it

Meetings and Conferences are a key segment keeping us

the special efforts are documented and recognized, eventually

occupied, we can easily accommodate 100 plus guests in the

facilitate in creating an exemplary service culture all across

Banquet hall. Maldives is a hot selling destination which has

the team. Doing small things differently is what makes the

an unusual charm and serenity about it, guests visiting us are

difference.

keen on indulging with the brush of pristine sand and sea; the Discover Maldives Package is aimed at acquainting the leisure

What is your secret as a successful General Manager having

segment with a speed boat transfer for day trips to different

won many Awards for outstanding service to date?

islands with a choice of fun and recreational activities including; water sports, diving, fishing and sea plane photo flight, which is

Our approach is a very holistic one; emphasizing on guest

breathtakingly exotic and typical to this archipelago. Discover

delight, good work ethics and professionalism. We have a

Maldives package is also aimed at this segment as it provides

motivated and a well engaged team that is willing to learn,

the guests with a fantastic taste of Maldives.

contribute and grow. We invest a good amount of time and

For the non-residential clientele, we offer various F&B

and conviction, and we are constantly working towards it.

promotions which are a big time favourite.

Live Band

We inculcate healthy work culture habits, gradually providing

performance with sumptuous Thursday dinner buffet spreads

them with the right opportunity and a well-deserved platform

and a welcoming ambience rev up the spirit.

to take off. The team plays a pivotal role in rising to the

Food promotions including Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Arabic,

occasion. ‘As the team, so is the product’, this is evident from

South East Asian, Thai and International food fest along with

the numerous prestigious recognitions under our belt over the

Wine buffets are popular with International guests.

years. Consistent training and guidance to the team has been instrumental in making us the ‘Best Culinary Establishment’ in

What do you believe is your hotel’s competitive advantage?

the Maldives numerous times apart from us winning several international awards. We adopt a service oriented approach,

I would say the overall quality and service offered here is warm

ensuring guest satisfaction while focussing on revenue and

and unmatched which goes a long way in creating memorable

profitability.

INDIAN OCEAN

resources in our team, it surely requires tremendous foresight

experiences for our esteemed guests. We provide an extension of the holiday for tourists in order that they are able to spend

What exciting new developments at the hotel can travelers

maximum possible time in Maldives.

expect in the next year?

Regular training programmes are organized for the ongoing

We’ve been constantly working towards refurbishing and

development of our team equipping them better to be

expanding our facilities ever since we started this property,

successful in the ever demanding service industry. We have

keeping in line with changing times and providing the much

been inviting international trainers and motivational speakers

sought after wow factor, which our guests anticipate. Soon we

on behavioural and technical aspects pertaining to the

will be coming up with an ultra-modern Golf Simulator lounge

industry; the most recent ones being WSET (Wine & Spirit

with French windows overlooking the magnificent ocean,

Education Trust) – a wine certification course and SABA (South

where our delighted guests can tee off while enjoying their

African Butler Academy). These training and development

choicest beverage, challenging their friends and companions.

sessions and workshops facilitate in instilling and nurturing

Additionally there would be a state of the art Karaoke Lounge

the right attitude and aptitude. They further improve the team

for the music lovers who could croon and unwind. Apart

bonding and encourage introspection giving an opportunity to

from this, we keep revising our Wine and Food menus based

improve as an individual and contribute towards the goals of

on guests’ liking, surprising them with delectable treats. For

the organization.

this upcoming Soccer World Cup 2018 we have interesting promotions lined up in the ‘Champs’ bar which would be

We strongly believe, each of our team member is capable

buzzing with excitement. Along the year we have various

of contributing in his own way, for this we came up with the

promotions, themes and festivities celebrating Christmas, New

MMM (Master of Magic Moment) initiative; wherein each of

Year and Chinese New Year and other important occasions.

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SOUTH AFRICA

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Pondoro Game Lodge Pondoro Game Lodge is situated on the banks of the Olifants

A nature walk with an armed guide will add the thrill of

River in Balule Private Nature Reserve inside the Greater Kruger

encountering animals on foot. Your guide will page with you

National Park. A safari to Africa is about intimacy, tranquillity

through nature’s book and explain to you the meaning of various

and the romance of a bygone era. This small, exclusive 16-bed

tracks and why tracking is seen as the origin of science. Meals

lodge fits the mould perfectly with eight chalets spread out

are an extraordinary culinary experience where traditional

along the largest perennial river in Kruger National Park.

African cuisine fuses effortlessly with modern European trends.

Experienced guides in open safari cruisers will not only use their knowledge and bushcraft to try and show you the Big Five and other game, but they will do their best to paint memories of an Africa that will never fade away.

|W| www.pondoro.co.za |E| reservations@pondoro.co.za

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SOUTH AFRICA

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Ginkgo Petite Spa at the Andros The Ginkgo Petite Spa Claremont, the little jewel in the

The Ginkgo approach is totally individually focused. So much

collection of Ginkgo Spas, is a well-appointed 3-roomed

so that these packages can be adapted to meet the client’s

sanctuary that specialises in anti-stress massage treatments

individual needs.

like the Ginkgo “Elixir” and the Ginkgo” Ataraxia”. The Spa is situated in the grounds of the 5* Andros Deluxe Boutique

The Spa has a Sauna and a Gym in which it also offers

Hotel which is nestled in the privacy of beautiful gardens in

BIOKINETICS SERVICES and believes in LIFE THROUGH

upper Claremont.

MOVEMENT – a scientific based exercise program that helps its clients to achieve their required outcome.

Clients can treat themselves to any one of the signature Ginkgo Wellness Packages from a 1hr20min Ginkgo “De-stress-

Medical Aesthetic services are provided by a passionate and

Express” to the 6hrs50min Ginkgo “Tranquillity” collection of

experienced medical doctor that specialises in many anti-aging

treatments.

treatments including Botox, Dermal Fillers and Skin-Boosters, to list but a few.

|W| www.andros.co.za |E| androsspa@ginkgospa.com

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KENYA

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www.sarovahotels.com

1902 Club Lounge Introducing a blend of sophistication and exclusivity in an elegantly designed resident club lounge. Catch up on ypur emails as you unwind and connect with your business contacts in a cosy ambiance that reflects the true heritage of inconic Sarova Stanley Hotel.

Contact central reservations office on Tel: +254 709 111 000 E.mail: centralreservations@sarovahotels.com

AFRICA

www.sarovahotels.com

73

Refreshing African Hospitality Sarova Panafric is styled to provide high and modern standards of comfort whilst maintaining its African heritage. Set in serene, landscaped gardens the hotel offers a range of accommodation, conferencing, dining all decorated in contemporary Afro-chic design.

For reservation or enquiries contact: Tel: +254 709 111 000 | Email: centralreservations@sarovahotels.com

Sarova Stanley • Sarova Panafric • Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa • Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa • Sarova Mara Game Camp Spirit of the Masai Mara • Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge • Sarova Shaba Game Lodge • Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge • Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge SAROVA HOTELS KENYA

SAROVA_HOTELS

@SAROVAHOTELSKEN

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SOUTH AFRICA

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Rhulani Safari Lodge Rhulani Safari Lodge, situated in Madikwe Game Reserve, is set

Rhulani set out to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary,

along a crest with stunning vistas of Madikwe. It offers five-

to build a modern-day refuge, an oasis of calm, a place to

star luxury accommodation in a malaria free environment. Early

nourish the soul and lift the spirit. Rhulani Safari Lodge invites

morning and late afternoon game drives will give guests the

you to experience the serenity and harmony of this special place

opportunity to view a wide variety of wildlife species, including

– come celebrate nature and life.

the legendary Big Five mammals.

The adventure begins when an African welcome awaits you at the lodge and seeing as Rhulani means “relax”, guests are invited to sit back and enjoy the African bush.

|W| www.rhulani.com |E| reservations@rhulani.com

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SOUTH AFRICA

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Areena Riverside Resort At the start of the Wild Coast, Areena Riverside Resort, Private

Areena Riverside Resort is a children’s paradise, a place where

Game Reserve and Country Estate is a piece of paradise,

kids can be kids. The swimming pool, kiddies pool, tennis court

situated on the Kwelera River. Guests may choose from a

and playground will keep them entertained for hours while you

variety of luxury four star, fully equipped self-catering family

relax. Come visit Areena Riverside Resort and enjoy the wildly

cottages, timber chalets and double en-suite units.

peaceful atmosphere where families can have an adventure together.

The timber chalets are situated on the banks of the river and afford you the chance to game view and bird watch from the comfort of your private deck. The onsite Adventure Village offers a wide range of outdoor adventure activities and includes a ten Zip Line Tour and a Quad Bike Safari. Guests can also enjoy sundowners at the river-front restaurant Areena Quays.

|W| www.areenaresort.com |E| info@areenaresort.com

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AFRICA

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SOUTH AFRICA

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Ginkgo Luxury Spa at the Arniston The spa’s ambience is minimalist, crisp, fresh and enchanting.

From the moment you step into the welcoming reception area,

The ambience is other worldly - diffused lighting, the palest

to the time you leave - pampered, de-stressed and feeling like

of azure throughout with sand coloured floors, white leather

a new person, the outside world simply doesn’t exist.

furniture and the soft sound of water coming from the eyecatching cascade. The paintings were especially commissioned

The Spa is located in Arniston and has four spacious treatment

and add to the overall warmth that exudes from every corner of

rooms, a male and a female Sauna and Hydrotherapy. The

the Spa. The artist, Karl-Otto Krug from Germany, took Georgia

Twin Treatment Room is the ultimate in couple’s therapy. The

O’Keefe as his inspiration when he painted his masterpieces.

Tranquillity Lounge calms and induces gentle rhythms of blissful peace.

|W| www.arnistonhotel.com |E| spa@arnistonhotel.com

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AFRICA

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Fihankra Restauran

at Accra City Hotel

The Future Of Tradition. We serve passion

www.accracityhotel.com

AFRICA

ant

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Barnes Road, West Ridge. GA-107-550, Greater-Accra, Ghana info@accracityhotel.com | reservations@accracityhotel.com

Tel: +233 (0) 30 263 3863

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EUROPE

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SWITZERLAND

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frutt Lodge & Spa As a guest at the frutt Lodge & Spa, you will be treated to a unique location on the sunny plateau of Melchsee-Frutt (1920m above sea level). The hotel is Europe’s highestaltitude 4-star Superior hotel situated on a lake, offering breathtaking views of the starry night sky.

|W | www.fruttlodge.ch |E| reservation@fruttlodge.ch

EUROPE The amazing views can be enjoyed from each room. The 58 rooms and nine suites are furnished in natural materials, with warm wooden pieces and stylish detail. The interior design is reminiscent of a classic lodge style and provides a fascinating contrast to the distinctive exterior.

Culinary delights come courtesy of two restaurants and a hotel bar & lounge, offering regional cuisine and a selection of fine wines.

After a busy day, guests can relax in the 900-square-meter in-house Spa wellness area. Experience the power of Grander Water in the Alpine wellness oasis as you let yourself be pampered with regional products, massages and treatments.

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EUROPE

NETHERLANDS

INTERVIEW: Kamer01 Amsterdam

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|W | www.kamer01.amsterdam |E| post@kamer01.amsterdam

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Peter Hertogh & Wolter Gerungan Hotel Managers

“Staying true to ourselves.

We don’t go with the flow.”

What is your current biggest challenge

What is a “FUN FACT” about Kamer01

competing on a global scale in a highly

Amsterdam?

competitive industry?

That would be Sammie, our slightly Since there is just the 2 of us running the

autistic beagle.

hotel, that would be to stand out and be noticed as a tiny hotel in a plethora of

What is your secret to staying “one step

different lodgings in Amsterdam.

ahead” as a respected leader in your organization?

S H O RT L I S T E D

What

is

your

secret

to

staying

competitive?

Staying true to ourselves. We don’t go with the flow. We do not follow trends,

Always keeping in mind how we started

fashion or hypes, still always trying to

our hotel in the first place; imagining

outdo ourselves.

how we as a guest would travel and experiencing new places. Providing an

How do you see the association with

experience worth traveling for, that will

Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards may

hopefully have a positive influence on the

improve your hotel’s revenue, how will

life of our guests.

you be using the news to your advantage?

No matter how well we present ourselves, the appreciation of professionals can persuade (asure?) potential guests just a bit more to decide and stay with us.

you feel this Award will assist to achieve this?

Being noticed without shouting, leaving the shouting to someone else (HG).

EUROPE

What is your short-term goal for the hotel in general and do

Tell us more about your culinary team & why the culinary experience at your hotel play such an important role to the guest experience.

The culinary experience is “limited� to the 5 course Champagne Breakfast. Where we try to give our guests a taste of the very best local dutch produce. (ever tried Dutch Bubbly?)

Entertaining them with stories of our wonderful city and country below sea level. Eating is not only food for the body, its also a social experience and food for the mind.

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TURKEY

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Elika Cave Suites Elika Cave Suites Hotel is located in one of the most privileged, most exclusive and peaceful places in the world, next to the Ortahisar Castle which is the highest natural skyscraper in the world.

|W | www.elikacavesuites.com |E| info@elikacavesuites.com

EUROPE The hotel offers an unforgettable experience with its luxurious and authentic architecture in rock rooms with more than 800 years of history. Guests can choose from various rooms such as the Hotel’s Deluxe, Grand Cave Room, Junior Suite, Grand Cave Suite, Pool Suite and King Suite.

Each room attracts attention with its different and special designs. The rooms are built with great precision and hand work and offers traditional decor and modern amenities. The rooms are filled with antique furnishings, clay ceramics as well as wood carving art.

Elika Cave Suites Hotel provides a friendly and relaxed environment for its guests in the lounge area whilst No: 10 Restaurant, with its Ă la carte menu, entertains its guests with splendid quality and service.

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ITALY

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Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà Located in the heart of Valpolicella, just few kilometers from the beautiful Verona, the original and modern taste of Byblos combines with the classical elegance of Villa Amistà to create a unique and exclusive hotel, Byblos Art Hotel.

|W | www.byblosarthotel.com |E| reservation@byblosarthotel.com

EUROPE The 15th century Villa has been conceived as a permanent collection of contemporary art with more than 120 pieces.

This mix between classic and modern makes the Hotel unique.

It offers 59 art-designed rooms, uniquely and individually designed for comfort.

The beauty of classic and contemporary art that surrounds the marvellous rooms of the Restaurants, (also open to external guests), is combined with the outstanding level of the Executive Chef, Marco Perez’s proposals.

Espace Byblos is the charming wellness and fitness center of the Hotel. Espace Byblos offers a relaxing area with a sauna, a steam bath, a hydro-massage and a tropical shower. During the summer season, guests can relax beside the outdoor pool.

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BULGARIA

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Spa Club Bor With 36 double rooms, 4 studios and 44 apartments, Spa Club Bor is the biggest four-star balneocomplex in Velingrad.

All rooms and apartments are beautifully decorated and are equipped with plasma TVs, mini-bars, internet and telephones.

|W | www.spaclubbor.com |E| reservations@spaclubbor.com

EUROPE The hotel’s experienced chefs handpick healthy natural products that are used when preparing the delicious food in the hotel’s six restaurants. The hotel also offers various entertainment facilities such as a gambling area, a computer room, a kids’ corner and a tourist agency.

The hotel’s business center features a small and a large conference hall and both halls are equipped with flip charts, white boards and multi players.

95 Hotel Spa Club Bor offers international standards of service and the team of spa professionals can design individual health programs for guests. The spa offers cosmetic treatments and massages and guests are invited to enjoy the Ayurveda room, the Turkish bath, the steam bath, the sauna, as well as the relaxation room in the Spa Zone. Guests can also relax at the wellness Centre in the Jacuzzi, indoor swimming pool or watch the kids play in the outdoor swimming pool.

Enjoy you stay at Spa Club Bor – A taste for life!

BULGARIA

INTERVIEW: Balneo Hotel Saint Spas

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|W | www.svetispas.com |E| reservations@svetispas.com

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Kristian Hristov Chairman

“We constantly analyze the global trends in the hospitality segment, which gives us some insights of how to offer beter overall service to our clients”

What is your current biggest challenge

service to our clients. The main strategy of

competing on a global scale in a highly

how to stay competitive is to never stop

competitive industry?

thriving for better results, in other words we are never happy with ourselves, we

S H O RT L I S T E D

The current biggest challenge is the

are never satisfied with what we have

unrecognizability

resort

achieved and created as end service or

Velingrad, it is very hard to offer our

product, which helps us to always search

service abroad Bulgaria, when few people

for new and better ways to put ourselves

know that this particular resort Balneo

on the market and to constantly grow as

Hotel Saint Spas exists. Therefore, we

a brand.

of

the

SPA

are faced with quite a steep hill to climb in order to attract more foreign tourists

What is a “FUN FACT” about Balneo

to this destination and to be recognized

Hotel Saint Spas?

worldwide. However, I am confident that with the strategy that our team has, we

A fun fact about Balneo Hotel Saint Spas,

will soon be seeked as a tourist destination

Velingrad is that it is 100% supplied by

from more and more nations.

mineral water, which means that every sink, toilet, pool and other water facilities

What

is

your

secret

to

staying

competitive?

run on fresh mineral water from a spring right next to the hotel, which makes a quite unique experience.

We constantly analyze the global trends in the hospitality segment, which gives us some insights of how to offer better overall

What is your secret to staying “one step ahead� as a respected

Over the years, we have learned that food quality is one of

leader in your organization?

the main aspects of attracting more loyal clients and reducing the overall complains. Therefore, we are really focused on

I always communicate with everyone, I believe that being

maintaining a nice culinary team who has the skills and will to

humble and down to earth, always helps to be respected and

create a delicious experience for our clients and to maintain

the company moves forward a lot easier as everyone works

a constant perfect standard in order for us to have a stable

as a one big family. Another important thing for me is the

reputation for our kitchen. Of course we can not do all of the

insights that I get from every different employee from the

above without the main Chef, who is working for us for many

different departments are priceless and very useful for making

years and always ensures that he has a perfect team looking

the right decisions for the well-being of our company. Further,

out for the tasty food, being served. At the end every satisfied

I have learned that solving the problems by simply talking in a

client from the food served enjoys much more the stay at the

nice way to different employees, really lifts up their spirit and

hotel.

mostly positive results come after.

How do you see the association with Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards may improve your hotel’s revenue, how will you be using the news to your advantage?

We have started to see some results already, because many organization as Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards. I am absolutely sure that this will continue to act positively for our company in ways of expanding our loyal client base and

EUROPE

clients cherish the fact that we are part of such prestigious

creating a more luxurious brand image through our advertising channels.

What is your short-term goal for the hotel in general and do you feel this Award will assist to achieve this?

The main short-term goal is to raise the overall level in the hotel and to offer our clients services, which are not familiar for the Bulgarian hospitality segment. In other words we want to lead not follow. Therefore, another award, as Balneo Hotel Saint Spas has recently been recognized as the best hotel for medical tourism on the Balkans, will be of a great boost to us to reach this goal much easier and in a shorter time span.

Tell us more about your culinary team & why the culinary experience at your hotel play such an important role to the guest experience.

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ITALY

Thalassa Timi Ama at Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna Blissful convenience, Pullman-style.

98 White sand lapped by turquoise waters, waving palms under sunny skies... Neither dream nor clichĂŠ, this is Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna.

|W | www.pullman-timiama-sardegna.com |E| H3040@accor.com

EUROPE Tucked away on Sardinia’s southeast tip amid the natural beauty of Capo Carbonara, this 5-star resort boasts a stunning setting.

From the bay, an Aragonese tower watches over 11 sprawling hectares of natural park which is a heaven for local wildlife and Mediterranean plants and flowers.

However, nature’s restorative power is not confined to this 11-hectare marine reserve. The state-of-the-art Thalassa sea & spa institute is a bubble of serenity that lies at the heart of the hotel, offering relaxing, regenerating seawater treatments, beauty treatments and massages by Aquascience and Cinq Mondes.

The newly renovated Sensory Wellness Area offers a heated seawater pool with targeted jets, water fountains and microbubble seats, a steam room, bio-sauna, ice fountain, salt room (halotherapy), aromatic showers, an emotional lounge (music therapy, aromatherapy, color therapy) as well as a herbal tea lounge to sip a herbal tea and soak up the feeling of welcome and calm.

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TURKEY

100

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus The SPA at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus introduces a decadent approach to the authentic hammam (Turkish bath) experience, combining the traditional cleansing properties of the bath with the indulgent delights of contemporary, western treatments.

|W | www.fourseasons.com/bosphorus/spa/ |E| spa.bosphorus@fourseasons.com

EUROPE Covering an area of 2,100 sq m (22,605 sq ft), the Spa includes three separate hammams (a first in the city), nine treatment rooms and one VIP Spa suite that are arranged around a pillared pool, sky-lit from a height of 6.7 m. The pool features underwater music, whirlpool and poolside relaxation areas.

The Spa also offers a series of customised hammam treatments, where a bathing ritual is combined with one or more modern therapies to maximise the beneficial heat of the hammam.

Treatments are based around all-natural Sodashi, Ayurvedic Sundari and French Biologique Rechercehe products.

The design of The SPA is subtle and understated, decorated in light marble with coloured mosaic tiles, while accents of wood and mother-of-pearl on jewellery boxes and hand-held mirrors further infuse an air of Ottoman elegance.

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RUSSIA

102

MEGUmi at Lotte Hotel Moscow MEGUmi is a cutting-edge Japanese restaurant that strives to harmonise the best and rarest ingredients from all around the world with a blend of traditional and modern Japanese delicacies, including 20 authentic products that are unique for the Moscow market. MEGUmi also offers a wide selection of carefully cultivated Japanese sake.

|W | www.lottehotel.ru |E| reservations@lottehotel.ru

EUROPE Two Japanese and two Russian chefs are responsible for cooking and serving these gastronomic masterpieces and their work can be observed through the restaurant’s open kitchen.

A distinguishing feature at MEGUmi is an aquarium of fresh seafood. True gourmets can feast their eyes on the exotic marine life as they enjoy fresh delicacies such as Kamchatka crab, oysters, lobsters, scallops and mussels. The restaurant also features four private dining rooms, each named after a Japanese flower: Sakura, Kiku, Hanabi, and Ran.

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GREECE

INTERVIEW: Olympia Golden Beach Resort & Spa H AUTE GR A NDE UR |T | + 2 7 ( 0 ) 8 6 1 AWA R D S |E | I N FO @H AU T EG R A ND E U R .COM | W | HAU TEGRA NDE U R.COM

|W | www.ogb.gr |E| info@ogb.gr

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ANDREAS BRATIS Hotel Manager

“If you visit us once then you will visit us again.”

What

is

your

secret

to

staying

competitive?

pool bar we were drinking a cocktail and suddenly he told me that “we have a big problem with your hotel”. Of course I

S H O RT L I S T E D

The secret is not a secret! It is many things

kindly asked him about his problem and

together. You just need to continue doing

he replied that every year when they are

your best every single day, to invest in the

thinking about where to go on summer

best labors and in the best infrastructures,

holidays they are concluding that they

to follow the procedures, to welcome

want to visit once again Olympia Golden

your guests with a smile, to see them in

Beach Resort & Spa, because they feel

their eyes, to be dedicated in the highest

satisfied, comfortable, unique, friendly,

standards, to evaluate each procedure, to

luxurious, and part of our family.

say sorry for your mistakes and of course to continue learning in a high demanding

Of course this is a great honour for us and

environment. As you understand this list

comes not only from a single guest, but

could continue on and on with many more

from many, many more.

examples and “secrets” but the motto in a phrase should be “excellence in each hotel

What is your secret to staying “one step

aspect”

ahead” as a respected leader in your

What is a “FUN FACT” about Olympia

organization?

Golden Beach Resort & Spa? Each company has its own rules in order to “If you visit us once then you will visit us

be sufficient and productive according to

again! “

the manager’s and company’s standards.

This Fun Fact came from a loyal hotel

Therefore, my management methods

friend. One night while at the swimming

are more anthropocentric, giving to each

employee a purpose for his/her work. If you better understand

delivers high quality and absolutely satisfied guests. We also

the pros and cons of each individual then you can better use

provide a Gourmet restaurant for those you seek exceptional

your knowledge to sufficiently manage him/her. Respect of

dinning with Mediterranean Gourmet tastes increasing the

each man or woman is my priority as well as collaboration

quality to the top.

and continuous education. We must keep in our minds that apart from all the above the job description and the specific

Last but not least, our F&B department is certified with the

task assignment is essential for the job to be done correctly,

ISO 22000 (HACCP), providing the highest level of hygiene

whereas my motto “excellence in each hotel aspect� must

and security of the food. For us, the culinary experience is

be embraced in the hurt and the mind of my staff. There are

more than important and all the visitors know that very well.

not secret methods on how to become a respected leader, everyday hard work and knowledge for the field makes you one.

How do you see the association with Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards may improve your hotel’s revenue, how will you be using the news to your advantage?

Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards are prestigious global awards with a strong marketing presence. The participation of other high quality hotels was also a key factor for us, because it showed us that the competition would be high. The possibility significant value to our hotel. Moreover, our statistics show that the participation and finally the winning of prestigious global awards is increasing our sales and our prices, leading to

EUROPE

of winning an award this year for a second time, will give a

higher margins for our shareholders.

Having all the above in our mind and owning a good and organised marketing department, we are using all the publications from HGGHA for the good of our hotel both in Greece and abroad.

Tell us more about your culinary team & why the culinary experience at your hotel play such an important role to the guest experience.

Our hotel is situated in an isolated area where there are no restaurants around. Someone must use his/her car to reach them within a 10 min. driving distance. This creates us a great demand for high quality F&B services. For that reason, we have made a substantial investment in our infrastructure and in our culinary team which is reaching 15 high quality and educated staff for the summer of 2018. Moreover, the philosophy of the management is such, that the culinary cost is not the issue rather than the culinary experience. Therefore, we are one of the few hotels in Greece that uses in our everyday buffets fresh meat from a local farm as well as fresh ingredients from local producers. This fact skyrockets the taste of the food and

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SWEDEN

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Yasuragi Yasuragi is no ordinary spa hotel. The architecture of the newly reconstructed Japanese bath is a modern, asymmetric version of a Japanese emperor’s courtyard, with a large swimming pool at its architectural heart.

|W | www.yasuragi.se |E| info@yasuragi.se

EUROPE Several small concrete houses offer different ways to relax and revitalize; a salt steam sauna, rain shower, carbonated bath as well as a cold spring and a dry sauna with a beautiful view over the forest outside.

The spa area offers a Japanese foot bath, a Rest Sauna and a Cavern Bath, whereas the traditional Japanese ablution room allow guests to wash themselves in the traditional onsen way.

Guests are also encouraged to make use of the bath area where they can bask in the warmth of the indoor and outdoor Japanese hot springs or enjoy soothing spa treatments and other relaxing activities.

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NORTH AMERICA

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CANADA

110

Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel The quaint and quirky Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel offers

Each of the hotel’s recently renovated 81 rooms is complete

something that you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. With

with a kitchenette, fireplace and balcony. The Summit Lodge

an eye for all the little things, Summit is perfectly tailored to the

Boutique Hotel, located in Whistler Village North, is considered

traveler who finds joy in life’s everyday moments.

Whistler’s hotbed for creative explorers. Summit guests are never more than a short walk away from exciting mountain

Summit makes it easier for their guests to enjoy all the adventures

adventures, lakeside lunches or cultural curiosities.

Whistler has to offer by providing complimentary perks such as wi-fi, a shuttle service, pet stays, equipment storage, bike and snowshoe rentals, the rent-a-fish program and hot drinks throughout the day.

NORTH AMERICA

|W| www.summitlodge.com |E| reservations@summitlodge.com

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MEXICO

112

The Spa at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort The 35 000 square-feet, three level deluxe spa at the JW Marriott

The spa features 17 treatments rooms offering a cosy and

Cancun Resort exude classic elegance and sophistication with

quiet space where guests can indulge in a complete healing

beautifully selected dĂŠcor and an immaculate layout.

experience to get the most out of the beneficial effects of the top-notch treatments.

The Spa nurtures mind, body and spirit of our valued guests with a wide variety of soothing massages, body scrubs and

The Spa offers spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and

polishes, facial treatments, healing water baths and exclusive

the Nichupte lagoon and includes state-of-the-art fitness

spa treatments carefully designed to relieve tensions, diminish

equipment, a dedicated aerobics room, spa salon, indoor heated

and soothe physical and emotional stress provided by highly

lap pool, jacuzzi and a health bar.

trained professionals that will leave our guests feeling refreshed

|W| www.jwmarriottcancunspa.com |E| mhrs.cunjw.spa.reception@marriotthotels.com

NORTH AMERICA

and renewed.

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OCEANIA

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AUSTRALIA

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ADGE Hotel Urban adventure and daredevil design meet in ADGE; the ultimate lifestyle hotel for the 21st Century. The ADGE Boutique Apartment Hotel offers you a collection of two bedroom, two bathroom fully-serviced apartments, in the heart of Sydney’s inner-city.

|W | www.adgehotel.com.au |E| reservations@adgehotel.com.au

OCEANIA Each apartment is a reflection of the bold, individual character of Surry Hills, and is furnished in the styling of Sydney’s upscale lifestyle. Each apartment features a open-plan lounge and dining area, a fully-equipped kitchen with European appliances, as well as a washing and drying machine.

Close to public transportation, this melting-pot of Sydney’s wide variety of cultures is the home to designer boutiques, Crown Streets’ critically-acclaimed restaurants and cafes as well as the ‘Surry Hills Markets’ held at Shannon Reserve on the first Saturday of each month.

The infamous night-life of both Oxford Street and Kings Cross are a short walk away, and pop-up bars are aplenty in Surry Hills.

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OCEANIA

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FIJI

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InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa The InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa is a 266-room resort that is situated on a 2km beach at Natadola Bay. With its impressive luxury facilities, the resort has been designed to cater for guests that are purveyors of luxury and unique experiences.

|W | www.fiji.intercontinental.com |E| enquiries.fiji@ihg.com

OCEANIA The Concierge team unique to Fiji and is an integral part of the guest experience. The team looks for ways to enrich guest experiences and to take them off the beaten track to discover the diverse Fijian culture and heritage.

Club InterContinental is the premium ‘resort within a resort’ concept that offers a semi-inclusive experience with its sophisticated one and two bedroom suites with personalized services.

121 Guests can enjoy three swimming pools, four restaurants and bars, a watersport centre, Planet Trekkers children’s club, Spa InterContinental and the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.

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FRENCH POLYNESIA

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K Restaurant Restaurant K’s architect was inspired by the Polynesian “fare potee” which was a place of meeting and reflection for the Ancients. This “fare” consisted of wooden posts and a roof made of palm or braided pandanus leaves. The Ancients used ropes to securely bind the poles and the wall-less frame, so that the sea air could circulate freely.

|W | www.sofitel-moorea-iaora.com |E| reservation.tahiti@sofitel.com

OCEANIA Since 2006, Restaurant K has been the meeting place for gourmets in French Polynesia. Under a spectacular wooden vault of Kahaia (Guettarda speciosa) guests are invited to put their feet in the white sand and to discover the restaurant’s romantic atmosphere.

Taste the cuisine of Chef Guillaume Burlion and the wine pairings of sommelier Fabrice Jarry in an enchanted and intimate atmosphere, on the edge of the calm lagoon of Moorea, facing the twinkling silhouette of Tahiti island at night.

The restaurant also hosts monthly Cabaret Evenings which is unique in Moorea.

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NEW ZEALAND

INTERVIEW: Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa

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|W| www.sofitel-queenstown.com |E| reservations@sofitelqueenstown.com

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Jeremy Samuels General Manager

“Building and nurturing loyalty is key.

Loyalty to our guests, loyalty to our team and loyalty to our stakeholders. ” What is your current biggest challenge

luxury service delivery. We are passionate

competing on a global scale in a highly

about celebrating our team’s personality,

competitive industry?

not hiding them behind a script. In June this year we will be evolving our cultural

S H O RT L I S T E D

Keeping up with guest expectations in the

immersion from Peopleology to Heartist

highly connected digital world is one of

– which is all about the Art of Human

our biggest challenges – but also one the

Connection, and encourages our team to

most rewarding ones. No longer does the

make every interaction with our guests

guest experience start at the front door of

about

the hotel – but actually during the research

connection to that guest.

providing

a

heartfelt,

human

and booking stage as they read reviews and search for content before booking.

What is a “FUN FACT” about Sofitel

This provides a unique opportunity to

Queenstown Hotel & Spa?

engage with our potential guests, inspire them using previous guests’ experience

The hotel was specifically developed to

and show we care by managing the

bring a taste of the popular ski resort of

constructive feedback we receive.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in France to New Zealand. Everything we do in the hotel

What

is

your

secret

to

staying

competitive?

aims at linking the culture and spirit of Chamonix to Queenstown and Central Otago. Our Left Bank Café does this by

Every hotel can have an amazing product

using French cooking techniques with the

– but the largest asset Sofitel Queenstown

best of NZ and Central Otago produce,

has is its people. We are very lucky to

1789 Wine & Jazz Bar is a celebration

have a diverse range of cultures in our

of the best of Central Otago Pinot Noir

team which brings a unique blend to our

and Pinot Gris, but also of the old world

producing regions such as Bordeaux and Burgundy, and

and high quality food establishments our guests have a choice

our lobby has contemporary French styling, using a colour

of experiencing whilst in Queenstown. Our signature dish for

scheme influenced by the beautiful Lake Wakatipu as well as

this winter is the Chateaubriand (for 2) – 500g beef tenderloin

Queenstown goldmining heritage.

slow roasted at 80 degrees with hand cut fries, mushrooms and ratatouille, carved and plated at the table.

What is your secret to staying “one step ahead” as a respected leader in your organization?

Building and nurturing loyalty is key. Loyalty to our guests, loyalty to our team and loyalty to our stakeholders. When all of these parties have faith that you will do the right thing by them – your performance is only limited by your imagination.

How do you see the association with Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards may improve your hotel’s revenue, how will you be using the news to your advantage?

In the current digital world – there is often an overload of information available to potential guests when looking to stay at a hotel. People are becoming more savy and The Haute Grandeur Awards gives guests that trust that the hotel is of faith that they are getting one of the best experiences in the world by staying with us.

What is your short-term goal for the hotel in general and do

OCEANIA

the highest quality and we intend to use this to give our guests

you feel this Award will assist to achieve this?

There is a fair amount of development chatter around the Queenstown hotel market, and whilst Sofitel Queenstown is by far one of the best properties available, our goal is to cement our position here even in the face of potential new inventory hitting the market. Receiving the Haute Grandeur award will help show the world how committed we are to providing world class service here in Queenstown.

Tell us more about your culinary team & why the culinary experience at your hotel play such an important role to the guest experience.

European trained Executive Chef Jorg Penneke is dedicated to providing a variety of classic French comfort foods, using the very best of Central Otago produce. This is all part of our commitment to bringing our little taste of Chaminox to Queenstown. For us, this celebration of culture and cuisine is an important story to tell, given the large amount of very good

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FIJI

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Taveuni Palms Resort Your ultimate private, luxury Fiji resort awaits. Absolute beachfront, Absolute privacy, Absolute paradise.

|W | www.taveunipalms.com |E| info@taveunipalms.com

OCEANIA Each luxury villa at Taveuni Palms sits on its own private acre amongst swaying coconut trees, on a golden sand beach, in turquoise waters and boasts its own private pool, beach and personal staff of seven. The staff is on call to provide you with superb food and wine and to indulge you in unsurpassed service and amenities whilst still affording you the ultimate privacy throughout your stay.

For the more adventurous guests, the resort offers a variety of activities from scuba-diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, rainforest treks, bird watching, surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and much more. There is something for everyone or if you prefer you can relax by your pool and enjoy the breathtaking views.

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SULTANATE OF OMAN

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Al Nahda Resort & Spa |W| www.alnahdaresort.com |E| stay@alnahdaresort.com

Set in thirty acres of lush verdant green in the heart of Arabia, Al Nahda Resort & Spa offers the ultimate experience in tranquillity and relaxation. The Resort’s 109 rooms include 60 Executive Suites, 41 Premium Suites with a kitchenette, Sunkenbath and balcony as well as eight Royale Suites with two bedrooms, spacious living and dining areas, a kitchenette and a private balcony.

All rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi, a mini bar, a safety deposit box, LED and satellite TV, a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board as well as tea and coffee making facilities.

In addition to the above, the resort also offers a gym, a Spa with unique all natural, herbal wellness and healing therapies as well as two restaurants. Khalab restaurant offers all-day-dining and Nozha Restaurant offers an outdoor setting.

The resort also has a pool-bar that serves drinks and light snacks and Waha Bar offeres a pre- or post-dinner drinks with Live music.

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OMAN

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Dunes By Al Nahda |W| www.dunesbyalnahda.com |E| stay@dunesbyalnahda.com

Dunes by Al Nahda is a luxury desert resort that is located an hour and a quarter drive from Muscat International Airport and the bustling city of Muscat. The resort offers unrivalled views over the surrounding undulating dunes and mountains and offers guests, a restaurant, a spa and a gymnasium.

Dunes by Al Nahda features a total of 50 ultra-luxury accommodation guest bedroom tents, each with its own full en-suite bathrooms, separate seating areas and individually controlled air-conditioning. For your office or social events, Dunes by Al Nahda also features a formal banquet facility which can be divided into two sections and can take a maximum capacity of 160 people.

The resort also offers outdoor activities such as dune bashing, quad biking, sand board gliding down the dunes, golf, lantern kite flying and cycling.

Dunes by Al Nahda, the dunes at your doorstep!

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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Dunes Hotel Apartment - Oud Metha |W| www.dunesdubai.com |E| reservations@dunesdubai.com

Dunes Oud Metha is conveniently located close to the historic Dubai creek with easy access to the city’s centre, major shopping districts, entertainment hotspots, tourist attractions and the Health Care City.

Its close proximity to the airport (seven kilometers) and business districts such as Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Financial Centre, makes it an ideal location for the business traveller.

The hotel offers extra-spacious 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom connected apartments. These well-equipped and fully-furnished apartments are available on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis. A dedicated non-smoking floor is also available.

Dunes Oud Metha offers guests the best in modern amenities with superior service standards. Thus, if luxury is what you’re looking for, come indulge at Dunes.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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Eclipse Spa |W| www.eclipsesuites.com |E| royalgoldenlotusfm@gmail.com

Take a step into complete seduction of your senses, where time is left at the door and you begin the journey of sensory heaven. The Elipse Spa’s professional staff is committed to listening to your needs and trained to help you select the services that best suit you.

The Spa invites you to relax and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit by indulging in pure pleasure as you choose from the extensive range of massages. Guests can experience the power of touch, meditate to soothing sounds, awaken their inner emotions and release the tension from their mind, body and soul.

Encapsulate yourself into unadulterated indulgence of your senses and allow The Eclipse Spa� to take you in to opulence, relaxation, balance, vitality and harmony.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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Great British Restaurant |W| www.dukesdubai.com/great-british-restaurant/ |E| dining.dubai@dukeshotel.com

The Great British Restaurant offers authentic British dining in a relaxed, refined atmosphere. An all-day dining restaurant serving fabulous choice of dishes with a British twist from breakfast through lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

Bringing the absolute best of British to the table, the focus is on using top quality produce to create a meticulously planned all-day-dining menu of much loved classics.

The Great British Restaurant is stylish yet understated with a brasserie style feel and a glamorous evening buzz. The dining space has an amazing dramatic double height ceiling with large floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing stunning views.

The open plan, spacious design lends itself well to special celebrations and group dining, creating privacy amid the restaurant’s trademark British buzz. The culinary team is visible in the restaurant preparing some of the most iconic British classics from the live cooking stations.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

INTERVIEW: Manzil Downtown

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|W| www.vidahotels.com/en/manzil |E| connect.downtown@vida-hotels.com

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Ahmed El Nawawy General Manager

“Building and nurturing loyalty is key.

Loyalty to our guests, loyalty to our team and loyalty to our stakeholders. ”

S H O RT L I S T E D

What is your current biggest challenge

What is your secret to staying “one step

competing on a global scale in a highly

ahead” as a respected leader in your

competitive industry?

organization?

The biggest challenge is to align the

Identify guest’s next problems, needs

hotel as much as possible with the new

or desires—not products or services.

technology in hospitality business which

Therefore, I make sure to be always

has drastically expanded during the

proactive

past years. We want to make sure that

satisfaction rather than the hotel itself.

we are always following the hospitality

Being on top of operation on daily basis is

communication

the key to success.

technology trends

in

and

focus

on

the

guest

order to provide our guests with the best How do you see the association with

services.

Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards may What

is

your

secret

to

staying

improve your hotel’s revenue, how will

competitive?

you be using the news to your advantage?

Manzil Downtown is a unique boutique

The value of Haute Grandeur Global Hotel

hotel in the heart of Downtown Dubai.

Award is powerful in terms of its ability to

It offers to guest a distinctive authentic

boost marketing and promises to have a

Arabian hospitality along with unique

direct impact on guest’s perceptions and

Arabic food offering.

revenue. The award is definitely an added value to our hotel.

you feel this Award will assist to achieve this?

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What is your short-term goal for the hotel in general and do

I would like to make Manzil Downtown hotel among the top hotels in Dubai and increase its awareness among other markets.

Tell us more about your culinary team & why the culinary experience at your hotel play such an important role to the guest experience.

Our culinary team is composed of dedicated individuals from a variety of backgrounds who are willing to put in the effort to offer the best culinary experience to the guests.

They play an important role in making the guests feel at home as they make sure to provide guests with what they need.

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KUWAIT

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Olio Italian Restaurant |W| www.jumeirah.com |E| JumeirahRestaurant@Jumeirah.com

Olio Italian Restaurant is Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa’s authentic Italian restaurant that offers both traditional as well as contemporary Italian food. Cheesy pizzas from the wood-burning stove and fresh pastas in aromatic Italian herbs are prepared with passion by the restaurant’s native Italian Chef.

The dining experience at Olio Italian Restaurant makes for a complete recreation of the Italian feel. Guests can dine in the indoor Venetian-inspired marble décor or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the glittering views of the Arabian Gulf sea. The restaurant also offers a contemporary and rustic charm with a warm inviting Mediterranean feel with its tiles, walls, wooden furnishing with mood lightings as well as candles. The restaurant’s ambiance will capture guests’ senses and immediately engulf them in a relaxing mood.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

INTERVIEW: Palace Downtown

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|W| www.addresshotels.com |E| stay@addresshotels.com

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David Simon General Manager

“We constantly reinvent & keep our offering fresh”

What is your current biggest challenge

S H O RT L I S T E D

competing on a global scale in a highly

What is a “FUN FACT” about Palace

competitive industry?

Downtown?

It is important that like any hotel that

There are so many interesting areas of the

strives for excellence you must constantly

hotel and its history but a couple I’d point

reinvent yourself, keeping your offering

out include the fact the hotel has hosted

fresh and giving a reason for guests to

a number of very high-profile celebrities

come back to the property over again.

and world leaders.

What

What is your secret to staying “one step

is

your

secret

to

staying

competitive?

ahead” as a respected leader in your organization?

We give guests exactly what they want: Ewaan, Thiptara and Asado offer fantastic

Treating colleagues with respect is a key

flavourful food in great surroundings; our

area for staying one what step ahead.

spa offers patrons the chance to relax from

When you invest time in your staff they

the stresses and strains of life through

will replicate by going that extra mile.

incredible wellness products. And what

Similarly, nurturing talent and helping

truly sets us apart is our location: Palace

your staff to progress - something that is

Downtown is located in the heart of Dubai

very much part of the Emaar Hospitality

in the Downtown district overlooking Burj

Group philosophy - means a lot to me

Khalifa and Burj Lake and neighbours The

personally, and I attempt to implement

Dubai Mall, the largest entertainment and

worthwhile training programmes that

retail destination in the world.

drives staff development.

How do you see the association with Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards may improve your hotel’s revenue, how will you be using the news to your advantage?

I enjoy giving the great news to the team once we’ve won!

There’s a real buzz about the hotel and everybody is delighted.

We also promote our hotel award wins through internal and external communication so the market and wider public are aware of our successes and differentiating strengths.

What is your short-term goal for the hotel in general and do you feel this Award will assist to achieve this?

Any award will greatly assist in both short and long terms goal. Currently, we are gearing up to welcome a whole range of summer guests – locally and internationally - to stay at the hotel and we will attempt to communicate our award win to our guests when and where we can.

experience at your hotel play such an important role to the guest experience.

In essence, it is where classic themes and Arabian tradition meet. Our professional team from around the world strive to

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Tell us more about your culinary team and why the culinary

create Middle Eastern themes, with an array of award-winning food and beverage options from across the globe including Thiptara the hotel’s Thai offering; Asado a lively Argentinean Grill and Ewaan serving a tempting blend of Arabic and Oriental specialties.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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Palazzo Versace Dubai |W| www.palazzoversace.ae |E| reservations@palazzoversace.ae

Reminiscent of a 16th century Italian Palace, Palazzo Versace Dubai with its striking entrance, high ceilings, landscaped gardens and a range of well-crafted Italian furnishings, is truly symbolic of the Versace lifestyle.

Set in the heart of the Culture Village, less than 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 8 minutes away from Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, Palazzo Versace Dubai is conveniently located along the shores of the historic Dubai Creek.

Every piece of furniture and fabric that adorns the hotel’s 215 hotel rooms and suites, and 169 residences, is designed and tailor-made by Versace. Each of the hotel’s 8 restaurants and bars is designed to have an al fresco terrace to reflect the heritage of Palazzos, where the internal court was the informal space to meet, dine and enjoy the weather.

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KUWAIT

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Pepper Steakhouse |W| www.jumeirah.com |E| JumeirahRestaurant@Jumeirah.com

As Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa’s premium steakhouse restaurant, Pepper Steakhouse offers some of Kuwait’s most delectable steaks in a classy and extravagant surrounding. Located opposite Salt Restaurant at the lower lobby level of the hotel, this stylish themed restaurant offers two floors of seating, with a private dining room on each level.

Combining quality ingredients with a vibrant atmosphere, Pepper Steakhouse is the ideal option for business and leisure. Guests can sample an array of prime meat cuts from baby short ribs and succulent brisket to juicy steaks smoked or grilled to perfection in the open flame kitchen. Steaks are perfectly rendered by using the finest ingredients and delivered with flawless service by the restaurant’s experienced team.

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SAUDI ARABIA

INTERVIEW: Raffles Spa at Raffles Makkah Palace H AUTE GR A NDE UR |T | + 2 7 ( 0 ) 8 6 1 AWA R D S |E | I N FO @H AU T EG R A ND E U R .COM | W | HAU TEGRA NDE U R.COM

|W| www.raffles.com/makkah |E| BookUs.Makkah@Raffles.com

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Ahmed Ereiba Hotel Manager

“I can say that everyone in our spa has a big heart and every one works with love and care.”

Please describe the type of Spa & why

What is a “FUN FACT” about Raffles Spa

you feel that the Spa can compete on an

at Raffles Makkah Palace?

international level?

Working as a family, this what keeps

S H O RT L I S T E D

We as Raffles employees are blessed to

us strong and makes us work with lots

work in this holy place ,and when you add

of pleasure. To keep this atmosphere

Raffles standards to this place make sure

between the staff we meet up outside the

the we are

hotel weekly to hang out and we spend

talking about international

level The location + the standards +the

some time together.

architecture + the people operating carefully and accurately all that makes us

We offer every guest a welcoming drink to

special and unique.

break the ice between the staff and guests and treat them as members of our family.

And when we talk about the architecture of the spa , its simply outstanding , it’s like

I can say that everyone in our spa has a

combining the oriental hand craft designs

big heart and every one works with love

and the modern sculptures

and care.

Our spa offers the mixture of vitality

What is the most interesting Spa Treatment

treatments and relaxing experience such

on your spa menu ?

as massages , facial treatments , steam room , sauna and fitness center to keep

I can say the relaxing massages and the

our guests fit during your their stay

foot massages are the most requested and interesting treatments. After Umrah

comes our duty to help guests feel better with some manual techniques .

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mostly, guests suffer from feet and back pains, and here

What sets your spa apart from other spas?

A Professional staff (technicians + experience) = heart artiste =the hand sewn. + Careful work + working with lots of joy I personally feel like I work at my home where I belong, that`s what’s Accor stands for.

Share with us some exciting news that guests can look forward to in months to come?

151 When guests are having the attention they need we will guarantee that they will come over and over again.

We are also pleased that we have zero complain, and about to add new treatments and materials , to make sure were meeting all our guests’ needs.

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KUWAIT

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Salt Seafood & International Restaurant |W| www.jumeirah.com |E| JumeirahRestaurant@Jumeirah.com

A specialized internationally-inspired seafood restaurant, Salt Seafood & International Restaurant offers a unique menu with the freshest ingredients.

Every delectable item on the menu is carefully designed by experienced chefs to deliver the best in taste and quality. Guests can enjoy dishes inspired by global contemporary and classic cuisines and watch their food being prepared in the open show kitchen.

The restaurant’s exquisite interior with dark wood panels, crystal chandeliers contrasted against aquamarine carpets and upholstery, enhance the eclectic dining experience. The restaurant also has its very own specialized Sushi Chef presenting innovative and classic rolls at the live Sushi Bar. The restaurant also has a private romantic dining area that offers exclusivity, luxury and privacy that is complimented by Salt’s personalized set ups for any special occasion.

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BAHRAIN

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Sparadise at Gallaria in Bahrain |W| www.sparadise.com.bh |E| info@sparadise.com.bh

Sparadise spas and salons are sanctuaries that are passionate about pampering and rejuvenation. In the last decade, the group has succeeded to gracefully integrate health and wellness in an urban environment, whilst providing an oasis of calmness and luxury away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The group has five prime outlets that are in prestigious locations throughout Bahrain and its ongoing objective is to be the first choice for lifestyle driven spa users by preserving the essence of traditional, holistic and modern brand. The size of a typical Sparadise spa and salon is between 2152 sq.ft and 6458 sq.ft The team consists of over 80 multinational professionals with extensive worldwide experience who take pride in their work, industry knowledge, education and training

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Experience The Grove C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

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YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME! Imagine a place that delivers a unique brand of contemporary Arabian hospitality; where multicultural staff are trained to make you feel at home; where people think of you as family, and where it feels like Eid every day…

Rooms and Suites Experience luxury 202 rooms and suites ranging from 42 sq.m to 182 sq.m with both sea and Lagoon views, offering highest quality of services and amenities.

Rooftop infinity edge swimming pool with panoramic views.

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The Grove is a HOME-GROWN hotel brand offering five-star accommodation at affordable prices‌

The Grove lobby.

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E: Info@thegrovehotelbahrain.com www.thegrovehotelbahrain.com /TheGroveHotelBH @thegrovehotelbahrain +973 1603 0303 Bldg.1722, Rd. 5715, Blk. 257, Amwaj Islands, Kingdom of Bahrain

Al Marasim Ballroom.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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The SPA at Palazzo Versace Dubai |W| www.palazzoversace.ae |E| spa@palazzoversace.ae Almost 1000 sqm of wellness typifies the stunning Versace designed spa, located on the ground floor of Palazzo Versace Dubai. The SPA includes seven luxurious treatment rooms and one exquisite spa suite complete with its own private Jacuzzi, monsoon rain shower, nail studio and full changing facilities.

The SPA offers dedicated male and female thermal suites, each containing a spa pool, sauna, steam room, relaxation lounge, spacious changing facilities and a luxury Moroccan hammam sanctuary.

The SPA opened in November 2016 and focuses on holistic treatments, wellness and lifestyle. The SPA offers a complete experience involving all the senses based on the principles of aromatherapy. The experience is personalized and tailormade according to each individual’s needs.

The SPA also has treatments which work on the chakras of the body; using beautiful heart shaped rose quartz crystals and heated Himalayan salt poultices.

The Himalayan salt is bagged in small pouches and is used to mildly heat the body and stimulate chakra points to eradicate negativity and to energise, revitalize and sooth the body.

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QATAR

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The Torch Doha |W| www.thetorchdoha.com |E| reservation@thetorchdoha.com

This luxury five-star hotel has been the tallest building in Doha since 2007, with an exterior of 2,624 LED lights that bring the building to life after sunset. The Torch Doha is an iconic hotel that spreads across 51 floors, consisting of 163 Rooms, all offering a unique iPad in-room solution that serves as a navigation system for the entire room. Each room has a mood lighting system which provides a unique visual experience with 12 different colour options to choose from.

The Torch Doha has three distinct restaurants, among which the only revolving restaurant in Qatar, known as Three Sixty. In addition, the hotel boasts six meeting rooms for events ranging from business meetings to large weddings, fully equipped to accommodate guests’ needs. The property’s Health Club offers a personalized service with unsurpassed relaxation opportunities, including fitness and gym facilities on the 19th floor and a sauna and jet-shower experience, followed by cantilevered sky-high swimming pool, 80 meters above ground.

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www.hautegrandeur.com