Hotels

BILL GATES BUYS LARGE STAKE IN FOUR SEASONS HOTELS & RESORTS

10 NEW MARRIOTT PROPERTIES TO LAUNCH IN TURKEY BY THE END OF 2022

As reported by Bloomberg, Bill Gates will take control of the Four Seasons hotel chain after his investment firm agreed to acquire a stake from Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding Co. The deal aims at rebounding the luxury hospitality brand following the pandemic-induced slump. Gates’s Cascade Investment LLC will pay USD 2.2 billion in cash to boost its stake in Four Seasons Holdings to 71.25 percent, up from 47.5 percent. In 2007, the Canadian luxury hotel chain Four Seasons was privatized by accepting a USD 3.8 billion takeover bid from Gates and bin Talal.

As we mark our 60th anniversary and look back on the profound impact that Four Seasons has had on luxury hospitality we also look forward with tremendous excitement and confidence in the future of the industry," said Four Seasons CEO John Davison. "The unwavering support and partnership of our shareholders has and continues to be critical as we capitalize on growing opportunities to serve luxury consumers worldwide. fourseasons.com

Marriott International continues to see growth in its select portfolio across brands such as Four Points by Sheraton and Residence Inn by Marriott. Four Points by Sheraton builds upon its momentum in the Turkish market, with the Four Points by Sheraton Istanbul Kagithane slated to open this year and the Four Points by Sheraton Elazig projected to open in 2022. To meet the demand for long-stay accommodations in the country, the company is expected to debut its extendedstay brand, Residence Inn by Marriott, with the anticipated opening of Residence Inn by Marriott Istanbul Atasehir later this year. Following the recent opening of Orientbank Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection, two new Autograph Collection hotels are planned to open in Istanbul – The Burdock, Autograph Collection in 2021 and Orient Occident Hotel, Autograph Collection in 2022.

Delta Hotels by Marriott, which provides guests with exactly what they need for a seamless travel experience, made its debut in the country in 2019 with the opening of Delta Hotels by Marriott Istanbul Halic. The brand is slated to open Delta Hotels by Marriott Istanbul Levent by the end of 2021. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, which is currently undergoing a much-anticipated design transformation, remains a popular brand in Turkey. Following the recent openings of Sheraton Istanbul City Center and Sheraton Istanbul Levent, the brand is anticipated to open Sheraton Istanbul Esenyurt next year. Marriott Hotels, the company’s flagship brand, continues to further grow its portfolio in Turkey with the recent opening of Izmir Marriott Hotel. marriott.com

DISCOVER A NEW GLAMPING INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCE: ENVI LODGES

ENVI Lodges, a new luxury experiential eco-lodge brand and management company, was officially launched during the Arabian & African Hotel Investment Conference at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

ENVI Lodges is co-founded by Chris Nader and Noelle Homsy, both avid travelers and experts in the hospitality industry. Over the last decade, they witnessed the change in tourism in the MENA region and foresaw the travel revolution when it was still in evolution.

ENVI offers three types of accommodation (tents, prefab suites and alternative pods), all built to minimize the impact on the environment and with a sense of place, following the brand’s seven sustainability pillars. In fact, ENVI lodges will be developed and operated based on globally recognized sustainable tourism standards. According to a recent report by Booking.com, 83 percent of global travelers now believe sustainability is a vital aspect of travel.

ENVI Lodges has brought on board worldclass hospitality experts and advisors who are specialized in experiential travel, and signed several partnerships, including three with a world-class experiential designer, an eco-lodge marketing firm and a large distribution platform. ENVI is also set to announce the signing of a major partnership with an alliance of eco-resorts and a renowned loyalty program that will enhance the brand’s global reach. envilodges.com

DAR ZEFTA, AN ARCHITECTURAL GEM BUILT ON ART AND PASSION

In southern Lebanon, Dar Zefta guesthouse realizes a legacy of culture, art and architecture. We sat with Bahjat El-Darwiche, Dar Zefta’s owner, to hear how it all began.

What can you tell us about Dar Zefta?

Dar Zefta is our family house, and I am the fourth generation to take care of it. It was built during the Ottoman era, between 1906-1911, by Hussein Beik el Darwiche, who was my great grandfather. He was a visionary avant-gardist from the south of Lebanon. Dar Zefta comprises six Ottoman House and nine Olive House rooms. The guesthouse can accommodate up to 30 people. It is surrounded by 6,000 square meters of gardens containing pine trees and a lower garden of olive trees with white Mediterranean soil that emits a Tuscan feel. While relaxing in the pool, guests can enjoy the scent of flowers, including jasmine and gardenia. Ultimately, Dar Zefta is the story of my heritage. It is here that time stands still, gravity disappears and daydreaming begins. We believe in offering homegrown produce, which we serve our guests with love. In your opinion, how do you foresee the future of alternative lodging evolving in Lebanon?

I think that a sharing economy might be the solution, especially for those wanting to own a mountain house without having to go through the hassle of maintaining it and taking care of it. This trend has been growing in Lebanon for the past 10 years, with many guesthouses opening and ecotourism booming. I believe the alternative trend will continue, particularly in light of the economic situation in Lebanon and the role of technology, which has helped such properties gain exposure. darzefta.com

IN BRIEF

Safir Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio expands into Cairo’s Safir Hotels & Resorts (SHR) signed a memorandum of understanding with Empire State Developments to manage and operate hotel rooms and suites within the El Centro Business Complex project in Cairo’s New Administrative Capital (NAC). The project will bring 100 rooms and suites, with spacious areas and designs in the Andalusian architecture style. The hotel will also include international restaurants, meeting and banquet halls, and entertainment areas, and it is scheduled to open during 2024. safirhotels.com

Radisson Hotel Group doubles its presence in Jeddah Radisson Hotel Group has signed three hotels in KSA, further strengthening its brand presence across Radisson Blu, Park Inn by Radisson and Radisson Individuals. The international chain has signed: Vivid Jeddah Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals that’s slated to open in Q4 2021; Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah Al Hamra; and the Park Inn by Radisson Jeddah Al Hamra. Both Jeddah Al Hamra properties are set to open in Q3 2022. radissonhotels.com

Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh kicks off revamp project Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, which has been in business for 20 years, is getting ready to launch a major expansion and renovation project. This marks the company’s most ambitious expansion and enhancement programs ever. When the project is complete in late 2021, return guests and those discovering Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh for the first time will notice several significant changes. fourseasons.com/sharmelsheikh/

Dar Nour is a new guesthouse nestled in Chabtine village, Lebanon Overlooking the hills of Batroun and surrounded by green terraces, the traditional Lebanese house aims to help and support local communities achieve sustainable development by offering an immersive cultural rural experience.

Forming part of the guesthouse, Jlal El Dar is a table d’hôte that serves traditional meals and authentic dishes prepared by local cooks. instagram.com/darnour_chabtine

EPIC VIEWS AND EXCITING NEWS AT

BURJ ON BAY HOTEL, LEBANON

Overlooking the Bay of Jounieh and the iconic Casino du Liban, Burj on Bay Hotel is a triumph in luxury hospitality. We spoke with Nicolas Broumana, the hotel’s food and beverage manager, to hear about the latest developments and how Burj on Bay Hotel is elevating its five-star offering.

What makes Burj on Bay Hotel stand out?

Burj on Bay is one of the leading five-star hotels in the region. It is conveniently located between Beirut and the coastal city of Byblos, overlooking the magical Bay of Jounieh. It is indeed this enviable position and Burj on Bay’s proximity to touristic attractions, religious sites, beaches and the legendary Casino du Liban that attracts many business and leisure guests. Furthermore, one of Burj on Bay’s core differentiators is its exquisite cuisine, which is managed by the internationally renowned Le Cordon Bleu, a leader in culinary arts that offers affordable luxury dining experiences. How profitable was summer 2021 for the hotel?

Despite having modest expectations, summer 2021 was a great season due to the outstanding performance of our exceptional outlets: The View Restaurant & Lounge, boasting unparalleled views of the sea; Signatures Restaurant & Lounge; La Piscine pool bar; and Byblos Garden, our authentic Lebanese restaurant.

In addition, the high occupancy rates can be attributed to the surge in domestic tourism, which occurred as a result of the pandemic and difficulty/expense associated with overseas travel. Many Lebanese booked staycations with us, and we also welcomed many tourists and expats who spent their holidays in Lebanon due to the favorable exchange rate.

How are you confronting the challenges of the pandemic and the economic crisis in Lebanon?

The economic crisis has been a huge challenge. However, we are always trying to meet different budgets by offering several menus and event packages at very reasonable prices while maintaining the same exquisite quality and service, thus catering to both Lebanese residents and foreigners. As for the Covid-19 pandemic, we were able to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our staff and guests at Burj on Bay Hotel with the help of certified companies by implementing strict protocols for sterilizing all rooms and taking Covid-19 preventive measures in food production and public areas within the hotel.

What recent changes have you made at the hotel?

Due to the high demand for events, especially in the Keserwan area after the Beirut 2020 blast, we created a large ballroom to host big weddings and other events. We also launched a new chill-out pool bar and restaurant, La Piscine. Do you have any exciting plans in the pipeline?

Upcoming projects for 2022 include a new gym and spa. Furthermore, a fusion Mediterranean seafood restaurant, complete with a bar and chill-out lounge, will complement the dining options available at Burj on Bay Hotel. Despite everything that is going on, we are committed to investing in the hotel, thereby offering a greater range of facilities to cater to the needs of our guests.

The Hotel is superbly located in Tabarja and is merely a few minutes away from the main attractions of the city such as Casino Du Liban. Each of the 129 sea view rooms & suites is designed so that the guest feels very comfortable and has a quiet, relaxing sleep. Bed positions, interior design, color harmony. Attention was paid up to the smallest detail.

With 5 di erent outlets to choose from, your stay at BURJ on BAY will be exceptional and memorable. Our internationally trained chefs are so passionate about cooking, they use the nest ingredients and only serve the highest quality food and drinks. It is this attention to detail that makes all the di erence.

ROOMS & SUITES FOOD & DRINKS BANQUETNG

129 Sea View Rooms and Suites

Standard Room

Deluxe Room

Executive Room

Junior Suite

Master Suite Five outlets o er a wide range of cuisine from French to International satisfying all tastes day and night indoor and outdoor, with a wide range of cocktails and drinks to choose from. Well-equipped function rooms o ering a range of exible event space and bespoke meeting utilities with special catering packages. Providing personalized services, exceptional food and beverage, parking and Wi-Fi access for events up to 500 delegates.

BAHRAIN

HILTON GARDEN INN OPENS ITS DOORS IN BAHRAIN BAY Hilton Garden Inn Bahrain Bay is now receiving visitors. The 192-room hotel, located in Manama, is the first to open under Hilton’s portfolio of brands in the Kingdom of Bahrain. hilton.com

TURKEY

MGALLERY DEBUTS IN BODRUM WITH MGALLERY THE BODRUM HOTEL YALIKAVAK As one of the newest and most prestigious hotels in Turkey, MGallery The Bodrum Hotel Yalıkavak is located on a 13-decare section of land in a small and calm bay just minutes away from Yalıkavak Marina, the heart of Bodrum. The hotel features 102 rooms, 35 of which are suites, and boasts a private sandy beach, outdoor infinity pool, a fully equipped gym, an indoor pool and spa. mgallery.accor.com

UAE

RAK WELCOMES WORLD’S LARGEST HAMPTON BY HILTON Marjan, the master-developer of freehold properties in Ras Al Khaimah, welcomed the world’s largest Hampton by Hilton to Al Marjan Island. The project offers 515 rooms. hilton.com

MOROCCO

FAIRMONT TAGHAZOUT BAY, MOROCCO IS NOW WELCOMING GUESTS Fairmont Taghazout Bay opened its doors on July 9, 2021. Located in the bay of Taghazout, the resort is positioned just 17 kilometers from Agadir and boasts a total of 146 rooms, suites and villas. fairmont.com

UAE

THE FIRST GROUP LAUNCHES THE FIRST COLLECTION IN DUBAI Integrated global property developer The First Group debuted its lifestyle brand, The First Collection, in Dubai.

The launch of the brand marks a major step in the evolution of a firm that has long been recognized as one of the UAE’s leading property developers thanks to its existing portfolio of 11 award-winning properties, which include Wyndham Dubai Marina, Millennium Place Marina and TRYP by Wyndham Dubai. thefirstgroup.com

OMAN

112-KEY ALILA HINU BAY OPENS TO GUESTS IN OMAN Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Alila Hinu Bay in Oman, which joins Alila Jabal Akhdar as the brand’s second hotel in Oman, along with 15 other Alila properties worldwide. The 112-key hotel includes 16 villas and is nestled on a secluded beachfront in Oman’s southwest region of Dhofar. hyatt.com

RAK HOSTS HAMPTON BY HILTON’S LARGEST PROPERTY IN THE WORLD Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island has opened its doors to guests, marking the debut of Hampton by Hilton in Ras Al Khaimah.

As the largest Hampton in the world, the property features 515 guest rooms, half of which are interconnected. hilton.com

FIVE-STAR CROWNE PLAZA DUBAI JUMEIRAH OPENS TO VISITORS IHG® Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah in partnership with one of the region’s reputed hospitality groups, Ishraq Hospitality. The renovated 252-room and suites hotel offers guests a wealth of F&B and recreational facilities, including four dining concepts, a rooftop pool, a gym, meeting and celebration ballroom. ihgplc.com

BAHRAIN

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TO DEBUT IN BAHRAIN IN 2022 WITH A 113-KEY PROPERTY Hilton announced plans to bring its DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Kingdom of Bahrain. DoubleTree by Hilton Al Sayh Residences the hotel features 113 serviced apartments, 61 onebedroom rooms and 52 two-bedroom apartments, so a total of 226 rooms. Opening: 2022 hilton.com

UAE

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND RESIDENCES TO OPEN THIS YEAR The serviced residence is part of a wider strategic partnership between Miral and Hilton to bring world-class hospitality options to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences has a total of 156 units, ranging from studio options, to one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

The collaboration with Hilton will see Miral bring two new brands to Abu Dhabi this year: the DoubleTree by Hilton, as well as the Curio Collection by Hilton, that is set to operate the upcoming WB Abu Dhabi, becoming the world’s first Warner Bros. branded hotel.

Expanding on this partnership, Miral also appointed Hilton to manage Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island hotel, which opened to guests in February 2021 Opening: Q4 2021 hilton.com INTERCONTINENTAL RAK MINA AL ARAB RESORT AND SPA TO OPEN BY YEAR END The new resort is part of RAK Properties’ “Destination Strategy 2019-2021” that aims to transform the tourism sector in Ras Al Khaimah into a robust and sustainable engine for economic growth. Under the luxury portfolio of InterContinental Hotels Group, the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort and Spa offers a grand living, dining, and recreation experience. The luxurious rooms, suites and villas have views of the Arabian Sea and the resort is introducing the unique and first ‘Club InterContinental Experience’ in Ras Al Khaimah.

The resort will bring upscale facilities, two swimming pools, a gym, planet trekkers kids and teens club and a tennis court. Opening: Q4 2021 ihgplc.com

UAE

IHG TO BRING VOCO TO DUBAI'S PALM JUMEIRAH IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with ASRE Limited to introduce its premium brand, voco, into Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. Voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah will join the voco brand family in the MEA region with a portfolio of four operating hotels and five in the pipeline.

Voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah will feature 141 rooms. Opening: December 2021 ihg.com 131-ROOM HOTEL COMING TO ITHRA DUBAI’S ONE DEIRA PROJECT Ithra Dubai, a leading real estate developer and manager wholly owned by Investment Corporation of Dubai, announced the launch of “One Deira” at the Deira Enrichment Project (DEP). Completed on schedule, District 4 follows the rollout of Sherina, Osha, Afra. Opening: N/A ithradubai.com

KSA

IHG SIGNS INTERCONTINENTAL RIYADH KING FAHED ROAD, THE SECOND UNDER MDA WITH RIVA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of InterContinental Riyadh King Fahed Road as part of a master development agreement with RIVA Development Company via its wholly owned subsidiary RIVA Hospitality for Hotel Services Company. The latest development follows the signing of Hotel Indigo Riyadh King Abdallah Road and is the second of at least seven hotels to be announced with the partner, with all openings set to take place in Saudi Arabia across IHG’s portfolio of brands in the coming years. Expected to open in March 2025, InterContinental Riyadh King Fahed Road will add to IHG’s current brand portfolio of nine operating InterContinental hotels in the Kingdom. The hotel will feature 250 rooms and 150-unit apartments as part of InterContinental Residences, as well as a pool, fitness center and spa where guests can relax and rejuvenate. Opening: March 2025 ihgplc.com

NEW GM JOINS INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY InterContinental Doha The City welcomed Anne Busfield as its new general manager.

With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Busfield brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise gained during her various positions across the globe.

Before this appointment, Busfield was in Osaka, where she held the position of area general manager at ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka and ANA Crowne Plaza Chitose. ROTANA HOTELS UPDATES

HALA MASSAAD TO BECOME THE NEW GM OF BOULEVARD ARJAAN BY ROTANA IN AMMAN Hala Massaad, GM of Raouché Arjaan by Rotana – Beirut, will join Boulevard Arjaan by Rotana in Amman.

As a hospitality expert who’s highly recognized in the industry, Massaad has been with the company since 2008. Prior to that, she was the rooms’ division manager at Phoenicia Beirut. ROTANA APPOINTS TWO NEW GMS FOR ITS BEIRUT PROPERTIES Rotana has announced the appointment of Fouad Hamadeh as general manager of Raouche Arjaan by Rotana Beirut and Eddy Nohra as general manager of Gefinor Rotana Beirut.

Hamadeh pursued his hospitality career with InterContinental Hotels Group, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts and Safir Hotels & Resorts for 13 years before joining Rotana in 2010. He has a proven track record in all aspects of hotel management and development and has worked in numerous cities across the Middle East, including Muscat, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

New to the Rotana family but not to the hotel industry, Nohra brings with him over 20 years of solid experience in hotels and resorts. Nohra started with Capital Trust IDARAT, after which he held several key roles at IHG Hotels & Resorts, Edde Sands and Coral Beach Hotel & Resort. As the new GM of Gefinor Rotana, a fully renovated five-star property in Beirut, Nohra is committed to implementing unconventional strategies to deliver superior accommodation in the city.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL APPOINTS NEW GM OF LE ROYAL ABU DHABI Marriott International has appointed Brian Hashkowitz as the new GM of Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi.

Hashkowitz spent the last 11 years in the UAE, most recently as hotel manager for the JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai. ALEPH HOSPITALITY APPOINTS JAD SHAMSEDDIN AS ITS COO FOR THE MIDDLE EAST Dubai-based independent hotel management company Aleph Hospitality has announced the appointment of Jad Shamseddin in the newly created role of chief operating officer for the Middle East.

He joins the firm from Ajlan Bros Holding Group in Riyadh, KSA, where he held the position of chief hospitality officer. Shamseddin was previously the managing director of the hotels division at Al Hokair Group in KSA and regional director of hotel openings for the Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Georgia at Millennium and Copthorne Middle East and Africa. VOCO DUBAI PALM JUMEIRAH APPOINTS NEW GENERAL MANAGER voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, has announced the appointment of seasoned hotelier Charles Godot as general manager.

Having joined the voco brand this summer, Godot will lead the team ahead of the hotel’s opening and drive its performance. KERTEN HOSPITALITY ANNOUNCES WAFIK YOUSSEF AS NEW COO Kerten Hospitality, a mixeduse and lifestyle operator, announced the strategic appointment of Wafik Youssef as its chief operating officer. A seasoned hospitality leader with a proven track record of growth with global hotel players and over two decades of experience, he will further contribute to Kerten Hospitality’s footprint expansion and multiple project openings, rolling out in 2021 and beyond.