Thewordluxurydefinesanexperiencethatisricher
thanaconceptonenteringanewworldof significantbenchmarks.Itworkslikeamagicand addsasofttouchofsophisticationandawe-inspiring accommodations.However,thewordluxuryenablesa strongsenseofcreativitywithexemplaryemphasizeon alluringinteriorsanddesigns.
Theworldisturningouttobeaninharmoniousplacewith everydaysurroundings.Inthisscenario,aretreattoaluxury hotelisthebestoption—awayfromtheconfinesofthe roomintoanenchantingworldofextravagance.Sounds likeanappealingweekend,right?
Thedesignsinluxuryhotelsareagorgeousfeaturethat attractsvisitors.Thequalityandcreativityofthe architecturereflectstheuniquetasteoftheowners.The majorityofsuchastonishingplacesaccentuateonthetiniest aspectsoftheirspaceandbuildacharacterby amalgamatingfascinatingarchitecture,imaginative furnishings,andexhilaratingdecors.Thismesmerizing experiencecomeswithofferssuchasarangeofroom themestoselectfrom,withdistinctiveoptionsthatappeal thevisitorsthemost.
Whatbeatstheexperienceoffinediningwithexuberanceof relishingfoodandrelaxingbeverages?
Youwillfindeverythinginabundance,forthemost sumptuouscuisinesindulgedwithexoticheritageofthe globe.Andwejustcannotignoreafactthatlocationreigns supremeinthelistofattractions.Alivingspaceflankedby apicturesquecanvascreatesthebestattraction.Luxury hotelshavetransformedthehotelscenebycreatingan environmentthatreflectsthenatureofagenuinely enjoyableexperience.
Wordscangoonwhileexploringthefacetstodescribe luxury,whileSLSDubaibringsthisexperienceintoafinetouchedreality.ThelatesteditionofInsightsSuccess explorestheprospectsthathighlightthesignificanceofa richlivingexperiencewiththebenchmarkofmagnificence; thesymbolofluxury:SLSDubai.
Flipthroughthepagesanddiveintothefundamentalsthat reveal:Luxury-Re-defined.
- Prashik Bombarde
Editor-in-Chief Merry D’souza Anish Miller Senior Editor Kelly, David Business Development Executives
Prashik Bombarde
Assisting Editor Ashlesh Khadse Paul Belin
Managing Editor Sherin Rodricks Business Development Manager
Visualiser David King Co designer Rohil Shinganapurkar Sonia Raizada Marketing Manager Joseph D'souza Technical Consultants Prachi, Rajeshwari
Art & Design Head Art & Design Assistant
Technical Head Jacob Smile Assistant Technical Head SME SMO Executive Gemson
Circulation Manager Tanaji Fartade Research Analyst Eric Smith
sales@insightssuccess.com November, 2022
The hotel and its unique offerings have managed to capture its stronghold within the hospitality space in Dubai, thanks in part to the unique character of each outlet which offers guests variety in a very saturated market.
EEnjoyinghospitalityexperiencesintheurbanscape isthedreamofmany.Everyday,peoplebrowse socialmediaposts,vlogs,articles,andwhatnot withthedreamofvisitingtheseplacestomakeprecious lifetimememories—onefineday!
Amongstallthesehighlyintriguingtouristdestinations, Dubaianditsalwaysluringluxurioushotelshaveaspecial place.
Acitynotjusthometothetallest,mostmagnificent skyscrapereverbutalsotocountlessothermarvelous architecture,Dubaihasalwaysbeenthechoicestplacefor touristsallaroundtheglobelookingforarelaxing,fancy holiday Thisfacthasmadethecityflourishwithmany hospitalityserviceopportunities.Manyluxuryhotelswith thefinestofofferingsandserviceshavecometotherise becauseofthegrowingpopularityofthecityasatourism hub.
Onesuchprominentnameinthehospitalitycommunityof DubaiisSLSDubai.Sinceitsinception,SLSDubaihas beenservingitsclientswiththemostoutstandingamenities, makingitsmarkintheindustry.Beingdesignedbyawardwinningarchitectsinthesector,theluxurypropertyisa strikinglandmarkintheBurjKhalifadistrict.
ThereputationofSLSDubaiforprovidingaworld-class luxuryhotelexperienceiscontinuouslyontherise.Behind thehotel’senormoussuccessisanindustryleaderwithover thirtyyearsofexperienceinthehospitalityindustry.His nameisSpencerWadama,theGeneralManagerofSLS Dubai.
Let’s browse the story of picture-perfect SLS Dubai on its journey to become a top-tier luxury hotel in the lively hospitality industry of Dubai.
AnewcomertothehospitalitysceneintheUAE,the alreadyiconicSLSDubaihastakenthecitybystormsince openinglastspring.SLSDubaihasbecomethemost talked-abouthotelinthecity Thehotelhasbecomethe placetoseeandbeseen;topinfluencers,TVpersonalities, musicians,artists,models,andactresseshaveflockedtothe hoteltoexperienceitforthemselves.
Theimpressive75-storytowerisoneofthetallesthotels andresidencesintheregionandstandsout,notjustbecause ofitsheight.Thechichotelhasjoinedtheranksofsomeof
themostluxurioushotelsinthecity;thankstoitsunique style,flair,andstand-outvenues,suchasFi’lia,Carna,S Bar,andPrivilege.
Outstandingartworkcombinesasleekstyleandafun, playfulcharacterthatisintegraltothebrand’sDNA.The hotelishometopanoramicviewsofthecityofDubaiand offersguestsacityescapethatoozesstyleandcharacter.
SLSDubaiispartofEnnismore,acreativehospitality companyrootedincultureandcommunity,withaglobal collectiveofentrepreneurialandfounder-builtbrandswith purposeattheirheart.Formedin2021,Ennismoreisajoint venturewithAccor,whichholdsamajorityshareholding.
TheSLSDubaiishometoincredibleculinaryconcepts. Fromitsstand-outrestaurants–Fi’lia,CarnabyDario Cecchini,incrediblesky-highpoolareaandnight-club, Privilege,andthesleekandstylishSBar–theculinary conceptsattheSLSDubaidelightguestsandkeepthem comingbackformore.CielSpaisanotherhighlight;not onlyisithometoatalentedteamoftherapists,butitisalso oneofthemostInstagram-ablelocationsinthecity.
Thehotelanditsuniqueofferingshavemanagedtocapture itsstrongholdwithinthehospitalityspaceinDubai,thanks inparttotheuniquecharacterofeachoutletwhichoffers guestsvarietyinaverysaturatedmarket.TakeFi’lia,its Italianconcept–thereisastrongfocusonempoweringthe incredibleleadershipteamofwomen,fromitschefsto mixologiststomanagersatthisrestaurant,whichsetsit apartandmakesitmorethanjustanotherdiningvenue.
“
This is how the offerings at SLS stand out – our venues have their own strong characters that are united by the sleek accents and exceptional fittings that are unique characteristics of the SLS brand’s DNA.”quotesSpencer.
SpencerH.Wadama,theGeneralManagerofSLSDubai, bringswithhim30+yearsofexperienceinmanaging luxuryhotels,alongwithhisextensiveknow-howandskills inavarietyoffieldsregardingluxurypropertiesaroundthe world.Wadamahasheldseniormanagementpositionsfor overaspanof12yearsandhasworkedacrossthree continents-NorthAmerica,Asia,andtheMiddleEast.
,,A key part of SLS Dubai's success story has been Wadama's excep onal leadership skills as well as his strategic planning and commitment to delivering luxury experiences.
PriortohiscurrentpositionattheSLSDubai,Wadama servedasGeneralManageratJumeirahLivingMarinaGate aswellasJumeirahAlNaseem,wherehedirectedthe operating,sales,andmarketingeffortsfortheproperties withinacompetitiveandexpandingmarketandcollaborativelydealtwithstaffmemberstoachievecommongoals andobjectives.SpenceralsoservedasGeneralManagerat theArmaniHotelinDubai,wherehegainedexpertisein hospitalityoperations,sales,andstaffdevelopment,making himavaluableassetwithinthehospitalitymanagement industry
AkeypartofSLSDubai’ssuccessstoryhasbeen Wadama’sexceptionalleadershipskills,aswellashis strategicplanningandcommitmenttodeliveringluxury experiences.Anatural-bornleader,Spencer’sdedicationto thehospitalitysectorandhiswealthofknowledgeinhotel managementandinternationalluxuryoperations,aswellas hisvisionforthefuture,arehelpingtosettheSLSapart.
Spencerhasalsoreceivedcountlessaccoladesandawards forhisachievementsinsuccessfullypositioningthe previousbrandsamongstthetopluxurypropertiesinthe market.Whenhe’snotworking,thealways-activeSpencer enjoysworkingoutandgoingondesertadventuresandoffroading,whilehisdowntimeincludesreadingand discoveringgreatfood.
Themiraclesoftechnologyareonlylimitedtothe boundariesofourimaginations.Likemanysectors, technologyhasbeengivinginnovativewaystothe hospitalitysectortoscaleuptheiroperationsandofferings. Today,thereareawholelotofmoderntechnologysolutions cominguptobringefficiencytoanykindofoperationin theindustry
Whiletalkingaboutleveragingmoderntechnologytoboost theirofferings,Spencerexpresss,“The world is changing and evolving so fast - a change that is being led, in part, by millennial travelers who are using advanced technology and applications. So, we must strive to stay in line and ahead of that course.”
Headds,“Peoplewantconvenience,andnewtechnologies havemadeourworldsomucheasier-anythingand everythingcannowbeaccessedthroughyourphone.So havinggreatWifiisessentialandexpected;guestscome andexpecttobeabletoconnecttotheinternetand broadcasttheirexperiences.”
,,The chic hotel has joined the ranks of some of the most luxurious hotels in the city, thanks to its unique style, flair, and stand-out venues, such as Fi’ila, Carna, S Bar, and Privilege.
RecallingthedaysofthepandemicandhowSLSDubai copedwiththechallengeofsustainingoperationsatthe organizationwhileensuringthesafetyoftheemployees, Spencernotes,“AnobviouschallengethatwefacedatSLS duringtheCOVID-19pandemicwasbeingabletomanage theday-to-dayoperationswithever-changingrestrictions andguidancenotjustlocallybutalsofromfeedercountries acrosstheworld.”
“We worked closely with the Dubai Government and Health Authority to stay ahead of the precautionary measures and to safeguard the environment for everyone, as well as ensure a safe and happy atmosphere for our employees every day,”marksSpencer.
Additionally,heputs,“Oneofthehardestthingsforuswas theuncertaintyintheglobalmarket.Throughouttheentire pandemic,Dubaihasdoneanamazingjobathandling healthandsafetyandenforcingprecautions,whichhas createdagreatglobalperceptionofDubai-thatitisasafe haveninregardtoCOVID-19.Unfortunately,mostofthe marketsthatwerelyonforbusinessdidnotdoaswellas expectedduringthepandemic,whichcreatedalotof uncertaintyandinstabilityinthemarket.”
“Fortunately, we have seen a fantastic amount of support from the local market, which has allowed us to grow business month after month in a very difficult environment. This local support, combined with our planning and precautionary measures, has allowed the SLS brand to thrive as the world slowly returns to normality.”
“Ithasbeenachallengetosustainoursuccessthroughout thepandemic,butinordertoensurethatoursuccesswas sustainable,weimplementedagradualonboardingprocess andoperatedthehotelwithoutthefullstaffthroughout quieterperiods.Lastsummer,forexample,weoperated withlowerstaffnumberstobalancethelowerratesof occupancythatwehad.WedidrandomPCRtestingand hadgreatpoliciesandproceduresinplacewithAccorand Ennismoretokeepouremployeessafeatalltimes,” concludedSpencer
Thehospitalityindustryisoneofthemostintriguing industriesforentrepreneurstoenter.Itoffersexceptional opportunitiesforprofessionalstocomeupwithcreativeand
innovativewaystoprovideuniqueandluxuriousstay experiencestoguestsfromallovertheworld.
Forthosewhoareconsideringenteringtheindustry, Spencerhasagreatshareofwisdomfromhisyearsof experienceintheindustrytooffer.Uponaskingwhathe wouldadvisetosuchbuddingaspirantswhowishto ventureintothehospitalityindustry,Spencersaid,“For anyone looking to venture into the hospitality space and succeed, I think it is key to stay on the ground, understand all aspects of the business, and never underestimate the importance of hands-on experience.”
Hemarks,“It’salsoimportanttounderstandtheneedsof yourcustomersbeforeyoumakedecisions–whichis wherefirst-handexperiencecomesintoplay.Gettoknow yourcustomersandunderstandhowtheytickbyimmersing yourselfintheguestexperience.”
Asdailylifeisgettingnormalizedworldwidefromthe COVID-pandemicsituation,peopleareenthusiastically goingaheadwiththeirplanstoexploretheworld.The improvedscenarioisallowinghospitalityestablishmentsto reclaimandevenincreasethenumberofbookingsthat existedpriortothepandemic.
Totakethehospitalityexperiencetothenextlevel,luxury hotelsareofferingmorepersonalizedstayexperiencesfor theirincreasingnumberofguests.Elaboratingontheplans thathehasforSLSDubaiinthefuture,Spencersaid,“We feel 2022 will be a positive turning point for the market. As the world learns more about COVID-19 and we start finding ways to live with the virus, we are confident that things will begin to look more positive for the world of hospitality. We are expecting to be back at 2019 levels by 2023.”
Outstanding artwork combines with a sleek style and fun, playful character that is integral to the brand's DNA.
Smoke & Mirrors Comes To SLS Dubai
The Mysterious venue is bringing old-fashioned glamour to the hallways of SLS Dubai.
Disruptingtheordinary,thestylish SLSDubaiisholdingontothebestkeptsecretintown,ahiddenvenue whereeverythingisnotasitseems. Asmoothandsultrylounge,Smoke andMirrorsissettobecomethemost sought-afterandbest-keptsecretin Dubaiaftermakingthejourneyfrom itsfirstlocationinMondrianDoha.
Acaptivatingenvironmentawaitswith asmoothLatin-stylejazzband, Argentiniansinger,andsalsadancers settingthesceneforsomething unexpectedandintoxicating.Arich colourschemecharacterisesthespace, withwarmwoodenfloors,sumptuous velvettextures,andfloor-to-ceiling windowsthataffordgueststhebest viewsoverDubai’sskyline.Asoft glowilluminatesthewelcomingspace, whileanimpressivebarframedwith goldcommandstheattentionof everyoneinthevenue.
Thespaceisavailableforresidents withexclusivemembershipsoffering accesstohostmeetingsandintothe earlyevening,havinganintimate atmospherewithclosefriendsor associates.Themoodthenshiftsforthe
late-nightcrowdwithhighertempo music,havingadrinkbythebaranda selectionoftheworld’sfinestcigars.
Thespeciallycuratedcocktailmenu standsoutforitscomplexflavoursand classicofferings,servedwithatwist. ThePirateshowcasesafuntakeonan island-styledrinkwithpineapple, coconutandbananaflavoursblended perfectlywithzestylimeandlemon. Fortheclassiccocktaillovers,Old Waysisanirresistibledrinkmadeto perfection.Asimpleblendofcaneand darksugarscutwithspicesservedwith flamedzest.TrytheOldWays,atwist onaclassicdrinkwithablendofcane anddarksugarscutwithspicesand servedwithflamedzest.Discovera sweettouchintheToritowhichisa blendofpeanutbutter,condensedmilk, vanilla,andcoconutflavours.
Thehighlightonthedrinksmenuis Hemingway’sfavourite,the Hemingway’sDaiquiriisamixof freshcoconut,grapefruit,andlime withasouryetsweetfinish.
AdivinemenufeaturingrichSouth Americanflavoursawaitsthelucky
fewwhoareselectedtomaketheir wayintothehiddenbar.Tuckintoa deliciousChicharrondeCalamari, crispyfriedcalamariservedwith tamarind,andPicodeGallorTaquitos madewitharichbrisketthatmeltsin yourmouthpairedwithacoolcreamy avocado.Otherdishesthatguestscan indulgeinarethefreshTiradito, Yellowtailwithfreshlimeandgrilled pineapple,oraProvoleta,coalgrilled cheeseservedonfreshsourdough oozingwithflavour
Thesweetselectionisjustastempting tomatchthestylishvenue.There’sthe DominicanRepublicChocolateCigar whichisarichsmokedchocolate moussewithalmondandhazelnut pralineandadeliciouschocolateice cream.Anotheroptionisthedecadent VenezuelanChocolateCigar,complete withcaramelizedchocolatemousse, caramelcremeux,andpassionfruit.
Anintriguingblendofmystery,style, divinefoodandgreatmusicawaitsat SmokeandMirrors–wherethebest thingshappenbehindcloseddoors.
Oneofauniquekind,SmokeandMirrorshasexclusivesmoothandsultryinteriorswith anexclusiveinvite-onlylounge.
AcaptivatingenvironmentawaitswithsmoothLatin-stylejazzmusicandthefinestcigarstoset thesceneforanunexpectedandintoxicatingnight.Arichcolourschemecharacterisesthespace, withwarmwoodenfloors,sumptuousvelvettextures,andfloor-to-ceilingwindowsofferingthebest viewsovertheDowntownDubaiskyline.Asoftglowilluminatesthewelcomingspace,whilean impressivebarframedwithgoldcommandstheattentionofeveryoneinthevenue.
Thevenueprovesthatthebestthingshappenbehindcloseddoors.
LocatedintheDowntowndistrict, theimpressive75-storey towermakesSLSDubaioneofthetallesthotelsand residencesintheregionandcomeswith incomparable360degreeviewsoverthecity,withunobstructedviewsofthe iconicBurjKhalifa.Developedincollaborationwith internationalarchitecturefirmAedas,SLSDubaifeatures 254expertlydesignedhotelroomsbyacclaimeddesigner PaulBishop,371residentialunits ,and 321hotel apartments.In trueSLSfashion,contemporaryart, unique characteristics, sleek accents and exceptionalfittings are featuredthroughout.The opulentSkyLobby sits onthe 71stfloor withtheregion’shighesttwoinfinitypoolsseton the75th floorandthesignatureluxeCielSpaonthe69th, allofferingcovetedviewsofthecity.
SLSisthehomeofanextraordinaryexperiencecoupled withaplayfulambiance.Culinaryartistry,theatrical interiors,subversivedesigntouches,andunexpected indulgencesareattheheartofeverySLSproperty Collaborationswithleadingdevelopers,architects, designers,andchefsallowSLStocontinueanticipating, innovating,andshapingthefutureofluxurylifestyle living.WitheightpropertiesinBeverlyHills,Miami, Bahamas,Cancun,Dubai,andPuertoMadero,SLSisset toopenanadditionalpropertyinScottsdaleby2023.
SLSHotels.com
SLSispartofEnnismore,acreativehospitalitycompany rootedincultureandcommunity,withaglobalcollective ofentrepreneurialandfounder-builtbrandswithpurposeat theirheart.Formedin2021,Ennismoreisajointventure withAccor,whichholdsamajorityshareholding.
As a natural-born leader with a strong dedica on to the hospitality industry, Spencer leads SLS Dubai with his strategic planning and commitment to delivering luxury experiences.
With 30 years of experience in managing luxury hotels, Spencer Wadama was appointed General Manager of SLS Dubai. Spencer has held senior management posi ons for over a span of 12 years and has worked across three con nents: North America, Asia, and the Middle East. With extensive know-how and skills in a variety of fields in regard to luxury proper es around the world, from new openings and budget planning to sales, marke ng & revenue genera on, Spencer brings forth a wealth of knowledge in hotel management and interna onal luxury opera ons to his role as GM at SLS Dubai.
As a natural-born leader with a strong dedica on to the hospitality industry, Spencer leads SLS Dubai with his strategic planning and commitment to delivering luxury experiences. A er ten years in Dubai, previously working at such pres gious establishments as The Palace, Address, Armani Hotel and Jumeirah, Spencer has also received countless accolades and awards for his achievements of successfully posi oning the previous brands amongst the top luxury proper es in the market.
When he's not working, the always-ac ve Spencer enjoys working out and undergoing desert adventures and off roading, while his down me includes reading and discovering great food.
Best Fashion Film - London Fashion Film Fes val
Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards 2022 – Ranked 3 in the Middle East and 7 Globally
Inthishighlycomplicatednetworkedworld,where businessdictatesthetermsofglobalprogression,some majorcitiesintheworldwelcomeeveryone.Dubaiis oneofthemajorcitiesonthatlist,andthereissomething muchmorethanDubaicanofferthanjustsuccessfully signingabusinessdeal.
SomethingthathasmadeDubaiattractivetotouristsfrom allacrosstheworldisitsexclusivehotelingexperienceand luxuriouslifestyle.Thatisthereasonwhenpeoplefromthe westernhemisphereoftheglobecometoDubai,thefirst wordstheysayaftertouchingdownare:
'Welcome to the Future!
Withsuchawelcomingatmospherefromallsides,the hotelingexperiencecompletelyacesthehoteling experience.Withthebeautifulskylineandskyscrapersthat scratchedandpiercedtheskies'heights,theluxury experiencedoesnotjuststopthere.Withthehelpof technologyandaninnovativeapproach,Dubaihastaken hotelingtothenextlevelbyallowingthetouristtobe underwaterandenjoythedeliciouscuisinesoftheArabs.
So, other than doing all the things that tourists do in Dubai, here are a few ways in which you can enhance your hoteling experience in Dubai
•
Whentheunofficialtaglineforthetouristsread, 'Welcome to the Future!' thehotelsliterallygiveanelevated experienceforthefuture.Thesky-touchinghotelsinDubai offeranintriguinglandscapeofotherinterestingthingsthat arethereinDubai.
Moreover,theideaofswimmingonthebalconiesofsuch hotelsandwatchingthesunsettingbehindthetowery landscapeisanexperienceofalifetimeinitself.Thehotel inDubaitodayoffersthat,andtheclimatemakesitworth theeveningspentinthebalconies,immersedinwater, sippingwineandwatchingthesunsetgracefully.
•
Beinganinternationalhubformanybusinessesworldwide, Dubaihotelshaveembracedtheexperienceofitstourists withexcitingcuisinesfromallovertheworld.Infact,the complimentaryitemsthehotelsofferinDubaicanbe utilisedtotheirmaximumpotentialbytryingoutnew cuisinesandmakingtheeateryawholesomeexperience.
Themosttriedcuisinethatonemusttrywhilebeingin DubaiistheArabianCuisines.Thecuisinenotonlygivesa reflectionbackonthetraditionaltasteoftherichand excitingcuisines.Otherthanthat,someofthehotelsin Dubaialsoofferanunderwaterdiningexperience.Imagine havingdinnerwithsomeofthemostmagnificentcreatures ontheplanet,anenrichingexperiencethatmakeslifeworth living.
•
MostpeoplethatenterDubaiareusuallyonbusiness purposes.Whiletheleadersofglobalbusinessattendthe meetsthatmakeandbreakthedeals,thelevelofcomfort andprivacytobeofferedtotheleadersisofutmostpriority. However,Dubaihotelshavehadahistoryofhostingsome ofthemostimportantbusinessdealsformanycompanies; thehotelsmakesurethattheroomsaredesignedinsucha waythathelpsthemsealthedealinonego.
Aventure de luxe
•
Beingthefutureofthepeoplepresentinthewest,the nightlifeinDubaiisworthconsidering.Thenightlifenot onlyoffersatrulyinternationalexperience,invitingpeople fromaroundtheworld,butalsogivesusachancetoenjoy andexperiencetheluxuriousnightlifeeveryonedesires.
TheuniquenightlifediningexperienceatDubaihotelsis somethingthateveryoneinthecityenjoys.Thecity's skyscrapersholdsomeofthefinestbuildingsintheworld, andtheshowtheyputonisworthnoting.Thenightlifeat mostDubaihotelsnotonlyoffersthatbut,alongwiththe urgetoparty,transcendsitquickly,makingitawholesome experiencealtogether.
• WelcometotheFuture!
Dubaiishosttosomeoftheworld'sgiantbusinesses;its experienceistrulyfuturistic.Withfuturisticbuildings scratchingthesurfaceofthesky,theoceanfloorsmopped forustoeat,andthecitylightsthatmakeusfeelaliveonce againcanallbeexperiencedinasingleplaceinDubai hotels.
IfyouhaveatripplannedforDubai,SLSDubaicanbea greatoptionforyoutoexploreandexperiencetheluxurious hotelingexperiencebyfoldingyourhandsandsaying, 'Welcome to the future!
- Ashlesh Khadse
