LUXE Travel Magazine - Big City Life

LUXE TRAVEL MAGAZINE

Big City Lights

INTERCONTINENTAL NEW YORK BARCLAY

Since first opening its doors in 1926, the InterContinental New York Barclay has welcomed countless guests to enjoy a luxurious residential-style experience creating a home away from home in the heart of the city.

Situated within the bustling Mall of Asia Complex, Conrad Manila is the premier haven for smart luxury amid panoramic views of Manila Bay and its famed sunsets while being just minutes away from the domestic and international airports, business and leisure districts.

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A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

There’s something magical about The Barclay.

Step into true 1920’s Manhattan glamour and indulge in an intimate yet sophisticated ambiance, prime location and world-class service. Originally designed as a discreet residential apartment for travelers taking up residence for as little as one night or possibly the better part of the year, the 5-star hotel in NYC maintains its tradition by delivering a multitude of amenities, ensuring every stay feels like home.

Provided By InterContinental New York Barclay

HISTORIC CHARM & MODERN SPLENDOUR

SOFITEL WARSAW VICTORIA

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MODERN DESIGN

Sofitel Warsaw Victoria combines modern design with classic french elegance.

Its facilities include 335 spacious rooms, 33 sophisticated suites designed by renowned French architect Didier Gomez, 18 meeting rooms, an indulgent spa with a gym, massage treatments, sauna and a beautifully illuminated indoor pool.

In the evening signature cocktails can be enjoyed at Victoria lounge bar. Its central location makes Sofitel Warsaw Victoria an ideal base for exploring the city's cultural attractions, the charms of a vibrant nightlife and successful shopping. Hotel windows overlook the magnificent 18th-century Saxon Garden - the city's oldest public park.

CLASSIC FRENCH ELEGANCE

FADI AKEEL OF JABAL OMAR HYATT

REGENY MAKKAH

GENERAL MANAGER

Could you tell us more about the history and background of Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah?

Founded in 2006, Jabal Omar Development Company is one of the largest real estate developers in the region and one of the largest listed companies on the Saudi Tadawul Stock Exchange with Its flagship project, Jabal Omar in Makkah. Featuring mixed-use real estate & mega-development projects within walking distance of The Grand Mosque of Makkah. As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to increase its capacity to welcome a growing number of pilgrims, JODC is a proud contributor to the development of the area surrounding The Grand Mosque and strives to provide Makkah’s visitors and residents with a unique spiritual and physical experience.

What does your day-to-day look like?

Working in Makkah is quite an experience, welcoming the guest to the holiest city while providing them with a Premium hotel experience during their spiritual visit to Makkah gives me such a great satisfaction and enables me to touch the lives of every single customer in our hotel. I spend a good time of my day on the ground interacting with our guests ensuring that our hotel and team are equipped with the information and the required skills to serve our guest at the highest level possible. The other part of the day is occupied with strategy and commercial meetings analysing the market trends and setting our internal tactics to respond to the rapidly changing market

What are your favourite aspects of the hotel?

Our lobby is the best part of the hotel offering a majestic interior with high ceilings and ample space for our guests to relax. Our breakfast and Food and beverage offering is considered one of the best in Makkah and highly regarded by all of our visitors. Our rooms are spacious and perfectly allocated in each floor with views of the Harram.

What do you believe sets this destination apart?

The spiritual journey that Makkah offers to its visitor is incredible, the holiest city in the world and Al Masjed al Harram is regarded by all Muslims the ultimate destination to visit and pay obedience to Allah all mighty. Once in Makkah the sensation of peace that surrounds you and the spiritual enrichment is fulfilling. Makkah is also going through a major development and expansion plan bringing modernization and technology to better serve and welcome the visitors of Makkah

What does it take to motivate the team to keep such impeccable standards?

Continuous recognition of the team’s effort is very important to keep the moral up. On a daily basis you will see that our teams are fully committed to providing our guests with unparalleled customer care. Ensuring that our team receive the appropriate training and are engaged on a daily basis is vital to ensuring motivation and service delivery

Where in the world do the bulk of your guests come from?

We welcome guest from all around the world yet proximity to destinations plays an important part in planning a visit to Makkah. The neighbouring GCC markets represent a good part of the total visitors arriving to Makkah

JABAL OMAR HYATT REGENCY MAKKAH

SAUDI ARABIA

Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah is the perfect place for a stay in the heart of the holy city.

It offers visitors and pilgrims alike a unique hospitality experience, blending comfort and convenience in an elegant atmosphere. The hotel is just a one-minute walk from Al-Masjid Al-Haram.

Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah spans 19 floors, featuring 656 rooms and 25 luxurious suites in addition to the 18 villas and 2 penthouses. All rooms offer rich textures, designer décor, and fine contemporary furnishings as well as the latest services and facilities. Each guestroom has been thoughtfully designed for the fulfillment of religious duties.

Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah has various restaurants that offer guests and visitors the chance to enjoy refreshing drinks & delicious cuisine. The choice of Asian, International cuisine is varied at The Oasis Restaurant beside Al-Tekkeya and Tea Lounge.

AUTHENTIC HOSPITALITY

FAIRMONT BAKU FLAME TOWERS

AZERBAIJAN

EXCEEDING FIVE STAR STANDARDS

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Iconic Fairmont Baku Flame Towers brings 299 guest rooms, suites and 19 serviced apartments.

Extending the tradition of Fairmont hospitality to historic, windswept Baku, whose charming old Inner City boasts UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is home to Baku's 5-star luxury hotel, Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers, Azerbaijan. As the largest city and port of Azerbaijan, it also boasts a prime location on the Absheron Peninsula, wrapped by the wondrous Caspian Sea.

Guests can enjoy the city’s most exquisite dining ranging from chic bistros to juice bars and fine dining experiences. At the same time, over 2,500 square meters (26,900 square feet) of function space, which include two ballrooms, sets the stage for memorable meetings or events.

Provided By Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers

RADISSON BLU GAUTRAIN HOTEL, SANDTON

Provided By Villa Caemilla

The Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg is connected to all that the city has to offer, from a business and cultural perspective, through the high-speed train at Sandton Gautrain Station...

Just across the street from the train station, near Johannesburg's city center, the hotel offers 220 rooms and suites, each with free high-speed wireless internet, coffee and tea provisions, and other modern amenities.

For business travellers, our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and are able to accommodate up to 220 guests for your next conference or business meeting. The Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel offers the convenience of accessibility. You're just steps from the Gautrain train station; it takes 20 minutes to travel from O.R. Tambo International Airport to our centrally located hotel.

CONNECTED TO ALL THE CITY HAS TO OFFER..

ANETA LEWANDOWSKA OF SOFITEL WARSAW VICTORIA

GENERAL MANAGER

Firstly, a huge Congratulations to you and the team for being named the LUXE Global 2022 Hotel of the Year. Could you tell us what this means to you and the team and how it inspires you moving forward?

Thank you! It’s such a great honor for me and all Ambassadors of Sofitel Warsaw Victoria. We are delighted that our guests see and appreciate our passion and daily efforts we make in order to please them and make them feel like in their second home. There is no greater inspiration than satisfaction and loyalty of our guests.

Could you tell us a bit more about your journey leading up to being GM at Sofitel Warsaw Victoria?

I have more than 20 years of experience in hospitality. I started my adventure in 2001 in the economy segment as a receptionist at the ibis hotel in Warsaw's Praga district, then being promoted from the Front Desk Manager to the General Manager. In 2014, I joined the Mercure brand and took the position of the Operations Director at the Mercure Warszawa Grand hotel. In April 2017, I joined the team of the legendary Sofitel Warsaw Victoria hotel, and in April 2019 I took the position of the General Manager of this hotel.

What made you decide to pursue a career in hospitality and what advice would you give to those looking to pursue it?

I always say that I'm a hotelier both: by passion and by profession. When I was starting my career in the hotel industry, I thought it was just coincidence but today I am sure that it was my destiny. I have met many inspiring and experienced people who shared this experience and passion for the hotel industry with me. If you think to start your journey in this business you should remember that you should treat hotel guests the way you would treat your family and friends when inviting them to your own home. So, you should be attentive to their needs, generous in service and simply kind. On the other side, you should remember that a hotel is more than just a building, it is people who create this unique place, so you should believe and trust in people- your team, be open minded and think out of the box as well as continuously strive for excellence and be proud of the place you work for.

Sofitel Warsaw Victoria is an Iconic property in Poland ideal for both business and leisure travelers, what do you believe sets the hotel apart?

First of all, Sofitel Warsaw Victoria has one of the most convenient locations in the very heart of Warsaw: facing the historic Pilsudski Square and the majestic Saxon Garden, near Polish National Opera, Warsaw’s Old Town and Royal Castle.

Secondly, a stunning design and sophisticated décor of hotel interiors made by renowed designer Didier Gomez create a combination of unique modern style with classic French elegance. But none of these would matter if not my fantastic, creative and devoted team who takes care of the best service and satisfaction of our guests.

What does it take to run a successful operation at Sofitel Warsaw Victoria?

Again, I have to underline the value of the team. My mission is to embrace uncertainly and be an inspirational leader to my team and the legendary Sofitel Warsaw Victoria while sharing a passion of hospitality, securing guests’ satisfaction and making employees feel valued what leads to successful operations and financial abundance.

What does the future hold for Sofitel Warsaw Victoria?

I am sure that coming years will be as much successful as the past year. Of course, it will be only possible with the excellent service provided every day by my team. That is why I have decided to extend our Talent&Culture (HR) department and appointed two talented people to make Sofitel Warsaw Victoria the hotel of first choice for the greatest talents in the industry. I believe that atmosphere they create will allow for the sustainable implementation of the Owner's aspirations and business goals set for us. I hope that the new organization will help strengthen the pride of belonging to Sofitel Warsaw Victoria and bring our hospitality to the next level of excellence.

I would like to underline that Warsaw has been just recognized as the winner in European Best Destination 2023 contest as well as The Safest Destinations in Europe, The Best Cultural Destination, The Best Destination for Food Lovers and The Best Destinations for a city break. I feel so proud and full of hope for rebuilding international traffic in Warsaw. There is no picture to reflect the beauty and vibes of the city. Please come and discover Warsaw - The city of contrasts. The city of Marmaid. My city.

INTERCONTINENTAL JAKARTA PONDOK INDAH INDONESIA

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The luxury icon of Indonesia’s capital, InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah is the crown jewel of South Jakarta’s premium shopping and business district.

The hotel’s 311 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, complemented with exquisite dining and leisure facilities are designed to host world-class events. InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah is equipped with state-of-the-art MICE and opulant wedding facilities that can accommodate up to 3,500 participants. Integrated within an exhilarating entertainment complex that includes the prominent Pondok Indah Shopping Malls and minutes away from the legendary Pondok Indah Golf Course, the hotel is an elegant cosmopolitan sanctuary that perfectly blends modern-day comforts and elite style.

The hotel is strategically located just 45 minutes from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, offering unrivalled amenities, including the renowned Club InterContinental® and featuring the city’s only exclusive outdoor terrace dining, designed for hosting the city’s sophisticated executives and business travellers.

Envisioned as the most coveted wedding venue in Jakarta, InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah is fully equipped to bring dream weddings to life with an elegant Grand Ballroom suitable for 3500 guests and a tropical outdoor terrace perfect for an intimate ceremony, whilst the Sky Box is situated above the ballroom and has been designed for guests to gather privately.

AN ICON OF LUXURY

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