BTME - March 2022 by Motivate Media Group

MIDDLE EAST

MARCH 2022

businesstraveller.com

BTME AWARDS UPDATE

BUSINESS BITES DUBAI

4 HOURS IN PARIS

PLUS

Nominations for the BTME Awards 2022 are now open

A guide to some of the best business lunches in the city

Take a whistle-stop tour of the culturally rich Latin Quarter

Tried and Tested • Air Miles • Laptops

ISLAND-ST YLE LIVING

Luxury, privacy and exclusivity define the new InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa

UAE DHS12 OMAN RO1.30 BAHRAIN BD1.30 SAUDI ARABIA SR12 KUWAIT KD1

MIDDLE EAST

MARCH 2022

businesstraveller.com

BTME AWARDS UPDATE

BUSINESS BITES DUBAI

4 HOURS IN PARIS

PLUS

Nominations for the BTME Awards 2022 are now open

A guide to some of the best business lunches in the city

Take a whistle-stop tour of the culturally rich Latin Quarter

Tried and Tested • Air Miles • Laptops

S TAY ADVENTUROUS Exploring the Gulf region’s great outdoors

UAE DHS12 OMAN RO1.30 BAHRAIN BD1.30 SAUDI ARABIA SR12 KUWAIT KD1

CONTENTS

REGULARS 06

UPFRONT

Airline, hotel and travel news from the region and around the world 14

POSTCARD

FEATURES

ON THE COVER

15 BUSINESS TRAVELLER MIDDLE EAST AWARDS

Nominations for the 2022 awards are now open across 41 categories 20

ISL AND-ST YLE LIVING

Multi-sensory dining popup Sublimotion extends its MO Dubai residency

InterContinental opens its first property in Ras Al Khaimah

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER

A glance at some of the best business lunches Dubai has to offer

Etihad Guest launches sustainable credit card 34

ELEVATOR PITCH

Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport GM Chris Pike talks up new property 35

AIR MILES

Plant cuisine and travel talk with celebrity chef Matthew Kenney 52

4 HOURS IN... PARIS

A whistle-stop tour of the French capital’s culturally rich Latin Quarter

COVER IMAGE: MYSK MOON RETREAT, SHARJAH

MARCH 2022

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THIRD DOSE TRAVEL

Countries requiring travellers to prove COVID booster jab status 44

STAY ADVENTUROUS

New accommodation and activities are popping up all over the Gulf for those seeking experiences in the great outdoors

THE BEAR NECESSITIES

London Marriott Park Lane’s Teddy Bear Butler service reviewed 48

SPORT Y MEETS SAFET Y

The all-new Honda Civic is now available to buy in the UAE 54

POWER & PERFORMANCE

The latest laptops combine impressive work capabilities with portability and style

THE REPORT

TRIED & TESTED FLIGHTS, HOTELS, R E S TAU R A N T S

60 Etihad Airways B787 Dreamliner Business Class (London HeathrowAbu Dhabi) 61 Anása, Conrad Dubai 62 Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadéro 63 Native Mayfair 64 Pan Pacific London

65 Novotel Cambridge North 66 Caviar Kaspia, DIFC, Dubai

52 MARCH 2022

WELCOME

he outlook for the travel and tourism industry looks rosier as each day passes by, if the first few months of 2022 are anything to go by. The latest figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) predict the sector will contribute US$8.6 trillion to the global economy this year, just 6.4 per cent down on the pre-pandemic $9.2 trillion contribution. Around 58 million new jobs will be created in the

industry, taking the total to 330 million, the WTTC predicts, which is just one per cent lower than pre-pandemic levels and up 21.5 per cent on 2020. The combination of Omicron cases diminishing, vaccination rates, including third-dose boosters, increasing, travel restrictions easing, and countries such as Australia opening their doors to the world for the first time since the pandemic, are having a snowball effect, and the industry is soaking up the demand as quickly as it can. The overwhelming surge in so-called ‘bleisure’ travel should also not be underestimated, with business trips combined with leisure add-ons becoming the norm. In fact, both employers and Travel Management Companies are starting to offer bleisure trips as an employee perk, accommodating ‘workcation’ requests and even exploring opportunities for digital nomads. More than 40 per cent of Gen Z employees plan to take a ‘workcation’ (working while travelling instead of travelling for work), according to data provided by Kayak. As people start

travelling more freely, they will “squeeze in extra trips that double as work”, says Kayak’s CEO Steve Hafner. He adds that “companies that support blending business with leisure travel will have a competitive advantage with talent” because “many people want a change of scenery right now”. While traditional business travel has not yet fully recovered, the bleisure boom is compensating and new hybrid work-related trends are emerging too. For example, a new report from Accor notes that commute-and-stays are rising in popularity, with the hotel group introducing packages designed for workers who have moved out of the city, but commute to the office a few days per week. It’s a mid-week staycation, but with a work twist. In this issue we provide plenty of work-life-travel balance ideas. Our sponsored cover showcases the first InterContinental in Ras Al Khaimah, an island resort that’s set up for bleisure, with new dining concepts, inspiring meeting and events venues and a vast range of leisure facilities. Meanwhile, if you love the great outdoors, our cover story on adventure stays, from desert glamping to mountain retreats, will get you planning your next ‘workcation’ in a flash. If there’s complimentary Wi-Fi in your luxury tent, then why not?

Gemma Greenwood, Editor

THIS ISSUE’S PICKS

Business Traveller Middle East is jointly published by Motivate Media Group and Panacea Media Ltd M OT I VAT E M E D I A GRO UP

Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Managing Partner and Group Editor Ian Fairservice Editor Gemma Greenwood Art Director Clarkwin Cruz Editorial Co-ordinator Londresa Flores Contributors Tom Otley, Hannah Brandler, Mark Caswell, David Phelan, Melanie Swan General Manager – Production S Sunil Kumar Assistant Production Manager Binu Purandaran Production Supervisor Venita Pinto Chief Commercial Officer Anthony Milne Group Director Andrew Wingrove Group Sales Manager Chaitali Khimji PAN ACE A M E D I A LT D

Managing Director Julian Gregory Associate Publisher Middle East Rania Apthorpe Global Editor-in-Chief Tom Otley

b us i n e s strave l l e r. c o m

THE BTME AWARDS ARE BACK FOR 2022 Nominations are now open across 41 industry categories (Page 15)

STAY ADVENTUROUS From beach glamping to tented desert escapes, the great outdoors awaits (Page 24)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT A round-up of Dubai’s best business lunches to dine with colleagues or clients (Page 36)

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MARCH 2022

UPFRONT

Bahrain scraps PCR and quarantine on arrival MIDDLE EAST CORPORATE TRAVEL SPEND TO INCREASE ONE-THIRD IN 2022

BUSINESS TRAVEL expenditure in the Middle East is forecast to rise by 32 per cent this year following a predicted 49 per cent increase during 2021, according to a recent report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). “This positive data will provide a welcome boost for business travel and tourism professionals throughout the Middle East region, as economies around the world begin to relax travel restrictions, despite the disruption caused by the outbreak of the Omicron variant,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which at this year’s event (May 9-12) will turn the spotlight on the business travel sector in several conference sessions. “During 2021, the increase in business spending for the full year is expected to have actually outpaced spending on leisure travel by 13 per cent, 10 per cent and one per cent in the Middle East, Europe and Africa respectively,” she added. The WTTC report, compiled in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, ranked the Middle East region first with a business travel spend increase of 49 per cent in 2021, followed by Europe and Africa (36 per cent), Asia Pacific (32 per cent) and the Americas (14 per cent). In 2022, Asia Pacific region will lead spending growth with 41 per cent, followed by the Americas (35 per cent) the Middle East (32 per cent), Europe (28 per cent) and Africa (23 per cent). The future of the business travel sector will be among the topics discussed at ATM, with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) joined by industry experts on the event’s Global Stage to lead two sessions entitled: ‘The future of business travel’ and ‘Building a sustainable business travel programme’.

PASSENGERS ARRIVING AT Bahrain International Airport (BIA) no longer need to conduct a PCR test. Precautionary quarantine requirements for all passengers arriving in the kingdom have also been removed. The lifting of restrictions was announced by Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) and came into force on February 20. The announcement was based on the recommendations made by the National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Bahrain News Agency reported. The taskforce also announced updated protocols for contacts of active COVID-19 cases, which also came into effect on February 20.

According to the revised measures, contacts of active cases are no longer required to undergo a precautionary period of isolation. This includes individuals who do not hold a green shield on the BeAware application. BIA recently became the third airport in the Middle East to receive a five-star rating from Skytrax, the world’s top airport and airline rating body. The accolade recognises the high standards of BIA’s facilities and services.

ABU DHABI AND MIRAL LAUNCH BUSINESS EVENTS FUND ABU DHABI CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION BUREAU (ADCEB) has partnered with Miral, a curator of Abu Dhabi

experiences, to strengthen the emirate’s position as a leading destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), specifically targeting business events with more than

MARCH 2022

500 attendees. They have established a joint Business Event Fund, offering financial incentives to corporates staging large MICE events in the emirate. The programme’s pilot phase will focus on meetings and incentives with conferences and exhibitions set to join at a later stage.

UPFRONT

AIRLINE ROUND UP Emirates tops two YouGov UAE brand rankings

EMIRATES HAS TAKEN TOP SLOT on two YouGov brand rankings for the UAE. The Dubai-based airline ranked first on the research firm’s ‘Best Buzz’ list for 2021 and its ‘Top ten travel brands’ list. YouGov’s best buzz rankings are based on the Buzz score from the YouGov BrandIndex, which measures whether people have heard anything positive or negative about a brand during the previous two weeks. Emirates scored a better buzz than in the UAE than global giants iPhone and Apple, which took second and third spot respectively. Expo Dubai 2020 ranked eighth, but took the first spot in YouGov’s Best Buzz Rankings’ Top Improvers, with TikTok and Qatar Airways taking the second and third slots respectively. The UAE’s ‘Top ten travel brands’ list was

compiled using data from YouGov’s ‘Travel & Tourism: Brand & Destination Rankings 2022’, based on an impression score – a measure of whether a consumer has a positive or negative impression of a brand during the period January 1 to December 31, 2021. Emirates received an impression score of 63.3, followed by Etihad Airways with 40.5 and the Burj Al Arab with 32.6. Hilton, Jumeirah, Emirates Palace, Marriott, Rotana and Qatar Airways were ranked fourth to 10th respectively by impression score. In terms of the top 10 UAE destination rankings, Dubai and Abu Dhabi were ranked first and second, reflecting the domestic travel boom during the pandemic. Switzerland ranked third followed by Singapore, Canada, the Maldives, Japan, UK, Germany and South Korea respectively.

flydubai launches AlUla service, resumes operations to Yanbu FLYDUBAI WILL LAUNCH services to AlUla in

Saudi Arabia on March 2, becoming the first UAE carrier to operate this route from Dubai. The carrier also resumed its operations to Yanbu on February 24, growing its network in the kingdom to six points including Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah and Riyadh. Flights to Yanbu International Airport (YNB), also known as Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz International Airport, operate three times weekly. Flights to Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport (ULH) will operate twice a week.

MARCH 2022

AIR ARABIA has announced record financial results for full year ending December 31, 2021. The low-cost carrier reported a net profit of AED 720 million, up 475 per cent compared to an AED 192 million net loss registered for the full year 2020. The airline’s turnover for the full year 2021 reached AED 3.17 billion, up 71 per cent year on year. FLYDUBAI will resume flights to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) from March 2 with five flights a week out of Dubai International’s Terminal 2. With the airline already serving Istanbul Airport (IST) with a daily service, it will increase its flight frequency to Istanbul to 12 flights a week. SAUDIA’S app is now hosted on Huawei’s AppGallery as part of a strengthened partnership between the Saudi airline and tech provider. Saudia guests can now book and plan their flights between Saudi Arabia and their chosen destination on their Huawei smart devices. WIZZ AIR ABU DHABI is adding two new Jordanian destinations to its growing list of routes. Services to Amman will launch on April 30 and operate two times a week, on Tuesday and Saturday and flights to Aqaba, launching April 28, will also operate twice weekly, on Sunday and Thursday.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T F E AT U R E Peru’s economy grew 13.3 per cent in 2021

PERU IN NUMBERS ■ 13.31 per cent economic growth in 2021 ■ 3.9 to 4.6 per cent growth predicted for 2022 ■ Second-fastest growing economy in South America ■ Projected to have second lowest inflation in Latin America until 2025 ■ Eight port terminals and five international airports ■ Ranks first in effectiveness of registering a business property in South America ■ Ranks third in costs of establishing a business in South America

Peru means business Opportunities for trade, tourism and investment in this burgeoning South American country take centre stage at Expo 2020 Dubai

ith one of the fastgrowing and most stable economies in South America, Peru is a country on the rise, gaining global notoriety for its attractive business and investment opportunities. Its economy grew an impressive 13.3 per cent in 2021, the highest growth rate reported since the country’s central bank started tracking GDP in 1922, with exports across multiple sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and accommodation, contributing strongly, as well as growth in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In fact, in the first quarter of 2021, FDI hit the US$3.47 billion mark, which was higher than the 2020 total, highlighting Peru’s status as an FDI destination of choice in South America. The South American country is expected to continue to grow its economy, with the World Bank predicting GDP growth of 3.9 per cent this year and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) even more bullish, forecasting growth of 4.6 per cent.

To build on this momentum and with the goal of reaching US$70 million in business and tourism value by 2024, the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (Promperu) is promoting the diversity of Peruvian exports, FDI opportunities and the country’s tourism offering at Expo 2020 Dubai from March 7 to 9. Helping entrepreneurs, businesses and investors to better understand the potential of the country and providing opportunities for cross collaboration, the Peru pavilion is organising a business roundtable from 9am to 6pm on March 8. Positioning Peru as a provider of high-quality products and services, an attractive tourist destination and a country with a thriving investment ecosystem, the event will bring together some 100 SMEs from the 25 regions of the country. They will represent a wide range of export sectors including functional foods, fresh foods, handicrafts, cotton and alpaca clothing, jewellery, decoration, manufacturers, business investments, food industries, tourism, textiles, high

■ One of the seven most diverse countries globally in terms of ecosystems, species, natural resources and indigenous cultures Sources: Directorate for the Promotion of Business Investments, Peru; National Institute of Statistics and Informatics in Peru, World Bank; IMF; Doing Business 2020 Ranking.

technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, forestry and metalworking. Forging stronger links with the tourism sector is high on the agenda, and with this in mind, representatives of travel companies including tour operators, airlines, and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) will also attend the roundtable with the purpose of establishing strategic alliances and consolidating commercial relations between Peru and the Middle Eastern market. In terms of FDI, between 2011 and 2021, renewable energy, manufacturing and food were the top industries attracting FDI to Peru. To maintain growth and open new markets, the country has introduced legislation to encourage private investments, stimulate economic activity and offer tax incentives for companies that deliver Research, Development and Innovation projects, as well as a VAT relief framework. Information on these initiatives and additional opportunities for FDI will be available at the Promperu roundtable. For more details on the event, email inversionesperu@promperu.gob.pe

MARCH 2022

UPFRONT

KEMPINSKI BRINGS TWO NEW HOTELS TO SAUDI ARABIA

KEMPINSKI IS OPENING two new luxury properties in Saudi Arabia. Launching on Al Mahar Island on the Red Sea waterfront later this year, the Kempinski Hotel & Resort Yanbu is an existing property being renovated and repositioned as an elegant high-end resort hotel, offering “community club-like experiences”. It will feature five gourmet restaurants

and lounges, extensive spa facilities and exceptional meeting spaces, with accommodation upgraded to offer 23 additional suites, 12 villas and 48 designer apartments. Facilities will also include an infinity pool, a fitness centre, a private beach, a marina for excursions, a diving school, and spacious meeting and conference areas. There will be a separate and exclusive

Ladies’ Spa too. Kempinski has also signed a deal to manage Kempinski Al Qeshan Hotel, located in Riyadh’s Al Olaya business district on King Fahad Road. It will offer 150 elegant rooms and suites, 10 serviced apartments, separate male and female spa facilities, two high-end restaurants and a rooftop terrace with lounge and pool.

SHANGRI-LA MAKES KSA DEBUT

SHANGRI-LA HAS MADE its brand debut in

NEW FOUR POINTS IN JEDDAH FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON JEDDAH CORNICHE

has opened for business, located just 12 minutes from King Abdulaziz International Airport and close to King Abdullah Sport City Stadium. The property has 301 rooms, including 113 suites, all with sea views, 24-hour room service, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Dining options include the Creek Restaurant for all-day Arabian and international dining and the Lobby Café serving specialty coffees, light bites, and refreshments. For business travellers there are eight fully equipped meeting rooms. Other facilities include a health club and swimming pool.

MARCH 2022

Saudi Arabia. The Shangri-La Jeddah, located in the Burj Assila, Jeddah’s tallest building, offers 220 rooms and suites with Red Sea and city views; three restaurants, including the brand’s famous Chinese dining concept, Shang Palace; extensive wellness facilities; a dedicated kids’ club ; and versatile meeting and event spaces including the 960 sqm Shangri-La Grand Ballroom with Red Sea views. The hotel is close to major shopping areas and the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, home to the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.

NOMINATIONS

NOW OPEN LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE YOUR TOP CONTENDERS – MARCH 7

VOTING KICKS OFF ON MARCH 8 Visit btme.ae for more information For event sponsorship and table bookings please email: chaitali.khimji@motivate.ae

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UPFRONT

Hotel CEOs predict top five travel trends for 2022

Supersize my holiday, but sustainably Almost 73 per cent of CEOs said they were targeting the bucket-list travel crowd with substantial sales and marketing activity. They also flagged up a surge in bookings for villas and suites, dominated by family groups prioritising reunions and vacations with loved-ones post-pandemic by supersizing their holiday. Travellers will continue to prioritise responsible travel options this year, with 59 per cent of CEOs surveyed dedicating sales and marketing efforts to promoting hotel sustainability credentials to planet and community conscious guests.

City slickers return City travel will make a comeback in 2022, according to 80 per cent of GHA brand CEOs who anticipate guest numbers at urban properties will return to around 75 per cent of 2019 levels this year. According to GHA forwardbooking data, the most popular cities for 2022 are Dubai and London, with Rome and Lisbon rising in prominence again. Domestic bliss beckons Experience-hungry travellers will continue to explore hotels and destinations on their doorstep in 2022, with 46 per cent of GHA CEOs indicating the daycation market was a sales and marketing priority this year. The ongoing ‘bleisure’ and ‘workfrom-anywhere’ trends remain dominant, with 41 per cent of CEOs targeting the remote work and work-from-hotel markets. Drive-to destinations are in strong demand, while extended stays are on the rise, and hotels are responding with attractive packages ranging from day visits for work or play, to longer stints for executives and their families. Tapping into the staycation trend, the reimagined GHA DISCOVERY programme launched recently introduced ‘Live Local’, giving members access to experiences, offers and

DUBAI ECONOMY & TOURISM

THE CEOS OF SOME of the world’s leading hotel groups, all members of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), have made five bold travel predictions for 2022. Travellers will either go big or stay at home, with supersized holidays to ultra-luxury resorts and trips to major global cities high on the agenda, as well as serial staycations, daycations and work-from-hotel scenarios and a preference for sustainable travel, say hospitality chiefs surveyed by GHA between October 2021 and January 2022. Top findings include:

rewards at GHA properties in their hometown. Hassle-free payments Traveller desire for ease of payment will reach an all-time high this year, say GHA CEOs, with more than 68 per cent investing in systems upgrades to provide guests with a seamless experience, particularly at point of sale. At the same time, GHA’s new digital rewards currency, DISCOVERY DOLLARS (D$) – with one D$ valued at the equivalent of US$1 – enables members to earn D$ at any property in the GHA DISCOVERY collection for use on future stays. Contactless convenience Tech-savvy and health-conscious

travellers, weary of pandemicrelated red tape, will value convenience more than ever in 2022, said GHA CEOs, who are investing in technology to make their guests’ lives easier. The survey revealed more than 68 per cent intended to look at introducing keyless room entry/ room keys in 2022, while 46 per cent were prioritising online check-in and room choices, and 23 per cent were researching opportunities for in-room AI, such as Amazon’s Alexa or similar. Forward-looking CEOs are considering the benefits of the metaverse and virtual reality as part of it – one of the biggest emerging trends set to disrupt the business world in the future – with 50 per cent surveyed keen to use VR for hotel tours.

AN IN-ROOM SOLUTION FOR REAL COFFEE DRINKERS Sub-standard in-room coffee is thing of the past at 25hours Dubai One Central, which has teamed up with Caffé Musetti to offer guests a new way to make a fresh brew, thanks to an innovative single-serve drip coffee pouch, a product new to market. The brand’s production partner in Dubai grinds, packs, and seals each drip coffee pouch of 10g Musetti coffee on a custom-automated assembly line. Hotel guests simply pour hot water into the pouch and the high-quality Italian coffee gently drips into their cup below. It’s quick, easy and fresh, plus it’s a custom blend – Musetti Verde – just for hotels, with a 75 per cent Arabica, 25 per cent Robusta mix that is full-bodied, smooth, and well balanced, featuring a taste of caramel with malty hints. Musetti Verde is also served at Tandoor Tina, the Monkey Bar and room service at 25hours Hotel One Central.

MARCH 2022

The Future of International Travel

HYBRID

Dubai 9 - 12 May 2022 Virtual 17-18 May 2022

#ATMDubai

www.wtm.com/atm/mmg Part of:

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POSTCARD

DUBAI

Cu l i na r y t heatre Ibiza’s famed multi-sensory dining pop-up Sublimotion, is extending its residency at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, due to popular demand. After launching in November to instant renown, Sublimotion will remain popped-up until May 4, 2022, before returning to the party island in the Balearics for the summer season. The concept is the brainchild of Paco Roncero, chef and owner of two-Michelin-starred Paco Roncero Restaurante in Madrid, and creative director, Eduardo Gonzales, of the Vega Factory. This once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience features 10 whimsical courses, and the new season will bring with it a

MARCH 2022

variety of additions that “transform and delight with every scene and bite”. The theatrical show includes 360-degree screens with imagery projected onto every surface, from the walls to the table, taking guests on a journey all the way from a sushi bar in Tokyo, to a Jazz Club in New York City, with many suprises along the way. Every Sublimotion show accommodates 12 diners, so it’s ideal for a special occasion or a client event with ‘wow’ factor. There are two shows daily, at 6.30pm and 9.30pm, but be warned, it does come with a hefty ticket price of AED 5,000 (US$1,361) per seat. sublimotiondubai.com Gemma Greenwood

he Business Traveller Middle East Awards are back for 2022 and this year’s programme is bigger and better than ever, with several new categories added and the event’s hotly anticipated awards ceremony taking place live for the first time since 2019. Now in its 20th year, the awards programme will culminate with a gala event on May 9, 2022, at a five-star hotel in Dubai, with more than 200 guests set to attend. Each year, the coveted ceremony attracts a highprofile crowd comprising industry heavyweights, High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), C-Suite executives and key decision makers spanning the hotel, aviation, tourism and transportation sectors, and this year will be no exception. Nominations for awards across some 41 categories are now live and span 10 airline awards, four airport awards, 19 hotel awards and new for 2021, eight leisure and lifestyle awards. Reflecting business travel trends and traveller priorities, categories contested at the 2022 awards will range from Best Airline in the World, Best Hotel Brand in the World and Best Serviced Apartment Brand in the Middle East to Best Dining Experiences in the UAE, Best Mobile Travel Application and Best Golf Club in the Middle East. The best business hotel category will be applied to every major Middle East destination, recognising the high quality of accommodation and services to business travellers provided in each, with locations covered including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Egypt, Israel, Jeddah, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Riyadh and Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. The Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2022 celebrate the companies at the forefront of business travel and services, as well as the hard work of top-level industry executives. The 2022 awards build on the momentum of the highly successful

The Business Traveller Middle East Awards are back Dubai event returns and new categories added for 2022

2021 event, which took place virtually, recognising leading airlines, hotels, airports and other providers to the business travel sector across 33 categories. Several travel companies were crowned with more than one title including Emirates Airline, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Dubai International Airport (DXB), Four Seasons and Hilton, all of which received at least three awards. Notable achievements included Emirates being voted ‘Best Airline Worldwide’ and partner carrier, flydubai, recognised as ‘Best LowCost Airline serving the Middle East’; Rotana scooping ‘Best Hotel Brand in the Middle East’ and for its Centro Hotels by Rotana concept, ‘Best Budget Hotel Brand in the Middle East’; The Ascott Limited being crowned ‘Best Serviced Apartments Brand in the Middle East; and Marriott Bonvoy being named ‘Best Hotel Loyalty Programme in the Middle East’. The coveted ‘Best Hotel Brand Worldwide’ title went to Hilton Hotels & Resorts. In 2022 we give you the chance to nominate and then vote for the companies you consider the best in travel – those who have gone above and beyond during what has been another challenging year for the sector. Perhaps they were prompt in providing information on changes to services or offered flexibility with bookings, re-bookings and refunds, or maybe they have enhanced their loyalty programmes and demonstrated a commitment to responsible travel. The awards programme gives you the opportunity to reward them. Nominations are open until March 7 and voting kicks off on March 8. Your votes make up the largest annual independent poll of frequent travel customers and ensure we can continue to celebrate the best in travel.

Visit btme.ae for more information. For sponsorship opportunities, email chaitali.khimji@motivate.ae

MARCH 2022

ETIHAD GUEST LAUNCHES SUSTAINABLE CREDIT CARD INITIATIVE

tihad Guest, the loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, and the UAE’s First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), in partnership with Visa, are launching a sustainably focused Visa credit card. The FAB Etihad Guest Visa Sustainable Card will introduce a series of sustainability focused benefits that will educate and reward members for making sustainable choices and provide options to offset emissions for their spending. The partnership is powered by ecolytiq, provider of digital infrastructure for green finance, which will provide the Sustainability-

Etihad’s IATA environmental assessment success

as-a-Service® technology to track sustainable spending. Etihad is the first airline in the region to reward frequent flyers for being more sustainable in the air and on the ground. Through its Conscious Choices initiative, Etihad Guest members are rewarded for offsetting their flights with miles, carrying less baggage on board, and purchasing sustainable products in the Reward Shop. When they are not flying, members can also earn Tier Miles by offsetting everyday emissions when driving, when heating or cooling their home, cooking their dinner, or by donating miles to a meaningful cause.

Etihad has successfully completed IATA Environmental Assessment stage 2 and received accreditation in four key operational areas: facilities management, flight operations, Etihad technical division, Etihad Catering Services. The IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme is a blueprint for airlines to achieve sustainability in all air and ground operations. It is an evaluation system designed to independently assess and improve the environmental management of an airline. Stage 2 represents the highest level of IEnvA compliance and requires an airline to demonstrate ongoing environmental performance improvement. Etihad, which has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and halving its 2019 emission levels by 2035, is one of only nine airlines globally to complete stage 2 of the assessment.

Retired A380 to be upcycled into a hotel FRÉDÉRIC DELEUZE, a former Airbus engineer, plans to upcycle a retired A380 into a Toulouse hotel. The A380 hotel, with 31 rooms and suites and a restaurant, would be located at the new MEETT convention and exhibition centre, not far from Toulouse airport, with a scheduled opening date of 2024. One of the suites would be one located in and around the A380’s cockpit, while the other would be at the rear of the aircraft located on two floors and connected by the original staircase. Emirates recently announced plans to upcycle its first retired A380 into bespoke furniture and memorabilia, while several of British Airways’ B747s are being saved from the scrapheap, with plans to convert them into film sets and permanent exhibitions. MARCH 2022

Mövenpick teams up with mindful beauty leader Yuni MÖVENPICK HOTELS & RESORTS has become the launch

Mozambique’s Kisawa takes ‘resort to research’ approach

hotel partner for Yuni – a responsible beauty brand specialising in mindful products. Properties in the Middle East and Australia will soon be treated to bathroom amenities from the Yuni Hotel Collection, part of the Vanity Group portfolio, with hotels in Africa and Asia to follow soon. Guests experiencing the collection will be immersed in a “powerful blend of bergamot, grapefruit, orange and cedar”. The stress relieving aromatherapy essence is free from animal testing, parabens, microbeads, silicones, triclosans, MIT/ MCIT and heavy metals and designed to anchor and recall moments of stillness. The products are also created using OceanBound Material, protecting waterways globally. OceanBound Material is collected in high-risk areas within a 200km distance of coastlines or waterways that potentially lead into oceans.

he new Kisawa Sanctuary on Mozambique’s Benguerra Island is the first property globally to open in tandem with its own marine research centre, Bazaruto Centre for Scientific Studies (BCSS), which is also Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory. Taking a ‘resort to research’ approach, the data and knowledge output of BCSS informs the environmental decisions of the sanctuary, ranging from design choices and ocean awareness to meaningful guest experiences, such as spending the day tagging sharks from the deck of the research vessel. The strategic location and data support environmental management at a local level, facilitate regional collaboration, and contribute to international scientific programmes. At the same time, the resort’s diving centre primarily supports researchers conducting field projects, carrying out surveys, filming documentaries or location scouting, and also provides dive training and courses through research expeditions. Data collection and conservation work includes open ocean animal identification, marine debris monitoring and waste management. Kisawa also employs local talent for enhanced insight into the surrounding environment and habitats. The resort, which treads a light footprint on the land through new conscious construction methods and traditional roof weaving, features 22 one-, two-, and three-bedroom bungalows spread across 12 residences – some cove-side and others sheltering in the dunes on the ocean-side. Guests can expect to eat produce grown on site using organic and seasonal gardening methods, as well as goods sourced from local farmers, fishermen and producers.

Dubai’s Radisson RED offers guests a breath of fresh air RADISSON RED in Dubai Silicon Oasis has become the first UAE hotel to officially monitor and assess its indoor air quality. The property has partnered with Dubai-headquartered AirZones, the world’s first Indoor Air Quality Star Rating Standard™, to ensure healthy environments for customers, joining its mission to make Dubai one of the healthiest cities on earth, way before the 2040 target. Having used AirZones’ cutting-edge monitoring technology to measure the quality of air inside the hotel over the past month, Radisson RED DSO has been awarded Airzones’ four-star indoor air quality rating. AirZones is now offering advice on how to further improve air quality, focusing on any excess pollutants. MARCH 2022

P R I VAT E AV I AT I O N

New BBJ for RoyalJet THE ROYALJET GROUP, a

FOUR SEASONS LAUNCHES ADDITIONAL 2023 PRIVATE JET ITINERARIES FOUR SEASONS HOTELS AND RESORTS

has launched additional private jet itineraries for 2023. The luxury hospitality firm first announced its private jet journeys at the end of last year and they have proven so popular that it has expanded the options to seven trips – the most it has ever offered in one year. The seven “expertly curated itineraries” set to take flight in 2023 will allow Four Seasons passengers to “seamlessly explore a collection of remarkable destinations while enjoying the benefits of private travel”. Newly added journeys include: Timeless Encounters (March 26 – April 18, 2023): This 24-day voyage explores Kona, USA – Bora Bora, French Polynesia – Sydney, Australia – Bali, Indonesia – Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, Thailand – Taj Mahal, India (day trip) – Dubai, UAE – Prague, Czech Republic – London, England. Ancient Explorer (August 16 – September

8, 2023): A 10-destination trip taking in Miami, USA – Mexico City, Mexico – Easter Island, Chile – Bora Bora, French Polynesia – Great Barrier Reef, Australia – Bangkok, Thailand – Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan – The Pyramids, Egypt (day trip) – Taormina, Italy – Madrid, Spain Uncharted Discovery (November 20 – December 20, 2023): Discover seven destinations over 24 days: New Orleans, USA – Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica – Machu Picchu, Peru – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Antarctica – Bogotá, Colombia – Paradise Island, Bahamas All 2023 itineraries will take place aboard the new Four Seasons Private Jet. Fully customised to Four Seasons specifications, with input from previous journey passengers, the Airbus A321neo-LR aircraft offers the widest and tallest cabin in its class, featuring a 48-seat interior configured for even greater comfort. fourseasonsjet@fourseasons.com

premium private aviation specialist, has acquired another Boeing Business Jet (BBJ). The aircraft is currently undergoing technological and communications upgrades and will be available to charter by April. The new BBJ boasts a 23-passenger VVIP interior with an aft private master bedroom with private lavatory and shower, and a mid-cabin open plan VVIP lounge. It can sleep up to 12 in VVIP lie-flat seats and its queen-sized bed. The aircraft has been previously upgraded with special soundproofing, along with a low cabin altitude modification, special humidifiers and a HEPA filtration system. It is also being fitted with the latest technology so passengers will be able to stream high-definition video content via their personal accounts with providers such as Apple TV, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video utilising the onboard Wi-Fi system. This aircraft will also become the longest range BBJ in RoyalJet’s fleet, capable of flying non-stop for more than 12 hours.

ANOTHER RECORD YEAR FOR VISTA PRIVATE AVIATION GROUP Vista Global Holding (Vista) has reported another record year (2021) for its brands – VistaJet (private aviation membership programme) and XO (click-to-flight solutions). The group saw global flight hours increase 64 per cent year on year, with VistaJet selling more than 22,000 annual subscription hours, up 90 per cent on 2020. A “massive influx of business travellers choosing private aviation over commercial flying” led to the number of XO Deposit Members increasing 68 per cent in 2021 and a 26 per cent hike in VistaJet members. Vista now serves more than half of the top 10 largest global companies. vistaglobal.com

MARCH 2022

Exclusive paintings, sculptures, photography and timepieces from award-winning international artists.

Painting by Mai Majdy

Photograph by Lord Patrick Lichfield

The United Arab Emirates 50th Anniversary Navigator Clock – Limited Edition by David Galbraith

ISLAND-STYLE LIVING The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa is pioneering a new era of modern luxury hospitality in the northern emirate

MARCH 2022

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

AT A GL AN CE Location: Hayat Island Accommodation: Standard Rooms and Executive Rooms have sea views and Private Pool Villas and Family Villas, set in the lush gardens just steps from the white sandy beach, feature living spaces, in-villa dining and sophisticated amenities. Pool Villas are ideal for couples and Family Villas have ample room for family and friends. Dining: Levant & Nar (Levant and Turkish cuisine, sea views) NoHo (a trendy hangout with sharing platters); Saffar (all-day dining); Shasha Pool Bar (al fresco bites, DJ beats) Amarbar (library-style bar); Ramsa Lounge (for organic tea and coffee, pastries and chat).

Club InterContinental building, Spa InterContinental, Planet Trekkers and Teens Club, and an expansive leisure programme, there really is something for everyone. As an IHG resort, the IHG Clean Promise, with additional COVID-19 protocols and advanced practices, reassures our guests that we’re taking every possible step to protect them as we enter a new norm. What facilities and experiences do you offer for business travellers and corporate groups? From meetings to gala dinners and grand celebrations, our venues are designed to inspire, with an elegant ballroom, two meeting rooms that can be separated into six breakout rooms, and two boardrooms, complete with a dedicated pre-function area, stateof-the-art technology, and bespoke catering packages. For something a little different, guests can enjoy an event at Levant & Nar, our Levant-inspired restaurant with 360-degree Gulf views; at NoHo, our New York themed bar and grill; or at outdoor locations such as our private white sand beach or at the edge of our infinity pool. When business finishes, guests still have time to enjoy our facilities, including a fitness centre and Spa InterContinental, which is set to open in April. Who is booked into the property right now? Ras al Khaimah is a favourite

staycation destination in the UAE and so the local market is incredibly important to us. We’ve shaped our offer to reflect that, from authentic Arabic touches that are prominent throughout the design of the resort, to our private villas, some of which include pools, that are perfect for families. For business travellers who want to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of city life, we tempt with light-filled spaces, and given the increase in mobile working, our resort offers the perfect place to combine business with pleasure, whether that’s as an individual, or for a corporate getaway. We’ll also be working closely with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority to attract guests from key international target markets including Saudi Arabia, Germany, the UK, Russia, and India, and given the diversity and capacity of our events spaces, we are ideal for destination weddings. If you had 10 seconds to pitch the property to a guest, how would you describe it? Promising InterContinental’s discreet luxury, the resort is the pearl of the northern emirates; a place to create memories for a lifetime, where everything has a meaning, and everyone has a story to tell. With a rich culture and genuine natural connection, the resort will become a benchmark for hospitality in the destination.

Meetings and events: a ballroom (up to 378 guests), six flexible meeting rooms and two boardrooms. Private dining and outdoor locations available and team-building events and destination weddings can be organised. Club InterContinental: for an elevated stay, Club InterContinental rooms, located in the exclusive club building, have access to a separate check in area, private pool and bespoke food and beverage offerings throughout the day. Leisure facilities: include a fitness suite, Spa InterContinental with Turkish hammam and 10 treatment rooms, two pools, and for kids, Planet Trekkers and Teens Club. Day trips: the concierge can arrange a wide range of activities, from visits to Suwaidi Pearl Farm, dhow cruises through the mangroves and desert safaris to adventure pursuits on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest mountain peak. Added extras: a 24-hour business centre and complimentary parking for guests.

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ADVENTURE TR AVEL

he adventure tourism market was valued at US$112,227 million in 2020 and is estimated to reach $1,169,095 million by 2028, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.1 per cent from 2021 to 2028, according to Allied Market Research. Its popularity has been accelerated by the pandemic, with travellers seeking new hotel and destination experiences with an emphasis on outdoor activities. While adventure tourism normally involves active pursuits such as caving, climbing,

cycling, hiking, hunting, rafting, diving, in the GCC, it also encompasses more sedate, but as equally exhilarating experiences, ranging from visits to ancient historical sites to stargazing and camel safaris. Destinations ramping up their adventure tourism offering include the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, with new accommodation options including luxurious retreats, glamping – on the beach, in the mountains, or in the desert – and activity camps. Here’s a glance at some of the options when you’re craving time in the great outdoors.

Adventurous travellers can hike the UAE’s tallest mountain in Ras Al Khaimah

Dubai’s leading adventure destination is Hatta, located on the border of Oman, home to picturesque mountains, a cooler climate, hidden wadis, and an untamed natural environment where activities on offer include mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, paragliding and much more. At Hatta Wadi Hub, you’ll find the Hatta Drop-In attractions with its slides and plunge pools and activities such as gel ball, tube sliding, zorbing, football zorbing and archery. If you can’t fit it all into a day trip, there are several overnight stay options, from glamping to hotels, including: Damani Lodges Resort: cosy purpose-built MARCH 2022

lodges in the mountains, overlooking the village and the Hatta Wadi Hub activity park. Hatta Caravan Park: a mountainside caravan park with luxury RVs, providing access to Hatta Wadi Hub and nature trails. Hatta Dome Park: the newest addition to Hatta’s glamping experience with 15 domeshaped permanent tent structures designed with panoramic windows with mountain views. Hatta Campsite: bring your own caravan or tent to this scenic campsite. Sedr Trailers Resort: camp on the banks of Hatta Dam in a luxurious trailer. JA Hatta Fort Hotel: Dubai’s only mountain resort and the ideal family getaway.

RAKTDA

Hatta, Dubai

For travellers craving experiences in the great outdoors, the Gulf has plenty to offer, with new accommodation and activities popping up on the beach, desert, and mountains

S TAY ADVE N TUR OU S

WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD

ADVENTURE TR AVEL

Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Learn about the heritage of the land and the culture of Bedouin tribes, or take part in desertinspired activities, from camel and horse riding through the dunes to surfing on artificial waves, at Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa. This boutique sanctuary, in the heart of the Abu Dhabi desert, which has recently added new luxurious one- and two-bedroom suites and villas to its accommodation offering, offers adventure and relaxation in a tranquil and authentic environment. Try archery, falconry, or jump on a dune buggy or fat bike for an exhilarating guided desert ride. If water is your thing, the surf ’s up when the Desert Waves machine gets going, with A Wathba the only desert resort in the UAE offering a water-based activity. For relaxation, the Saray Spa is inspired by the idea of traditional Caravanserai, a place where travellers from all over the world gather to rest, recover, and reboot. When the sun sets, head to the campfire in the desert wilderness for Emirati refreshments and stargazing.

THE ABU DHABI DESERT GUIDE This new 35-page guide compiled by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) provides aspiring desert adventurers with everything they need to know about safely exploring and experiencing the emirate’s incredible outdoor landscapes, from camping activities and off-road driving to the location of hidden gem beauty spots and even traditional Emirati recipes that can be cooked on a campfire. Available online at visitabudhabi.ae, the guide offers readers tips and tricks ahead of their desert adventures, regardless of whether they are first-timers or experienced visitors. For off-road enthusiasts, six routes suitable for various levels of desert driving experience are listed.

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ADVENTURE TR AVEL

Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi Eywoa Marine Sports at Yas Marina is tempting watersports lovers with adrenalin-fuelled activities including wakeboarding, wakesurfing, kitesurfing and hydrofoil. The company not only rents out all the kit, but offers watersport camps too. Adrenaline junkies are welcome every day of the week from 7am to 6pm. Yas Marina is also home to Monty’s Rowing Club, offering coaching for all abilities, and the Abu Dhabi Sailing Academy, providing private lessons, team-building sessions and racing events.

Mysk Kingfisher Retreat, Sharjah This boutique property in Sharjah won ‘The World’s Leading Nature Retreat’ award at The World Travel Awards 2021, recognised as the gateway to a unique world of conservation and culture and the perfect place to slow down, breathe and just be. Set on the east coast of the emirate, Mysk Kingfisher features 20

tents, each with a private pool, while the vast range of activities on offer include yoga, birdwatching, archery, kayaking by the beach or through the mangroves, watching out for sea turtles, or catching a glimpse of many rare species of birds that thrive in the protected wetlands. Mysk Kingfisher is part of Sharjah Collection by Mysk, a group of boutique eco-retreats.

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Moon Retreat, Sharjah

Moon Retreat, another eco-luxury property in the Sharjah Collection by Mysk, is a family friendly glamping paradise providing guests with access to outdoor activities and natureinspired experiences in the archaeologically rich Mleiha region. A unique way of desert glamping that combines resort-style services with traditional camping, Moon Retreat features 10 single-bed domes, four family tents and two single-bed tents, most with private pools. Guests can pre-order readyto-grill meals during their stay, which can be cooked on their private barbeque grills in their tents. There’s also a communal bonfire and BBQ experience where guests can socialise. Activities include tailormade hiking trails around Mleiha and trips to the nearby Mleiha Archaeological Centre, home to a fascinating collection of artifacts and fossils discovered in massive archaeological excavations that have revealed the oldest evidence of human life outside of Africa. The retreat has also become popular for its epic stargazing opportunities, thanks to very little light pollution in the vast Mleiha desert.

Banan Beach, Ras Al Khaimah Banan Beach is Ras Al Khaimah’s new glamping resort on Al Marjan Island, known for its beautiful shoreline and relaxed atmosphere. Here, guests can enjoy beachside vibes, campfire gatherings, yoga and wellness sessions, family friendly activities, BBQ areas, an outdoor cinema, pool, and much more. The brightly coloured tepee-designed tents have been handmade by the Banan Beach team using recycled, locally sourced and biodegradable materials, with options including chalets, loft tents and triangular small tents. Pet-friendly accommodation is available too. The resort’s sustainability theme extends to its dining concepts, with natural and sustainable methods such as wood and charcoal for cookery used in its kitchens, instead of the conventional electricity and gas. MARCH 2022

ADVENTURE TR AVEL

The Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, Ras Al Khaimah Check in here and you’ll receive hands-on practical training in extreme survival techniques, with courses and activities designed by British adventurer Bear Grylls. Take part in a survival course or try activities including biking, hiking, climbing, abseiling, archery, ropes courses and more. This is the place to reconnect with nature and rediscover your wild spirit, with all experiences located in on or around Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. If you can’t get enough, stay the night in one of nine recycled and redesigned Bear Grylls branded cabins where cooking and dining equipment is provided. The on-site camp shop sells charcoal, firelights and firewood for your BBQ, plus soft drinks and snacks. The camp is ideal for corporate teambuilding events with tailormade experiences available.

Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia Habitas, a sustainability focused hospitality group with a “commumity centric conscience” made its Middle East debut in the AlUla region of Saudi Arabia at the end of last year. Nestled in an ancient oasis in the desert canyons of the Ashar Valley, “experiential accommodation” includes Celestial Villas with private outdoor terraces featuring telescopes for stargazing; Alcove Rooms surrounded by cliffs and offering private terraces with expansive desert views; and Canyon Villas tucked into the sandstone cliffs featuring a majlis-style outdoor terrace. Facilities include Tama restaurant serving authentic local cuisine, a yoga deck, wellness and fitness centres and a swimming pool. Guest programming includes art and culture walks and lectures, canyon trekking, yoga, meditation and breath work, camel rides, mountain biking, stargazing, weekly outdoor cinema screenings showcasing regional cultural films and documentaries and guided walks of the ancient city where the Nabateans once lived. True to Habitas brand hallmarks, the property’s modular, low-impact design protects the environment and uses sustainable construction methods. MARCH 2022

Banyan Tree AlUla Opening soon, Banyan Tree AlUla, located in the stunning Ashar Valley, will comprise luxury tents inspired by Nabatean architecture. Each ‘villa’ will have its own pool and boast desert and mountain views, with one-, two- and three-bedroom options available. Guests will be able to dine at one of two venues – Saffron, a signature Banyan Tree Thai restaurant, and an Arabian venue

serving authentic local cuisine, while facilities will include a Banyan Tree spa and a fitness centre. Experiences on offer will focus on the discovery of AlUla, a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage, home to towering sandstone mountains and ancient sites dating back thousands of years, the most famous of which, Hegra, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it was once the principal southern city of the Nabatean Kingdom.

FLYDUBAI LAUNCHES ALULA SERVICE flydubai launched services to AlUla in Saudi Arabia on March 2, becoming the first UAE carrier to operate this route from Dubai. Flights to Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport (ULH) operate twice a week on Wednesday and Saturday.

INTRODUCING ALULA’S NEW POD TRANSPORT The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is piloting a new fully autonomous pod vehicle service, providing passengers with a quick and easy link to AlUla’s Old Town from the south car park. The service is part of RCU’s plan to develop a range of fully integrated, accessible and environmentally friendly public transport options. The electrically powered smart pod, which operates from 4pm to midnight daily, can carry up to 22 people (8 seated 14 standing) although capacity is limited to eight passengers during the pilot scheme. The pod service is free of charge and will be expanded to other areas of AlUla including Dadan, Hegra and AlJadidah later in the year.

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Desert Rock, Red Sea Opening next year (2023), the Desert Rock resort will be carved into the mountains, quite literally immersing guests in their environment. Developed by The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) as part of The Red Sea Project, the luxury resort will provide panoramic views of the mountain canyons below and the canopy of stars above. Inspired by the rugged terrain, which also includes volcanoes and wadis, Desert Rock will feature 48 villas and

12 hotel suites ranging from ground-level dwellings to crevice hotel suites midway up the mountain. “Desert Rock offers a ‘never before seen’ opportunity for guests to connect physically and metaphysically with one of the most dramatic desert landscapes in the world,” according to Chad Oppenheim, founder of Oppenheim Architecture, the design and planning firm behind the concept. Guests will enter the resort through a hidden valley nestled between the mountains. Most roads leading

into the resort will follow the edge of the main wadi, hidden behind landscape mounds, to provide uninterrupted views. This will also minimise sound and light pollution. Resort facilities will include spa and fitness centre, remote destination dining areas, as well as a feature lagoon oasis. Visitors will be able to hike with members of the local community who will provide educational tours of the area. Dune buggies will also be on hand to hire as part of the site-wide activities programme. MARCH 2022

ADVENTURE TR AVEL

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akdhar Resort, Oman One of the world’s highest luxury resorts, located on the fabled Green Mountain, this retreat promises elevated luxury with dramatic canyon views from a platform where Princess Diana once stood. Last year, the resort, located just two hours inland by road from Muscat, launched the Extreme Jabal Activity Wall, incorporating 200 metres of via ferrata snaking across the cliff edge, as well as Oman’s first mountain zip lines. The wall experience starts with a short zipline flight across the canyon to the via ferrata, where those with a head

MARCH 2022

for heights navigate vertical rocks and finishes with an hour-long activity that involves crossing the Middle East’s highest steel bridge. Other activities on offer include hiking, mountain biking and a guided three-village culture walk. The accommodation options range from canyon-view rooms to the magnificent three-bedroom Royal Mountain Villa – a two-storey residence with a cliff ’s edge infinity pool that can accommodate up to nine guests. There are five dining venues, a spa, yoga classes, plus meeting and events venues.

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman One of the region’s original adventure retreats, Six Senses Zighy Bay, located near Dibba, continues to attract visitors looking for an off-the-beaten track experience. From off-road adventures in the Sabtyn, village treks and mountain biking, to diving, fishing, kayaking or archery, Oman’s great outdoors is there for the taking at this award-winning eco resort. If you like to make a grand entrance, guests are offered the opportunity to arrive at the resort by paraglide. Recently introduced experiences include a Three-Day Sailing Odyssey offering the chance to combine a stay with a voyage on a handcrafted Dhabab. During your three days cruising the Musandam fjords, explore quaint villages and excluded bays, swim as often as you like, go beach combing or kayaking, or just sunbathe and stargaze.

Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort This luxury resort, located just outside of Riyadh in the desert dunes, is a real hidden gem. Not only does it feature 57 secluded luxury villas and bungalows designed in an elegant African style, but it has its own safari park where big cats roam and Asian elephants, zebras, Arabian Oryx and giraffes can be seen. Amenities include a large beach pool, two freshwater lakes, horseback riding and a challenging 18-hole golf course, considered one of the best in Saudi Arabia. Ideal for a corporate retreat, there are dedicated meeting and event facilities including two theatre-style boardrooms and a ballroom. Built with African thatched roofs and stone walls to add African flavour, the main rooms can accommodate up to 500 guests. MARCH 2022

E L E VATO R P I TC H

The elevator pitch

Business Traveller gives Christopher Pike, General Manager, Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport, five minutes to pitch his property to prospective guests

Firstly, I invite you to throw out any preconceptions you may have of what a business hotel is. The recently opened Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport should be considered more of a business village than your archetypal vertical hotel block. Our guests are settled in rooms located across nine attractive low-rise residences occupying a 50,000-squaremetre plot. Room sizes kick off at 47 square metres, before counting the nine-square-metre balconies. Then add into the mix, suites, duplexes and three-bedroom villas. Light, bright décor, full-width balcony windows, Chromecast mirroring TVs to name just a few features, have attracted fantastic feedback from guests who have discovered the unexpected since our recent opening. After a swift check-in at the main building, new arrivals are whisked by golf buggy to their retreat (even though it’s no more than a twominute stroll through the gardens). For many travellers dropping into

MARCH 2022

Riyadh for a one-day meeting, the old-school 2pm check-in and 12 noon check-out just don’t work, so we offer a 22-hour stay for a one-night charge. For those checking in after a late evening flight, there’s no need to haul luggage to the meeting the next day and then a long post-meeting wait at the airport for the trip home. Instead, after the working day, relax back at the ‘village’, refresh, feast, and then take a leisurely six-minute ride after check-out to the airport for your evening flight home. Some might use the extra time to take a dip in one of the three outdoor pools, ladies’ and gents’ indoor pools, de-stress in the professional gyms or drop in for a rejuvenating spa therapy. Better still, you can host a meeting at the village, choosing from nine contemporary meeting rooms with the latest teleconferencing facilities and a soon-to-be-added cinema-style auditorium (for 130 delegates) with multi-purpose events room, all just minutes from the airport, which

“New arrivals are whisked by golf buggy to their retreat”

TOP: Christopher Pike BOTTOM FROM LEFT: Recreational facilities include three outdoor pools; all rooms feature balconies

makes us a compelling location for local, country or area gatherings. As well as the regular favourite dining options at Lune Restaurant (with a stunning terrace overlooking the pool and gardens), our creative culinary team have a few surprises… camel burgers and Kabsa pizza to name a couple. Trust me, don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it! The desire for casual dining and light bites can be more than satisfied at Kazbah Café, again, a great place to chill and watch village life go by. And for those who like to jog or indulge in a relaxing stroll, the walled village environment wins hands down. There is no traffic to worry about, no noise pollution, and you get to meet the neighbours. An evening shuttle to the nearby Riyadh Front business district and mall takes care of any retail therapy or alternative dining needs. Time to rethink how to plan business trips to Riyadh? We think so, and many of our new business traveller friends agree.

AIR MILES

AIR MILES WITH

Matthew Kenney Matthew Kenney is an American celebrity chef, entrepreneur, author, an educator specialising in plant-based cuisine, and the founder of several vegan restaurants including concepts at Expo 2020 Dubai WORDS HANNAH BRANDLER

hat attracted you to your profession? During my first five years in New York, I couldn’t stop exploring. I walked every block. Every restaurant I walked by stood out. I would stop and look at their menus to try and understand what inspired them. I was a student of restaurants. I would use any extra funds I had to dine out and learn. I grabbed at everything I could. I read cookbooks and cooked at home at midnight after work. I wanted to dig deeper into that whole culinary world, which was captivating and mysterious to me; from then, I was hooked.

What’s your favourite dish? Kimchi dumplings because they represent a plant-based alternative without compromising culinary artistry, flavour, presentation or experience.

When did the love of plant-based cuisine kick in, and why? As a child I roamed the damp woods, foraging for curled green fiddleheads, harvested honey and canned vegetables from the family garden. As my culinary career developed, I experimented with vegetarian foods, not even intentionally, by just following my own taste and food preferences. I started incorporating more vegetarian ingredients and then stopped eating meat and poultry. By the time I considered being plant-based 100 per cent, I was ready and just did it. That was 18 or 19 years ago.

How has the pandemic affected the restaurant world? With the hospitality landscape changing every day, restaurants and their owners must be nimble and adapt to the pandemic restrictions. I truly feel that the industry will be forever changed in whatever the postCOVID world may be.

The future is bright for plant-based cuisine says Kenney

Most versatile ingredient? Avocado – no explanation required! Your guilty pleasure, food wise? It’s definitely pasta. Simple pasta with lemon olive oil or, you know pasta with olive oil and sea salt, or pasta Pomodoro.

What have been its pluses in terms of accelerating the plant-based movement? Food should not only bring pleasure, but nourish, heal, and promote longevity. Food consumed impacts the body and eating clean helps keep people healthy, which is important in the time of Coronavirus. What’s the future for plant-based cuisine? I believe people are more concerned about what they put in their bodies, so the future is certainly bright for plantbased cuisine; we are only getting started.

Why is Expo 2020 Dubai a good fit for your food and dining concepts? This is the largest event of its kind and the opportunity to share our food with the world is something we cannot miss. What do you like about Dubai? I was pleasantly surprised by all the different types of cuisines and international restaurants in Dubai, but I am yet to see anyone tap into the luxury vegan market, which is why we picked Dubai as our first official base in the Middle East. What has been your most rewarding travel experience? One of the most recent was Rwanda, preCOVID. I worked with gorillas. And most challenging? Too many to mention. What are your dream destinations? Hawaii and the Maldives for sure, but you can never beat New York. What’s your indispensable travel gadget? I like to sleep on the flight so that once I arrive at my destination, I am truly aligned with the time zone, so I guess it’s my phone so I can listen to meditation podcasts. What’s your in-flight entertainment pick? Documentaries! MARCH 2022

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Whether you’re brainstorming with colleagues or sealing a deal with a client, one of these Dubai business lunches could provide the occasion to do it

Chival at La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk

WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD

BUSINESS LUNCHES

Rumba Cuban Bar & Kitchen

Palm Jumeirah For an authentic Cuban vibe, the Havana-inspired restaurant and bar at Club Vista Mare on The Palm Jumeirah has launched Lunch A la Cubana (Cuban Lunch). Tuck into South American and Caribbean fusion dishes that are traditionally served in Cuban homes for lunch. Indulge in a delicately curated set menu, which includes appetisers, mains, and a beverage and admire the intricate and ornate interiors. Lunch Al la Cubana is available from 12pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday, priced AED 110 per person. Call +971 4 570 8111 or visit rumba.ae

Katsuya

Chival

La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk, Dubai Take a break at this social hub in City Walk where the new two-course business lunch, priced AED 75 per person, offers the choice of one starter and one main dish, or one main dish and one dessert. Options include a Middle Eastern falafel salad, a healthy chicken and coconut soup, an inventive Beyond Meat Burger, grilled miso-honey baby chicken, and seared salmon. You can end on a fruity note with the chef ’s signature passionfruit tart or poached pear. Indoor and outdoor terrace seating options are available. The business lunch is available daily from Monday to Friday. Call +971 (0)4 403 3111.

Hyde Hotel Dubai, Business Bay Acclaimed Japanese restaurant Katsuya, located at the recently opened Hyde Hotel Dubai in Business Bay, is offering two business lunch options incorporating guest favourites every weekday from 12pm to 3pm. For either AED 115 per person or AED 175 per person, diners can enjoy a choice of a starter and main course. The extensive range of starters offered include sliced seared salmon sashimi with jalapeño, served with onion and ponzu, or for the premium package, Wagyu gyoza with pickled cabbage or the sashimi selection, which includes fresh tuna, salmon and shrimp. For mains, Jidori chicken breast, Yuzu miso-glazed lamb chops and robata salmon cedar, are all served with fluffy steamed rice. Vegetarian and meat-free options include the classic Mushroom Bop and Yakisoba noodles. Those with a sweet tooth can add a dessert from the a la carte menu for just AED 29 extra per person. Call +971 487 1111, emailreservations@ hydedubai.com or visit sbe.com/restaurants/ katsuya/dubai MARCH 2022

Fi’lia

SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences Dubai When in Business Bay, try dishes done the Italian-Mediterranean way. We’re talking fresh starters including the salad di indiva, the arugula salad or the baked feta al forno and for mains, Italian classics such as margherita pizza or the Due Cacio e Pepe pasta. For seafood lovers, the feta seabass is highly recommended, served on a bed of warm couscous salad, with grilled asparagus and lemon sauce. Un Quatro Di Pollo (quarter chicken) is accompanied by roasted potatoes and rocket salad and for vegetarians, there’s sedano rapa – salt-crusted celeriac with cauliflower-fennel puree in rosemary oil and artichoke chips. If you have room, end with Fi’liamisu (the signature, creamy tiramisu) or the gelati, served with almond and hazelnut crumble, as well as berries. The Fi’lia business lunch is available from 12pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday, and priced AED 99 for three courses. Located on the 70th floor of SLS, the Burj Khalifa views are spectacular. Call +97146070737

Urla Bussola 38

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina Popular Italian eatery Bussola is offering a two-course business lunch for AED 140 per person. The menu includes a diverse mix of traditional Italian dishes with modern flair, catering to vegetarians, pescatarians, and meat lovers alike. Options range from fig and tomato focaccia and tuna tartare to seafood tagliolini and vitello tonnato (veal). While the weather is still cool, the outdoor terrace beckons. The offer is available from 12pm to 2.45pm, Monday to Friday. WhatsApp +971 (0)56501 0509 or visit 3034.bussola@westin.com

Address Downtown Dubai This new Aegeaninspired restaurant, named after the town of Urla on the western coast of Turkey, has introduced a new lunch menu, available daily from midday until 4pm, and featuring dishes exclusive to the coasts of Spain, Greece and Turkey, all made from fresh produce from the land and the sea. It’s located on the Fountain Level, designed around the concept of a coastline, and offers terrace seating with Burj Khalifa views. Menu highlights include seabass ceviche, lobster confit, monkfish skewer, braised beef rib, beef carpaccio, Turkish pasta and more, or you can opt for one of Urla’s signature meze plates. There is no set menu price . Call +971 52 554 5997 or email reservations@urlarestaurant.com

Mamafri

DIFC Southeast Asian restaurant Mamafri in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has launched a new affordable weekday business lunch priced AED 99 per person, which includes one choice of salad, one choice of appetiser, one choice of main course and one choice of beverage. It’s available from 11am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Call +971 (0)4 7700012 or +971 (0)563986723 MARCH 2022

BUSINESS LUNCHES

Brasserie Boulud

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Wafi Try a business lunch “the French way” at Brasserie Boulud, priced AED 125 per person for two courses (choice of appetiser or dessert with one main course, including tea, coffee and water) or AED 150 for three courses (choice of one appetiser, main course and dessert, including tea, coffee and water). Available from 12.30pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday, sample French contemporary cuisine designed by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, with appetisers including Rillette de Canard (pulled duck leg confit) and Thon au Sesame (mosaic of tuna) and mains ranging from grilled black seabass and trout ballotine to a home-made beef burger and mushroom linguine. For an extra AED 40, the seven-hour slow-cooked leg of lamb is recommended if you’re a meat eater. Call +971 (0)4 281 4020 or visit brasserieboulud.ae

Tandoor Tina

25hours Hotel Dubai One Central Try dishes with “a unique spin on Indian food, allowing British elements to take the lead”, at Tandoor Tina, which has launched Tina’s Express Lunch, available from 12pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday, from AED 85 per person. It’s a ‘thali’-style dining experience with the choice of one starter, one main, one side and one dessert, plus unlimited naan breads and water, making it great value for money and ultra-convenient if you’re based in or visiting Dubai One Central or Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Call +971 (0) 4 210 2500 or visit tandoortina.com

L’Apero

Sofitel Dubai Downtown For a fusion of French and Mediterranean flavours, try L’Apero, where a shawarma baguette, customisable sharing platters, tailormade sandwiches and inventive drinks are among the menu favourites. The venue’s business lunch, available weekdays, is priced just AED 69 per person and available from 12pm to 5pm, so perhaps a Friday is the best time to visit. Seating options include casual tables or informal lounge chairs so you can settle in for the long haul. Fresh bread and pastries are also available daily. Call +971 (0)4 503 6666 or email H7492@sofitel.com

Caviar Kaspia

DIFC Take in Caviar Kaspia’s famed ambience while you sit down to a two- or three-course business lunch (AED 135 and AED 155) or the more decadent three-course Kaspia lunch (AED 375). Available Monday to Friday, from 12pm to 5pm, it’s ideal for a long lunch. Menu highlights include salmon carpaccio, tuna tartare and mushroom pelmeni to start; Norwegian smoked salmon with Kaspia blinis and Golubtsy (minced beef and rice stuffed cabbage with tomato sauce) for mains; and Medovik (honey cake) or Kaspia Baba (with Chantilly cream, berries and Kaspia vodka) to finish off. See p66 for our restaurant review. Call +971 (0)4 243 5633, WhatsApp +971 50 967 0605. Or visit kaspiadubai.com MARCH 2022

The Bento Boxes at The Restaurant

Address Beach Resort, Dubai For a quick lunch on the go, The Restaurant, the signature outlet at the new Address Beach Resort, presents a bento box dining concept. The made-to-order boxes are themed to your taste – Arabic (pictured), Russian, Asian, Continental and Vegan – each featuring four dishes including a starter, main, dessert and side. The Restaurant prioritises the use of organic, fresh and sustainable produce and a calorie total is provided for each box. We’ll give you a hint – the vegan option has the fewest calories. Priced AED 88 each, the bento boxes are available to order on week days from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Call +971 (0)4 879 8866 or email DineAtBeachResort@ addresshotels.com

PRATO

Trump International Golf Club, Dubai For an authentic taste of Italy, PRATO at Trump International Golf Club, located in DAMAC Hills, has launched Market Lunch, with dishes made from fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from the local markets. Available from 12pm to 3pm, the three-course menu varies every month and, for just AED 125, offers a selection of delicious starter plates, mains and tempting desserts. Dine inside and experience chic and lavish interiors or head to the outdoor seating area for views of golf course. Call +971 54 417 0399, email reservations@skelmorehospitalitypartners.com, or visit trumpgolfdubai.com

Indochine

DIFC Indochine, the first and only international outpost of the legendary NYC restaurant, has enhanced its popular business lunch menu. Starting at AED 115 per person, diners can enjoy four or five starters to share and their choice of main course throughout the week. Highlights of the revamped lunch menu include a selection of starters such as duck and banana blossom salad, Vietnamese ravioli, pomelo salad, and betel leaf beef, followed by Indochine favourites for mains, like shaking beef, typhoon shelter prawn, caramel black cod, and wok-tossed rice noodles. Check out the outdoor terrace featuring the restaurant’s trademark tropical décor complete with a leafy canopy. The lunch is available Monday to Friday, 12pm – 4pm, AED 115 inclusive of four sharing starters and one main per person and or AED 175 inclusive of five sharing starters and one main per person. MARCH 2022

BUSINESS LUNCHES

Pascal Tepper

Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Fast and affordable, the Express Lunch at authentic French Bakery, Pascal Tepper, is priced at just AED 49 per person, available Monday to Friday, 12.30pm to 3pm. Enjoy a baguette or sandwich, with choices ranging from beef steak to the traditional Croque Monsieur, with a crispy salad on the side and a water, with the option to add on tea, coffee of soft drinks (AED 59 per person) or a glass of grape or a bottle of hops (AED 79). Savour the aroma of freshly baked bread at this dine-in bakery, named after Master Baker and “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” Chef Pascal Tepper. Visit pascaltepperszr.com

Media One Hotel

Slice Restaurant

Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City If you’re based in Dubai Media City, Slice Restaurant is offering a pizza and salad for AED 75 per person; a main course and dessert for AED 85; or a three-course set menu (starter, main course and dessert) for AED 99, available from 12pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City is located opposite the Innovation Hub on Sheikh Zayed Road. Call +971 (0)4 525 7650, email Hotel. grandplaza.slice@movenpick.com, visit movenpick.com/grand-plaza

Cordelia

St. Regis Dubai, The Palm The two-course lunch at seafood restaurant Cordelia, served from 12pm to 3pm on week days, includes one starter, one main and a hot beverage (tea or coffee) for AED 110 per person. From deep-fried baby squid with lime and mint aioli or pressed watermelon salad to start, to wood-roasted salmon, duck confit, sirloin steak or pasta for main, there are plenty of options from which to choose while you appreciate views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf. Call +971 4 218 0125 or email sr.palm.fbres@stregis.com

Dubai Media City Catering to the hungry media moguls working in Dubai Media City, Media One Hotel offers several business lunch options across multiple venues including a two-course meal and a cup of coffee/tea for AED 90, and just AED 10 extra for dessert, at Qwerty, available weekdays from 12pm to 3pm; The Garden Lunch at Garden on 8, with a burger and soft drink priced AED 69 and with a beer, AED 89, available daily from 12pm to 5pm; and bento boxes (pictured) for AED 69 each at Coco Lounge, from 12pm to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Visit mediaonehotel.com

JONES THE GROCER OPENS IN DSO

Australian specialty gourmet food retailer and café, Jones the Grocer, will open at Radisson RED Hotel, Dubai Silicon Oasis this month (March), offering another casual lunch option (and breakfast and dinner too, of course). It will feature an open kitchen, the option to dine indoors or on the outdoor landscaped terrace (seating up to 80), a signature Jones the Grocer cheese room, and a made-fromscratch bakery, patisserie and deli. It has also been granted a pork and alcohol licence and is the 24th Jones the Grocer outlet in the region.

MARCH 2022

WORDS HANNAH BRANDLER

Third dose travel

The countries requiring travellers to prove COVID-19 booster jab status

everal countries are now requiring travellers to show proof of a COVID-19 booster jab due to the fear of spreading variants such as Omicron, to name just one. The definition of “fully vaccinated” differs depending on the country, with some putting time limits on the initial two doses of the vaccine. This may not restrict entry to the country but might mean that you won’t be able to access certain venues and services upon arrival. Last year, the European Commission proposed a ninemonth time limit on vaccination certificates for travel to and within the European Union. Here we round up the countries that require boosters or third doses either for entry or for domestic activities. Note that rules are always subject to change and that it is advisable to check rules of entry before departure. AUSTRIA

To enter Austria, travellers must be fully vaccinated and either present proof of a booster shot or a negative PCR test. “Fully vaccinated” means that travellers have received the second dose no more than 270 days before entry into the country. If it is beyond this time period they will be classified as fully vaccinated if they have had a booster shot 90 days after the second vaccination and less than 270 days MARCH 2022

ago. Travellers who have not been boosted must take a predeparture PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival in the country. Without a negative PCR test or proof of a booster at the time of entry, travellers must complete a pretravel clearance form and enter quarantine. austria.info CROATIA

The country has set a one-year limit on the validity of vaccine certificates, meaning that travellers who received their second dose (or first dose of Johnson and Johnson) more than 365 days ago will no longer be regarded as “fully vaccinated”. mup.gov.hr

TR AVEL RE STRIC TIONS

FRANCE

According to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, any person aged 12 and over entering French territory must present a negative PCR or antigen test less than 24 or 48 hours old, depending on the country of origin. The measures applicable to fully vaccinated adults will be extended under the same conditions to minors accompanying them, regardless of vaccination status. Minors less than 12 years of age are exempt from showing a test. Fully vaccinated individuals arriving from a Member State of the European Union, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, the Holy See or Switzerland do not have to show a COVID-19 test. To use the French health pass (“pass sanitaire”), adults aged 18 plus must show proof of a COVID-19 booster shot received five to seven months after their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The health pass is essential if you want to visit any public venues in France. diplomatie.gouv.fr

CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW: Travellers to Singapore must provide proof of a booster dose within 270 days after the final dose of the primary vaccination series; Travellers to Austria must be fully vaccinated and either present booster shot proof or a negative PCR test; Many countries are now asking for booster proof

SPAIN

Travellers who have had two doses of the vaccine more than 270 days prior to travel are no longer classified as fully jabbed, and they must have received a booster vaccination at least 14 days prior to entry. Spain’s official tourism website states: “If you need a vaccination certificate, this must have been issued by the competent authorities of the country of origin at least 14 days after the date of administration of the final dose of the complete (first) course of vaccination, as long as the final dose of that course of vaccination was no more than 270 days ago. From that time, the certificate must show the administration of a booster vaccination.” Travellers must also complete an online Health Control Form and may have to undergo additional checks upon arrival in Spain, including a temperature check, visual health assessment or testing. Passengers may also be contacted and required to undergo a PCR, TMA, or LAMP test at any point up to 48 hours after their arrival in the country. www.spth.gob.es

ITALY

SWITZERLAND

Fully vaccinated travellers can visit Italy provided they take a pre-departure PCR test no more than 48 hours before entering Italy or an antigen test no more than 24 hours before arrival. Nonetheless, travellers must have had a final dose of the vaccine within 180 days for their vaccine certificate (which is the equivalent to a green pass) to be valid when visiting Italy. The official website states: “As of January 10, 2022, if you do not hold a Strengthened Green Pass (or Super Green Pass), once in Italy you may not be able to access services such as public means of transportation and hotel accommodations. Vaccination certificates in Italy hold a validity of six months only, as of February 1, 2022.” salute.gov.it

The validity period of vaccination certificates in Switzerland has been shortened to 270 days, meaning that you will need a booster jab beyond this time period to be classified as “fully vaccinated”. bag.admin.ch 43

ISRAEL

To enter Israel, you must provide proof that your final dose of the vaccine was administered no more than 180 days from the date of your departure from Israel. The country’s Ministry of Health states that travellers must either be: “Vaccinated with two vaccine doses (or a single dose in case of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine) and 14 days or more have passed since the date of the second dose on the day of arrival in Israel (and no more than 180 days on the day of leaving Israel). Not including the day of vaccination.” Or: “They have been vaccinated with a booster dose and 14 days or more have passed since the date of the vaccination on the day of arrival in Israel. Not including the day of vaccination.” Note, that all travellers must also take a predeparture PCR test and another upon arrival at their own expense, and isolate until they receive their result (or 24 hours have passed). corona.health.gov.il SINGAPORE

From February 14, travellers with a second jab more than 270 days old were not regarded as fully vaccinated. They now need to provide proof of a booster dose within 270 days after the final dose of the primary vaccination series. This rule includes those aged 12 years and above from March 14. mfa.gov.sg MARCH 2022

THE BEAR NECESSITIES

The new Teddy Bear Butler service with afternoon tea at the redesigned London Marriott Park Lane keeps kids and parents sweet whether you are travelling to the city for business or leisure

ith the lines between business and leisure travel becoming increasingly blurred and ‘workcations’ incorporating family time rising in popularity, hotels are adapting. At London Marriott Park Lane, which has been a favourite with GCC travellers for many years, thanks to its prime location, high quality accommodation and warm hospitality, the guest experience team has introduced a family friendly concept guaranteed to keep the kids happy – and therefore, their parents too. The hotel has launched a Teddy Bear Butler service in partnership with world-renowned toy emporium Hamleys, offering young guests the chance to handpick their own British bear and then share a splendid picnic with their furry friend in their room or suite. We were invited to try the experience with our 11-yearold daughter and nine-year-old son and it went down a treat. Here’s how it works.

ABOVE: A decadent picnic for young guests and their Hamleys bears MARCH 2022

THE ARRIVAL

London Marriott Park Lane is very well located in the heart of the city’s West End – opposite Marble Arch and

Hyde Park and on the corner of London’s most visited retail strip, Oxford Street. This is one of many reasons that Gulf business travellers and their families choose the property as their base when visiting. Its personalised service, coupled with its residential ambiance, also appeal. As you step into the lobby of this Grade II listed property, leaving behind London’s busy shopping streets, there is an air of calm and sophistication, but it’s welcoming too, and you feel as if you have entered your own private residence. Staff are friendly and eager to please. At check-in, welcome drinks were provided to all the family – Champagne for the adults, juice for the kids. At this point, our children were offered a Teddy Bear Menu featuring 11 themed bears. Our daughter opted for the ballerina-style Princess, while our son went for a great British favourite – the Beefeater, of Tower of London fame. We were then shown to our suite.

THE SUITE

We stayed in a generously sized one-bedroom Marble Arch Suite, one of the property’s family suites, which are priced from £1,520 (US$2,058) a night. Recently refurbished, the décor was modern but cosy. The suite featured a large bedroom with en-suite bathroom featuring a walk-in shower, bathtub, Japanese-style toilet with a heated set, and plenty of luxurious amenities, plus robes and slippers, as well as ample wardrobe space with a mini bar and tea/ coffee-making facilities; a hallway with a separate guest toilet; and a large lounge with dining table and chairs, sofa

WONDERHATCH

WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD

F A M I LY T R AV E L

with coffee table and a fabulous chaise lounge by a large window overlooking the famous arch and bustling Oxford Street. During turndown the sofa is turned into a bed for one or two young guests.

THE BEAR BUTLER AND PICNIC

A few minutes after settling into our suite, the Bear Butler arrived with Princess and Beefeater, so faces were beaming. The butler presented a handwritten card carrying an inspirational message on behalf of each bear, which was a nice personalised touch. The lounge was then transformed into a picnic area, complete with a hamper packed with bear-shaped sandwiches, sweets, cakes, fruit skewers, plus humous with veggie sticks for dipping. There were gingerbread biscuits for the kids to decorate too, with icing provided. Juices were on tap. They were delighted – and so were the bears. For the adults, some welcome bubbles, complemented with cheese, crackers and fruit, were greatly appreciated. Following a few hours of afternoon indulgence, we popped across the road to take a walk in Hyde Park to get some fresh air and burn a few calories. Shopping was next – the proximity to Oxford Street is really very convenient. The Teddy Bear Butler experience also includes mini robes and slippers for the kids, as well as bathroom toiletries and rubber ducks. At night, the hotel’s signature teddy turndown service includes a warm glass of milk and cookies while a selection of classic bear books is available for bedtime stories. The Teddy Bear Butler service in partnership with Hamleys is complimentary to all families when booking a suite direct. For families staying in another room category, the package is available to purchase for an additional £40 ($54) per child. Hamleys on nearby Regent Street is also offering exclusive in-store experiences for guests staying at London Marriott Hotel Park Lane. Families can explore the shop’s seven floors before its doors officially open to the general public for £500 ($677) minimum spend or take a one-hour VIP tour of the store, learning about the toys and how they have changed over the past 259 years, which includes a small takeaway gift and is priced at £35 ($47) per person.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

In addition to the picnic experience, there were two factors that made family time fun and easy at London Marriott Park Lane. Firstly, the indoor pool, which is open from 6am to 11pm daily, and part of The Club at Park Lane, gives the kids plenty of splash time while parents can take a dip or relax on the lounge beds. There’s a steam room by the pool too. Secondly, access to the executive lounge provides flexibility and choice, with hot and cold drinks available around the clock and at dinner time, the choice of small hot meals and snacks such as slices of pizza and chicken curry, as well as salads, mezze and more. Breakfast was served here too, with a small buffet offering fruit, cereals, yogurts, meats,

and cheeses, and an a la carte menu with plenty of hot options, from a full English to pancakes, and everything in between. Casual and with plenty of seating, this is an ideal option for families. If you do fancy something a little more formal, the hotel plays host to Lanes of London, one of Mayfair’s most popular restaurants, serving British fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, evening cocktails and of course, a traditional English afternoon tea.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: London Marriott Park Lane is located on the corner of Park Lane and Oxford Street; The elegant residentialstyle lobby; The indoor pool offers fun for all the family

FOR THE ADULTS

The Club at Park Lane also features a gym with cardio and strength training equipment, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, plus a spa, with bespoke massages and treatments by AromaWorks available from 8.30am to 10pm. Business facilities include three meeting rooms with natural daylight.

THE VERDICT

If you are travelling to London for work, leisure, or both, London Marriott Park Lane, a luxurious boutique hotel, is the perfect base camp, offering all you need under one roof or in close proximity. From spacious accommodation, flexible dining options and family friendly services and facilities, to world-class shopping and Royal Parks on the doorstep, it’s a home from home. London’s major business districts are only a short tube, cab, or Uber ride away, and many embassies are situated in Mayfair, within walking distance of the property. It’s ideal for a ‘workcation’ or business trip with a family stay tagged on. If you do bring the kids, the Teddy Bear Butler service is must. Visit marriott.com MARCH 2022

OPINION

Ask the Pilot Pilots are returning from furlough, but they haven’t been idle. Frequent retesting and training has ensured they are ready to fly OUR ANONYMOUS PILOT REVEALS THE SECRETS OF THE COCKPIT

B 46

ecause of the pandemic, many pilots will not have flown a real aircraft for a considerable time. When they do, they will rely both on their initial training, and subsequent flight simulator hours. The sophistication and realism of these simulators is such that the authorities allow them to be used both for training and for keeping our skills up to date, but if you are wondering about those skills in general, it might be of interest to take you through the process of becoming a pilot and then, once qualified, what you do to stay current. There are three routes into flying a commercial aircraft: self-sponsored, airline sponsored or from the military. The licence we aspire to gain is an Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), and if self-funding it will set you back far in excess of £100,000. Many years ago I was fortunate enough to be accepted by the British Airways cadet pilot scheme, and this fully funded my training with the obligation at the end to accept a job with BA if it had a vacancy. Such a scheme does not exist today and when such places are offered now, which is rare, it is usually part-sponsorship and a sacrifice in salary to pay the remaining costs over several years. As you can imagine, competition for these places is fierce! NOVICE TO FIRST OFFICER The training itself is carried out at an approved flying college; in my case it was BAe Flying College at Prestwick in Scotland. The course was residential and took 18 months, consisting of flying single-engine and twin-engined light aircraft as well as an intensive ground school course. After passing flying and written exam tests I left MARCH 2022

with my commercial licence. Even though I an examiner will observe you on a flight to had a commercial licence, I now had to learn make sure you reach the required standard. to fly the aircraft that BA assigned me for Failure to meet the necessary standard in my first job as a pilot, which involved any of these tests results in withdrawal of learning all the technical details of the your licence, and the requirement for aircraft you are to fly. This was followed by further training and retesting. training in the simulator and then learning to fly that particular type of aircraft and BECOMING A CAPTAIN how to deal with system failures and The time spent as first officer depends on handling emergencies. This next stage takes the airline and is a factor of experience in two to four months. Another subject you terms of hours flown and how well you have have to learn is something called ‘standard performed in all the various tests so far in operating procedures’ your career. If deemed which detail how we suitable to be captain operate so that we know you are then required to Every six months we what each other is doing complete an intensive have to go into the and when. Finally, the course of one to two time comes when you fly months’ duration with, simulator and pass as a fully qualified first as you may have guessed, a test to re-validate officer. The captain sits in various tests along the way. our licence the left seat and the first What I have just officer in the right. The described is the process stripes on their jacket or from absolute beginner to shoulder indicate rank, so four stripes for commercial airline captain. captain, three for senior first Additional requirements officer and two for first officer. arise if you are absent from In many jobs once the flying for a period of time. In initial training is complete, this case, in order to keep your that’s it; you are let loose with licence current, you will need to go little or no further training or in to the simulator and complete a testing required. This is not minimum of three take-offs, approaches and true as a pilot. Every six months we have to landings, usually every 90 days. This is what go into the simulator and pass a test to has been happening to pilots during the re-validate our licence, which involves an pandemic so that when the airlines need assessment of flying skills and how you them they are ready to go. handle aircraft system failures and I hope after reading this article that you emergencies. will feel reassured that the two pilots in the Additionally, once a year you have to cockpit are trained to the highest standards, complete a technical questionnaire as well as and frequently retested and checked so they pass a strict medical examination (every six can safely transport you on your much months if over 60). Finally, every two years awaited return to travel.

TA X AT I O N

The UAE CT explained Hanan Abboud, Partner, M&A & International Tax, PwC, explains the implications of the UAE’s recently announced federal corporate tax (CT)

n January 31, 2022, the UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced the introduction of a federal corporate tax (CT) in the UAE that will be effective for financial years starting on or after June 1, 2023. The UAE CT will be applicable across all emirates and will apply to all business and commercial activities alike, except for the extraction of natural resources, which will continue to be subject to emiratelevel taxation. For businesses with an income of up to AED 375,000, the UAE CT rate will be zero per cent. For incomes above AED 375,000 the rate will be nine per cent, although there is some indication that there will be a different tax rate for large multinationals. Free zone businesses will be within the scope of UAE CT and required to register and file a CT return but will continue to benefit from CT holidays/zero per cent taxation if they comply with all regulatory requirements and do not conduct business in mainland UAE. CT will be payable on the accounting net profit reported in the financial statements of the business, with minimal exceptions and adjustments. Tax losses incurred from the CT effective date can be carried forward to offset taxable income in

future financial periods. The Federal Tax Authority will be responsible for the administration, collection, and enforcement of CT. No UAE CT will apply to:

■ Employment income, income from real estate, income from savings, investment returns and other income earned by individuals in their personal capacity that is not attributable to a UAE trade or business. ■ Dividends, capital gains and other investment returns earned by foreign investors. Exemption from UAE CT will be available for:

■ Capital gains and dividends earned from qualifying shareholdings. ■ Qualifying intra-group transactions and restructurings. Hanan Abboud, Partner, M&A & International Tax, PwC, says: “The introduction of UAE CT will have an impact on the tax and compliance costs of most UAE businesses. Businesses will require clear identification of the tax implications and available optimisation/mitigation strategies, and any required changes to their corporate structure, operating model(s), finance/tax function, reporting systems, legal agreements, and TP policies to ensure compliance

with the new UAE CT regime. It is important that businesses evaluate the impact of the introduction of UAE CT early on and proactively plan for a smooth implementation. “With a nine per cent statutory tax rate and exemptions and reliefs (that we understand will be based on international best practice) the UAE CT regime should remain one of the most competitive in the world. The UAE will also continue to offer the most competitive CT regime in the region, with Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar imposing CT at rates between 10 per cent to 35 per cent (Bahrain currently does not have a broad-based CT regime). The key features of the proposed UAE CT The UAE will also regime such as a zero continue to offer the per cent CT for small most competitive CT businesses and startups, exemptions for UAE regime in the region based headquarters and international business hubs, no taxation on foreign direct investment, no taxation on personal income, and a minimal compliance burden for businesses should strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for business and investment and a leading international financial centre.” pwc.com MARCH 2022

Sporty meets safety THE ALL-NEW HONDA CIVIC

The 11 th Generation 2022 Honda Civic is now available in the UAE, with sporty design, advanced technology, and Honda Sensing® its new hallmarks

l-Futtaim Trading Enterprises Honda has launched the new, 11th generation Honda Civic in the UAE, a sporty and technologically advanced model of this iconic car, first introduced 50 years ago. The all-new 2022 Civic boasts a clean, modern design paired with a high-tech, human-centered interior, equipped with advanced

MARCH 2022

active and passive safety systems, characteristics that have earned the car the ‘2022 North American Car of the Year’ title. Next-generation exterior style

Exterior design features are stylish and bold and include wide-set LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRL); a stylish twin chrome exhaust finisher; new LED taillights; 17-inch alloy gloss-black wheels; a

ABOVE: A 10.2-inch digital instrument display and a 9-inch display audio

graceful fastback-inspired roofline, elongated hood and clean body lines; and a lot of black, applied to the shark-fin antenna, trunk spoiler and door handles and mirrors. Human-centered interior design

The interior design is spacious and uncluttered. Highlights include suede textile with leather combination seats, pulled-back A-pillars, a low hood, flat dashboard, and hidden wipers for panoramic views; race-inspired sports pedals; metal honeycomb mesh, creating a dramatic visual dividing line between the audio, information displays and the climate controls;

CARS

Advancing safety performance

dual-zone climate controls; a one-touch glass sunroof; rear air conditioning vents; and a wireless charging platform. Advanced technology

For the first time, the Civic features a 10.2-inch digital instrument display and a 9-inch display audio with various smartphone capabilities and an inbuilt app for Satellite Navigation. The touchscreen system features standard integration with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. In the UAE, the display audio features Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB). Another notable feature is the Remote Engine Starter, enabling drivers to start the engine from a distance to pre-cool their Civic, which is ideal during the UAE summer.

FROM TOP: A clean, modern design; The new Sports mode; Steeringwheel-mounted paddle shifters

AT A GL ANCE

The Honda Civic introduces multiple new active and passive safety systems including Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) to improve protection from vehicles of all sizes; Honda Lanewatch™; Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®) with traction control; and Rear Seat Reminder, a new safety feature that notifies the driver to check the rear seat when the ignition is turned off. Honda Sensing®

The Honda Sensing® suite of active safety and driver assistive technologies

Fuel-efficient powerful performance The new Honda Civic is engineered for instantaneous response. A sport-tuned suspension and the turbo charged 1.5L engine paired with continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivers 180hp@6000 rpm. The updated continuously variable transmission (CVT) engine is uniquely tuned for enhanced power delivery, engine sound, overall refinement, and fuel economy ratings. Fuel efficiency: 19.3 Km/L

use a new single-camera system, which provides a wider field of view than the previous radar-and-camera based system. It is also capable of more quickly and accurately identifying other vehicles, along with road lines and road signs. Technologies include the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™); Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM); Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS); Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); and the Low Speed Follow (LSF) system. The All-New Honda Civic is now available across Honda showrooms in the UAE, located at Dubai Festival City, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Visit cars.honda.ae

Max power: 180 hp@6000 rpm Max torque: 240 Nm@4500 rpm Paddle shifters: steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to control transmission. 3-mode drive system: Normal, Econ and a new user-selectable Sport mode. Using a toggle switch on the centre console, the new Sport mode provides a sportier feel, and changes the instrument lighting to red. Eco mode reduces throttle and transmission sensitivity, as well as air conditioning output to help preserve fuel efficiency. MARCH 2022

L O YA LT Y P R O G R A M M E S

HILTON AND MCLAREN IN NUMBERS

Lando for loyalty Hilton extends partnership with McLaren Racing giving Honors members access to more F1 experiences

ilton is getting members of its Honors guest loyalty programme all revved up with news that it has extended its long-standing partnership with McLaren Racing. It means access to Lando for loyalty, well, kind of, with the 22-year-old, the youngest ever British F1 driver, featuring in many of the online, and occasionally, in-person experiences available to Honors members as part of the tie-up, which was inked in 2005. The McLaren Racing and Hilton joint content programme includes the recent and highly popular ‘Ride to School with Lando’ feature, which became one of McLaren’s top five most viewed Instagram grid videos with more than two million views. The online film featured a boy being chauffeured into school by Lando Norris MARCH 2022

after his dad won the trip via his Hilton Honors membership. As a McLaren partner, Hilton also plays host to the McLaren F1 team at its hotels in race locations around the world. In addition, Hilton branding will continue to be carried across McLaren F1 race cars from 2022 onwards. McLaren Racing was founded by New Zealand racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966 and since then, McLaren has won 20 Formula 1 world championships, more than 180 Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt and the Indianapolis 500 three times. The team is currently contesting the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship with both Lando Norris and Aussie driver, Daniel Ricciardo, behind the wheel.

In 2021, Hilton Honors members redeemed

17 million points on McLaren experiences

The McLaren team stays at Hilton hotels across

13 Grand Prix race locations including most recently, Doha and Jeddah

Content with McLaren drivers is popular with Hilton and McLaren audiences – the most recent feature, Ride to school with McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris, has been viewed

more than two million times on YouTube

NATIVE MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE ON EMIRATES Attractions Activities Dining Health & Wellness Study in the UAE Entertainment Properties in the UAE The ‘Enjoy Dubai & UAE’ channels on Emirates’ awardwinning ice platform provide affordable access to one of the largest, captivated and afﬂuent audiences in the world, creating a unique opportunity to showcase your business.

FOR ENQUIRIES: +971 4 427 3000 | sales@motivate.ae

motivatemedia.com

4 HOURS IN...

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PARIS The Latin Quarter WORDS HANNAH BRANDLER Soak up the culture of Paris in its oldest and most scenic quarter, from an English bookshop to gardens fit for a queen

MARCH 2022

SHAKESPEARE AND COMPANY

This independent English-language bookshop at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie is a perfect introduction to the city’s Left Bank area, known for its literary heritage. Founded by the American George Whitman in 1951 in homage to the original shop owned by Sylvia Beach, it has become a haunt for literary expats and “tumbleweeds” – the nickname given to the 30,000 writers and artists who have stayed here overnight at no cost in exchange for reading a book a day, helping at the shop and writing a one-page autobiography. It’s a charming maze, with old wooden shelves stacked aplenty, quotes drawn from their pages plastered on the walls, and nooks and crannies for peaceful reading. Head upstairs to check out the serene reading library, a piano (where Aggie the cat occasionally

plays some keys), and a ‘Mirror of Love’ clad with messages from visiting bibliophiles. Plus, the shop holds free author talks, with previous guests including Zadie Smith and Michael Morpurgo. Purchase a book here, have it stamped by the bookshop as memorabilia, and begin your literary adventure at its adjoining café. After a difficult year of lockdowns, the shop launched a ‘Friends of Shakespeare and Company’ oneyear membership – find out more at shakespeareandcompany.com

LA SORBONNE

Turn left and head down Rue SaintJacques until you reach Rue des Ecoles. You’re now in the heart of the Latin Quarter, which draws its name from the use of the Latin language by students in the university district during the Middle Ages. The grand

edifice facing you on the right is one of the majestic buildings of the prestigious Sorbonne university. The institution is the heir to the former University of Paris, a group of colleges set up in the 13th century which was dissolved after the events of May 1968. Two years later, 13 universities were created, including the Sorbonne (otherwise known as Paris IV). Turn left into Rue de la Sorbonne, until you reach the plaza named after the university. Here you’ll find the 17th century domed Chapelle Sainte-Ursule de la Sorbonne or Sorbonne Chapel, a marvellous feat of architecture designed by Jacques Lemercier which houses the tomb of Cardinal Richelieu at its centre – the director of Sorbonne College from 1622. Ensure you view the chapel from the inner courtyard. Guided tours of the university cost €15 ($17) via visites.sorbonne@ac-paris.fr

3 3

THE PANTHÉON

Continue along Rue Saint-Jacques and Rue Victor Cousin, then turn left into Rue Soufflot and walk to the 18th century Panthéon, a striking colonnaded temple. It’s the resting place of Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, philosophers Rousseau and Voltaire, among others. Designed by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot (hence the road name), the temple was inspired by its namesake edifice in Rome. It is dedicated to Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. A permanent exhibition details the illustrious figures buried in the crypt. On November 30, legendary artist and entertainer Josephine Baker became the first black woman (and fifth woman) to be interred here. A health pass/vaccine passport is required to access the monument. Open 10001800 daily; tickets from €11.50 ($13). paris-pantheon.fr

JARDIN DE LUXEMBOURG

At the other end of Rue Soufflot you’ll find Le Jardin du Luxembourg, the beautiful oasis of the Left Bank, built in 1612 for Queen of France Marie de' Medici as a backdrop to the Palais du Luxembourg – now home to the Senate of the French Parliament. The design for the perfectly maintained and manicured 23 hectares was inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, with features including orchards, a geometric-style forest, an orangerie, and more than 100 statues of famous figures dotted around. At the centre lies a large octagonal pond (the grand bassin), teeming with wooden sailboats and surrounded by locals lounging on the city’s signature green metal chairs. There are kiosks selling snacks, drinks and ice-cream, as well as the occasional live music performance at the tree-shaded bandstand.

DINING IN SAINT GERMAIN

Your brain may need some fuel after so much cultural education, so head towards Saint Germain for lunch. Exit the gardens from the palace and walk up Rue de Tournon, taking a right into Rue des Quatre Vents and an immediate left down Rue Grégoire de Tours. Tucked away on this quiet street is the family-owned rustic trattoria Casa Bini, which serves authentically Italian dishes, such as carpaccio and fresh pasta (the langoustine and clam linguine is exquisite) on delicate plates with the restaurant’s name in cursive. For something French with a twist, head to Franco-Japanese Breizh Café on nearby Rue de l’Odéon for crêpes and Breton-style buckwheat galettes paired with cider; there are six other locations across Paris. casabini.fr; breizhcafe.com

PARIS TOURIST OFFICE; JACQUES LEBAR; DANIEL THIERRY; STUDIO TTG; SARAH SERGENT; ROMAIN BUISSON

MARCH 2022

GETTY IMAGES

TECHNOLOGY

WORDS DAVID PHEL AN

PERFORMANCE

MARCH 2022

The latest laptops combine impressive work capabilities with portability and style, plus all the features you need both at home and on the move

laptop is the business user’s essential gadget, especially for the traveller. The latest crop of portable computers are powerful, light and stylish, offering battery life that’s good enough to leave the charger in the hotel room (though not, please, at home), and match strong work performance with good relaxation possibilities, thanks to high-resolution displays and great audio. The days when you had to choose between decent power and good design are long gone. But there are decisions to be made. Do you rate portability over power, or the other way around? Do you want a touchscreen? And what about connectivity? All these laptops have wifi, of course, but some can handle a 4G or 5G sim, as well. A fingerprint reader offers extra security on most of the models reviewed here, including the Apple, Samsung, HP, Acer, Asus and Huawei laptops. Most laptops use Windows as the operating system, and that platform still has the widest range of programs available, not to mention more compatible hardware manufacturers. Windows 11 is built in to some of the latest laptops, though this will follow later for others. Then there’s Apple, with its own Mac OS: it’s unbeatably easy to use and powerful, but not the cheapest. Alternatively, there’s Google Chrome, an operating system that offers great value for money, but works best when it’s connected to the internet.

TECHNOLOGY

ASUS VIVOBOOK S15 $1,428 amazon.com

The Vivobook has a big screen (15.6 inches) with bright, crisp resolution, and a decent helping of style, including a version sporting a spicy red finish. The extra screen size means there’s room for a comfy and spacious keyboard, with a separate number keypad which is highly useful when you’re working with spreadsheets, for instance. The Enter key has a neat colour-surround to make it easier to find. Unusually, the fingerprint sensor is built into the corner of the trackpad. There are more sockets than smaller laptops squeeze in, including an HDMI and several USB ports, a headphone jack plus a micro SD card reader. Despite all that, it’s still manageable in size and weight. It’s a solid rather than outstanding performer that runs on Windows 10, but the combination of unusual looks and excellent usability make it a strong choice.

MICROSOFT SURFACE PRO 8 From $1,353 microsoft.com

Of course, Microsoft makes Windows software, but it has a handful of its own hardware products, too, with the purest version of software installed, in this case Windows 11. The Surface Pro 8 is sleek and attractive; designed as a tablet with an optional keyboard accessory. The Type Cover, as it’s called, is very good, sitting at an angle that’s great for typing and with more key travel than the thin cover suggests. It’s usually paired with the (also optional) Slim Pen to write or draw on screen. Microsoft includes a kickstand so you can angle the tablet perfectly, whether you’re watching videos, using it in conventional laptop mode or almost flat for creative apps. The touchscreen is great and the display is super-sharp. It has an adjustable refresh rate so everything flows smoothly. Microsoft claims battery life as 16 hours; the reality is less but it’s enough to get you through a working day.

SAMSUNG GALAXY BOOK PRO 360 5G $1,835 samsung.com

As the name indicates, this laptop has 5G connectivity built in. It was the first 5G laptop with the latest Windows 11 software already installed. Samsung’s laptop is amazingly thin at 11.5mm and weighs a fraction over 1kg. The display is Super AMOLED – a technology Samsung has refined in its smartphones over the years – and is pin-sharp and detailed. It’s a versatile machine: the display folds back on itself as though it were a tablet or into a tent position, ideal for watching movies, for instance. The speakers are good but this laptop is also compatible with Dolby Atmos speakers, which you may wish to purchase separately for listening to music. The display is a touchscreen and a stylus, called the S Pen, is supplied – great for painting apps or scribbling a note. Battery life is decent: in our tests it ran for pretty much a full day. If you have a Samsung smartphone, it’s easy to sync the two together. MARCH 2022

TECHNOLOGY

ACER SWIFT 3 SF314-59 $1,359 acer.com

Another super-thin and very lightweight laptop, Acer’s Swift 3 is more affordable than some and is a solid, powerful choice. Though its speakers aren’t great (you’ll want to use headphones for watching a movie or, you know, just get on with some work), that’s about its biggest flaw. It looks good – the aluminium chassis owes a thing or two to the Apple Macbook Air – and it has an understated, elegant design. The display can’t match the resolution of some rivals but it’s highly usable and the extra real estate – it has a 14-inch screen – is welcome. The camera is good enough for Zoom calls and performance across the board is strong. Battery life is good at around eight hours in our tests. Running Windows 10, this is a good-value, good-performance machine.

DELL XPS 13 2-IN-1 From $1,631 dell.com 56

APPLE MACBOOK PRO 14IN From $2,584 apple.com

Apple’s Mac range now features its own processors. The latest models come with the Apple M1 chip in two flavours: M1 Pro (amazingly fast) and M1 Max (even faster). Here, Apple has increased the screen size from 13 inches to 14 inches by reducing the size of the bezels around the display. As a result, the front-facing camera peeps out of a cut-out in the screen (similar to the iPhone). Because the menu bar surrounds it, it’s not that noticeable. The display also has thousands of mini LED backlights which make for an attractive, high-contrast screen. It’s also very high-resolution: this 14-inch screen has more pixels than the previous 16-inch generation. This is a performance machine, which never slows down, however demanding your work is. There’s one more benefit from the new Apple Macbook: battery life is significantly enhanced. Apple says it runs for up to 11 hours of web browsing, or 17 hours video playback (which looks pretty good on this punchy display). MARCH 2022

Design is to the fore with this versatile laptop with an aluminium frame and carbon-fibre finish. The lid on this laptop folds back on itself to offer several usage options including tablet style and the hinge is strong enough to ensure it feels solid in any orientation. The display is bright and detailed, though if you want something even more attractive, a 4K Ultra HD+ version is also available. There are also advanced graphics capabilities on this laptop so as well as being a decent work laptop, it is good for watching movies or playing games. The keyboard isn’t as sumptuous as the Apple or Huawei laptops here, but it’s usable and the touchpad is smooth and large. Battery life is more than adequate, though not the longest on test. An extra bonus for travellers: the charging brick is small and light.

HP SPECTRE X360 13 $1,904 hp.com

The HP Spectre X360 13 is very lightweight, making it an ideal travel companion. Although it’s extremely slim, the keys have plenty of travel, making it very comfortable to use, even for a long time. Just as impressively, despite the thin profile, there’s no flex in this rigidbuild laptop. The design is pretty distinctive, with angular 45-degree corners, for instance, and its all-over silver colouring. The touchscreen is compatible with a stylus, though this is not supplied. The fast processor is great for solid work, and even nippy enough for the odd videogame, while the battery life is excellent, in tests reaching a full 12 hours. Recharging uses a somewhat hefty charging plug but it does the job: from flat to half full in under half an hour. This is a flexible choice, like several laptops here it folds back on itself, and the hinge is sturdy and effective.

TRAVEL GADGETS

ANKER MAGNETIC WIRELESS PORTABLE CHARGER $61.22 amazon.com If you have an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13, you’ll know there’s a ring of magnets in the back to ensure the perfect fit to the MagSafe wireless charging pad. The same magnets are built into this battery pack so it snaps on to the phone to charge it. Perfect for topping up the iPhone when you’re on the move and instantly removed when not needed. You can use it for other wireless-chargeable phones too, though it won’t pop as satisfyingly into place. This is the ideal gadget for when you unexpectedly find you’re running low on juice. BOSE QUIETCOMFORT 45 HEADPHONES $435; bose.com Bose has long been the king of noise-cancelling headphones, and this new pair continues its winning streak. The QC45s offer a direct upgrade to the previous version, with similar sound quality and a gently improved design that sticks with the headphones’ classic good looks. They are simple to set up – though it’s worth downloading the Bose Music app before you get airborne. Audio quality is strong with noise-cancelling off, and sublime when it’s on.

HUAWEI MATEBOOK 14S $1,631 consumer.huawei.com

The 14-inch touchscreen on the Matebook 14S has a narrow bezel on each side, which looks great. As does the design of the laptop chassis – choose from grey and spruce green finishes. If you have a Huawei smartphone, it can connect wirelessly to the laptop screen. The keyboard is especially comfortable here, with more travel under your fingers than most keys. Although the camera doesn’t match the resolution of the Macbook Pro, for instance, Huawei has focused on those inevitable video conferencing calls by emphasising the sound: four microphones and noise cancellation help to pick up your voice more easily. This laptop has Windows 10 installed but will be upgraded to Windows 11 in due course. The screen refresh rate goes as high as 90Hz, for a smoother experience when watching video, for instance, though others here, such as the Macbook Pro, go as high as 120Hz when needed.

APPLE AIRTAG $39.50; apple.com Electronic tags are nothing new, but Apple’s is different. It looks sensational, for a start, with a shiny plastic and stainless-steel design. It connects wirelessly to your iPhone or iPad, and you can name it “Luggage”, “Keys” or whatever you like. If you lose the item it’s attached to, when it’s in Lost Mode, the AirTag will transmit a signal that is picked up by any passing Apple device (there are over a billion worldwide) and silently passed to your iPhone to show you its last location. Plus, the battery lasts for over a year. You can buy a four-pack for $135. THE TECH CASE $48; awaytravel.com There’s your phone charging cable, the one for your laptop, your international adaptor and more. If you chuck them into your carry-on, then you may be faced with tangled and knotted wires. The Tech Case from the excellent Away luggage company has three elastic loops to keep cables in place plus a big compartment underneath with a mesh top. This holds an adaptor, laptop charging brick and half a dozen more cables, in my experience. It zips closed and is lightweight and very neatly designed. MARCH 2022

HOTEL LISTINGS

HOTELS COLLECTION

B u s i n e s s Tr a v e l l e r M i d d l e E a s t m a g a z i n e i s a v a i l a b l e i n a l l o f t h e s e e x c l u s i v e h o t e l s

GRAND MILLENNIUM DUBAI HOTEL

MIRFA HOTEL

WALDORF ASTORIA RAS AL KHAIMAH

DUBAI The 340-room five star hotel features awardwinning restaurants and bars, spa and health club, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, a magnificent ballroom and exceptional banquet facilities. +971 4 429 9999 reservations@grandmill-dubai.com grandmillenniumdubai.com

AL MARFA Away from the bustle of city life, overlooking the azure blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the Mirfa Hotel offers 114 newly renovated rooms. The hotel provides excellent accommodation for the business and leisure traveller, state-of-the-art conference facilities, a fully equipped gym and ample parking. +971 2 8953009 rsvn@mirfahotel.com

RAS AL KHAIMAH Cradled by the Hajar Mountains, a championship golf course, sandy beaches and the azure waters of the Arabian Sea, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is 50 minutes from Dubai Airport and brings true Waldorf service to the most alluring beachfront location in the UAE. +971 7 2035555 rasalkhaimah.info@waldorfastoria.com waldorfastoria.com/rasalkhaimah

CROWNE PLAZA MUSCAT OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

CROWNE PLAZA DEIRA, DUBAI

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, DUBAI

OMAN Adjacent to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, this 295-room hotel is an integral part of Madinat Al Irfan, a product of an exciting ambition to establish a new urban centre within Muscat. Situated 10 minutes from the new Muscat International Airport, Al Mouj and Muscat Hills Golf courses and overlooking a Wadi - a natural reserve and home to about 260 variety of Oman’s exotic birdlife during the season. +968 2425 2000 rooms.cpmuscatocec@ihg.com crowneplaza.com/muscatocec

DUBAI Located in the cultural heart of Dubai, Crowne Plaza Dubai – Deira lies at the convenient gateway between the old and new districts of the city. Featuring 300 guest rooms and suites, and an array of meeting rooms, 6 restaurants and bars, a dedicated and fully equipped fitness centre with outdoor swimming pool, the hotel is the perfect place for both leisure and business guests. +971 4 262 5555 cpdeira.info@ihg.com crowneplaza.com/deira

DUBAI The award-winning Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai offers luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining and gracious hospitality in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. The hotel’s 302 superbly appointed rooms and suites offer a combination of traditional luxury and modern functionality. Spatial elegance, awesome views and thoughtfully selected furnishings create an experience of unparalleled style and comfort. +971 4 3438888 shangri-la.com/dubai

the

eport Tried, Tested, Tasted.

TRIED AND TESTED

■ Etihad Airways B787 Dreamliner Business Class (London Heathrow-Abu Dhabi)

■ Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadéro

■ Pan Pacific London

■ Caviar Kaspia, DIFC, Dubai

■ Anása, Conrad Dubai

■ Native Mayfair

■ Novotel Cambridge North

TRIED & TESTED FLIGHT

There are plenty of reasons to fly Etihad, with service always on point options such as fruits and yogurt, fresh baked croissants, eggs and sandwiches. For the main meal, some Arabic-inspired dishes such as mezze starters and prawn khabsa were complemented by international choices such as spicy vegetarian curry, beef tenderloin and seared chicken. An extensive wine and port menu offers oenophiles the chance for some in-flight indulgence, in addition to free-flowing Champagne. A wide range of entertainment, from classics to the latest releases, helps to pass the time.

A R R I V A L For business and first travellers,

Etihad Airways B787 Dreamliner Business Class LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI

B A C K G R O U N D London to Abu Dhabi is one of Etihad’s busiest routes and with the UK lifting travel restrictions, combined with a mutual recognition of vaccines between the UK and the UAE, travel demand has between the two countries has bounced back. Visitors to the UAE capital must show proof of vaccination to move around the emirate freely, so downloading the Al Hosn app prior to travel is advisable. Abu Dhabi is not open to non-vaccinated visitors, unlike the other six emirates where PCR testing is an alternative. On December 9, 2021, Etihad Airways moved from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 at London Heathrow, applicable to all flights to and from the airport. C H E C K - I N I arrived at Heathrow T3

early, at 5am, so the airport was quiet and check-in was fast and smooth. My proof of vaccination was checked, and I was informed of the new procedures regarding ICA registration for entry into Abu Dhabi. Due to the recent terminal move, premium guests travelling on flights EY12 and EY20 are invited to the Qantas lounge, while premium guests on EY18 are invited to enjoy the British Airways lounge. When these lounges are busy, the No. 1 Lounge in Zone F is used, which is where I ate breakfast. MARCH 2022

B O A R D I N G Fast-track boarding was efficient and stress-free.

T H E S E A T I was assigned 6C, a spacious and comfortable window seat. All 32 business class seats recline to a flatbed, so you can get some sleep if you want to.

B E S T S E A T The business class cabin

is configured in a 1-2-1 format so choice of seat depends on personal preference. Personally, I like to sit near the window if flying alone, or in the middle block of two seats when flying with someone else.

T H E F L I G H T Take off was punctual for

Heathrow, just 15 minutes delayed. There were plenty of dining options throughout the flight. Breakfast included healthy

in addition to a fast-track immigration system, there is fast-track PCR testing with results back in three hours, which helps ensure you are out and about in no time. I was also assisted with the ICA registration (requirements to enter Abu Dhabi) by staff at the testing area as my online registration didn’t work. Luggage arrives as priority for business travellers, which means a smooth, speedy exit.

V E R D I C T There are plenty of reasons to fly Etihad, with service always on point and an extensive menu of high-quality dishes and a great range of entertainment options. Abu Dhabi airport is also less busy than Dubai, so Etihad is a good option when flying in and out of the UAE. Melanie Swan BEST FOR Service

C ONFIGURATION 1-2-1

SE AT WIDTH 22

SE AT PITCH 73

FLIGHT TIME

6 hours 15 minutes

PRICE

AED5,000+ (US$1,361) one way

CONTACT etihad.com

TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

Anása, Conrad Dubai B A C K G R O U N D Originally opened as a pop-up to utilise some unused space at the hotel’s pool area, Anasa has fast become a permanent fixture at this Sheikh Zayed Road hotel. Decorated in brightly coloured mythology inspired murals, olive trees and rustic furnishings, this is an al fresco Grecian retreat in the heart of the city. W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? Set up on the terrace of the hotel’s pool, the restaurant feels like an urban escape. Decorated with beautiful lighting, greenery and enclosed with beautiful sails overhead, it is easy to forget

HOURS 7pm to 1am

LOCATION Anása, Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road

you are sitting in the shadows CONTACT of the towering Tel: +971 (0)4 444 Sheikh Zayed Road 7040, conraddubai. skyscrapers. The com, @anasadxb space takes you away from the fastpaced city to the Greek isles for the evening. With a live band and the smell of the open barbecue, this is more an experience than simply a dining destination.

T H E F O O D The menu is beautifully

This is an al fresco Grecian retreat in the heart of the city simple, comprising all the classics one would expect of Greek cuisine such as Tarmas and Tzatziki, with some local flair from Greek executive chef Ilias Doulamis. With an emphasis on fish, the catch of the day is freshly cooked on the open fire, the seabream absolutely bursting with flavour and worth the battle with the bones. With nearly all the ingredients sourced from Greece, every mouthful is fresh and authentic. Menu highlights also include dakos (bread rusk salad), octopus on the grill, lauraki a la spetsiota (cod fricassee) and astakomakaronada (lobster and pasta).

T H E S E R V I C E Service feels very traditional, like you’re at home in your local taverna. Staff are only too keen to share their knowledge and the atmosphere feels very cosy and inviting, aided by the staff ’s Mediterranean hospitality. T H E W O R K S P A C E A great place to bring colleagues for some after-work fun or team building with the music playing and the Ouzo flowing.

V E R D I C T A wonderful treat during the cooler Dubai weather. The prices are reasonable and the experience authentic. Melanie Swan MARCH 2022

TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadéro

B A C K G R O U N D The lifestyle Canopy brand was launched in 2014, and has 31 properties around the world, with another 29 under development. It debuted in France with this hotel in May. W H E R E I S I T ? On Avenue d’Eylau, just off the bustling Place du Trocadéro. It is a five-minute walk from Trocadéro metro station, and ten minutes to the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysées. W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? Formerly an electric factory, the 1930s façade now houses a seven-floor hotel designed by architect and interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. He has paid homage to its industrial roots while keeping it bright with Le Corbusier-style block shapes and a warm colour scheme of oranges and reds. The open-plan lobby is well-designed with a range of seating areas for relaxing, working or dining – plus a small reception

MARCH 2022

desk manned by two friendly staff. The main restaurant, bar and lounge lie straight ahead, with a glass roof overhead, and are cleverly partitioned with bookshelf-style screens. It’s a great use of space and ideal for coworking or informal dining. Check-in was quick and easy, and our room was ready ahead of the 3pm check-in time. Guests are required to show a “pass sanitaire” (vaccine passport) – the French authorities require both citizens and international travellers to hold a vaccination passport to access tourist attractions and hospitality services. You can also show your COVID pass or a negative PCR test in digital or paper format. Other COVID-19 protocols include face masks, hand sanitising stations and Clean Stay seals on the hotel room doors.

Rooftop bar l’Eylau Paris offers a tapas-style menu, craft beer and cocktails Lifts to the guestrooms require a keycard. The corridors have turquoise walls, blockcoloured shapes and matching carpets, and huge windows offer views of Paris and a living wall on one of the hotel’s façades.

R O O M S The hotel’s 123 rooms and suites feature sleek, minimalist décor, floor-toceiling windows, and splashes of colour in the rugs and artwork. They differ in the views and configurations. All rooms measure 27 sqm, while suites range from 35 to 60 sqm and some include terraces. Our twin Premium room on the fifth floor had extremely comfortable single beds with gel memory foam and Serta Cool Balance technology. We fell asleep instantly and had an undisturbed sleep thanks to the quiet corridors and effective blackout curtains. The bedside table features a radio alarm clock, and USB and plug sockets. There’s a desk with plugs and an adjustable lamp. All rooms include a large 55-inch TV, a Nespresso machine, a mini fridge, Apivita

toiletries, bathrobes, an iron and ironing board, and refillable glass water bottles. In our room, the toilet was separate to the shower room, which had both a handheld and overhead shower.

F O O D A N D D R I N K L’Esprit Nouveau on the ground floor serves a continental breakfast ($33) of delicious pastries, eggs, cereals, fruit and yoghurt. In the evening, it switches to classic French dishes using sustainable and eco-friendly products. The rooftop terrace and bar l’Eylau Paris offers a tapas-style menu, craft beer and cocktails. M E E T I N G S The hotel has four meeting rooms – the largest is 56 sqm. The rooftop bar is also ideal for cocktail receptions. L E I S U R E There’s a well-sized, 24-hour gym on the ground floor. V E R D I C T This new hotel makes the most of its brilliant location with fantastic views, a lively rooftop bar and locally sourced products. The rooms and public spaces are also well-designed for work trips. Hannah Brandler

BEST FOR Its prime sightseeing location in the leafy 16th arrondissement

DON’T MISS Rooftop views of the glistening Eiffel Tower at nightfall

PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in December started from $293 for a Queen Room

CONTACT 16 Avenue d’Eylau, Paris 75116; (+33) 1 45 50 50 70; hilton.com

TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

Native Mayfair B A C K G R O U N D Native is a UK aparthotel and serviced apartment provider with six aparthotels (London Mayfair, London Bankside, London Hyde Park, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow) and a further six apartment locations – all in London. In some sense this Mayfair property is unusual for Native, having only 11 units – all apartments. Most locations have many more – Native Manchester, for instance, has 166 units. F I R S T I M P R E S S I O N S Once booked, I received clear instructions on how to find the apartment and details of the keycode to access it. It is in a mews house on a side street. I arrived around 3pm, but if you are arriving late at night there is a fourfigure pin code to enter the apartments. Unfortunately, instead of the keypad, I focused on the buzzers and pressed the doorbell of four different apartments before the resident manager came out and

This is a central but quiet location which allows you to live like a Mayfair resident welcomed me. She gave me a keycard both for the outside door and the door of my apartment (for late arrivals it is put in a secure box in the lobby). One advantage of having a resident manager is sorting out any initial problems. I had difficulty connecting to the internet, but this was remedied immediately by placing a router in the room next to the kitchen table where I was working. Answers to my questions on where to shop, eat

and the quickest route to Bond Street station were all expertly answered. Few conciereges are so helpful.

W H E R E I S I T ? On Lees Place, about a five-minute walk from Marble Arch underground station and perhaps less than 10 minutes from Bond Street station. It is a short stroll from North Audley Street which has some excellent restaurants. The large

Marble Arch Marks and Spencers is nearby if you want to stock up on food to prepare in the kitchen.

W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? Native says it combines “the freedom and authenticity of a local apartment, with the comfort, convenience and premium service of a boutique hotel”. It certainly feels like a stylish and spacious private residence. The small lobby has both steps up to the lift with access to all three floors or a well-lit central stairwell which leads to short corridors and the rooms. There are large Magritte prints on the walls, which makes a change from black-and-white photographs of London, and thick carpets kept noise to a minimum, though my apartment was next to the lift, and you could certainly hear when it was in use (thankfully, not often). R O O M S There are 11 apartments in this property – two one-bedroom, six Premium one-bedroom, two two-bedroom and one Premium two-bedroom penthouse. My apartment had a good-sized, wellequipped kitchen, with a washing machine/ dryer and dishwasher, a toaster and kettle, Ringtons coffee and teas as well as some UHT milk in the fridge along with a couple of bottles of water. The design of the apartments is modern, with stained

wood floors, rugs in the main living room, comfortable armchairs and a sofa, along with the kitchen table and chairs I worked at. My bedroom had good lighting, including reading lights at night, and effective blackout curtains. It was also very quiet – there is little traffic in the surrounding streets, which is a bonus considering how central the apartment is. Only the rumble of the underground could be felt in the morning. The bathroom was small, but had a bath with a shower (rain shower and power shower) above, though you would want to be reasonably confident stepping over the high edge to the bath to use either the shower or the bath. Toiletries are large glass bottles of Bramley products.

V E R D I C T This is a lovely, quiet location which, if your budget permits, allows you to live like a Mayfair resident. Tom Otley

BEST FOR Location – close to Oxford Street and Park Lane, but quiet and residential.

DON’T MISS North Audley Street and its restaurants or take a long leisurely walk in Hyde Park.

PRICE Internet rates for a five-night minimum stay in December started from $464 for a one-bedroom apartment

CONTACT 10-12 Lees Place, London W1K 6LL nativeplaces.com MARCH 2022

TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

Pan Pacific London B A C K G R O U N D Pan Pacific Hotels Group is a member of Singapore-listed UOL Group Limited, a hotel and property company which owns and/or manages more than 50 hotels, resorts and serviced suites (including those under development) under three brands: Pan Pacific, Parkroyal Collection and Parkroyal. This property, Pan Pacific London, opened in September 2021.

W H E R E I S I T ? Close to Liverpool Street and occupying the lower floors (6-19) of the 43-storey, bronze-coloured One Bishopsgate Plaza, a tower with residential apartments on the upper floors. It is set back from the main road by the plaza, which has 144 year-old Devonshire Row on one side in which shops, a restaurant and a cocktail bar will open early in 2022.

Deluxe (37 sqm) and range up to the 119 sqm Pan Pacific suite on the 19th floor. Décor is neutral with a warm colour palette. The floorto-ceiling windows showcase the views. The curved walls are unusual in a deliberate move to eliminate 90-degree angles, which makes for distinctive spaces. The restful tones are complimented by rich fabrics in the furnishings and custom-designed murals. The lighting controls take some getting used to. Different moods – “relax” and “night time” – are written on faint labels. There is a beautiful marble-topped side table and firm armchair that can create a workspace. Bathrooms have Diptyque amenities, a large walk-in shower, heated towel rails, and super-plush bathrobes and slippers. There are also tea and coffee-making facilities, complimentary bottled water, a well-stocked minibar, and a large full-length mirror in a brushed copper surround with a plug by it and a built-in shelf for the Dyson hair

W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? Very high-end and discreetly luxurious with a residential feel. The hotel’s interiors are by design duo Yabu Pushelberg and inspired by a “fusion of southeast Asian vibrancy and the refined elegance of traditional British design”. There are lots of curves with an elegant staircase and a double-height arched corridor leading to the lifts up to the rooms. The staff are superb – professional and efficient but with a welcome that feels personal, starting from your arrival when you are escorted to your room.

dryer. Premier rooms (39-44 sqm) and up have baths as well as showers. The entry level suites – Devonshire (floors 6-12) and Walbrook (floors 13-19) – are 52-57 sqm, but Walbrook suites have better views.

R O O M S The 237 rooms, including 42 suites, have a variety of views – those at the front look on to St Botolph’s Church, while those on Houndsditch look towards the Shard. Rooms start at the entry level

F O O D A N D D R I N K There are five venues. Ginger Lily is a stylish bar at the back of the property; dark and intimate with a small terrace. It offers an extensive choice of cocktails and is particularly strong

A superb luxury hotel with Asian standards of service in the City of London

on rums. The Orchid Lounge serves one of the best afternoon teas in London with a choice of traditional English or Singaporean Kopi Tiam food, including exquisite patisserie by executive pastry chef Cherish Finden. There is a curated menu of black and green tea blends from Rare Tea Company, plus Champagne and English sparkling wines. The all-day dining Straits Kitchen is an Asian-inspired restaurant offering memorable fusion dishes, with seasonal ingredients from Nurtured in Norfolk. There are two private dining rooms.

M E E T I N G S The main ballroom can

accommodate 220 people and has direct access from Bishopsgate Plaza via a glass escalator and lift. There are another nine meeting rooms with top-class technology, superfast wifi and 5G reception.

L E I S U R E The fourth floor has a 1,000 sqm

fitness and wellness area, including an infinity pool and a well-equipped gym. There are treatment rooms, a sauna and steam room.

V E R D I C T A superb luxury hotel with Asian standards of service right in the centre of the City of London. Tom Otley BEST FOR Exploring London’s vibrant Liverpool Street, Shoreditch and Hoxton areas, with Spitalfields market a short stroll away

DON’T MISS The Kopi Tiam afternoon tea (skip lunch to make room for it) served from a gilded bird cage overhanging your table

PRICES Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in February 2022 started from $511 for a Deluxe room

CONTACT

MARCH 2022

JACK HARDY

80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB; +44 (0)20 7118 6888; panpacificlondon.com

TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

Novotel Cambridge North B A C K G R O U N D The hotel is situated in the Cambridge suburb of Chesterton, within the Cambridge North development, described as “a sustainable urban gateway”. The Novotel Cambridge North opened in May. Opposite the hotel, One Cambridge Square will eventually offer 8,784 sqm of office space. W H E R E I S I T ? Next to Cambridge North rail station, which has direct links to Cambridge, London Stansted airport, London King’s Cross, London Liverpool Street and Norwich. There is parking adjacent to the property, but this is operated by NCP and Greater Anglia, and there are currently no discounts for guests staying at the hotel. W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? The six-storey Novotel Cambridge North is easy to spot. There was no queue at the understated reception desk when I checked in at around 1600 on a Friday afternoon. To the left of reception is a games “snug” area with lounge chairs and various board games; to the right is an open space lounge/bar, past which is the dining and breakfast area. The public spaces are stylish and upscale. R O O M S There are a total of 217 rooms across Superior (starting from 25 sqm) and Executive categories, with six Executive suites taking up the corner of each floor. The décor is mainly white with dark woods and burgundy cushions. The walls feature abstract art. Facilities include 55-inch TVs with Chromecast capabilities, as well as

fridges (empty for guest use), ironing board, hair dryer, safe, and tea and coffee facilities. Wifi is free, and no code is required to log on. My son was able to stream content via his Kindle without issue. All rooms have walk-in rain showers rather than bathtubs, and executive rooms enjoy upgraded amenities, including bathrobe and slippers, and a Nespresso machine. Despite being directly next to a rail station, I could not hear the trains. There was also ongoing work at the One Cambridge Square development opposite, but again I was not disturbed by this.

The indoor pool would not feel out of place in a five-star hotel F O O D A N D D R I N K The main restaurant

area is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had breakfast on a Saturday morning and were impressed with the buffet selection, which ranged from breads and pastries to cereals (including glutenfree options), cold meats and cheeses, and the standard hot breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausages, hash browns, etc. Lunch and dinner options include sharing bites, grill options (rack of lamb, $31, and ribeye steak, $38), burgers, pizzas, salads and “classic dishes”, such as fish and chips, and Thai green chicken curry (both $25). The open layout on the ground floor is light and bright, and guests are not restricted to a particular area to drink or dine. Menus are available via a QR code displayed at every table. There are several seating options from communal bench-style seats to more private seating.

M E E T I N G S There are seven

L E I S U R E The wellness area on the ground floor includes a fitness centre with Technogym equipment, plus an indoor pool that would not feel out of place in a five-star hotel. A spa bath feeds directly into the main pool and there are two monsoon showers and a small sauna. The health centre is operating under the Club 100 brand, which as the name suggests is offering a maximum of 100 private memberships.

V E R D I C T A great addition to Novotel’s UK portfolio – the leisure facilities in particular are of a high standard. The rail station next to the hotel is a big bonus. Mark Caswell BEST FOR Being away from busy Cambridge city centre

DON’T MISS The superb Club 100 health centre

PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in February 2022 started from $173 for a Superior room

CONTACT 2 Cambridge Square, Cambridge CB4 0AE; +44 (0) 1223 867 170; all.accor.com

MARCH 2022

ABACAPRESS/FILIP GIERLINSKI

meeting rooms, all with natural daylight, ranging from the 20 sqm Crick room (they have all been named after Cambridge University alumni) accommodating up to eight people, to a 155 sqm space for up to 100 guests when the Darwin and Hawking rooms are

combined. The latest technology is provided, including wireless projectors which can share screens from devices.

T R I E D & T E S T E D R E S TAU R A N T

Caviar Kaspia, DIFC, Dubai B A C K G R O U N D Founded in Paris in 1927, Caviar Kaspia became a symbol of a prestigious art de vivre and is now a Parisian institution that has withstood the test of time. Located in the famous Place de la Madeleine in Paris, with its Tsar-era Russian luxe and chic French décor, it has for almost a century, hosted the most eclectic and interesting mix of guests. Its Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) offshoot, which opened at the end of 2021, is living up to those high standards, blending old world elegance with a contemporary touch.

W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? Standing out in DIFC, which has now become Dubai’s luxury dining hub, is not an easy job. With big names such as Zuma and Amazonico to compete with, there are established brands and new rivals popping up all the time in this dynamic gastro paradise. But Caviar Kaspia brings something unique and special to the table. For those of us who value the cosy and quaint and a feeling of home, this is it. With all the elegance of a luxurious Parisian brasserie, but the cosiness of a warm and welcoming spot for the chic and elite crowd in Moscow, it has ticked all the boxes for me. It’s small, with traditional stylish interiors, and offers a mix of open space and romantic, intimate corners, and when you sit on the terrace, it’s hard to believe you’re in the heart of the city’s bustling financial metropolis.

HOURS 12pm – 1am

LOCATION Dubai, DIFC, Gate Village 2

CONTACT Call +971 (0)4 243 5633; WhatsApp +971 (0)50 967 0605; email reservations@ kaspiadubai.com

MARCH 2022

T H E F O O D Cuisine is French with

a Russian twist, bursting with flavour and freshness, with presentation that is artistic and dishes that are decadent. From the finest caviar to the classic blinis and of course, an impressive vodka and Champagne collection to match, the menu blends comfort food with modern flare. It is the place you can find traditional borscht alongside the freshest scallops, Baltic

Cuisine is French with a Russian twist, bursting with flavour and freshness herring alongside a terrine of foie gras. Caviar is indeed the order of the day, an indulgence we enjoyed topping our fresh cream roasted potato and fresh blinis. Simple dishes such as the Russian potato salad are all elevated into delicacies, from presentation to flavour. We stuck to traditional Russian dishes, as well as the fish and seafood, as

it was indeed, a unique experience and an underrated cuisine. The pan-fried seabass served with buckwheat was light and delicious, and my recommendation from the array of dishes on offer.

T H E S E R V I C E Staff are polite and warm, knowing the perfect balance of just enough and not too much, which is a tough call in Dubai where over or under service is often the norm. T H E W O R K S P A C E More the place to

impress and seal the deal rather than work, and certainly memorable.

V E R D I C T Winter or summer, this is a wonderful destination for a more intimate affair with fabulous cuisine for all tastes. Melanie Swan

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Caviar Kaspia, DIFC Dubai

Novotel Cambridge North

Pan Paci c London

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