BTME April 2021

MIDDLE EAST

APRIL 2021

24 HOURS IN TEL AVIV

MEETINGS GO HYBRID

SPENDING POWER

PLUS

How to dine, shop, party and more in this round-the-clock city

Hotels have reinvented their business offering for a new era

A guide to the best payment cards to use when travelling

Tried and Tested • Eco cars • Responsible Traveller

Hotels putting the planet first

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

CONTENTS

APRIL 2021

R E G UL A R S 06

T HE R EP OR T

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

UPFRONT

Airline and hotel news from around the world 14

60 Sonara Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER

Industry initiatives designed to give back to the planet 16

61 St. Regis Mumbai

POSTCARD

62 Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

Expo 2020 Dubai’s Al Wasl dome marks UAE Mars mission 18

Hotels are ramping up their planet and people conscious initiatives in the wake of the pandemic

ASK THE PILOT

Our resident pilot reveals all on most annoying passenger traits 48

63 The Oberoi, Mumbai 64 JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

4 HOURS... IN KAOHSIUNG

The top waterside and cultural attractions in Taiwan’s port city

65 ITC, Maratha, a Luxury

Collection Hotel, Mumbai 66

F E AT UR E S 38 MEETINGS AND EVENTS REINVENTED FOR A NEW ERA

What to expect from hotel groups, from tech to safety 43

ASK JEEVES

Switzerland’s first hotel robot is proving a trusty contactless AI

20

TA K I N G R E S P O N S I BI L I T Y

24 HOURS... IN TEL AVIV

Dine, shop, party or chill in this round-the-clock dynamic city 37

ON TH E C OVER

SMART TRAVELLER

Mid-pandemic flying made easy

44

SPENDING POWER

A round-up of the best credit cards for overseas travel 50

3

18 38

TURBO CHARGED

A look at the latest electric and hybrid cars on sale this year

50 44 APRIL 2021

WELCOME

T

he responsible travel movement has never been so powerful; it is perhaps one of the few positive legacies of COVID-19. Pre-pandemic, consumers were increasingly making eco-conscious travel choices, but today, they are more mindful than ever of their impact on the people and places they visit. Companies are re-thinking their business travel strategies for the future too, realising that some journeys, whether local or overseas, are no longer necessary; they are luxuries the planet cannot afford.

By using the communications technology that we have all come to know and love, (or rather love/hate), we can save time, money and carbon emissions.

Several major hospitality groups have jumped on this trend, launching new hybrid meeting products, packages and concepts over the last few months (page 38). They are not only citing them as pandemic wise, but planet friendly too.

In this issue we round up a plethora of sustainability initiatives that both regional and global hotels companies are implementing in the wake of COVID-19, with ‘green meetings’ just one small facet of their overarching and fast-growing responsible hospitality programmes.

What has become clear is that guests now expect their accommodation provider to implement energy and water-saving measures, reduce waste, promote recycling, ban single-use plastic, offer electric vehicle charging stations, and much more.

They demand that their hotel of choice supports local producers and suppliers of everything, from food to furniture, and are even willing to pay more for them, such is their change in mindset. Giving back to local communities is expected too and more often than not, guests want to take part in the community activities that hotels have spearheaded.

In the Middle East, hotels are not only embracing change but pioneering new sustainable accommodation models.

Some are constructing green buildings that not only use sustainable materials and integrate renewable energy sources, but even promise better air quality for guest wellbeing.

With the pandemic heightening consumer awareness of the environmental impact of travel, upcoming hotels in the region that are starting with a clean slate have been forced to rapidly adapt. Many have re-evaluated their entire accommodation models pre-opening, taking into consideration everything from build to the guest offering.

Our values as travellers and global citizens are rapidly evolving and the travel and tourism industry must respond. Those that innovate will win not only win our business, but ease our conscience, without a doubt.

Gemma Greenwood, Editor

THIS ISSUE’S PICKS

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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 Hannah Brandler, Ruth Jackson-Kirby, Jeremy Tredinnick, Nat Barnes, Akanksha Maker, Nisha Shroff, Sanchita Nambiar General Manager – Production S Sunil Kumar Assistant Production Manager Binu Purandaran Production Supervisor Venita Pinto Chief Commercial Officer Anthony Milne Group Sales Manager Dane Hills 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

24 HOURS IN TEL AVIV How to explore this round-the-clock city in a day (Page 18)

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY How the hotel industry is putting the planet first (Page 20)

MEETINGS REINVENTED Hotels are rolling out new tech and safety measures (Page 38)

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APRIL 2021

UPFRONT

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QATAR AIRWAYS has become the first airline in the Middle East to trial the IATA Travel Pass digital health passport app. Passengers on the carrier’s Doha-Istanbul route were the first to be invited to take part in the trial, which Qatar Airways said will offer “a more safe, secure and contactless experience for travellers”.

The airline has partnered with IATA, the Qatar Ministry of Public Health, Primary Health Care Corporation and Hamad Medical Corporation for the trial, which kicked off last month.

The IATA Travel Pass app enables passengers to receive COVID-19 test results and verify that they are eligible to undertake their journey through an ‘OK to Travel’ status.

Qatar Airways said the app will also ensure “passengers receive up-to-date information on COVID-19 health regulations at their destination country”.

UAE and Israel confirm plans for quarantine-free travel corridor THE UAE AND ISRAEL will establish a quarantine-free travel corridor between the two

countries for travellers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The announcement follows high-level discussions between the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The proposed corridor is set to be introduced this month (April), according to government sources.

The UAE and Israel have led the world in terms of COVID-19 vaccination rates, with the former administering 6,367,861 doses of the vaccine to date, while the latter has inoculated more than half its population of 9.3 million.

Israelis flocked to the UAE for tourism and business following the signing of the Abraham Accords in August 2020. According to Israeli government data, 130,000 Israeli tourists have visited the UAE to date.

The UAE temporarily suspended its visa-free travel agreement with Israel in January as a result of a spike in COVID-19 cases, until July 1.

UAE low-cost carrier flydubai currently operates direct flights between the two countries, while Etihad Airways launched its Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv route on March 28.

flydubai prepares for B737 MAX return FLYDUBAI IS PREPARING for the

Boeing 737 MAX to re-join its fleet following the announcement by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) outlining the aircraft’s return-to-service criteria.

It follows a 20-month review involving the manufacturer, regulators, engineers, scientists, researchers, mechanics and pilots whose sole objective has been to safely return the aircraft to service.

“The Boeing 737 MAX is an integral part of flydubai’s fleet and I have full confidence in the aircraft as

APRIL 2021

it returns to passenger service. We said that we would only return the aircraft to service when it was safe to do so and that time is now,” said flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith.

“The GCAA has outlined a clear and exacting framework of enhancements and modifications to the aircraft that must be met before returning the aircraft to passenger service along with additional and mandatory pilot training. flydubai will comply with each and every one of the requirements before we allow the aircraft to re-join our fleet.”

TEL AVIV CREDIT: BARAK BRINKER

Qatar Airways in IATA Travel Pass first

The glamour of Dubai coupled with our sincere hospitality.

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UPFRONT

Emirates adds option to purchase adjacent seats in economy

EMIRATES AND TAP EXPAND PARTNERSHIP EMIRATES AND TAP Air Portugal have signed an agreement that will enable passengers of both airlines to fly on many new routes across the Americas, North Africa and East Asia.

The carriers will also explore ways to enhance co-operation on their frequent flyer programmes, including reciprocal earning and redemption opportunities. They also plan to

support their respective stopover programmes in Dubai and Lisbon, with Emirates also helping TAP Air Portugal seek potential expansion opportunities in the UAE. This new agreement is expected to come into effect on May 1, 2021, and will provide customers with seamless booking, ticketing and travel benefits across 70 destinations.

8

EMIRATES HAS LAUNCHED a new

option for economy passengers to purchase up to three empty adjoining seats on their flight. Empty seats cost from AED 200 to AED 600 (US$55 to $165) each (plus applicable taxes), depending on the flight sector.

Seats cannot be pre-booked – they will be offered for purchase at the airport check-in counter subject to availability. The carrier said the move “addresses the needs of a range of customers seeking extra privacy and space while still flying in economy class”, including those who “simply want the added assurance of more space while travelling during pandemic times”.

NEW AROMAS AT QATAR AIRWAYS

HOPES OF A380 COMEBACK FADE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of Etihad Aviation Group has cast doubt on the carrier’s fleet of 10 A380 superjumbos returning to the skies. In an interview with UAE media, Tony Douglas said: “We have now taken the strategic decision to park the A380s; I’m sure it’s very likely that we won’t see them operating with Etihad again.” Last year fellow Gulf carrier Qatar Airways said it would not be bringing its A380 aircraft back into service in the near future, stating that “it is not commercially or environmentally justifiable to operate such a large aircraft in the current market”.

APRIL 2021

QATAR AIRWAYS has partnered with French perfume house Diptyque to provide toiletries for the carrier’s global lounges and first- and businessclass washrooms inflight.

The new collection includes hand lotion, hand wash, infused facial water and essential face cream. The partnership will also see Diptyquebranded shower gel, shampoo and conditioner offered in Qatar Airways’ lounges at Hamad International and “other key airport hubs”.

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UPFRONT

IATA poll reveals confidence in return to air travel 10

THE LATEST POLL of recent travellers by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revealed growing confidence in a return to air travel, accompanied by frustration with current travel restrictions and an approval of digital health passports.

More than half of respondents (57 per cent) expect to be travelling within

two months of the pandemic being contained, which is a rise of eight per cent since September 2020. This is bolstered by the vaccine rollout, which indicates that 81 per cent will be more likely to travel once vaccinated.

When it comes to business travel, respondents believe that the revival will still take time, with 62 per cent of travellers saying they are likely to travel less for business even after the virus is contained. This is, however, an improvement from the 72 per cent recorded in September.

Travellers continue to be reticent to travel if it involves restrictions, however, with 84 per cent choosing not to travel if it involves quarantine at the destination – this is largely unchanged from September.

IATA’s poll demonstrated a strong approval of digital health passports, with 80 per cent of respondents encouraged by the prospect of the IATA Travel Pass and willing to use it as soon as it is available.

New on-site PCR testing lab opens at Abu Dhabi International

EMIRATES TO CREATE DIGITAL HEALTH PASS FOR PASSENGERS EMIRATES HAS TEAMED UP with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to create a digital health pass.

It will position Dubai as one of the first cities globally to implement digital verification of traveller medical records related to COVID-19 testing and vaccination.

Emirates and the DHA are collaborating to link the IT systems of DHA-approved laboratories with Emirates’ reservations and check-in systems in order to enable the efficient sharing, storing and verification of passenger health information related to COVID-19 infection, testing and vaccinations – all in a secure and legally compliant manner.

The project is now underway, with the aim of bringing it to “live” implementation to benefit travellers in the coming months.

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ABU DHABI AIRPORTS has partnered with Pure Health and Tamouh Healthcare to launch the region’s first PCR testing laboratory at an airport. The state-of-the-art RT-PCR lab offers fast COVID-19 testing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH). This new Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing process is free for arriving passengers and is one of the fastest in the world, with results available in approximately 90 minutes and shared by SMS and WhatsApp, as well as being available on the Al Hosn mobile application.

The facility has the capacity to test more than 20,000 travellers and staff per day.

Passengers who receive a negative PCR test and are arriving from the list of ‘green’ countries outlined by the government of Abu Dhabi do not have to self-isolate.

Those not from the list of ‘green’ countries have to self-isolate for 10 days and require a quarantine wristband fitted at the PCR testing tent at the airport.

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UPFRONT

DUBAI TOURISM LAUNCHES HOTEL VACCINATION CAMPAIGN ON THE PALM JUMEIRAH DUBAI’S DEPARTMENT of

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Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) in coordination with the Ministry of Health & Prevention and hospitality stakeholders, has launched a vaccination campaign for employees of 20 hotels located on The Palm Jumeirah. More than 10,000 hospitality staff at luxury resorts on the iconic palm-shaped island have now received the first and second doses of the vaccine. It’s part of continuing citywide efforts to combat COVID-19 and further enhance Dubai’s position as one of the world’s safest destinations, with the UAE currently ranked among the top five nations globally in terms of overall vaccine rollout.

KERZNER LAUNCHES ‘SIRO’ LIFESTYLE DESTINATIONS KERZNER INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED, the owner of the iconic Atlantis

Resort & Residences and One&Only Resorts worldwide, has launched a new hospitality experience, SIRO. Envisaged as an immersive destination blending hospitality, fitness and wellness, SIRO aims to “create a collective global community of like-minded individuals who live a high-performance lifestyle”.

It will offer “thrilling ways” to discover destinations through activities such as cycling, sailing, hiking, boxing, climbing, kite surfing, parkour and skiing, paired with a digital offering including streamed classes,

New Chedi planned for Qatar GHM HAS ANNOUNCED plans to open a new luxury resort with 59 rooms and suites and 32 chalets and villas at Katara Cultural Village in Qatar’s capital city, Doha. Developed by the Qatari real estate consortium, Triple A, in partnership with Katara Cultural Village, The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort will command a beachfront setting within the landmark district, which is home to theatres, concert halls, exhibition galleries, mosques, restaurants, shops, a park and an open amphitheatre.

With a design that pays homage to the glories of Indian Mughal Architecture and a touch of Ottoman influence, the new Chedi’s principal hotel building will house a lobby lounge with 180-degree views of the sea, an expansive spa and a fitness facility. Rooms and suites will offer terraces with Arabian Gulf and Doha skyline views.

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workshops and knowledge-sharing events.

A Recovery Lab offering personalised health spa services, seasonal and organic food, nutritional advice and public spaces to relax and re-charge will also be part of the SIRO experience, while all guest rooms will have spa and steam showers, smart technology and use sustainable materials.

The first SIRO hotel will launch in Porto Montenegro in 2023, SIRO Boka Place (pictured), offering guests a demanding sailing circuit and cycling routes of varying lengths and altitudes for all fitness levels.

SIRO will be an integral part of key cities around the world in the future, said Kerzner.

Pullman Downtown Dubai opens for business PULLMAN DOWNTOWN DUBAI has

opened in the city’s buzzing Business Bay area featuring 353 rooms and suites, a ballroom, two meeting rooms, a private boardroom, club lounge, a spa, fitness facilities with sauna and steam rooms, a squash court, a lap pool, a children’s pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi.

It’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai International Convention & Exhibition centre (DICEC) and Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and boasts stunning views of the Dubai Canal, the Dubai Skyline and the iconic Burj Khalifa.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T F E AT U R E

Grand designs Mondrian Doha promises style, sophistication and a sensory-led hospitality experience like no other

M

ondrian Doha is the first Middle East venture by US-based lifestyle hospitality firm sbe, designed in collaboration with South West Architecture (SWA) and world-acclaimed Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, whose work resembles beautifully curated art and a fantasy-like design.

The property is located in the heart of West Bay, next to Lagoona Mall and Lusail City, the future of Qatar with its innovative design and architecturally led landscape.

Mondrian Doha is an iconic destination in Qatar, claimed to be the most multi-layered sensory experience and luxury hotel in the country.

Marcel Wanders has drawn inspiration from traditional Middle Eastern folk tales and stories, influenced by the essence of One Thousand and One Nights. Influences also came from the beauty of local patterns, ornate Arabic writing and historic souks.

Mondrian Doha comprises 270 distinctive rooms, including the Penthouse studios and Studio suites with 59 suites in total, in addition to 211 bedrooms, spanning 24 floors. All rooms feature bespoke miniature artworks, luxurious custom-made furniture and Swarovski crystal chandeliers, as well as signature nuances

by Wanders.

Mondrian’s culinary offerings bring world-renowned restaurants to Doha for the very first time: Morimoto, a Japanese restaurant by celebrity Chef, Masaharu Morimoto, with stunning design and artwork by artist Hiroshi Senju, and Chef Morimoto’s acclaimed menu; a recently revamped CUT by celebrity chef for the stars, Wolfgang Puck, highlighting his signature international and steak dishes; as well as Walima, boasting the very best in Qatari and Middle Eastern cuisine. At Hudson Tavern, guests can enjoy the finest New York-style burgers in a vibrant sports bar atmosphere.

RIGHT TO LEFT: The lobby’s stunning spiral staircase, Japanese restaurant Morimoto

Bringing the Miami vibes to Doha, Mondrian’s nightlife offering is truly eccentric. Surrounded by gold-framed mirrors, two bars and an oversized DJ booth, Black Orchid is the place to be seen in Doha; while the city's hottest cigar lounge, Smoke & Mirrors, boasts a selection of the world’s finest cigars. For those looking to indulge in Shishas as the sun sets over West Bay Lagoon, the outside terrace at Walima is highly recommended.

On the 26th and 27th floors, the rooftop pool and Rise Lounge rest under the Tiffany Lamp-inspired rooftop dome in colours that create an intriguing atmosphere.

Mondrian Doha also hosts the brand's most recent addition, 12 Chairs, an ultra-luxurious caviar and champagne bar reserved for 12 guests to enjoy the finest of gastronomy.

Moreover, Mondrian Doha has brought the EllaMia concept to the Middle East for the first time. Curated by sbe and set in Mondrian’s magical Frozen Forest, the venue promises special and authentic EllaMia coffee blends and an effortlessly chic atmosphere and service.

The renowned property also boasts the first ESPA in Qatar, with the 2,000 sqm facility featuring separate spas for men and women, 12 treatment rooms, a heated experience garden and a traditional Turkish Hammam. There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre.

Mondrian Doha has one of the largest ballrooms in Qatar, spanning some 2,000 sqm and offering private 24-carat-goldplated elevator access and a VIP Bridal Suite. Several private meeting rooms are also available.

To learn more visit mondriandoha.com

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European aviation industry asks for help to achieve net zero by 2050 Air demand reduction is a likelihood if collective action is not taken, say experts

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T

he European aviation industry is calling for decisive action from both governments and the wider global aviation industry in order to reach its net zero target.

In a report issued in February, Europe’s aviation sector has detailed a way for it to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 through a combination of four key measures: 1. Improvements in aircraft and engine technologies could achieve emission reductions of 37 per cent 2. Using sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) could achieve emission reductions of 34 per cent 3. Implementing economic measures could achieve emission reductions of 8 per cent 4. Improvements in air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operations could achieve emission reductions of 6 per cent The report – Destination 2050 – A Route to Net Zero European Aviation – is described as its “flagship sustainability initiative”. It is based on a new, independent report commissioned from the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and SEO Amsterdam Economics.

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“The industry needs to start taking demand reduction as a real possibility, and that will be the reality if we do not get moving on zero emissions technologies” Since the four key measures are “subject to securing the required supporting policy and financing framework at EU and national level”, the report was followed by a policy event with policymakers.

The report assumes that European air passenger numbers are projected to grow on average by approximately 1.4 per cent per year between 2018 and 2050, “maintaining international competitiveness and aviation’s benefits to society”, yet still charts a possible path to reach net zero CO2 emissions. Speaking at the policy event, policymakers described it as a first step, but more detail would

be needed. Peter Harrison, Executive Director at EU Climate Policy, said it was inevitable there would be price rises as a result of the move to net zero, and that there would be a reduction in demand as a result. Harrison said the aviation industry needed to start “recognising and internalising that business as usual is going to look very different in the future”.

“If you are doing policy for 2030 you need to look at the fundamentals… The impacts of climate change have only just started and I find it impossible to believe that a decade from now, citizens will be sitting back and just accepting the status quo…. The industry needs to start taking demand reduction as a real possibility, and that will be the reality if we do not get moving on zero emissions technologies,” he added.

The Destination 2050 initiative (visit www.destination2050.eu) is led by five European aviation associations: 1. Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE) 2. AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD Europe) 3. Airlines for Europe (A4E) 4. Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) 5. European Regions Airline Association (ERA) “The decisive and tangible actions set out in this roadmap are unprecedented,” said Olivier Jankovec, Director General at ACI EUROPE. “Here we have an entire sector not just committing to decarbonisation, but actually charting the path to make it happen and effectively contribute to the EU’s Climate objectives and the Paris Agreement. Now we need the EU to deliver the policy and regulatory framework that will enable us to deliver net zero European Aviation by 2050. We therefore urge institutional stakeholders to respond to our call and now join the EU Pact for Sustainable Aviation we tabled last November. ”

RE SP ONSIBLE TR AVELLER

New IATA boss says environmental issues “absolutely critical” for aviation Willie Walsh, former CEO of both British Airways and IAG, and the new Director General of The International Air Transport Association (IATA), sees sustainability as “more important than ever”.

Speaking at the International Travel & Health Insurance Conferences (ITIC) ‘Leading the Tourism Recovery’ virtual conference in February, Walsh said that as a result of the pandemic, “some people will think that the emphasis on environmental issues may have eased a bit. I don’t think so. I think it’s going to be more important than eve”.

“I think the challenge for aviation and particularly airlines is greater than it has ever been. The industry is going to have to demonstrate that it has a credible path to sustainability in the

medium and long term.” Walsh said one positive sustainability measure was that the COVID crisis had seen airlines retire many older aircraft, which means fleets will be significantly more efficient than in 2019. Nevertheless, it is “very important that everybody in the industry is honest about this because it’s a huge challenge”, he said. “The change in political leadership in the US will make it an area of focus in the US as well.”

The aviation industry is aware of the threat of regulation, particularly from European governments, and Walsh referenced that in his comments.

“This will be absolutely critical for all of us to be clear about our role, what it is we can do, to do everything possible within our control, and to be

Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA

“The industry is going to have to demonstrate that it has a credible path to sustainability”

proactive. We can’t wait for legislation to be forced upon us, we should be embracing this, we should want to do better, for all of our sakes.

I see this as absolutely critical.”

Speaking about his decision to end his retirement from the aviation industry to become IATA Director General and move to Geneva, Walsh said sustainability was “one of the things that spurred me on to take on the role at IATA”.

“I have been passionate about this within the aviation industry and I think we are going to have to do even better on this than we have done in the past.”

INTRODUCING CORSIA AVIATION CURRENTLY contributes two to three per cent of global CO2 emissions, but this is forecast to rise.

CORSIA – the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation – is one way airlines are seeking to offset their emissions as a first step towards becoming net zero by 2050.

CORSIA was devised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to take as a baseline the emissions that airlines recorded in 2019, and says that if airlines exceed these emissions, they have to buy carbon offsets equal to the amount they overshoot that baseline. The idea is that this incentivises airlines towards greater efficiencies and direct money into offset schemes.

Currently, 88 states representing more than 77 per cent of international aviation activity have agreed to participate voluntarily in the first phases of CORSIA. Participating Middle East states include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel, Turkey and the UAE. See the May edition of BTME for a guide to airline carbon offset programmes.

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POSTCARD

DUBAI

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A Ma rs m i lestone To mark the UAE’s Hope Probe reaching the Mars orbit on February 9, 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai leveraged its cuttingedge projection and display technology to illuminate Al Wasl dome – the event site’s epicentre – in a rich red hue.

As the Emirates’ first mission to Mars entered the Red Planet’s orbit, one of the largest 360-degree projection surfaces in the world was lit by more than 250 laser projectors to stunning effect, reflecting Expo 2020’s “shared sense of pride to be part of such an ambitious and innovative nation”. The UAE hopes Expo 2020, which will run from October 2021 to March 2022, will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration and reflect a belief

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in the power of human collaboration, ingenuity and cooperation – the same values that are at the heart of the Emirates Mars Mission. As the first global event to take place since the pandemic began, Expo 2020 will be a “crucial platform to explore new horizons, showcase breakthrough ideas and welcome the best minds to enable action and inspire solutions to the challenges that affect us all”, say organisers.

“It will take place on a site that offers a vision of the city of the future, designed for more sustainable and humancentric living, filled with architectural and operational inspiration of a better world to come”. Gemma Greenwood

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TEL AVIV WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD

Dine, shop, party or chill in this aroundthe-clock destination that never sleeps

J

ust imagine you find yourself in one of the world’s most dynamic cities for 24 hours.

Luckily, Tel Aviv-Yafo is a non-stop destination, so you can take advantage of every hour of the day and night.

With no time to waste, this is your must-see and must-do list.

09:00 Start the day the Tel Aviv way

The people of Tel Aviv take their breakfast seriously, so visitors are spoiled for choice with restaurants and cafés galore. Start your day the Tel Avivian way with an award-winning breakfast spread at the stylish Hotel Montefiore (hotelmontefiore.co.il) in the city centre; try local specialties and melt-in-the-mouth pastries at Dallal Restaurant in Neve Tzedek (dallal.co.il); or enjoy shakshuka and a fresh orange juice overlooking the coastline at Manta Ray (mantaray.co.il) located by Charles Clore Beach.

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10:30

Gordon Beach

After breakfast, it’s time to head to one of Tel Aviv’s 13 sandy beaches for a swim in the warm waters and to even get involved in a quick game of ‘matkot’ – the Israeli version of paddleball.

Tel Aviv is one of few cities in the world that offers a bustling metropolitan hub and a beach and due to its relatively small size, you are never more than a 15-minute walk from a sandy stretch. All of the city’s beaches offer high-quality facilities, restaurants and beach sports.

All beaches are accessible to the public, free of charge and have Blue Flag status – a symbol of exemplary environmental standards.

12:00

Old Jaffa

Further down the coast you’ll find Old Jaffa – one of the most ancient port cities in the world, promising historical sites, restaurants and intrigue. Take an hour to wander through the picturesque alleyways, visit mosques and churches, ancient clock towers,

artists’ studios, museums and trendy restaurants. Visit the Ilana Goor Museum (ilanagoormuseum.org) – home to the renowned artist’s works of art – and don’t forget to check out the stunning view from the museum roof.

13:30

The Flea Market

Just next to Jaffa’s picturesque Old City and ancient Clock Tower lies the Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk HaPishpeshim), where vendors sell antiques and second-hand and handmade items.

The area is considered one of Tel Aviv’s trendiest spots. As you wander around, you will discover a wide selection of cafés and laid-back bars, ideal for a spot of lunch. Sit down for a delicious meal at the iconic Cafe Puaa (puaa.co.il), where you can also buy the furniture; admire art while you eat at Beit Kandinof (kandinof.co.il); or relax and soak up the atmosphere at the famous Abu Hassan where the authentic Israeli hummus is world renowned.

24 HOURS IN . . .

18:00

TLV Fashion Mall

If you want to make the most of Tel Aviv’s shopping scene, don’t miss the city’s latest and most impressive mall.

From high fashion and haute couture to casual wear, it has it all. Situated in a dynamic urban area, TLV Fashion Mall (tlvmall.com) plays host to more 200 stores, including many well-known fashion brands. By the way, just across the street you can find the Tel Aviv Cinematheque (cinema. co.il), known for hosting highly acclaimed international films festivals.

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The Carmel Market

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Neve Tsedek

Head to the hip Neve Tsedek district to explore its shops, art galleries, stylish restaurants and the Suzanne Dellal Centre, which hosts highly acclaimed dance performances. The neighbourhood’s beautifully restored houses and streets reflect the romance of the late 19th century. A walking tour here is a must for romantics, history lovers and fans of small, winding alleys. You won’t regret stopping for an ice-cream at Anita (anita-gelato.com) or Café Alma.

Nightlife

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For families

If you’re visiting Tel Aviv with your children, attractions to visit include: • The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History: a five-storey museum documenting Israel’s natural history and exhibiting a scientific collection of more than five-and-ahalf-million items. Rare exhibits here offer an interactive and multi-sensory experience, reminding you of the true power of nature.

• Sky Town TLV: an adrenalinefuelled challenge for all, with a multitude of rope courses and more than 120 different elements.

• The Tel Aviv Port: a seaside promenade lined with a variety of attractions including shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, galleries and more. Bike along the boardwalk, enjoy a seafood meal, or simply take in the beautiful sea view. The famous TLV Port and Farmers Market in the centre are must visits.

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BARAK BRINKER; GUY YECHIELY; RICKY RACHMAN; SIVAN OZEN; KFIR BOLOTIN

The Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel in Hebrew) is Tel Aviv’s largest and most famous open-air market. Whether you’re looking for spices, vegetables or clothing at a bargain price, you are sure to find it here. In recent years the area has also joined the ranks of Tel Aviv’s trendy spots for bars, restaurants and chef-owned food stalls. Prepare yourself for an authentic and vibrant Middle Eastern experience.

Rothschild Boulevard

For a truly local and urban experience, head over to Rothschild Boulevard, one of Tel Aviv’s first and most iconic streets. Locals and tourists alike love strolling or cycling along this tree-lined avenue full of outdoor coffee kiosks, restaurants, cafés and beautiful Bauhaus-style buildings. The boulevard is also known as the city’s financial district and is a business CLOCKWISE FROM hub for start-ups, multinationals, and ABOVE: Rothschild more. At night, it transforms into a Boulevard; Tel Aviv’s lively nightlife hotspot, full of trendy stunning coastline; Old Jaffa Port; The bars and nightclubs. While visiting, Flea Market’s vibrant be sure to take a few minutes to do culinary scene; The Carmel Market; Tel some people-watching at HaBima Aviv is a party city Square. This is also the spot to enjoy a classical music performance by the acclaimed Israeli Philharmonic, with melodies bursting from the square’s wooden bleachers! You can dine alongside Tel Aviv’s moversand-shakers at Cantina (rol.co.il) on Rothschild Blvd; experience modern Israeli cuisine at Port Said, Har Sinai St; or try out Japanese-inspired establishment Herzl 16 (herzl16.co.il). Don’t forget GETTING THERE to grab an ice cream from Airlines including Otello and join Tel Aviv’s Etihad Airways, residents strolling up and flydubai and El down the boulevard, or pick Al operate direct up a flyer from the tourist services between information centre and major UAE cities follow the Independence and Tel Aviv.

Trail to discover the area’s fascinating history.

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Tel Aviv is globally recognised as one of the world’s leading hubs for gastronomy and nightlife.

In fact there’s a bar, restaurant, café or nightclub for every 239 residents. Rothschild Boulevard, Jaffa Flea Market, Florentin Street, Dizengoff Street and Allenby Street are all after-hours hotspots. Our recommendations include awardwinning craft cocktail bar Imperial, the quirky Bellboy Bar and The Prince, which overlooks the Carmel Market. Another must-visit is the Teder Bar. This popular urban courtyard combines a restaurant, bar, pizzeria, radio station and shop and often hosts themed events.

WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD With the pandemic accelerating the responsible tourism movement, BTME takes a look at the hotel industry ’s response

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The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia

Taking

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esponsible travel is not a new movement.

It started more than three decades ago with the mantra ‘Take only photographs, leave only footprints’, highlighting how tourism and tourists were starting to destroy the wildlife and environment of the places they were visiting.

Pre-pandemic, responsible travel had grown to encompasses all facets of tourism. Mid-pandemic, awareness of the movement has amplified, with travellers more mindful than ever of their impact on the planet. It’s also served as a reminder to destinations and their stakeholders – in particular, master developers and hotels – that consumers now expect eco- and community-conscious products, services and solutions; opportunities to offset their travel impact and carbon emissions; and much more.

A recent IHG Hotels & Resorts study of 9,000 adults across the US, UK, Germany, Greater China, Australia and the UAE found 60 per cent of respondents intend to be more environmentally and socially conscious on their travels, led by 69 per cent of younger travellers (aged 18 to 24).

Following the pandemic, they not only intend to do more for the planet and communities around them, but are willing to pay for it too. The research found UAE consumers will spend an average of 45 per cent more on accommodation they know operates responsibly – with 51 per cent happy to spend more than 40 per cent extra a night.

in the workplace, human rights and supporting global communities to reducing waste, water and energy usage and carbon emissions.

MAKING ‘THE PLEDGE’

“Sustainable tourism is not just a rising travel trend, but a must-have priority for a growing number of environmentally and socially conscious travellers” In addition, 59 per cent care more about doing their bit for local communities and the planet while travelling now than they did 10 years ago. What’s more, 52 per cent are more likely to avoid tourist activities that have a negative impact on the local environment and communities since the global pandemic and four in 10 respondents choose to stay with travel companies that offer local community programmes.

“The appetite for better, greener travel is ripe. An incredible 86 per cent of adults in the UAE say they are committed to taking their everyday sustainable habits with them when they travel, with using the correct waste and recycling disposal for different items taking the top spot as the number one habit,” says IHG. The survey was commissioned as part of the group’s launch of ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ – a 10-year action plan comprising a series of new far-reaching commitments to make a positive difference and help shape the future of responsible travel. Targets for 2030 range from diversity

LEFT: Travellers now prefer activities that don’t harm the environment

IHG is not the only hotel group to enhance its responsible tourism measures in 2021. Accor and Expedia Group, in conjunction with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), recently announced they were joining forces to extend the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge (‘The Pledge’). This strategic tripartite agreement will bring together 3,358 Accor hotels to promote environmental sustainability and sustainable tourism worldwide.

The UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge promotes responsible practices, community resilience and heritage conservation, with the ultimate goal of changing the nature and impact of global tourism. Under The Pledge, which was originally launched in October 2019 with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, UNESCO and Expedia Group, parties commit to supporting the reduction and elimination of singleuse plastics and promoting local economy and culture.

Accor says the expansion of The Pledge comes at a time when “travellers’ awareness of and demand for tourism sustainability practices continues to grow, with Millennials and GenZ taking the lead”. These travellers (up to age 40) share “heightened concerns over the environmental impact caused by travel when choosing a future trip, which might be attributed to the aftermath caused by COVID-191,” it says. With Accor joining the Expedia Group and UNESCO initiative, The Pledge extends to almost 100 countries promoting sustainable tourism globally.

REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

It’s not just global hotel groups that are championing new sustainable practices. In the Gulf region, which is carving a niche as responsible tourism pioneer, thanks to the creation of new sustainable cities and destinations, homegrown hotel groups are stepping up to the plate.

UAE-headquartered Rotana recently announced several new sustainability practices as part of its Rotana Earth programme, including the ban of single-use plastic toiletry bottles by June – a move expected to eliminate more than five million bottles, or 30 tonnes of plastic annually.

This transition will also improve logistics by reducing shipping, storage and packaging. It’s one of more than 250 sustainability activities Rotana introduces every year, says CEO and President, Guy Hutchinson.

“Sustainable tourism is not just a rising travel trend, but a must-have priority for a growing number of environmentally and socially conscious travellers,” he says, stressing that hotels must “keep up”.

Khalifa Bin Braik, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim Hotels, which owns well-known regional properties including Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, agrees that guests are eco-savvy and now “expect” hotels to be sustainable.

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“There is now an awareness of certifications such as LEED and Green Globe and these are increasingly becoming reasons to choose a hotel, while in-house sustainability programmes are seeing increased guest participation. The pandemic has accelerated this, bringing attention to specific sustainability elements such as sanitisation and disinfection measures and indoor air quality,” he adds.

SETTING NEW STANDARDS

UAE-based Rove Hotels has noticed how “initiatives that align with an eco-friendly ethos and improve convenience for Rovers (guests) are the most successful. Some examples include providing a wider array of vegan and vegetarian dishes, offering sustainable transport options such as bicycles and providing electric car chargers at Rove properties, to name a few, according to Nila Pendarovski, manager at the group’s upcoming Rove Expo 2020.

“Our hotels have been built in accordance with water and energy conservation best practices, and we have implemented a number of eco-friendly initiatives such as APRIL 2021

“Today’s responsible traveller quite rightly expects green initiatives beyond the likes of standard recycling practices, reusable glass bottles and alternatives for single-use amenities” recycling, composting, using technology to reduce our food waste, and more,” she says. “Our soon-to-be-opened Rove Expo 2020, which will be the only on-site hotel at Expo 2020 Dubai, will be the pinnacle of this evolution, keeping in line with Expo 2020’s high sustainability standards.”

All Rove properties have been awarded Green Key Certification – a programme recognising excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the tourism industry. The hotel group

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recently introduced ‘Check in with Plastic; Check Out with Dinner’ – a highly successful initiative that rewards Rovers who bring in 20 or more plastic bottles to its the Daily restaurants by giving them dining discounts.

Rove was also the first hotel group to pass the Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) Sustainability Requirements launched in 2019 and due to be fully implemented in July as part of wider efforts to preserve Dubai’s resources and reduce the tourism industry’s carbon footprints.

The DTCM’s Executive Director of Tourism Development and Investments, Yousuf Lootah, says these policies and standards enable hotels to “track their consumption and identify successful cost-saving opportunities” and by improving internal sustainability operations, they contribute to the “competitiveness of Dubai’s tourism-linked economy”.

These new standards are also helping to “meet the high expectations of travellers who are looking more and more for transformational experiences that don’t have a negative impact on the environment”, Lootah adds.

SETTING THE BENCHMARK

ABOVE: The organic garden at Six Senses Zighy Bay. ABOVE LEFT: Rove Expo 2020

Another UAE-based hotel group pioneering green practices is TIME Hotels, which has received global notoriety for its sustainability focused business model.

It has received the prestigious environmental accolade, the Green Key Award, as well as Dubai Chamber’s CSR Label, in recognition of concepts and applications within hotel operations, including water conservation and waste management systems. Recent initiatives include installing electric vehicle charging stations in hotel parking areas and opening a rooftop organic garden using seed and stem propagation at TIME Oak Hotel & Suites.

Through this initiative, the team at TIME Oak Hotel & Suites aims to educate people on how to grow their own herbs and vegetables in a challenging climate without using chemicals and industrially produced pesticides,” explains Gaetan Lavoie, Corporate Director of Technical Services, TIME Hotels.

Across the border in Oman, Six Senses Zighy Bay continues to set the benchmark as an eco-conscious resort.

“The DNA of the resort is firmly entrenched in giving APRIL 2021

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back to the environment and our local community, whether it’s the frequent beach or underwater clean-ups, nurturing our organic garden and farm, or contributing to access to education and healthcare for the local community,” explains General Manager Gauderic Harang.

“More recently our guests are switching their focus to the aspects of life that matter most, including creating a better, more sustainable future – and we are lucky that we can offer resort experiences to help them on that journey.”

The resort recently partnered with Co2nsenus, a British company that works on measuring and offsetting carbon emissions, to launch a Carbon Neutral rate, at no extra cost to the traveller.

After calculating the amount of carbon produced per room night, the rate will see Zighy Bay donate $10 per room night to a wind-power plant based in Balıkesir, Turkey, reducing the amount of Co2 emitted to the environment by 55,370 tonnes per year.

Harang says the pandemic has “provided an opportunity for travellers to pause and think about what they value in a stay, and increasingly, sustainable operations are at the top of their list”.

ABOVE: METT Hotel & Beach Resort, Bodrum

“Navigating the pre-opening phase of a hotel during a pandemic has prompted us to reconsider the nonnegotiable requirements of our guests” APRIL 2021

He believes today’s responsible traveller “quite rightly expects green initiatives beyond the likes of standard recycling practices, reusable glass bottles and alternatives for single-use amenities.”

A NEW START

This increasingly common guest profile is forcing owners and operators to re-think their hotel concepts says Antonio Gonzalez, CEO of Sunset Hospitality Group, which will open its first property in Bodrum, Turkey soon – METT Hotel & Beach Resort.

“Navigating the pre-opening phase of a hotel during a pandemic has prompted us to reconsider the non-negotiable requirements of our guests. As we work towards the launch of METT Bodrum this summer, we are noticing more than ever that guests expect hotels to ingrain sustainability innovations in everything that they do,” he explains.

“We are in a unique position of being able to reevaluate our operating models prior to welcoming our very-first guests. Our most recent initiatives include Reverse Osmosis technology to purify water from the Aegean Sea for our landscaping and tap water, as well as building solar panels to power our resort. The need to support local suppliers, artisans and producers has also grown exponentially as communities rally to maintain their livelihoods during these trying times – which we have supported through partnerships for our furniture, local art and organic produce.”

The age of the “mindful consumer” is upon us, Gonzalez adds and post-pandemic, travellers will take a “less is more” approach, “visiting fewer destinations but ensuring that they intrinsically align with their own values, including sustainability”.

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Marriott in its Element

Hotels and brands helping travellers make green choices

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Marriott’s extended-stay concept, Element, promises “bright, modern design, eco-conscious practices and an innovative guest experience that resonates with today’s travellers”. With demand for long-stay apartment-inspired accommodation escalating in the Middle East, the brand is growing its presence in region, having recently opened the doors to its second property in Dubai. The 269-key Element Al Jaddaf (pictured) targets guests seeking to “maintain a balanced lifestyle while travelling”. Inspired by nature, the hotel features streamlined furnishings in light natural tones, ergonomic design, sun-filled spaces and even pet-friendly amenities. Element is also branching out to Qatar, with Element by West City Centre opening in Doha’s West Bay business district in Q4. It will be housed in an “eco-conscious” 41-storey residential tower, with sustainability efforts including the use of recycled materials and low-VOC interior paints. A second Doha property, Element by Westin West Bay – Al Seeliya Tower – is also in the pipeline. Key features of Element properties include an outdoor-inspired design philosophy, spa-inspired bathrooms, communal spaces, all-natural saline swimming pools, electric vehicle charging stations and a Bikes to Borrow programme.

Alila Hinu Bay

Alila Hinu Bay in Oman’s Governate of Dhofar, represents a new generation of exclusive Alila-branded properties by Hyatt. They blend luxury and environmental harmony and support sustainable tourism by adopting ‘Earth Check’ operating standards.

This new 112-room property, located on 45 hectares of beachfront in Mirbat, combines best sustainable practices with innovative design principles to make a positive contribution to the surrounding area. A hotel that integrates with the landscape, it offers guests the opportunity to enjoy nature reserves, incredible marine life and unspoiled coastline.

Alila Hinu Bay also offers ‘farm-to-table’ dining experiences in its restaurants, growing fresh produce on-site and preparing it minutes after harvest, or sourcing

products from local suppliers with a preference for those in profit sharing co-operative organisations. All chemicals used are low phosphate, biodegradable and non-toxic, and an on-site sewage treatment plant treats grey and black water with a bio system generating water for irrigation.

To reduce water discarded through the pool filtration process and chemical use associated with swimming pools, the pools are treated with a salt pool chlorinated system.

The hotel has also launched a “Leave only footprints, love and a frankincense tree behind” campaign encouraging guests to plant a native – and sacred – frankincense tree in the vicinity of the hotel. This initiative contributes to the preservation of this sacred plant, which is under threat from factors such as habitat destruction, overgrazing and over-tapping for trade.

Park Hyatt Doha

Park Hyatt Doha is located in Msheireb Downtown – the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project.

This walk-able city district, a destination for living, leisure and business, adheres to the highest standards in green building and SMART services, with all buildings either Gold or Platinum certified. The hotel, which is the tallest property in the district, is Gold LEED certified, and incorporates many new and sophisticated energyand water-saving features. Air quality is also prioritised, with improved filter efficiency, the use of low-vapour emitting materials and even testing for pollutants regularly conducted for guest wellbeing. Stand-out initiatives also include recycling waste and packaging; sourcing sustainable suppliers, organic and authentic products and reusable paper; removing all plastic products and replacing them with bamboo and jute alternatives; using biodegradable packaging; and making local food donations. Park Hyatt Doha is owned by Msheireb Properties, which has partnered with experts that take a new approach to urban planning; one that combines traditional methods and modern technology to preserve the environment as well as the cultural identity of Qatar.

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Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island

In line with Hilton’s commitment to halving its environmental footprint globally, the new Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island was built according to a sustainable design philosophy. Initiatives include an automated light control system for all public areas; roof solar panels to heat water; a Guest Room Management System (GRMS) to monitor energy use and with a view to minimising airconditioning consumption; and the installation of water restrictors on taps and showers to limit water flow, without affecting water pressure performance, reducing water consumption by more than 37 per cent. A specialised condensation system re-purposes guest room water and smart systems are in place to control hotel waste management. The hotel also has 12 designated electric charging stations for all types of electric cars.

Address Beach Resort

This newly opened resort has taken sustainability to a new level, providing segregated bins in each guest room to encourage recycling and using eco-friendly bamboo key cards sourcing local organic produce where possible.

Young guests are given biodegradable beach toys and drinks are served in re-usable, biodegradable mugs and water bottles.

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Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

This luxury property is currently building an on-site water filtration system to replace and reduce plastic bottle consumption. It is also the first Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group property globally to build a hydroponic farm, which will provide restaurants with fresh and pesticide-free products. New water and energy saving technology has also been introduced, including solar panels on the roof.

Origins Vida Emirates Hills

At this property, guests purchase their ‘keep cup’ for a one-off AED 75 fee, and then pay just AED 10 for a coffee refill at any Vida Hotels and Resorts property.

The keep-cup is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic.

Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain

At Vida’s first Umm Al Quwain hotel, in-room trays for coffee and tea amenities are made from Abaca – a relative to the banana plant grown in hot, humid climates. The plant’s longleaf sheaths are used as fibres to create the trays, with this material also used to make rope and textiles.

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Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort

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This resort has an Ocean Champion Badge from the Oceanic Standard, an international NGO, for its sustainable initiatives such as reducing single-use plastic consumption, food waste management, sustainable food procurement and the use of non-toxic products.

The property is the first and only resort in the Middle East to hold this recognition. The onsite Marine Biologist at Jumeirah At Saadiyat Island Resort offers educational sessions and insights on various sustainable practices that can be incorporated into daily life. This is part of the resort team’s overarching goal for its sustainability experiences to live on beyond the guest’s visit. The resort also offers eco tours at nearby Saadiyat mangroves to spot the resident humpback dolphins as well as the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle in the wild.

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa and Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Jumeirah Group’s Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Programme is based at this seven-star hotel and last year it released 65 rehabilitated Hawksbill sea turtles back into the wild. The rehabilitation process starts with critical care at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah facility, then progresses to the state-of-the-art, seafed turtle rehabilitation lagoon in Jumeirah Al Naseem, where the turtles acclimatise to ambient conditions and build up their fitness levels. The team has successfully returned more than 1,900 turtles to the Arabian Gulf since its inception in 2004.

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These Omani resorts participate in the Shangri-La Group’s Rooted in Nature programme, sourcing the finest locally and ethically sourced ingredients as part of their culinary offerings. To qualify they had to meet at least one of several criteria: locally grown, chemical-free, sustainably sourced, certified organic, or fair trade. Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa sources vegetables from Yuzu Brothers organic farm. Headed

by Chef Marco De Vincentis, all dishes on the menu are made from ethically-sourced and sustainable ingredients delivered daily from the Omani family-run farm. Along with the organic vegetables and herbs from Yuzu Farm, guests can enjoy sustainably caught fish and seafood delivered daily to the resort by local fishermen.

Bringing content to life 360º MEDIA PRODUCTION VIDEO | PHOTOGRAPHY | ANIMATION | STREAMING | STUDIO & EQUIPMENT RENTAL

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GOING ‘BEYOND GREEN’ The new sustainable hotel brand aiming to “transform travel as a force for good”

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ebuting with a portfolio of 24 founding members, Beyond Green is a new sustainable hotel brand that brings together some of the world’s most forward-thinking properties – those that “work tirelessly to protect biodiversity, celebrate cultural heritage, and improve local people’s livelihoods in destinations around the world, all while delivering an exceptional guest experience”.

In order to be a member, properties must demonstrate actions and impact according to three key pillars of sustainable tourism leadership: environmentally friendly practices that go beyond the basics; protection of natural and cultural heritage; and contributing to the social and economic wellbeing of local communities.

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Launched in November by the Preferred Hotel Group Inc., a brand representing more than 750 independent hotels, resorts, residences and hotel groups globally, Beyond Green was “conceptualised as the next step in Preferred’s strategic vision to make travel a positive force for people and the planet”, explains renowned responsible tourism visionary, Costas Christ, Brand Leader of Beyond Green and President of Beyond Green Travel.

“Inspired by its brand promise, ‘Believe in Travel’, the Preferred network has always championed the ideal that even during the most challenging times, travel will always march forward.”

Christ says the pandemic has heightened consumer appetite for a more “purposeful way of travel” and Beyond Green rises to this challenge.

“The brand represents hotels, resorts and lodges that

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combine true travel inspiration with authentic and innovative design, unsurpassed guest service and an array of experiences that inspire personal renewal, wellness, learning and adventure in some of the most unique and fascinating urban, rural and remote places on our planet, all wrapped together with a deep commitment to sustainability leadership in action,” he adds.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Three Camel Lodge; Xigera Safari Lodge; The Brando

compost system whereby all food waste into rich soil that is donated to local communities for use in gardens.

Beyond Green’s founding members are spearheading several industry leading initiatives. They include:

Three Camel Lodge, Gobi, Mongolia: This property’s Cooking for Conservation project works to protect rare snow leopards by encouraging poachers to trade steel traps used to capture the elusive animal in exchange for a set of new cooking pots – a highly valued item in Mongolia’s remote nomadic regions. To date, more than 400 illegal traps have successfully been exchanged and removed from use.

Xigera Safari Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana: Blending into the iconic landscape of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, this newly built safari lodge has implemented a sophisticated solar power system to supply its energy needs; a state-of-the-art reverse-osmosis system that provides guests and staff with purified drinking water and eliminates single-use plastic water bottles; and a

The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia: At The Brando Marine Conservation and Research Centre, scientists educate guests about the efforts underway to restore Tetiaroa Atoll, where the Brando is located, to its pristine origins, while a green tour also showcases renewable energy systems, including local coconut oil that helps to power the resort, along with solar panels.

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Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: Guests can plant saplings as part of an ambitious rainforest rehabilitation project to expand mountain gorilla habitat. The lodge is actively engaged in scientific research of these largest of the great apes to help ensure their future survival. andBeyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania: Mnemba is part of Oceans Without Borders, an innovative conservation programme launched by andBeyond in partnership with local communities and international conservation organisations to establish and expand marine protected areas. With Mnemba one of only two protected turtle nesting sites in Zanzibar, a green turtle tagging and monitoring programme is one of their important and on-going research projects.

Borgo Pignano, Tuscany, Italy: During visits to the estate’s certified-organic farms and gardens, travellers learn about regenerative agriculture, including how healthy soils help sequester carbon. In addition, Borgo Pignano’s ‘zero kilometre’ cuisine further reduces carbon emissions from food miles while guests enjoy seasonal local ingredients produced on-property including olive oil, honey and wine.

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Ted Turner Reserves Vermejo, Raton, New Mexico, USA: In addition to protecting more than half a million acres of natural ecosystems and helping to bring the American Bison back from the brink of extinction, Vermejo has also restored the native Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout to its waterways, while engaging in large scale habitat restoration and rewilding.

Francis Ford Coppola Family Hideaway Turtle Inn, Placencia, Belize: In addition to supporting coral reef regeneration initiatives, the beachfront resort was constructed almost entirely of local materials and is also single use plastic free including all of the guest rooms and the spa. An onsite organic garden supplies the restaurant and a partnership with local fishermen includes helping to eradicate the invasive lionfish.

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge; andBeyond Mnemba Island; Borgo Pignano; Francis Ford Coppola Family Hideaway Turtle Inn; Ted Turner Reserves Vermejo

OPINION

Ask the pilot Our undercover captain reveals what it’s like to fly for a living

What are the most irritating things about passengers?

There are two issues I would highlight here.

First and foremost are passengers who, having checked in for a flight with luggage and passed through security in a timely manner, manage to arrive at the aircraft late.

This is really annoying and frustrating for all concerned, particularly the other passengers who boarded on time and are keen to depart on schedule.

These latecomers cause a significant delay as the process of unloading their luggage for security reasons may have already commenced. On a long-haul flight, this can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on where the bag is loaded on the aircraft.

In addition, there may be a slot to meet – the time that the flight has been allocated by air traffic control to accommodate us in the busy airspace network.

If you fail to meet this time then you go to the back of the queue and have to apply for a new slot. In some cases, this can result in a delay of an hour or more. So I would plead with you all to arrive at the aircraft in plenty of time. If you fail to do so, or even arrive a few minutes before departure, you may be denied boarding.

My second issue is when passengers expect something for nothing; here, I am referring to upgrades. When they realise it is not going to happen, they often behave like naughty children and throw their toys out of the pram. I have heard all sorts of reasons and stories as to why they should be upgraded and my answer is always the same: “We are more than happy to upgrade you; how would you like to pay?”

Occasionally, when a flight is overbooked, upgrading will occur, and this is normally actioned at check-in. However, priority for these upgrades is usually given to the airline’s most loyal customers.

What is the most irritating thing about fellow pilots?

The environment we work in is different from most, in that every time we fly we are with different colleagues. In this sense, we are pretty good at adapting to a variety of

The best thing about the job is being sat in an office with a wonderful view of the world

captain was dismissive of my opinion or input because they assumed I was just the new boy and knew nothing.

Over the years, we have had a significant amount of training in how best to communicate and value each other’s input, so these situations are few and far between.

What are the best and worst things about being an airline pilot?

The best thing, for sure, is being sat in an office with a wonderful view of the world, pursuing a career that provides great opportunities. I make no secret of the fact that the job is well paid and enables you to lead a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle.

The worst bits are long hours, nights out of bed and fighting fatigue. In addition, many pilots dread their six-monthly simulator check. This is designed to ensure that our skills remain at the required standard and that our knowledge is up to date. It is stressful because a failure to achieve the standard will result in your flying licence being suspended and the need for retraining.

In other words, your job is on the line.

Did you like wearing the pilot’s uniform? personalities and situations. However, from a captain’s perspective, I found first officers who were trying to prove something and who came across as arrogant quite irritating.

Conversely, thinking back to when I was a first officer, I found it irritating when the

Yes. I was proud of both the job and the airline. People notice you in uniform and show respect for what you do. That made me feel good.

If you have a question you’d like to ask our pilot, email talktous@businesstraveller.com APRIL 2021

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TRENDS

Meetings and events for a

REINVENTED WORDS HANNAH BRANDLER What to expect from the major hotel groups, from new concepts to safety procedures 38

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new era

TRENDS

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hile most meetings and events are on hold for the time being, the rollout of vaccines means we may soon see a return of business gatherings, though they will look a little different to before.

Here, we round-up the programmes in place to keep delegates safe – from hybrid events, which combine in-person attendance and virtual participation, to the necessary safety measures such as temperature checks and testing procedures.

ABOVE: Hilton Eventready with Cleanstay LEFT: Accor launches ‘All Connect’ with Microsoft teams this month (April)

Accor

Last year Accor introduced its All Meet Well initiative at 135 hotels in its brand portfolio in Northern Europe. The meetings and events are run according to the group’s ALLSAFE cleanliness programme, with features including: • Daily cleaning during evenings and lunch breaks, including disinfecting light switches, door handles, chairs, tables, hangers and consoles • Vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters • Cleaning checklists for event organisers prior to meetings taking place This month (April 2021), the group will launch ‘All Connect’, a new hybrid meetings concept powered by Microsoft Teams technology. The initiative will allow corporate customers and meeting planners around the world to combine “physical in-hotel meetings with virtual interactions across multiple locations”.

The concept focuses primarily on smaller meetings of eight to 50 participants, which will take place on the Microsoft Teams platform.

Today, 55 per cent of Accor hotels with meeting rooms provide hybrid meetings solutions to their clients. The goal is that 100 per cent of its hotels

with meeting rooms comply with the new hybrid meetings standard by 2022 across all brands, from economy to ultra-luxury worldwide.

Research by Accor reveals 50 per cent of physical meetings planned by the company’s meeting and events customers in 2021 will switch to virtual formats. More than 70 per cent view hybrid meetings as an important service in the future.

BELOW: Accor ALLSAFE

Hilton

The group has extended its cleaning protocols to event experiences, calling it Hilton Eventready with Cleanstay.

The key features include: • Room seals, sanitising stations and a room checklist • Flexible pricing, space options and contract terms • Simplified agreements for small meetings • A playbook offering guidance and resources to plan meetings • Physical distancing meal service • Dedicated team members to provide assistance to event planners The group also recently introduced a set of solutions to help event planners organise hybrid meetings at participating hotels around the world. The “hybrid ready” hotels include seamless connectivity, a playbook offering advice on planning this kind of event, and expertise from dedicated team members.

Select hotels will also have Presentation Stages: re-built stages which are equipped with broadcast technology and staging equipment to record and/or broadcast a high-quality online event. This currently only applies to Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hilton Atlanta, Hilton Anatole, Hilton Denver and The Beverly Hilton, but is set to be rolled out across Europe, Middle East and Africa by the end of the year. Properties equipped with such event technology will accommodate between two to six on-site presenters and up to 50 in-person attendees.

APRIL 2021

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TRENDS

IHG Hotels and Resorts

Hyatt 40

Hyatt is allowing meetings to simultaneously take place across various properties in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East through a hybrid format. Content can be broadcast to meeting rooms across multiple hotels, allowing attendees around the world to safely connect and engage.

Each location can house 15 attendees and features include wireless internet, a dynamic device with multiple built-in cameras and microphones, a video monitor, and two flipcharts.

The meetings and events abide by Hyatt’s Global Care and Cleanliness Commitment, with features including: • Sanitisation of meeting rooms before and after use • Hand sanitiser stations and ‘care stations’ with PPE • Signage to remind guests of social distancing • Increased usage of linen-less tables where possible • Sanitisation and disinfection of AV equipment between uses • Pre-packaged food items, and buffets with plexiglass coverings and staff to serve hot dishes APRIL 2021

ABOVE: Hyatt Place Dubai Al Rigga BELOW: IHG Way of Clean

In 2020, IHG Hotels & Resorts introduced its Meet with Confidence programme to support the changing needs of meeting planners. Last month (March) the programme was expanded to include resources, technology and tools for hybrid events. These hybrid capabilities can simultaneously connect multiple hotel locations to regional and global business and leisure events through live streaming, creating more shared experiences for virtual and in-person attendees. The hotel group has formed partnerships in the U.S. with Wellness 4 Humanity, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. and weframe providing solutions spanning rapid onsite COVID-19 testing; customised food and beverage experiences; and technology to enable digital collaboration. Bookers and planners can choose from two hybrid events solutions – Smart and Expert – to plan the right experience for in-person and virtual attendees across one or multiple locations. New options include: Smart Solution: The Smart Solution is available at participating IHG Hotels & Resorts globally, except in Greater China.

IHG Way of Clean: At the core of the programme, with enhanced cleanliness, social distancing and safety

measures implemented at all hotels.

Onsite rapid COVID-19 testing: Provided by Wellness 4 Humanity, testing solutions are available as an option for meeting planners.

Digital collaboration technology: Provided by weframe to increase collaboration amongst meeting attendees, weframe One, an interactive 86-inch touch screen is a cloud-based technology allowing onsite and remote participants to work collaboratively.

Expert Solution: Initially available at nearly 100 hotels in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Asia, planners can choose to upweight the Smart Solution with additional services, including: • Virtual technology experiences, with planners able to utilise a full suite of hybrid meeting capabilities allowing in-person and virtual attendees to connect, in addition to advanced audio-visual production and multi-venue linking.

• Curated food and beverage experiences, with Williams Sonoma offering an exclusive catalogue of specialty food, drinks and dessert experiences delivered to offsite attendees. It gives all participants a shared meeting experience with opportunities for personalisation.

TRENDS

THE EVENT OUTLOOK

93%

of organisers plan to invest in virtual events moving forward

76%

of planners executed a virtual event in 2020

Marriott

Marriott launched a ‘Connect with Confidence’ programme last year, which includes enhanced sanitation guidelines, new operational training for associates, and increased use of conference technologies. Hotel teams will consult with clients to review new practices including: • More frequent cleaning in high traffic areas and during breaks • Hand sanitiser stations • Social distancing of attendees • Contactless registration • Touchless payment options via Marriott’s Meeting Services app • Removal of non-essential items such as linens, pre-set plates and glassware • Pre-packaged, grab-and-go or plated meals, and modified buffets • Sanitised AV equipment • Live streaming support to facilitate hybrid meetings with virtual attendees The Marriott Bonvoy Events team has also created a series of physically

distant floor plans to help event planners visualise room configurations.

As part of the group’s ‘Connect with Confidence’ programme, Marriott is also offering COVID-19 tests to meetings customers at selected properties in the US. This can either be self-administered by the guest prior to travel or by a third-party testing provider on site at the hotel.

Additionally, there will be daily and/or pre-arrival health screening questions via a dedicated mobile app, and daily temperature checks to enter the event area. The initiative is currently active at Marriott’s Gaylord Hotels in Florida, Tennessee, Texas and Colorado, with plans to roll it out to certain other Marriott branded hotels in the US. In January 2021, Marriott held an event at Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center for 100 in-person attendees and 800 virtual attendees.

Survey results from the event revealed

6x – 8x

the number of registrations virtual events often capture compared to the equivalent live event (Source: Post Covid-19 Event Outlook Report)

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that 51 per cent of meeting and event professionals plan to host a hybrid event within the next six to 12 months, and 95 per cent of attendees said that they would attend another event if it were to be designed with the same principles.

The group will also provide new resources for hybrid meetings and events, including providers and pricing, from March 2021 at Marriott Hotels across the US and Canada.

This will be available globally “in the near future”.

Marriott has also released a ‘Hybrid Meetings Insights Report’, available to download at marriottbonvoyevents.com

CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW: Marriott’s virtual event at Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center; Connect with Confidence as been rolled out at Gaylord Hotels in Florida

APRIL 2021

TRENDS

Radisson Hotel Group

3D platforms take centre stage

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As hybrid meetings and events have taken off, so too has the technology to host them, with the Middle East region’s first 3D virtual events platform, eve, proving a big hit.

The brainchild of Mohammed Tayem, CEO and founder of UAE-based events and marketing agency, Entourage, and officially launched in July last year in response to the pandemic, eve is a customisable platform with integrated features such as video conferencing, live chat and e-commerce, live studio integration, one-on-one meeting rooms, backstage management and streaming.

More than 50 virtual events were executed on eve from September to November, including several that took place during the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which was staged virtually from November 21 to 22. It enabled high-profile leaders from across the global to connect to Riyadh where sessions were being live-streamed.

Eve has also successfully hosted the international WETEX conference for DEWA Dubai, the All Levels of Trauma Care of AOS USA, the famous music and creators experience Payne Play City, UK, and a major Arab concert attended by more than 200,000 people.

The platform translated WETEX – an events that has taken place physically for the last 20 years – to a 3D virtual world.

In an interview with AME.info, Tayem revealed this took three months of customisation, working with 385 exhibitors, four main stages, six live workshops, five live language translations and creating the exhibitor portal.

The platform has also been used to replicate the office environment of an international pharmaceutical company.

Employees could attend work virtually in a 3D environment identical to the real-life set up. Each employee was invited to create his/her own avatar to attend meetings, return to their workstations, chat, share ideas and conduct business as usual.

Eve, which is now working with schools to create similar virtual environments, has already hit one million users.

Tayem says demand for 3D virtual concepts is rocketing, with malls, retail outlets and travel and tourism all reaching out.

APRIL 2021

The group has partnered with certification company SGS to create a 10-step protocol for meetings and events spaces in its worldwide locations. Guests will have their personal belongings safely handled in designated areas, while stationary items will be placed in a “disinfect box” after events. Further features include: • Sanitising stations • Increased cleaning and disinfection • Improved air circulation processes • Door hangings detailing the cleaning and disinfection information • Frequent cleaning and disinfection of coffee machines A hotel event manager will also be on hand to assist with requests via a device. The protocols are adapted to local requirements and recommendations based on the location of the hotel.

Radisson has also partnered with communication platform Zoom to facilitate virtual and hybrid meetings.

Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, says hybrid solutions are not only convenient, but provide “a great opportunity for any organisation to progress its sustainability mission, as the carbon footprint is greatly reduced without completely eliminating true human connection”.

Helping guests to stage hybrid meetings also ties in with Radisson’s Responsible Business Strategy, which aims to reduce the company’s carbon and water footprint by 10 per cent until 2022. Radisson Meetings has also forged a global partnership with First Climate, one of the world’s largest carbon offset organisations, to achieve a 100 per cent carbon neutral meetings goal. By automatically offsetting the carbon footprint for every single meeting and event taking place at its hotels, Radisson Hotel Group already offsets more than 38,300 CO2e-tones annually, which is the equivalent of taking 8,300 cars off the road per year.

Encouraging meeting planners to support the cause and make sustainability a part of their meeting, Radisson says it aims to be “the brand of choice for sustainability minded and environment friendly meetings.”

TECHNOLOGY

Ask Jeeves Switzerland’s first hotel robot is proving a trusty AI

WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD

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ext time you happen to be staying at Radisson Blu Hotel at Zurich Airport, you will most likely bump into the property’s latest AI addition – JEEVES. The first hotel robot in Switzerland, JEEVES is already delighting guests with contactless deliveries of drinks, snacks and menu items ranging from burgers to pizzas, carefully ushering them to their room without the need for human contact, which midpandemic, is deemed desirable.

Developed by Munich technology company, Robotise, JEEVES is marking its debut in Switzerland as

hospitality firms such as Radisson Hotel Group meet demands for safe, efficient and hygienic service solutions.

According to Daniel Twerenbold, General Manager & Regional Director Switzerland, Italy, Austria & South East Europe, Radisson Hotel Group, employing JEEVES at the Zurich hotel highlights the increasing relevance of digital transformation and innovation in the day-to-day-operations of the international hotel industry.

“When I saw JEEVES for the first

time in a video, it convinced me immediately that with its technical capabilities, the robot could support our guest services and operations team very well. We are very pleased to be working with JEEVES to offer our guests an exclusive, contactless, and secure standard of service,” he says.

To ensure that JEEVES can independently reach all 330 rooms and suites of the Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport, the automated elevator control of the Schindler brand has been upgraded.

Thanks to innovative cloud technology, the lifts now communicate directly with the Service Robot for the first time, ensuring smooth transport to all floors.

The history of hotel robots Aloft’s butler robot

Hilton’s concierge robot

Henn-na’s all-robot team

In 2014, Aloft Hotels became the first brand to use robot technology, introducing A.L.O — robotic butler or Botlr — at its Cupertino location. The robot can travel the entire hotel to make deliveries. Its primary purpose is to surprise guests with room delivery.

In 2016, Hilton partnered with IBM to create Connie, the resident robot at the McLean hotel in Virginia. Connie (pictured), named after Hilton’s founder, Conrad, is a concierge robot who provides information on nearby attractions, places to eat and hotel details

At this hotel in Nagasaki, Japan, the robot team provides front-desk and concierge services using voice and facial recognition technology, serves drinks in the café and inside your room, a robot called Churi San controls the heating, lighting and more.

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WORDS RUTH JACKSON-KIRBY APRIL 2021

MONEY

SPE N D I N G P OWE R You put plenty of thought into what to pack in your suitcase, but what about what you carry in your wallet? Here’s our guide to the best credit and debit cards to use when travelling

GETTY IMAGES

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here are a number of charges you can face when paying with plastic abroad. Pick the right card and you can eradicate most of these, making foreign transactions much cheaper. First, consider the cost of converting your money into the local currency. Just like when you buy currency at a foreign exchange, the rate can vary between different card providers. Your provider will use an exchange rate set by Mastercard, Visa or American Express – these are all very close to the “spot” price so offer a better rate than you would get at a foreign exchange.

Of the three, Mastercard tends to offer a slightly better exchange rate than Visa or American Express but it is a small difference. For example, at the time of writing Mastercard was offering €1,103 for £1,000, compared with €1,102 from Visa.

On top of the exchange rate, many card providers – both debit and credit – charge a non-sterling transaction fee.

You will pay this every time you use it, and it is typically up to 2.99 per cent of the transaction.

Then there is the non-sterling cash fee. This is a charge of about 3 per cent whenever you withdraw cash from an ATM. Also, if you take out money using a credit card you may be charged interest from the moment the notes are in your hands.

It is not uncommon to come across debit and credit cards that charge all of these fees when you use your card abroad, and that can quickly add up to an expensive transaction. Let’s say you spend £1,000 in a foreign transaction – the non-sterling transaction fee could add

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£29 to the cost. Withdraw £1,000 with a card that charges a non-sterling cash fee and it could mean a £30 charge.

Take money out using a credit card and interest could add about 20-30 per cent to your costs.

WHICH CREDIT CARD?

The good news is that it is easy to avoid all those extra charges – all you need to do is pack the right plastic when you head overseas. If It is not uncommon you are looking for a credit card then there to come across debit are two great options to choose from. The Barclaycard Rewards card does not charge and credit cards that fees on transactions or withdrawals when charge multiple fees you are abroad. Plus, there is no interest to when you use your pay, even on cash withdrawals, as long as you pay your bill in full. It also comes with card abroad a perk – 0.25 per cent cashback on your spending. The only drawback, and it really is a small niggle, is that the Barclaycard Rewards card uses the Visa exchange rate, which is often marginally worse than the Mastercard one.

To get the Mastercard exchange rate you could go for the Santander Zero card.

This charges no fees on foreign spending or withdrawing money but you will pay interest at 18.9 per cent APR on cash withdrawals.

Still, pay your bill in full and you won’t be charged interest.

The added bonus of putting your overseas spending on a credit card is that your purchases are protected in case things go wrong. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act APRIL 2021

MONEY

states that your credit card provider is jointly liable alongside a retailer when you buy something that costs between £100 and £30,000. This means you can request a refund from your credit card provider, which is especially useful for overseas purchases as it can be tricky to resolve them when the retailer is in another country.

WHICH DEBIT CARD?

The drawback of a credit card is that you’ll have to pass a credit check to have your application approved and you may need a minimum income. You also can’t predict what credit limit you will be given. This is where a debit card may be a better option – some of these don’t require a credit check and may not have minimum income requirements.

Want a top-flight debit card to take on your travels? There are a couple of contenders.

App-based Starling Bank’s current account comes with a debit card that doesn’t charge foreign exchange or

cash withdrawal fees when you use it abroad. It also uses the Mastercard exchange rate and you’ll get instant notifications on your phone of what you’ve spent in the local currency and what it has cost you in British pounds.

As a small added bonus, you’ll earn 0.05 per cent interest on your balance with Starling Bank. Plus, if your card is lost or stolen you can lock it via the app on your phone. However, the bank will perform a credit check before you can open an account.

If you don’t want the hassle of getting a new current account then Currensea is worth a look. This is a debit card that uses open banking to link to your existing current account. This means no credit checks to get a card. You can then take advantage of its fee-free cash withdrawals of up to £500 a month; there is a 2 per cent fee after that.

Currensea uses the Mastercard exchange rate but places a 0.5 per cent fee on foreign exchange so the rate won’t be as good as with Starling Bank.

You can remove the exchange rate fee by paying £25 a year for the Premium Currensea card.

Premium members also pay only 1 per cent on cash withdrawals above £500 a month.

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THE BEST CARDS AT A GLANCE

APRIL 2021

Non-sterling cash fee

Non-sterling transaction fee

Exchange rate

Perks

Barclaycard Rewards credit card

0%

0%

Visa

0.25% cashback; no interest on cash withdrawals if you pay your bill in full

Santander Zero credit card

0%

0%

Mastercard

Starling Bank debit card

0%

0%

Mastercard

0.05% interest; instant spending notifications

Currensea debit card

0%

0.5% (0% with Premium card)

Mastercard

No need to open a new current account

Pitfalls

18.9% APR interest on cash withdrawals

£500 monthly limit on fee-free cash withdrawals

OPINION

A novel time

We’ve all got one in us – and if lockdown doesn’t drive you to write that book, nothing will

DEREK PICOT A HOTELIER FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS AND AUTHOR OF THE HOTEL DETECTIVE AND HIS LOVER

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hat a challenge it was adapting to lockdown, not least in terms of education. My children are grown up so they didn’t need any help, but I found myself on a steep learning curve because the new world order of shared duties means education starts at home. My first lesson was mastering the vacuum cleaner, of which the less said, the better. The second was how to make the bed with elastic cornered sheets that have shrunk (how was I to know that there were different temperature settings on the washing machine?). At least I didn’t need to participate in any exercise videos; vacuuming and bed changing were arduous enough.

BENJAMIN SOUTHAN

DRAWN FROM EXPERIENCE So it was an experience in terms of both home economics and home ergonomics.

And then there was the trauma of placing a grocery order online. The delivery slot I secured was so far in the future that by the time it arrived we had already been forced out to various supermarkets to track down what we needed. I knew I should have pilfered more toilet rolls from my hotel days.

So that was the first month done. I then decided to tackle a long-held ambition: writing a novel. During my time as a hotelier I encountered terrorism, five huge fires, homicides, suicides and, latterly, ecocide.

These could all be included in the book, along with the time I’d had to wake the president of a country and tell him there’d been a coup and that his job title no longer matched the name of the suite he was sleeping in.

Sadly, it was all going to have to be a piece reception office, while the Italians charmed of fiction, so the names and places would the guests at the restaurant tables. If English have to be reinvented. I chose 1968 as the was your only tongue, you were lucky to time to set the story, when the establishment work in goods receiving. found itself up against the liberal attitudes of the swinging sixties.

DULY NOTED It was a very different age. Virtually the And the guests? In London’s luxury hotels only roles women were appointed to in they would be denied accommodation if hotels were secretaries or chambermaids. The they hadn’t been verified and booked by idea of anyone but a man serving you in a introductory letter or through an approved, restaurant would have been revolutionary, credit-worthy travel agent. Cheques or and all the menus were in French. You got travel agent vouchers were the preferred two weeks’ holiday, no pension plan and currency for payment, and records of receptionists had to buy preferences were avidly their own uniforms. kept, along with any Most of the senior misdemeanours. If As a hotelier I management in the top someone had the temerity encountered London hotels had seen to steal the odd coat terrorism, fires, war service. I worked with hanger, this would be a general manager who had marked on their file. homicides, suicides been the navigation officer It is against such a and, latterly, ecocide of a battle cruiser, a backdrop that our hero, German chief engineer the hotel detective who had served in U-boats Richard Marker, must and a housekeeper who had taught female work alone, surrounded by secret agents to parachute out this rich milieu of wealth of Lysander aircraft at 500 and extravagance and yet feet over France. The kitchens not a part of it. Can he were run by French chefs who discover who is behind the turned their empires into kidnapping of the chairman’s son, arrondissements of the Fourth and will the sensual Adelphi press Republic, with strict Gaullist officer, Sandrine, help him in his quest and rules and no manager allowed to enter perhaps appreciate his somewhat hidden without permission. charms? Answering these questions helped As for the rest of the staff, the poor Brits me through lockdown. I hope you may find were marginalised for a lack of language them diverting as well.

The Hotel Detective and His Lover is skills. The Swiss were hallowed as true available on Amazon and Amazon Kindle hoteliers suitable for the suaveness of the APRIL 2021

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4 HOURS IN...

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Kaohsiung WORDS JEREMY TREDINNICK

Take in the cultural sights and waterside attractions of Taiwan’s atmospheric southern port city

APRIL 2021

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THE DOME OF LIGHT

Your exploration of Kaohsiung’s scenic points of interest begins in one of the city’s main metro stations. This may sound bizarre, but inside Formosa Boulevard station, the transfer interchange for the Red and Orange lines, the main concourse is roofed by a 660 sqm dome constructed from 4,500 individual pieces of stained glass – one of the world’s largest public art installations of its kind.

Supported by huge coloured pillars, it was created by Italian-born US artist Narcissus Quagliata and took nearly four years to complete.

A kaleidoscopic panorama that stretches like a vast umbrella over commuters’ heads, the dome presents four themes – Water: the womb of life; Earth: prosperity and growth; Light: the creative spirit; and Fire: destruction and rebirth – meant to bring a message of love and tolerance.

At the least it certainly brings a ray of colourful light into the lives of all of those who pass under it.

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LOTUS LAKE

Jump on the Red line heading north to Zuoying Metro station (R16). Either walk down Mingtan Road to the northern edge of Lotus Lake, or catch a bus to the southern end, where the lake’s best-known structures are located. Next to a shady park of ancient banyan trees stand the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas – a little gaudy perhaps, but entering the dragon’s mouth and exiting the tiger’s maw is said to bring luck, and proves great entertainment for children.

The man-made Lotus Lake has been a popular destination since the Qing Dynasty, and on its western side are numerous pavilions and temples, such as the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, where ponds are filled with vibrant carp and longnecked turtles sun themselves on tiny stone bridges. There’s also a statue of the Goddess of Mercy riding a dragon within the complex – enter through the dragon’s fanged mouth and negotiate the ups and downs of

its snaking belly, which is painted with colourful scenes of legend.

Other sites worth checking out include the Chi-Ming-Tang temple, an astonishing sensory feast of gold and red, incense smoke, booming gongs and the rattle of muchused fortune sticks; and the huge, intimidating statue of Xuan Tian Shang-di, the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven. eng.taiwan.net.tw

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LOVE RIVER

A 10-minute taxi ride south (costing about NT$230/$8) will bring you to the last-mile stretch of Love River, which bisects the city and is its focal point. A decade ago, it was a polluted and unsightly waterway but in the intervening years the river was cleaned up and the area underwent renovation and greening. Today it boasts riverside parks and promenades, broad, treelined thoroughfares and a host of statues, coffee shops, cafés, restaurants and cultural sites, including the Kaohsiung Museum of History.

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2

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3 Friendly, style-conscious youngsters mix with families, while joggers and cyclists use the bike paths. You can take a scenic gondola boat ride or hire water skis, and in the evening many bars open up, with musicians setting up along the riverside to entertain the crowds.

JEREMY TREDINNICK/TOURISM BUREAU KCG/PAI-SHIH LEE

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CIJIN (CHICHIN) ISLAND

Jump in a taxi for the short trip west to Gushan ferry pier, then hop on a boat for the five-minute ride (NT$30/$1 one-way) across to Cijin Island, which protects Kaohsiung Harbour from the open sea and was the earliest developed area of the city once known as Takow.

A relaxed fishing hamlet, Cijin’s many points of interest are centred around its northern end and can easily be visited in a looping walk.

Close to the Cijin ferry pier is the small but atmospheric Tianhou

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temple, which was built in 1673 and is Kaohsiung’s oldest. Rows of pretty red lanterns create a shady “porch” area out front, while monks inside tend to the altars.

On a rugged bluff near the northern tip of the island you’ll spot Taiwan’s second oldest lighthouse.

Descend the steep steps from here and you’ll be treated to an unexpected sight – a series of huge cliffs against which the full force of the ocean smashes, waves breaking and shooting skyward in a ferocious outburst of water-borne energy.

A man-made tunnel through the cliffs will bring you to the northern end of Cijin Beach, a long, broad strand of black sand that is popular with surfers as well as families.

Facing the beach is Seafood Street (Miaoqian Street), a classic set-up of stalls selling everything from clams and mussels to squid, octopus and

myriad fish. Grab some barbecued squid on a stick to snack on as you wander back to the ferry through the entertaining communal bustle.

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BRITISH CONSULATE AT TAKOW

Back on the mainland, cross the nearby bridge and walk up the hill to finish your day with a classic British afternoon tea or a sunset drink at the perfectly positioned British Consulate at Takow. This meticulously preserved colonial building dates back to 1879 and contains historical exhibitions, a tea lounge, a verandah and gardens with fantastic views. It makes for a cultured end to your day in this surprisingly sophisticated city The consulate is open Tues-Fri 10am-7pm (from 9am on weekends); entry NT$99 ($3.50). britishconsulate.khcc.gov.tw APRIL 2021

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APRIL 2021

CARS

WORDS NAT BARNE S

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It’s all about electric and hybrid this year – here’s a look at the top new eco-friendly vehicles landing in showrooms in 2021

APRIL 2021

CARS

FIAT 500 ELECTRIC

Price: from $27,850 On sale: now The cute little Italian baby is back – and this time it’s packing a plug-powered punch. Aside from new headlights the new Fiat 500 may not look all that different on the outside, but under the skin there have been some huge changes. All of the petrol and diesel engine options have gone, replaced by the choice of just two batteries – 24kWh or 42kWh – that offer a 185km or 320km range respectively when fully charged. There’s a third body style to add to the standard hatchback and cabriolet, too – called the 3+1, it has a small rearhinged door just behind the driver’s door to enable better access to the back seats.

For the moment this is available only in left-hand drive markets, but if it proves popular don’t be surprised to see it in other showrooms soon.

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KIA SORENTO PLUG-IN HYBRID

Price: est. from $62,600 On sale: now Kia won the 2020 World Car of the Year award with its brilliant Telluride, produced for the US market, and it would be a brave person to bet against the Korean firm repeating the feat this year with its latest large off-roader. The good news is that the all-new Sorento is a global car so is available in far more markets than the Telluride. Even better, this particular version is a plug-in hybrid, which means you get a large, seven-seater off-roader that achieves 38g/km emissions and about 64km on a full charge. Considering the Sorento’s size and towing capabilities, that will make it not only tempting for larger families, but also for company car users looking to reduce their benefit-in-kind monthly tax bill.

APRIL 2021

LAND ROVER DEFENDER P400E PLUG-IN HYBRID Price: from $90,100 On sale: now Land Rover finally introduced its new Defender last year, and 2021 is going to be no less busy for the iconic offroader. For starters, it has a starring role in the new James Bond film No Time To Die, and there’s also the introduction of this, the first Defender Plug-In Hybrid.

Available only in five-door 110 form, the P400e has a 2.0-litre petrol engine allied to a 19.2kWh battery, which combine to provide an incredible power output of 398bhp. That gives it a 0-60mph time of only 5.4 seconds, as well as an all-electric range of 43km and emissions of 74g/km.

Arguably the most advanced Land Rover Defender yet, the P400e should be a popular addition to the range.

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CITROEN E-C4

Price: from $40,600 On sale: now It’s fair to say that Citroen’s previous offerings in the Ford Focus/VW Golf family hatchback market haven’t exactly flown out of showrooms. Admittedly, it’s tough in such a hotly contested sector, but the French company’s new C4 and this all-electric version, the e-C4, might just do the trick. With a 50kWh battery and a fully-charged range of 349km, the sharply styled e-C4 offers buyers a straight choice in the C4 range between a petrol or diesel engine or electric power, in the same five-door hatchback body style – similar to what the Peugeot 208 supermini from Citroen’s sister firm does.

It looks great, too. → APRIL 2021

CARS

TOYOTA RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID

Price: from $66,000 On sale: spring Toyota probably has the widest experience of hybrids of almost any manufacturer, but its background when it comes to plug-in hybrid technology has been limited to the Prius. With the huge growth in demand for eco-friendly vehicles, especially SUVs, Toyota has moved the tech across to its popular RAV4 to make it the flagship of its hybrid range. It uses the same 2.5-litre petrol engine as the standard RAV4 hybrid, which, along with a larger electric battery, produces a combined power output of 302bhp. That’s enough to give it an impressive electric-only range of 74km, with 22g/km emissions.

JAGUAR I-PACE 54

Price: from $90,800 On sale: now We won’t pretend that we’re not big fans of the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace, which won three World Car of the Year awards on its launch in 2019. Now it has had a substantial refresh with faster charging, better connectivity and improved technology, including the ability to update its software remotely in a similar way to Tesla’s models. The 470km fully-charged range continues as before, but there’s a new infotainment system that does not need an extra SIM card on board. Cleverly, it has a smartphone pack that can pair two phones simultaneously, while a 100kW charger can add up to 126km of range in only 15 minutes.

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VOLVO XC40 RECHARGE

Price: from $74,000 (First Edition $83,500) On sale: now As Volvo’s first fully electric car, you’d expect the new XC40 Recharge to have something of an uphill task ahead of it – especially with the arrival of Volvo’s luxury all-electric Polestar brand.

However, the Swedish firm’s strong position across the SUV sector and the success of the standard XC40 makes this all-electric version a strong contender.

The hefty price tag might deter some, but a 401km fully-charged range should mean that it’s practical enough for most drivers. A high-end First Edition of the Recharge will be the first to be introduced, followed by lesser versions with smaller batteries later on.

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VW ID4

Price: est. from $57,100 On sale: spring Following the successful introduction of its all-electric ID3 hatchback last year, Volkswagen will add to its ID family of cars not once but twice this year. The first is this, the ID4, an SUV that’s roughly the same size as VW’s traditional Tiguan SUV and sits on the same platform as the ID3. That means a similar choice of battery levels, either 52kW or 77kW, with the latter offering up to 520km of range on a full charge. A high-performance four-wheel drive ID4 will join the range later in the year. With the ID3 already one of the best-selling electric vehicles in Europe, the ID4 will surely follow suit over the next year.

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CARS

BMW IX

Price: est. from $118,400 On sale: winter 2021 The atmosphere in BMW showrooms this year will certainly be electric.

Readers of our website will already know that we’re big fans of the German firm’s new iX3, the all-electric version of its i3 SUV that will arrive this summer (see review, businesstraveller.com/ tag/cars). There will also be an electric addition to the 4 Series, as well as this, the new iX. With front-end styling that can only be described as challenging, the iX will be BMW’s technology flagship, with a 100kWh battery and an impressive 600km range. Roughly the size of today’s BMW X5, the iX can be fast-charged to 80 per cent of its capacity in 40 minutes – crucially, it represents the future for BMW’s electric range and line-up as a whole.

AUDI E-TRON GT

Price: est. from $167,100 On sale: late spring/early summer Audi really ruffled feathers when it introduced the R8 sports car back in 2006 and it could be about to do the same with the new all-electric e-Tron GT. Official pictures and details have yet to be released at the time of writing but it won’t be that dissimilar to its GT concept (pictured below) launched at the Los Angeles motor show in 2018.

Using the same platform as the superb Porsche Taycan, the e-Tron GT will be a four-door coupe with a 93kWh battery giving a range of about 400km. With the equivalent of about 600bhp (yes, really) and four-wheel drive, it’s expected to cover the 0-60mph sprint in under three seconds. Don’t be surprised to see less powerful versions of the e-Tron GT being introduced eventually, too.

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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

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the

eport Tried, Tested, Tasted.

TRIED AND TESTED

TRIED AND TESTED

TRIED AND TESTED

SMART TRAVELLER

∙ Sonara Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

∙ Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

∙ JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

∙ Mid-pandemic flying made easy

60 ∙ St. Regis Mumbai

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62 ∙ The Oberoi, Mumbai

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64 ∙ ITC, Maratha, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mumbai

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

Sonara Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve 60

B A C K G R O U N D Located just half an hour by road from Dubai, this chic desert dining venue breaks the mould. Blending a laidback beach club vibe with luxury dining, Sonara has found a niche.

W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? Set in the 225 sqkm Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Sonara not only offers exquisite dining under the stars, but live music and performances that transform a meal into an experience. Guests are greeted with welcome drinks (non-alcoholic) and nibbles to enjoy in the lounge area following either a 4x4 drive or a camel ride to the camp, just in time for sunset. Live music from a traditional oud player sets the tone, creating an authentic Arabian ambience. Dinner is served in a desert basin, which doubles-up as a great wind breaker. Here, a blanket of lights mirror the stars in the magical desert sky and social distancing comes easily due to the spacious al fresco location.

T H E F O O D French chef Franck Sanna

presents regional cuisine with Western influences in a three-course fine-dining menu based on a sharing concept. To whet the appetite, diners are treated to homemade guacamole, nachos and crudités,

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T H E W O R K S P A C E Sonara Camp is a popular venue for company team-building exercises, particularly during the pandemic when outdoor locations are desirable.

Activities range from sand boarding to star gazing, giving guests a chance to escape the city and get back to nature.

followed by a wide range of appetisers including mini beef tacos, chicken shawarma in a cone and vegetarian options aplenty. The medley of mains includes fish (perch) and meat fresh off the barbecue, served with delicious sides such as Palestinian-inspired cauliflower in tahini and a Mediterranean ratatouille.

Desserts are decadent and include chocolate pie, matcha tea dough with coffee emulsion and strawberry and olive oil on a thin pie, plus fresh thyme and orange blossom mascarpone.

V E R D I C T A beautiful location for dining during the cooler months, Sonara Camp is a refreshing reminder that there is so much more to Dubai than high-rise buildings and mega malls. Though fairly expensive at AED 860 (US$234) per adult (not including alcoholic beverages), it is ideal for a special occasion or to impress an important client. Solar powered and with a zerowaste policy, the camp is also ethical, so is certainly worth supporting to ensure the preservation of this spectacular desert and its eco-system. Melanie Swan

T H E S E R V I C E Staff are certainly well trained, understanding there is a fine line between too much and not enough.

This chic desert dining venue breaks the mould

HOURS 3.30pm to 10.30pm

LOCATION Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road

CONTACT +971 04 223 8011; info@sonara.ae nara.ae

TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

St. Regis Mumbai B A C K G R O U N D The St. Regis Mumbai is the tallest building in the city and offers the luxury brand’s signature touches, including an on-call butler service. The Marriott International property is considered one of Mumbai’s most prestigious hotels.

W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? You know you have arrived at one of the city’s top addresses, or as the hotel states, “the best address”, when you see some of the most exquisite automobiles rolling in and out of the driveway and catch a glimpse of business conversations taking place in the elevators. I was welcomed with open arms, experiencing the famed St. Regis hospitality to the point where even the safety protocols conducted, including sanitisation and temperature checks, didn’t seem too burdensome. My luggage was swiftly collected and the check-in process was quick and smooth.

W H E R E I S I T ? Located in the bustling neighbourhood of Lower Parel, the hotel offers easy access to Mumbai’s popular tourist attractions and business centres.

For the ultimate retail debauchery, head to the Phoenix Palladium, which is a stone’s throw from the property.

Overlooking the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the suite exuded a regal aura R O O M S I stayed in the plush Caroline Astor Suite featuring a living room, bedroom and an elegant bathroom with Laboratoire Remède amenities. Overlooking the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the suite exuded a regal aura, carefully enveloped in modern furnishings, clean design and subtle hues.

The suite was equipped with all the essential amenities for a comfortable business stay, including a spacious work desk. My personal butler, Caesar Araujo, took care of all my needs and was available round-theclock for assistance.

F O O D A N D D R I N K I ate lunch at The Sahib Room & Kipling Bar, enjoying Indian delicacies such as gosht ki gilawat, ground lamb marinated with Master Chef Asif Qureshi’s 25 handpicked spices from Lucknow; sahib ki nihari, overnight simmered lamb chops and shanks with stock flavoured with 32 spices; and lamb biryani. The layering of flavours was spot-on and the fragrance of each dish was divine.

I then indulged in a pretty afternoon tea ritual in The Drawing Room and enjoyed sundowners at Luna Nudo where the glittering city vistas were the backdrop.

My evening dining experience at By the Mekong was an absolute delight. Arabian sea prawns; lotus root and water chestnut; chicken wings; edamame and Sichuan dumplings; and truffle sea-bass were just some of the creations I tasted. The dishes were a perfect amalgamation of fresh produce, deep flavours, artistic presentation and expert culinary skills. The buffet breakfast at Seven Kitchens comprised all of my favourites like hash browns, sausages, Indian dishes and waffles, completed with a good cup of cappuccino.

M E E T I N G S Choose from 22 event

venues, the largest of which can accommodate 1,000 guests. From small meetings and custom receptions to large conferences and events, there is a space to suit all requirements. Dedicated planners are on hand to help.

L E I S U R E There’s a gym with free weights

and cardio equipment, a swimming pool and the Iridium Spa, located on the hotel’s wellness floor, offering Ayurvedic treatments, massages, foot baths and more.

The hotel is also home to the city’s highest nightclub, EXO.

V E R D I C T It’s worth visiting this property just for the dining experience, whether you are entertaining clients or making the most of your visit to Mumbai. The signature St. Regis service will ensure your business stay is seamless. Sanchita Nambiar BEST FOR An opulent stay and upmarket meetings

DON’T MISS The mood and views at Luna Nudo

PRICE From ₹11,000 (US$151) a night

CONTACT 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel; +91 22 6162 8000; marriott.com

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TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai B A C K G R O U N D Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, an international luxury hospitality firm headquartered in Toronto, Canada, opened Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai in 2006. The property comprises 202 rooms and suites.

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W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? A hidden oasis in the heart of the city with winding green pathways leading to the entrance of the hotel. The lobby is well lit with sufficient seating space for waiting guests. Breakfast is normally served in the lobby lounge, but due to pandemic, has moved to the hotel’s other restaurant, San:Qi, as it is larger and allows for better ventilation. Health and safety measures at the hotel include thermal screening and hand sanitisation at the entrance, a maximum of four people permitted in the elevators and QR codes for F&B services.

W H E R E I S I T ? In Upper Worli, close

to Lower Parel, one of the city’s largest financial hubs. It’s a 40-minute drive to Mumbai International’s Terminal 2 and 30 minutes to BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex), another popular commercial district.

The Mansion is a stately private residence featuring diverse event spaces R O O M S There are many room options from which to choose, including the Executive Premier (55 sqm), ideal for business travellers and the more lavish Deluxe Sea-View suite (101 sqm), perfect for leisure visitors and staycationers. I stayed in a Deluxe Sea-View room (49 sqm) on the 30th floor, which striking city views, It gave me bird’s-eye view of Mumbai – literally – with eagles flying by my window.

The room was decorated in chic brown and olive hues and featured a wellequipped work space, which doubled up as a dining table. The marble bathroom was kitted out with Kama Ayurveda amenities and the bathtub was situated by the APRIL 2021

window – ideal for a lazy evening relaxing and watching the world go by.

F O O D A N D D R I N K The dining experience was exceptional. I was pleasantly surprised by the array of cuisines prepared to authentic perfection. For instance, I can highly recommend the North Indian flavours at San:Qi – the chur chur (broken into crispy pieces) naan and Dilli-wala (Delhi-style) butter chicken was beyond delectable. The Pan-Asian flavours at this restaurant are, in my opinion, some of the best in the city. I also tried the spicy salmon maki roll and pad Thai along with the Shanghai crispy chicken in Yu xiang sauce. All three dishes from different cuisines (Chinese, Japanese and Thai, but prepared brilliantly). Breakfast at San:Qi was also very satisfying – bagels with cream cheese and a side of bacon and sausages, washed down with a great selection of teas. I spent an evening at Aer Bar and Lounge, the hotel’s iconic rooftop venye where I watched the sun go down while sipping a few fresh concoctions.

M E E T I N G S The Mansion is a stately

private residence featuring diverse event spaces, which range from elegant ballrooms and indoor venues such as The Conservatory and The Library, to open-air lawns. There is a dedicated events team to arrange all the details, including cuisine.

The hotel also houses The Club — an exclusive members-only business space on the 33rd floor with meeting, dining and lifestyle facilities.

L E I S U R E The spa and the pool were

closed during my visit due to government restrictions. However, the spa is on my list to revisit as it boasts eight treatment rooms, a Vitality Lounge, including a herbinfused steam room, an ice fountain and cold mist showers, plus a reclining Vitality Pool. Guests must book to use the fitness centre due to distancing measures.

V E R D I C T A luxurious staycation experience enhanced by its unparalleled dining offering. Akanksha Maker BEST FOR Luxurious stays and business events

DON’T MISS Dining at San:Qi

PRICE From ₹6,048 (US$83)

CONTACT 114, Dr E Moses Road, Gandhi Nagar, Upper Worli, Mumbai 400018; fourseasons.com

TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

The Oberoi, Mumbai B A C K G R O U N D The Oberoi, Mumbai, is

owned and operated by established Indian luxury hospitality company ,The Oberoi Group, founded by Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi in 1934. It operates the luxury ‘Oberoi’ and five-star ‘Trident’ branded hotels in seven countries globally.

W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? A cocoon of

comfort, sheltering guests from the chaos of busy Marine Drive where it is situated. A ground-floor entrance leads to the welcoming main lobby – an expansive space housing the reception, The Champagne Lounge, Fenix and The Eau Bar. French windows reveal a glimpse of the Arabian Sea and the hotel’s signature red piano is eye-catching. My car was sanitised thoroughly on arrival and temperature checks were conducted at the entrance. Health and safety procedures accredited by Bureau Veritas include frequent sanitisation of public areas, social distancing at all times and sanitiser stations across multiple guest touch-points.

W H E R E I S I T ? At Nariman Point, next

to the 35-storey Trident Nariman Point. The

property is conveniently located in one of Mumbai’s most prominent business districts, surrounded by corporate houses and skyscrapers and facing the Arabian Sea and the iconic Marine Drive promenade.

R O O M S The rooms blend classic and modern design and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with skyline or sea views and a work-desk with multiple charging ports, so they are ideal for business travellers. I stayed in the Oberoi Executive Suite (74 sqm) with Ocean View, comprising a living room, bedroom and a large marble bathroom kitted out with Forest Essentials amenities.

Automated windows, privacy screens in the bathroom, buttons to request a butler and a king-size bed are some of the facets of this suite. The sea view is spectacular.

F O O D A N D D R I N K Breakfast was

served at à la carte at all-day dining restaurant Fenix, with a wide range of international and Indian fare on offer. Here, I used the QR code to access the menu. At lunch, I enjoyed this venue’s great selection of Japanese dishes, including excellent sushi.

Other dining options include the Eau Bar, a Gatsby-style lounge with an outdoor terrace facing Marine Drive; Vetro and Enoteca for Italian dining; Ziya for Indian (helmed by

Luxurious, homely and ideal for a leisure break or business stay

BEST FOR Spacious rooms and unbeatable location

DON’T MISS Sundowners on the outdoor deck at Eau Bar

PRICE Web rates from ₹12,000 ($164)

CONTACT +91 22 6632 5757; oberoihotels.com

Chef Vineet Bhatia); The Oberoi Patisserie & Delicatessen; and The Champagne Lounge.

B U S I N E S S There are two function rooms – the Udaipur and Jaipur suites — both with beautiful vistas of the ocean and the cityscape as a backdrop and each with a 50-person capacity. There’s a business centre too.

L E I S U R E There’s everything you need under one roof – a well-equipped fitness centre, a swimming pool and The Oberoi Spa. The property also offers several experiences, from a heritage walk and master chef cooking classes to a ‘Mumbai at Dawn’ guided tour.

V E R D I C T Luxurious, homely and ideal for a leisure break or business stay given its location. Akanksha Maker

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TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar B A C K G R O U N D JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, which opened in 2015, has emerged as one of the most convenient accommodation options for business travellers due to its airport location.

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W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? Highly organised: as soon as I got out of my car, my luggage was sanitised and my green status on the Aarogya Setu App was checked. This was followed by thermal screening. After complying with these safety norms, I caught sight of the spiral waterfall lobby chandelier in this familiar space that I visited frequently before the pandemic.

While trying to understand the elaborate safety procedures being practiced across the hotel, I was informed that every 90 minutes, the hotel rings a bell – a signal for the cleanliness check.

W H E R E I S I T ? Located in on IA Project

Road in Andheri East, this Marriott hotel is just a few minutes away from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and 15 minutes from the domestic airport.

R O O M S I stayed in a Deluxe Suite (76 sqm) featuring an elegant living room, an expansive bedroom and a balcony. The suite’s interiors were neatly done in white, grey and wood and there was ample natural light. The living room featured a classy kitchenette with a coffee machine, a flat-screen and comfortable couch. A spacious work desk had all the necessary items, including power sockets. The bedroom had an adjoining open bathroom with a separate walk-in shower, a modern bathtub and a luxurious Forest Essentials’ Bitter Orange and Cinnamon collection of toiletries.

F O O D A N D D R I N K A meal at Romano’s, the hotel’s Italian specialty restaurant, was one of the highlights of my stay. The experience started with the bar’s famous mocktail, Passion Fruit Basil Martini – a tangy apple and passion fruit concoction.

The freshly prepared burrata cheese to APRIL 2021

BEST FOR Work and event spaces

DON’T MISS Authentic Italian cuisine at Romano’s

PRICE From ₹8,614 ($117) for a week night stay in April

CONTACT +91 22 6882 8888; jwmumbai.com

The views of Victoria Harbour are breathtaking follow was heavenly – soft and creamy and served alongside tomatoes and basil, with a drizzle of olive oil. I then tried the signature home dish, piadina al forno – a grilled flatbread stuffed with peperonata and greens and for my main, risotto al funghi. Hands down, this was one of the best risottos I have eaten in a while. My meal ended with a tiramisu and raspberry sorbet to cleanse my palate after the scrumptious Italian fare. The next morning I ate breakfast at the all-day dining venue

JW Café. There were live cooking stations offering everything from eggs to order, paratha (Indian flatbread) and dosa (rice pancake) to English breakfast dishes. I kept it light and enjoyed a JW signature waffle with maple syrup. I also popped to the JW Café for lunch where I opted for Indian delights like paneer butter masala and naan and also tried a flavoursome vegetable pad Thai. I used a QR code to check out the menu at this venue.

M E E T I N G S The Grand Ballroom is a

stunning option if you need an impressive space to stage your next corporate or social gathering, with capacity for 1,000 guests.

There are 12 event rooms in total.

L E I S U R E If you have some spare time

and like to work out, the hotel’s fitness centre is impressive. It allows five people at a time, so I suggest pre-booking a slot when you check in. More sedate options include a dip in the outdoor pool, followed by a snooze on the cabanas, or a trip to the spa.

V E R D I C T A convenient airport hotel with fantastic food, plenty of work space and more than ample leisure facilities. Nisha Shroff

TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

ITC, Maratha, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mumbai

W H E R E I S I T ? Sahar Airport

Road, about 15 minutes from Mumbai International Airport.

R O O M S There are 380 guestrooms and suites. I stayed in the ITC One Room on the 15th floor, overlooking the swimming pool. A

DON’T MISS Landmark dining destination Peshawri

B A C K G R O U N D ITC Maratha is a five-star business hotel inspired by the Maratha dynasty, located in Mumbai’s financial district.

With sustainability at its core, ITC Maratha has been recognised as a LEED Platinum Certified hotel by the US Green Building Council in the existing building category.

W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? As I approached the hotel by car, I spotted the domed roof, the main identity of the hotel, which is inspired by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The hotel champions Indian and British history and pays tribute to the great Marathas. I noticed several Maharashtrian elements in the lobby including Shivaji Maharaj’s portrait. Another striking feature is the glass sheet etched with the ‘Tree of Life’ motif and a poem in the ancient Modi script. My check-in was relatively quick and easy, with friendly staff (clad in neat Paithani sarees). I was asked to complete an online health and travel declaration form sent to me via email. ITC also has adopted a series of safety and hygiene measures including temperature checks, social distancing and mandatory face masks, to curb the risk of the virus spread.

BEST FOR Fine dining, high-end business events and ‘green luxury’

PRICE Upwards of ₹3,750 (US$51)

CONTACT +91 22 2830 3030; marriott.com

‘WeAssure’ label had been attached to my door handle, indicating my room had been serviced according to ITC Hotels’ health and hygiene programme. The room featured a king-size bed, a small sofa, a smart work desk, a tea and coffee table, an in-room refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, international plugs by the bed, and a small box (for a good night’s sleep) featuring products such as pillow mist, eye masks, earplugs, and stress relief mist by Forest Essentials. The bathroom was modern and functional and featured luxurious Essenza Di Wills toiletries.

The room resonated with the brand’s ideology of ‘Responsible Luxury’ extensively.

F O O D A N D D R I N K I was eager to dine at the hotel given it boasts some of the best-rated restaurants in India and lunch at Peshawri, a north-eastern frontier restaurant, was one of the highlights of my stay. I really enjoyed the homely ambiance here. I started my meal with a home dish – dal bukhara, a blend of

The hotel champions Indian and British history and pays tribute to the great Marathas black lentil, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic.

I was told it has been slow-cooked on a charcoal fire for 24 hours and trust me, every heavenly spoonful was rich, creamy and subtly smoky in flavour. It was served with pudhina paratha and tandoori naan (bread) and a side of tandoori aloo. I had my evening meal at Dum Pukht, which specialises in Awadhi cuisine. I indulged in the à la carte menu, opting for shorba timater to start – a comforting tomato soup with cumin, green coriander and crackling wheat crisps. For mains I ordered aloo bukhara, mande (paper-thin wholewheat bread), and dum pukht biryani served with raita (curd dish). The fragrance from the biryani was magical, and every morsel burst with flavours. For “meetha” (dessert), a mouth-watering malai kulfi (Indian icecream) cleansed the palate.

M E E T I N G S There are 10 luxurious

event spaces, the largest of which can accommodate 700 people, plus a 24-hour business centre.

L E I S U R E There’s a 24-hour fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool and the Kaya Kalp Spa.

V E R D I C T Ideal for a regal business or leisure stay. Nisha Shroff APRIL 2021

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SMART TR AVELLER

Mid-pandemic flying made easy Ranjit Samal, Wellness Ambassador, Etihad Airways, provides top tips for air travellers

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nternational travel in a post-pandemic world is a whole new experience. The situation remains highly dynamic as travel guidelines and restrictions, as well as quarantine measures, vary from country to country and are constantly being updated as new scenarios unfold. When planning a trip overseas, there are many factors to consider, from predeparture and arrival PCR testing requirements and the health and safety measures implemented by various airlines, to booking and cancellation flexibility.

Etihad Airways is one Gulf airline at the forefront of rolling out travel measures designed to give passengers peace of mind. As part of the Etihad Wellness Programme, dedicated and specially trained team members known as Etihad Wellness Ambassadors are on hand to help answer your questions and queries.

They are available 24/7 via e-mail, on site at Abu Dhabi

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International airport and in flight.

Here, one Wellness Ambassador, Ranjit Samal, provides some basic tips to follow when travelling overseas.

KEEP A PULSE ON REAL-TIME DEVELOPMENTS

Countries have issued specific rules and regulations to limit the spread of COVID-19 and these are subject to change as the situation remains dynamic. You can get easy access to this information using Etihad’s interactive travel map. Available at etihad.com and launched with Sitata, a Canadian travel risk management company, this map gives travellers information on the latest travel restrictions, guidelines and a COVID-19 risk rating for destinations around the world.

MANAGE YOUR BOOKING DIGITALLY

You can digitise your journey from the start by checking in for your flight online. Etihad gives guests

the option to choose their seat and download their boarding pass to limit touchpoints at the airport.

You can also use the Etihad Guest app to manage your details and book flights using voice search. We have also partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to launch the IATA Travel Pass.

It’s a mobile app that helps passengers easily manage travel in line with government requirements for COVID-19 tests or vaccines. It is initially being offered to Etihad’s guests on selected flights from Abu Dhabi in the first quarter of 2021.

STAY PROTECTED

Any guest diagnosed with COVID-19 during their trip won’t have to worry about medical expenses or quarantine costs when they fly with Etihad. To provide maximum support to guests, the airline has introduced a wellness insurance cover that is issued with every ticket for travel.

ARRANGE YOUR COVID-19 PCR TEST BEFORE YOU FLY

When you travel with Etihad, PCR testing is mandatory before every flight. This gives travellers added assurance that every guest flying with the airline has tested negative prior to departure. We are supporting this by including the cost of PCR tests in all air tickets booked by customers in the UAE for flights departing from Abu Dhabi.

BOOK A UAE GETAWAY

The UAE is open to international travellers. Check our website before you travel for the latest arrival information. Abu Dhabi regularly updates its ‘green list’ of destinations – passengers travelling from those destinations are exempt from mandatory quarantine upon arrival in the UAE capital. Furthermore, the airline has made it easy to travel to Dubai when you fly to Abu Dhabi, with complimentary transfer services included.