Business Traveller Middle East - April 2023

APRIL 2023

e CEO of Accor’s key brands shares her plans for the region

New and upcoming openings to explore in the capital Zenith’s Julien Tornare on this year’s stellar timepieces

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A WINDOW TO THE WORLD

DIRIYAH, THE CITY OF EARTH OPENS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Art

& Tested • Sustainable Traveller

MAUD BAILLY LONDON HOTELS SWISS WATCHES PLUS

Dubai • Tried

22 ASCENDING ORDER

Maud Bailly, CEO of So tel, So tel Legend, MGallery and Emblems, on plans for this region

26 BRANDING LUXURY

e Aman Group CEO reveals details of three upcoming properties in Saudi Arabia

38 NEW AND UPCOMING LONDON HOTELS

From historic conversions to art-inspired properties, there are plenty of new choices the next time you visit this capital city

46 COLOUR PALETTES

Highlights from the recently concluded 16th edition of Art Dubai

50 THE MECHANICS OF TIME

Zenith CEO Julien

Tornare unveils the brand’s novelties for 2023

OPEN TO THE WORLD

Diriyah, e City of Earth has become among the rst Saudi giga projects to welcome the public

Everything Everywhere All At Once. It is the name of one of the biggest winners at this year’s Oscars, but can also be used to aptly describe the lightning speed with which Saudi Arabia is developing itself. ere are plenty of examples, from an all-new six-runway airport coming up in the capital – the King Salman International Airport – and the New Murabba project which aims to create the world’s largest modern downtown in Riyadh, to the country’s Red Sea development which will welcome its rst guests during the next few weeks and the futuristic smart city of e Line in NEOM where construction is already underway. Saudi has committed US$550 billion to build new destinations by 2030. One of the projects that we’re very keenly following is Diriyah, e City of Earth in Riyadh. You might remember us having covered it on our pages last September. At the time, Business Traveller was one of the rst media to visit the under-construction mega mixed-use project. is month, we bring you up to speed with all that has happened since then at Diriyah (pg16) which is being built with an investment pipeline of

THIS ISSUE’S PICKS

US$63.2 billion and which opened the rst assets of its Bujairi Terrace dining district and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif to the public towards the end of last year.

Further on in the magazine, Maud Bailly, the CEO of So tel, So tel Legend, MGallery and Emblems outlines her plans (pg22) for the Middle East in general and Saudi Arabia in speci c – a country which she calls “the new El Dorado”. Her bullish sentiment about the kingdom’s potential is reinforced in our exclusive interview with Vladislav Doronin, the CEO of Aman Group (pg26), who con rms that the hospitality major’s rst three properties in the Middle East will open in Saudi Arabia.

Finally, as we get ready to participate in the 30th edition of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, take the time to read our “purposeful business travel” column (pg37) and also learn about the in-built resilience mechanisms in the global business travel community (pg34) that have put it on a path of growth despite setbacks over the last three years.

Enjoy the issue.

Business Traveller Middle East is jointly published by Motivate Media Group and Panacea Media Ltd

MOTIVATE MEDIA GROUP

Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer

Managing Partner and Group Editor Ian Fairservice

Editor Varun Godinho

Art Director Clarkwin Cruz

Editorial Co-ordinator Londresa Flores

Contributors Hannah Brandler, Mark Caswell, Akanksha Maker, Zainab Mansoor, Amy Sessions

General Manager – Production S Sunil Kumar

Production Manager Binu Purandaran

Production Supervisor Venita Pinto

Chief Commercial Officer Anthony Milne

Group Sales Manager Chaitali Khimji

Senior Sales Manager Murali Narayanan

PANACEA MEDIA LTD

Managing Director Julian Gregory

Associate Publisher Middle East Rania Apthorpe

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LONDON HOTELS

New and upcoming properties in the capital city (Page 38)

COLOUR PALETTES

Highlights from the 16th edition of Art Dubai (Page 46)

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ZENITH

CEO Julien Tornare introduces the 2023 novelties (Page 50)

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Varun Godinho, Editor

Stylishly designed rooms and suites boast spectacular views over Riyadh.

radissonhotels.com/blu

SAUDI ARABIA LAUNCHES NEW RIYADH AIR CARRIER

SAUDI ARABIA has launched a new carrier, Riyadh Air, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund which is the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund. The airline will operate with Riyadh as its hub and is expected to add US$20 billion to the country’s non-oil GDP growth, and create more than 200,000 jobs. Riyadh Air is chaired by Yasir Al Rumayyan, governor of PIF, while former Etihad CEO Tony Douglas is the CEO of the new carrier. The airline reportedly aims to connect to over 100 destinations globally by 2030.

Saudia, Riyadh Air to order up to 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft

SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES (SAUDIA), the national ag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has ordered 39 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircra , with an option for another 10. e agreement will include both 787-9 and 78710 models. Saudia currently operates more than 50 Boeing aeroplanes on its long-haul network, including the 777-300ER, 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliner. Riyadh Air also said that it had reached an agreement with Boeing to purchase 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircra , with an option to purchase another 33 of the same aeroplane. In total, the two Saudi Arabian carriers therefore announced an intent to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners in what Boeing says will be the h-largest commercial order by value in the manufacturer’s history.

INTERCONTINENTAL RESIDENCES COMMENCES OPERATIONS IN ABU DHABI

INTERCONTINENTAL RESIDENCES ABU DHABI has commenced operations in the Al Bateen district, close to the emirate’s central business and leisure facilities. The fully-furnished residences feature 130 units comprising studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Some of the apartments have been specially designed to cater to the requirements of people with determination. On-site leisure facilities include a fully-equipped fitness centre, a private beach and a pool, as well as complimentary access to InterContinental Abu Dhabi hotel’s amenities and restaurants including its Byblos Sur Mer, Cho Gao, Chamas Churrascaria and Bar, and Belgian Café.

BLACKLANE UNVEILS ALL-ELECTRIC CHAUFFEUR SERVICE IN DUBAI

BLACKLANE, the chau eur-hailing service which operates in more than 50 countries, has launched its first all-electric fleet in Dubai comprising a collection of Mercedes EQS cars. The on-demand electric-car chau eur service is initially available in DIFC, Downtown Dubai, D3, Business Bay and DXB Airport, with plans to roll out the o ering across the rest of the emirate later this year. Blacklane’s services include one-way trips, return journeys, airport transfers, hourly and daily bookings within Dubai as well as inter-emirate travel. The pricing for the route is fixed at the time of booking and there are no additional costs above that displayed when confirming the booking.

Marriott agrees mega deal for eight hotels in Madinah

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL has agreed a major deal with Rua Al Madinah Holding Company to open eight hotels in the city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia. The hotels will cumulatively feature approximately 4,400 rooms across eight of Marriott’s brands – The RitzCarlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels and Resorts, Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft Hotels, and Courtyard by Marriott. The hotels will be located close to the Prophet’s Mosque, Al Masjid An Nabawi. Marriott’s current portfolio in Saudi Arabia includes 36 properties and more than 10,000 rooms across 11 brands.

Emirates reveals allnew aircra livery

THE LIVERY OF EMIRATES aircra has undergone a refresh. e UAE ag on the Emirates tail n is now more dynamic and features a 3D e ect artwork, while the wingtips have been painted red with the Emirates logo in Arabic calligraphy displayed in reverse white. e UAE ag colours have also been painted on the wingtips facing the fuselage. e airline added that the signature gold “Emirates” lettering across the main body in English and Arabic is now 32.5 per cent larger. Around 24 Emirates aircra , including 17 Boeing 777s, are expected to sport the new livery by the end of 2023.

COLLECTIVE RETREAT CONFIRMS OPENING IN SAUDI ARABIA’S NEOM

Collective Retreats has said that it will open a sustainability-focused property in Neom’s Trojena. Slated to welcome its rst guests by the beginning of 2026, Collective Trojena will be located in the mountain destination in north-west Saudi Arabia. e retreat will feature approximately 60 open-air guest rooms. With a focus on sustainability, the property will rely on solar and wind energy, while developing technology in water desalination and brine processing to achieve zero waste residue.

Clinique, Jayasom reveal plans for wellness-focused properties in Amaala

CLINIQUE LA PRAIRIE HEALTH RESORT (pictured above) will open a new wellness-focused property in Amaala’s Triple Bay hub along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. It will include 13 villas as well as 52 rooms and suites. With an emphasis on longevity, the 36,115 sqm resort features a central ‘Longevity Plaza’ leading to four distinctive areas of the property corresponding to each one of the brand’s pillars – medical care, nutrition, movement and wellbeing. e resort will also feature a museum, beach club, workshop and training rooms, a private dining space, and even a cooking school. e medical pillar of the brand will see Clinique include an advanced diagnostics lab and radiology, neuroscience, dermo and aesthetics wings. On the wellbeing front, it will include a cryochamber, hyperbaric suites and IV infusion therapies too.

Meanwhile, Jayasom has announced plans to open its own resort in Amaala. Jayasom Wellness Resort, Amaala (pictured right) will feature 177 keys and is also situated in Triple Bay. e property will include residences available for sale to private owners. ere will be approximately 7,000 sqm of space dedicated at the resort to covering disciplines including holistic health, tness, physiotherapy, nutrition, aesthetic beauty, and spa treatments.

THREE MARRIOTT PROPERTIES TO OPEN ON SINDALAH ISLAND IN NEOM

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL will open three properties on NEOM’s luxury island destination of Sindalah. It will include Mariott’s first Autograph Collection Hotels property in Saudi Arabia, as well as two Luxury Collection hotels. Marriott’s Autograph Collection Hotels in Sindalah is slated to open in 2024. Plans for the resort include 66 rooms and suites, including one- and two-bedroom villas and multiple dining options. The two Luxury Collection properties will also open in 2024. The first is a beach resort that will o er a mix of 70 luxury rooms and suites, including one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom villas, all featuring private pools. The second is expected to be an all-suite property o ering 115 one-, two- and threebedroom luxury suites.

AMAALA

The date by when Amaala will welcome its first guests

The total number of hotels to be built in Amaala

3,000

The cumulative number of hotel keys in Amaala

New Four Seasons announced for Saudi’s Red Sea destination

A FOUR SEASONS

RESORT will open in The Red Sea development of Saudi Arabia. No opening date has yet been confirmed for it. Designed by Foster + Partners, it will o er approximately 149 rooms and suites, all with sea views. The property will also feature six restaurants and lounges, as well as meeting and events spaces and a marine discovery centre. The resort will be located on Shura Island, the hub of The Red Sea development. At present, Four Seasons operates a flagship property in Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. Elsewhere in the country, it has already announced plans for openings in Diriyah and Jeddah.

THE UAE’S FIRST MONDRIAN PROPERTY WILL DEBUT IN ABU DHABI

ENNISMORE HAS confirmed that it will be bringing its Mondrian hospitality brand to the UAE. Construction has already begun on Mondrian Abu Dhabi which is scheduled to open in 2024. The property will feature 221 rooms and an additional 80 serviced apartments, as well as six restaurants and bars and a lagoon. Developed in partnership with the Al Hazoom Group, the hotel once open will join seven other operational Mondrian properties worldwide in locations such as Los Angeles, Miami, New York, London, Doha, Mexico City and Seoul. Other locations worldwide where Mondrian properties have been announced include Singapore, Ibiza, Bordeaux, Cannes, and Australia’s Gold Coast, among others.

Ennismore signs rst standalone branded residences project in Dubai

IN MARCH, Ennismore signed its first standalone branded residences project in Dubai. It reached an agreement with real estate developer Roya Lifestyle Development to build SLS Residences The Palm Dubai. Scheduled to open in 2026, it will be housed in a newly built low-rise development, o ering approximately 113 luxurious branded residences comprising two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments. The property’s ground floor will have 13 flagship residences (two-four bedrooms), each with its own private garden. Ennismore added that SLS Residences The Palm Dubai would be undertaking “collaborations with leading developers, architects, designers, and chefs” to replicate the experience from its SLS hotels.

All GCC residents can now apply online for Saudi tourism visas

SAUDI ARABIA’S Ministry of Tourism said last month that residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now apply online for tourism visit visas. e ve other GCC countries, apart from Saudi Arabia, are UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman. erefore all expats with valid residency documents for any of these countries can now apply for Saudi’s visit visas online. e visa will be applicable for tourist purposes as well as to perform Umrah in the kingdom. Further amendments have also been made to the conditions under which these visas are granted – the eligibility restrictions based on an individual’s profession that were previously in place have now been dropped.

93.5 million

SAR185 billion

US$550 billion

QATAR AIRWAYS BECOMES OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF FORMULA 1

QATAR AIRWAYS has become the Global Partner and O icial Airline of Formula 1 in a five-year deal that will see it retain that position through to the 2027 season. In addition, the airline will also be the Title Sponsor of three Grands Prix that will be held this year: Qatar Airways Emilia Romagna Grand Prix (May 19-21), Qatar Airways Hungarian Grand Prix (July 21-23), and Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix (October 6-8). Overall, this season, Formula 1 will have 23 races across 21 countries and five continents.

Jumeirah partners with F1’s Williams Racing

DUBAI-HEADQUARTERED Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts has partnered with F1 team Williams Racing. Jumeirah said that the latest partnership with Williams Racing will o er its guests “curated events at Grand Prix locations around the world.” Jumeirah Group, a member of Dubai Holding, operates a portfolio of over 6,500 keys across 26 luxury properties in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

1 IHG’s Regent brand to return to California Regent Hotels and Resorts will return to the Americas later this year with a beachfront property in California. The Regent Santa Monica Beach will include a restaurant with an as-yetunnamed celebrity chef. IHG Hotels and Resorts acquired the Regent brand in 2018.

2 JetBlue to launch NYCParis service

JetBlue will commence its transatlantic route to Paris CDG on June 29. The daily service will be operated using an A321 LR aircraft fitted with 24 Mint Suites and 114 seats in economy. Flights will depart JFK at 5.09pm, arriving into Paris CDG’s Terminal 2B at 6.55am the following day.

Six Senses has opened its first property in Italy in the country’s capital. The 96-room hotel is housed within the renovated 18th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini on Piazza di San Marcello. Many original architectural elements, including 600-year-old columns in the main entrance, have been restored.

Egyptair became the first African carrier to operate the A321 neo aircraft, recently taking delivery of it from the Airbus Delivery Centre in Hamburg. It is on lease from AerCap. Egyptair’s Airbus fleet comprises of 12 A220s, eight A320 neos, two A320 ceos, four A330200 and four A330-300s.

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest network operating carrier in Africa, will start direct flights to Karachi in Pakistan from May 1. The airline will deploy its Boeing 737 Max aircraft for the four weekly flights which will o er passengers both economy and business class cabins.

Minor Hotels’ Avani brand has made its debut in the Maldives. Avani+Fares Maldives Resort is a 176-key property, and represents Minor’s sixth opening in the country. The resort features a range of accommodation options from Beach Studios to Four Bedroom Beach Pavillions.

6 Minor’s Avani enters the Maldives

5 Ethiopian Airlines launches ights to Karachi

4 Egyptair secures A321 neo aircra

3 Six Senses debuts in Rome

Vietnam Airlines has begun operating daily flights between Vietnam and India. It includes four weekly flights on the Hanoi–Delhi sector every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and three weekly flights every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on the Ho Chi Minh City–Delhi route.

Accor’s Pullman brand has debuted in Singapore with a property located at 270 Orchard Road. Located close to Orchard and Somerset MRT stations, Pullman Singapore Orchard is a rebranded property and now features 326 rooms and suites in nine configurations. Accor operates 29 properties in Singapore.

The Ritz-Carlton will open in Fukuoka this June. The first luxury hotel from Marriott in Japan’s southern Kyushu region, the 167-room hotel will be located in the Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City complex. This will be the sixth Ritz-Carlton branded property in the Asian country.

10 Qantas reveals design of A350’s premium cabins Qantas has unveiled the design of its prototype premium cabins on its A350 aircraft which will be a part of its Project Sunrise. The business class seats convert into two-metre beds, while the First suites feature a separate recliner chair, wardrobe, dining table for two, and a 32-inch TV screen.

7 Vietnam Airlines ramps up ights to India

9 Marriott brings RitzCarlton to Kyushu

8 Pullman opens in Singapore

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi introduces vegan hotel rooms

EMIRATES RECYCLED OVER 500,000KG OF GLASS AND PLASTIC IN 2022

EMIRATES SAID that it recycled more than 500,000kg of plastic and glass last year – almost equivalent to the weight of one of its fullyloaded A380 aircraft. The materials were gathered by collecting waste onboard its aircraft, which was then sent to a recycling plant in Dubai.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi recently unveiled its vegan rooms. A total of six units in the property have been designated as vegan rooms. As such, Mandarin Oriental says that they have “sustainable bedding and cruelty-free bath amenities”.

Furthermore, furniture, fixtures and equipment in the rooms are made from non-animal products. The amenities are by Palatino, the terry and linen by Cachet, in-room cleaning takes place using plant-based products, and guests can avail of a vegan spa treatment and also a bespoke vegan dining menu and mini-bar offerings. Outside of the room, and on the property, guests can ask for bamboo beach towels, 100 per cent plant-based sunscreen by Sunkiss, and plant-based water bottles at the hotel’s beach club too.

Elsewhere in the UAE, in February this year, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai opened Kind by M.O., a beachside eco-conscious concept store that offers a collection of sustainable resort wear, swimwear and accessories. The store’s accessories include recyclable clothing tags that can be replanted to grow flowers as well as custom-made mannequins made from 100 per cent recycled materials. In addition to Mandarin Oriental-branded products, the store also retails items from 10 sustainable brands.

The glass is separated by colour and crushed. This ‘cullet’ or recycled glass that is ready to be re-melted, is then sent to glass manufacturers in the UAE to include in their batch mix for new bottles. The plastic bottles meanwhile are cleaned, chopped into flakes, melted into pellets, and sent to manufacturers to make other plastic products.

Emirates offers sustainable blankets made from recycled plastic bottles to economy class passengers on long-haul flights. Each blanket is made from 28 recycled plastic bottles. Emirates says that over the last six years, these blankets have prevented more than 95 million plastic bottles from going to landfills. Recycled plastic, on the other hand, is used to make the airline’s complimentary toy bags, baby amenity kits and toys. Its belt bags, duffle bags and backpacks are also constructed from a yarn that is made using 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles. Each Emirates kids’ backpack is made from 5.5 recycled plastic bottles and each duffle bag from seven. The production of the Emirates children’s bags, the airline says, has in turn saved eight million plastic bottles from landfills.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

HILTON LAUNCHES GREEN RAMADAN INITIATIVE IN UAE, SAUDI ARABIA AND QATAR

HILTON HAS LAUNCHED its Green Ramadan programme – an initiative to reduce food waste – that will be implemented across several of its key properties in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. To do so, it has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) West Asia, Winnow and Goumbook.

As part of the initiative, participating Hilton hotels across the three countries will compost excess food waste, prioritise local food sourcing within a 50-mile radius, promote plant-based dishes, restrict plastic use across operations, and partner with food banks.

In Dubai, Hilton’s Conrad Dubai property is participating this year. Al-Waha by Conrad Dubai will therefore feature local produce from Fresh on Table, and a plant-based section with a curated menu that Hilton says will help to signi cantly cut food-related emissions. e hotel is also partnering with the UAE Food Bank and will donate 100 meals per day throughout Ramadan. Furthermore, Conrad Dubai will compost food waste from Al-Waha through e Waste Lab.

One of Hilton’s Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals is to reduce food waste sent to land lls by 50 per cent.

DUBAI’S CARBON CALCULATOR TO TRACK REAL-TIME EMISSIONS OF HOTELS

DUBAI’S DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMY AND TOURISM (DET) has relaunched its Carbon Calculator tool that measures the carbon footprint within the emirate’s hospitality sector. It can now track real-time data for carbon emission sources, allowing hotels to identify and manage their energy consumption.

Every month, hotels are mandated to submit their consumption along nine carbon emission sources: electricity, water, district cooling, liquefied petroleum gas, landfill waste, recycled waste, petrol, diesel and refrigerants. This information is collated and analysed to provide industry insights on the sector’s collective carbon footprint. In addition, by formulating a baseline, hotels can understand their comparative energy, water and waste consumption trends and identify cost-saving opportunities too.

Almost half of the world’s population lives in regions that are highly vulnerable to climate change. In the last decade, deaths from oods, droughts and storms were 15 times higher in highly vulnerable regions”

Aditi Mukherji, one of the authors of the Synthesis Report published by the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

WORDS VARUN GODINHO

Open to the world

DIRIYAH, THE CITY OF EARTH has become among the first Saudi giga projects to open to the public. Its group CEO, Jerry Inzerillo, is confident that the development in its entirety will be representative of the kingdom increasingly becoming a soft power

DID YOU KNOW?

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is Saudi Arabia’s powerful sovereign wealth fund. It is among the largest in the world – with assets reportedly worth over US$600 billion – which makes it a formidable fund with vast resources. At the start of this year, the PIF formally designated D IRIYAH, THE CITY OF EARTH as a “giga project”. ere are only ve PIFbacked giga projects in the kingdom: Neom, Qiddiya, Roshn, Red Sea and Diriyah.

Being designated with the pre x “giga” allows each of these entities to have access to billions of dollars to fund their projects.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif is home to one of the most important historical landmarks in Saudi Arabia. It was restored and opened to the public at the end of last year. It is the ancestral home of the House of Saud and was home to the ruler of the First Saudi State. A direct lineage can be traced from that family to the current-day ruler of Saudi Arabia, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

“As a PIF portfolio project, we are supported by one of the world’s fastestgrowing sovereign wealth funds and have an incredible US$63.2 billion investment pipeline that will deliver the Middle East’s premier cultural, lifestyle and hospitality destination. Diriyah is a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy,” says Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah.

Diriyah is a mega mixed-use development, spread over 14 sq km, and built on the outskirts of Riyadh adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif that was home to the royal family that ruled the First Saudi State.

Giga projects such as Diriyah are crucial to the kingdom’s plans to diversify its economy away from oil –the fact notwithstanding that state-owned Saudi Aramco, recently reported a record pro t of US$161 billion which is the highest-ever annual pro t recorded by any oil and gas company. Although Saudi Arabia’s oil economy is thriving, it is now determined to diversify and open itself up to the world – especially tourists and visitors.

Since opening to global tourism back in 2019, Saudi has been recognised as among the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations among G20 countries. Last year, it

already witnessed an over 121 per cent increase from pre-pandemic international tourism levels, achieving 93.5 million visits in 2022. Last year, tourism spend in the kingdom was estimated at SAR185 billion – an increase of 93 per cent compared to 2021. Saudi has also committed US$550 billion to new destinations by 2030 – and Diriyah is now among the most high-pro le undertakings in the kingdom. “Vision 2030 is turbocharging the growth and diversi cation of the economy in Saudi Arabia. Each project contributes uniquely to this strategy, and each represents an opportunity to be a shining example of the kingdom’s ambitious development plans. All those involved in leading the realisation of these projects understand that as individuals they are indeed part of a much larger transformation,” observes Inzerillo.

Diriyah bene ts from the fact that it is located only 15 minutes away from the centre of Riyadh. Riyadh is a city with an ambitious development plan. Earlier this year, the PIF announced the master plan for a new six-runway King Salman International Airport that can potentially accommodate up to 120 million travellers by 2030. Also this year, the PIF launched the New Murabba Development Company which is tasked with building what is being positioned as “the world’s largest modern downtown in Riyadh.” Diriyah is in a unique position to capitalise on the hyper development of Saudi’s capital city.

“Riyadh is already a thriving metropolis of over eight million people, and that will grow to 15 million by 2030. Sixty per cent of the city’s population is aged 35 or below,

When you are working to develop a city that formed the foundation for the First Saudi State, only the best will do

JERRY INZERILLO, Group CEO at DGDA

and the Saudi to expat ratio is very di erent to other cities in the region, sitting at around 60:40. It is the 41st largest city economy in the world and Vision 2030 will propel it to the top 10 within the next seven years.

“For our part, Diriyah’s investment pipeline will provide Riyadh residents with a world-class cultural destination that tells the story of the birth of the nation and o ers them an immersive historical journey, on their doorstep,” says Inzerillo. Diriyah is expected to add US$7.2 billion to Saudi’s GDP annually by 2030.

EVERYONE’S WELCOME

Diriyah opened the rst phase of its development to the public towards the end of last year. In December, it began to welcome guests to its At Turaif World Heritage Site which was painstakingly restored. ere are a number of programmes taking place there such as Nuzul, which are immersive theatrical performances conducted on-site that illustrate the history and heritage of the location. ere are also Arabic calligraphy demonstrations, arts and cra s sessions for visiting families, mud-brick-making workshops (Diriyah is being built with the Najdi style of architecture, for which over 180 million bricks have already been made), and even a special Arabian Horse Gallery that traces the history of one of the world’s nest breed of horses. Furthermore, the At-Turiaf complex also features a military gallery and a museum with artefacts from and explanations of the First Saudi State.

Apart from At-Turaif, Diriyah also opened the 15,000 sqm luxury dining destination of Bujairi Terrace overlooking At-Turaif. “In December 2022, Bujairi Terrace launched. From its four Michelin-starred restaurants to the Saudi brands o ering incredible local cultural tastes including Maiz, which o ers an illustrious journey across the delights of Arabia, to international brands such as Angelina and Sarabeth’s, it houses one of the most

expansive and varied curated culinary o erings in the world,” says Inzerillo.

ere are more than 20 restaurants that have opened initially in Bujairi Terrace. e four restaurants whose international outposts have Michelin Stars and can now be found in Diriyah are Chez Bruno, Hakkasan, Long Chim and Tatel. Saudi homegrown brands, apart from Maiz, include Takya, Altopiano, Somewhere/Somewhere Dessert Bar, Sum + ings and Hi. International brands that have opened in Bujairi Terrace include names such as Cova, Flamingo Room, and Villa Mamas, among others. Café de L’Esplanade in Diriyah meanwhile is only the second outpost of the restaurant in the world outside of its home in Paris.

Alongside restaurants, a total of 38 hotels will be built in Diriyah and each will feature the Najdi style of mudbrick architecture. e rst of these is expected to open this year itself. Of the overall count, the brand names of 32 hotels have been announced, with the latest set of 16 hotels unveiled in December. e 16 hotel brands that were announced in December will be situated across two areas – Diriyah and the adjacent verdant Wadi Safar. In Diriyah, ai brand Anantara, Corinthia Hotels, Marriott International’s Edition Hotels, Taj Hotels, e Langham, Waldorf Astoria, 1 Hotels, Pendry Hotels and Resorts, Treehouse Hotel, Hyatt Place, Marriott International’s Moxy Hotels and Radisson Hotel Group’s Radisson RED will open. In Wadi Safar, Faena Hotel, Montage Hotels and Resorts, e Chedi by GHM Hotels and Well Health Retreat are scheduled to open over the next few years.

Previously announced hotel brands that will have a presence in Diriyah include Address Hotels and Resorts, Baccarat Hotels and Resorts, Armani Hotel, e RitzCarlton, Luxury Collection, Ra es, Orient Express, Rosewood and Four Seasons. “Hospitality is fundamental to Diriyah’s role as a gathering place and as a hub for cultural and societal collaboration. e 38 global brands blend world-renowned hotels with an interpretation of the local landscape and Najdi design themes, o ering visitors an immersive experience,” says Inzerillo.

FROM LEFT: Bujairi Terrace follows the Najdi architectural style; The UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif; Mud-brick-making workshops at At-Turaif

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As far as infrastructure is concerned, the scale of Diriyah is enormous. Overground, it will be a pedestrian-only area and all of the development’s supporting infrastructure including its metro lines, roads, tunnels and parking bays are all built underground. An example of the scale of the infrastructure ambition is evident in the “Super Basement” car park which is currently under construction and is being built across three levels below Diriyah Square in the centre of the development. It will accommodate 10,000 cars. Eventually, Diriyah will have parking bays for 24,000 cars.

“To achieve this level of delivery in the context of a residential area like Diriyah, we have established a series of initiatives that minimise the impact on the local community, including park-and-ride strategies for workers, bridges, and tra c management plans. A great example of this is that in March 2022, we successfully li ed our rst bridge over the infrastructure and transportation tunnel networks which connected the east and west of the Diriyah construction site. is was the third operational bridge to be built to support the logistical movement of over 1,600 vehicles, further controlling the impact to the surrounding areas,” says Inzerillo. Over four billion dollars have already been allocated to only infrastructure development as an army of approximately 15,000 construction workers dig through eight million cubic metres of rock and install hundreds of kilometres of water, sewerage, electric, and breoptic lines to support the development of Diriyah which is being built as a smart city.

OUTWARD LOOKING

While Saudi Arabia aims to receive 100 million annual visits by 2030, Inzerillo’s goal is to ensure that Diriyah receives 27 million annual visitors by that year. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, who is also the Prime Minister and chairman of PIF, has direct oversight of the Diriyah project. “I have had the pleasure to serve and contribute with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for some years now. A lot of people say to me, ‘At this point in your career, what are you doing working all hours of the day and night in Saudi Arabia?’ Well, my answer is always the same – I have never seen someone work as hard or be as dedicated to their goals as His Royal Highness, and when your boss, the chairman of the board and Crown Prince is working 80 hours a week, you need to work 81 hours.

“When you are working to develop a city that formed the foundation for the First Saudi State and is the ancestral home of the House of Al Saud, only the best will do. e Crown Prince said to me as soon as I started: ‘Go and get the nest minds in the world. Culture, heritage, design, architecture. Get the best.’ So, we did, and we really have brought together the very best from the kingdom and across the world,” notes Inzerillo.

He says that by the end of this decade, Diriyah aims to have created a staggering 55,000 permanent jobs – prioritising local and national talent, especially in management roles. Of the current employee base, 36 per cent are women (16 per cent of whom are in management roles) and also 14 per cent of its current sta are from Diriyah itself. As Diriyah prepares to open its rst hotels this year, plans have already been revealed for art, tech and media districts as well as retail assets and even an opera house. Diriyah has also begun hosting high-pro le events in order to increase visibility among a global audience. In January, the Diriyah E-Prix, part of the ninth season of ABB FIA Formula E Championship, took place with music concerts over the race weekend headlined by the likes of John Legend and French Montana.

Also, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation was founded by Saudi’s Ministry of Culture in 2020 with the inaugural season held the following year. “Diriyah became a place of artistic expression and cultural exchange in the 18th century and as we develop the giga project today, we are already seeing Diriyah reclaim that position held during

Bujairi Terrace

Maiz; Brunch & Cake; Somewhere; Sarabeth’s; Villa Mamas; Joe & The Juice

By the end of this decade, Diriyah aims to have created a staggering 55,000 permanent jobs and attract 27 million visitors annually

its past. To name but a few of the incredible events that have showcased Diriyah’s cultural o ering; Saudi Arabia’s rst Contemporary Art Biennale was held in Diriyah’s Jax district featuring works from over 60 international and 27 Saudi artists. e Jax district also hosted the Saudi Design Festival, a three-week event showcasing the talent of local Saudi designers through deep-dive discussions and design thinking workshops. Diriyah was also chosen in 2021 by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scienti c Organization (ALESCO) as the Capital of Arab Culture, demonstrating the cultural height Diriyah has already reached in the Arab world,” says Inzerillo. For this year’s edition of the biennale which began in January and will conclude this month, the Diriyah Biennale Foundation decided to step outside of Riyadh and debut its inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, a city that serves as a gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Ultimately, Inzerillo and his team are using At-Turaif – the ancestral home of the House of Saud that rules the kingdom to this day – as the template with which

Diriyah and its assets including Bujairi Terrace, its hotels and lifestyle and leisure assets are being built. It is what is guiding everything from the design inspiration to the Najdi architectural style and the nature of the businesses too that will have a presence in Diriyah. “ e e orts of the House of Saud have made Diriyah a renowned gathering place at the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. A city built from the earth, Diriyah will continue to proudly showcase Saudi Arabia’s three centuries of history to the world through an engaging and awe-inspiring set of heritage, cultural, education, retail and dining experiences for residents and visitors alike. We will continue to see deliveries of assets [over the coming years]. As Vision 2030 transforms it into a cultural destination with world-class hospitality, lifestyle, dining, and natural o erings, it is being restored to its former eminence.” If a country’s wealth fund is indicative of its economic standing among its worldwide contemporaries, it is the diversity and breadth of its cultural assets that in turn signal its ascension to the world stage as a so power.

TERRACE

15,000 SQM

The area covered by the Bujairi Terrace dining district +20

The number of restaurants that have initially opened in Bujairi Terrace 4

The number of restaurants in Bujairi Terrace whose international outposts have Michelin Stars

BUJAIRI

Maud Bailly , CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems, is rethinking how hospitality operates within a global context, but with a local connect

Maud Bailly isn’t a dyedin-the-wool hotelier. In fact, had it not been for a chance dinner, she would have probably been currently employed in the private banking industry. Bailly previously worked as the head of the economic and digital department at French Prime Minister

Manuel Valls’ office. Six years ago though, she found herself at a power dinner with the likes of Pascal Lamy, the former director-general of the World Trade Organization; Louis Gallois, the former CEO of SNCF, France’s state-owned railway company and none other than Sébastien Bazin, CEO of Accor Group. As the conversation that evening drew on from Brexit to other

ABOVE: Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

matters, at some point Bailly found herself engaging directly with Bazin. “I was considering a move to the private banking industry after having spent 10 years as a civil servant. We started discussing [the hospitality industry], and Sébastien said, ‘You should join Accor.’ ” Given that Bailly already, as she says, admired her potential boss’ commitment and dedication to the

hospitality industry, she didn’t require much further convincing.

Bailly joined Accor in 2017 as its chief digital officer at a worldwide level in charge of diverse functions including the group’s IT, data, sales and guest experience programme. She previously worked as the director of Paris Montparnasse station and the deputy director of the TGV product, where she says that her experience in rethinking guest experiences in ecosystems such as stations and trains came in handy when doing the same with hotels.

But Bailly with an extensive career in finance, realised that her core competency was business and crunching numbers. “After three years at Accor, I went back to Sébastien and told him that I wanted to have a P&L once again, and have my own business. That’s when he gave me Southern Europe to run.”

The Southern Europe market for Accor comprises France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Malta and Israel. It represents the biggest P&L for the group and covers 1,900 hotels. Bailly was handed the baton when the global hospitality industry was suffering its worst catastrophe in several decades. She took charge of the Southern Europe market in October 2020 when most countries in the world were at their strictest levels of lockdowns. “We went through hell, but we survived…and we even got a bit stronger,” says Bailly of that time. “Even during Covid, we managed to open a hotel every four days.”

DIGGING DEEP

Accor has some of the world’s most recognisable hotel brands within its portfolio and has grown from roughly 13 brands a decade ago to over 40 today. It includes the likes of Sofitel, Raffles, Orient Express, Fairmont, Banyan Tree and Emblems, among dozens more.

Recently released figures by Accor suggest that its pandemic strategy not to stall expansion was a prescient one. In 2022, the group’s revenue climbed 80 per cent year-on-year to €4.22 billion. Last year, Accor opened

299 hotels, corresponding to 43,000 rooms. It resulted in a 3.2 per cent net organic growth in its network. By the end of December 2022, the group had a global hotel portfolio of 5,445 hotels (802,269 rooms), with a pipeline of 1,247 hotels (216,000 rooms).

In October last year, Accor also announced a significant internal reorganisation to streamline performance among its different brands. There are two main divisions: ‘Economy, Midscale and Premium Division’ and ‘Luxury and Lifestyle Division’. The former includes ibis, Movenpick and other brands all the way up to its Pullman offering. The latter division comprises of Accor’s upmarket brands including Ennismore.

“The two divisions are not independent, but autonomous. The economy, midscale and premium division is organised around geographies. Our luxury and lifestyle division is organised around maisons. So you have one maison looking after Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems based in Paris. One maison based in Dubai is in charge of Fairmont. One maison based in London is in charge of Ennismore brands – so Mama Shelter, Tribe and 21c. One maison, based in New York, is in charge of Orient Express and Raffles,” explains Bailly.

Bailly, at the time that the reorganisation took effect at the start of this year, was handed the global P&L for the maison based out of Paris and tasked to look after the worldwide portfolio of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems. She classifies Sofitel and Sofitel Legend as hard brands – those that have to follow strict brand guidelines. MGallery and Emblems are what she calls soft brands, which are more flexible in their approach and requirements.

She explains that there are 111 Sofitels around the world. We caught up with Bailly at the Sofitel Dubai

The Obelisk. The idea behind Sofitel, according to Bailly, is to introduce French flair, but without crushing the local culture. A recent example of a high-profile Sofitel opening is the

ABOVE: Maud Bailly

TOP: Extensive food and beverage options are available at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

Sofitel Barcelona Skipper, while the global pipeline for the brand stands at approximately 24 hotels. Sofitel Legend, sits one level higher than Sofitel and there are only six in the world – Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan in Egypt, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian in China, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena in Columbia and the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama.

“MGallery and Emblems follow a different rationale compared to Sofitel and Sofitel Legend. MGallery hotels are between four- and five-star properties and have a maximum average of 150 keys in each hotel. We have a network of 120 MGallery properties worldwide and a pipeline of 52,” says Bailly. MGallery hotels are built around what the brand calls ‘memorable moments’ attached to each property –you can take a boat ride from the hotel in Brittany to watch dolphins, lounge poolside in the Molitor property in Paris where the bikini was believed to have been invented and first showcased, or stay in the Cabourg hotel in a region where French writer Marcel Proust searched for the perfect madeleines.

“Emblems sits above MGallery and is five-star only. Emblems is all about fairytale places. It has to meet three very strong criteria: handpicked location, intimate feel with privacy, and charismatic allure. You have three further categories of Emblems: Heritage which are conversions of historical buildings; Signature which I think would be really interesting for [the Middle East] where you can have a famous architect or designer create an Emblems building; and the third category is Retreat with a focus on sustainability.”

Accor is yet to open its first Emblems property. Plans have already been unveiled though for two Emblems in China, one in Vietnam and another in the Philippines. The goal is to develop 60 Emblems around the world over the next 10 years. “I’m mostly saying no to many leads, because I’m launching this

Saudi Arabia is clearly the new El Dorado. We’ve just signed two hotels there – a Sofitel and an MGallery

new brand and I want to ensure that we have a consistent and undiluted collection,” reveals Bailly.

The Middle East is a market that Bailly characterises as “booming”. Figures released by Accor for all its brands in the India, Middle East Africa, and Turkey (IMEAT) region showed that RevPAR there was 73 per cent higher in Q4 2022 compared to Q4 2019 which was the pre-pandemic period. While Bailly says that her

team has identified the opportunity for a new Sofitel branded residences and Emblems project in the UAE –but were still to sign on the dotted line – she singled out Saudi Arabia as a major destination for expansion. The RevPAR for the full-year 2022 for all of Accor’s brands in Saudi was 47 per cent higher than in 2019.

“Saudi Arabia is clearly the new El Dorado. We’ve just signed two properties for Saudi Arabia – a Sofitel and an MGallery – and it’s only the beginning. People are telling me that Riyadh would be a perfect destination for Sofitel, and also for Sofitel branded residences, while Jeddah will be a paradise for MGallery and maybe even Emblems,” notes Bailly.

MAUD BAILLY

Casco Viejo in Panama City; The lobby at Elkonin Tel Aviv MGallery; Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador; Elegant bathroom fittings at Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador; One of the rooms at Elkonin Tel Aviv MGallery; The waterfront location of Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo

LOOKING AHEAD

Bailly pulls no punches in her assessment of the perception of the hospitality industry’s sustainability standings in the eyes of some external observers. “Our industry is so far very much considered as a predatory one, and I think we need to prove that we can also give back,” she says. “Hospitality in 2030 will be more sustainable, and carbon neutral. [Our] hotels will be eco-certified – otherwise they will not have any MICE activity. They will need to be

chosen during the RFP stage according to their [commitment to] being ecocertified. Hotels will also have to go one step further and bring a positive impact to their local environment i.e. regenerative hotels. CSR norms need to be embedded from scratch in the new projects. When you’re a company as big as Accor – 5,300 hotels worldwide – we have a major responsibility to contribute to the hospitality of tomorrow.” Geographically, Bailly’s maison is evenly spread across major markets.

Sofitel and MGallery are wellrepresented in Europe. Though Bailly points out that there is potential for Emblems and Sofitel Legend properties to open in Europe too. She adds that the Asia Pacific region is “on fire” and there are upcoming openings in Australia, Vietnam and Greater China. She says that there are 22 Sofitels in Greater China alone.

Over to the Americas, and Sofitel has several high-end properties including the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma and the Sofitel Legend hotels in Panama and Colombia. “The challenge though is still the US market,” admits Bailly. “We started working on the renovation of the network and increasing our awareness there. Every time I fly to the US, I feel like the challenger…which is a good humility lesson. If you look at the immensity of the US market, you can imagine the crazy potential for the development of Sofitel, Emblems and MGallery there. It’s going to be my homework for the coming years.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Sofitel Legend

WORDS VARUN GODINHO

Vladislav Doronin , the CEO of Aman Group, is set to debut an all-new hospitality brand and expand rapidly internationally over the next few years, with the Middle East very much in the mix

As far as absolute exclusivity is concerned, the Aman Group which has hotels in exotic locations such as Bhutan and the Dominican Republic, to the more urban settings of Tokyo and New York City, ranks among the best. From Charles Saatchi and Kenzo Takada to Kate Moss and George Clooney, ying to an Aman property was a habit. In fact, such was the erce dedication of some of the world’s wealthiest to visit Aman properties, that there was an entirely new phrase coined to describe its tribe of loyalists: Amanjunkies.

e Aman concept began when its Indonesian founder, Adrian Zecha, was searching for a holiday home in Phuket in the mid-1980s. He came across a coconut plantation with breathtaking views – it ended up being the location of the rst Aman hotel, called Amanpuri, which was set up in 1988. Aman hotels, over the years, subsequently opened in the wider Asia Paci c region, before eventually expanding into Europe and the Americas.

Today, the Aman Group consists of 34 hotels and resorts worldwide spread across 20 countries. “We have announced a pipeline of nine future destinations in locations including Aman Nai Lert Bangkok (2024), Amanvari, Los Cabos (2024) – our rst property in Mexico – Aman Hegra (2025), Aman Miami Beach (2026), Aman Beverly Hills (2026) and Aman Niseko (2026) – our rst ski retreat in Japan. We also have a wider pipeline of forthcoming projects which have yet to be announced for new Aman and Janu locations,” Vladislav Doronin, owner, chairman and CEO of Aman Group tells Business Traveller

In 2020, the group introduced its second hospitality brand called Janu. But before understanding what Janu o ers, you must understand Aman. Aman was built around the concept of guests nding solace during their stay. ey are always set in stunning locations. In fact, over a dozen Aman

properties are located within or close to UNESCO sites. Aman has previously reportedly had an employee-to-guest ratio of 6:1, and the sta were not trained from a standard operating procedures manual, but instead encouraged to develop a culture of engagement that most suited the local culture of the country where they were present. An anecdote from Aman’s property in Jiwo suggests that 95 per cent of its sta there were at one point employed from among Indonesian villages, and the hotel even hired a full-time English teacher to train them.

Recent openings from the Aman brand include Aman New York, which welcomed its rst guests in August last year and is located in Manhattan’s Crown Building. A jazz club, an Omakase bar, a cigar lounge, a three- oor spa and 83 suites can all be found in this property which was

Aman’s third opening in the US a er Amangani in Wyoming and Amangiri in Utah. In the US, while the Miami Beach property is slated to open next year, Aman Beverly Hills set within a botanical garden spread across eight acres, will open by 2026.

e Janu brand meanwhile sets out to be something that Aman isn’t. “Designed with a di erent pace and energy to Aman, Janu has been created to encourage greater social connections for guests and the design of the properties will still follow our loved formula which I call ‘Asian chic’ but with the central principles being about encouraging connection, rather than the privacy Aman is renowned for,” says Doronin.

“We rst announced Janu in March 2020, as we had identi ed a gap in the market for a luxury hospitality brand which caters to a younger mindset seeking connection. It is a concept which we are con dent from our extensive research that will appeal, for example, to the rising generation of our Amanjunkies.”

Doronin says that the rst Janu hotel, Janu Tokyo, is being designed by Denniston – which was also behind some of Aman’s iconic properties including those in New York and Venice, and which has also designed other major hospitality projects including the Four Seasons Tokyo, Chedi Andermatt, and the One&Only Reethi Rah.

ABOVE: Vladislav Doronin, owner, chairman and CEO of Aman Group

LEFT: Aman’s sister brand Janu is set to open its first hotel, Janu Tokyo, this year

Janu Tokyo is scheduled to open in the autumn of this year in the city’s prime location of its Azabudai Hills development. In doing so, it will become the rst operational Janu property worldwide. “As our agship Janu destination, it will be a milestone moment in the development of the Aman sister brand, which means ‘soul’ in Sanskrit. In addition to Janu Tokyo, we have announced Janu Montenegro and Janu AlUla in Saudi Arabia. We have a robust pipeline of future destinations across both urban and resort settings for Aman and Janu which will bring [those] experiences to new corners of the globe,” notes Doronin.

Janu has been created to encourage greater social connections for guests, and will follow our formula of ‘Asian chic’

A GRAND SCALE

In August last year, the Aman Group secured a US$900 million investment from two investors, namely Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and real estate investment firm Cain International. Cain said that the investment valued Aman at US$3 billion. “Across the company, we employ 6,500 people globally both within our destinations and hotel teams, as well as corporate offices located all over the world. The investment received from our strategic partners is being used to accelerate our existing pipeline of future Aman and Janu destinations. In addition, the funds will be used to acquire additional sites, and invest in the ongoing maintenance and development of our existing collection of Aman destinations,” explains Doronin.

Aman’s expansion was previously focused on Asia, the Americas and Europe, but the Middle East has now cropped up on its radar. Already, the group has announced three confirmed openings for Saudi Arabia. “We have announced Aman Hotel and Branded Residences in Hegra, alongside the UNESCO Heritage Site of AlUla, as well as an Aman tented camp and a Janu hotel in Saudi Arabia.

We have announced three destinations in Saudi Arabia, and we have additional Aman and Janu locations [planned] across the Middle East

“Saudi Arabia is an exciting location for luxury hospitality, as the Crown Prince’s vision to open the kingdom is now a reality. I see the destination in the same way I view the United States or Japan for a travel experience. For example, in Japan, we have Aman hotels in Tokyo where you get the vibrant city experience, Kyoto where guests experience the ancient culture, and Amanemu in

Shima National Park which is totally immersed in nature. Soon we will have Aman Niseko offering guests the chance to ski in Japan as well. To me, these destinations enable us to offer guests a journey of different experiences in unrivalled locations. Saudi Arabia also delivers for us this breadth of experiences with city destinations like Riyadh, and cultural heritage in locations like AlUla, as well as the incredible nature and diving experiences in the Red Sea.

“Our guests travelling across Saudi Arabia [will] be able to experience first-hand the incredible diversity, culture and landscapes that the country offers,” says Doronin. Doronin defends the decision for Aman having not entered the Middle East earlier, saying that he is “very specific” about the location requirements for the Aman and Janu brands. “The Middle East has been a region we have been exploring for some time. We have announced three destinations in Saudi Arabia, and I am excited to say that we have additional Aman and Janu locations [planned] across the wider Middle East which we will share more details about in due course,” reveals Doronin without elaborating on where those properties will appear.

Apart from its two Aman and Janu brands, its Aman Branded Residences vertical is also a sought-after offering from the group. Aman has been offering its branded residences proposition since it launched with Amanpuri in 1988. More recently, Aman New York, for example, featured the first urban setting of Aman residences and comprises of 22 units.

“Over time, we have added further to our branded residences portfolio and we currently have 12 destinations which feature Aman Branded Residences, and the majority of our forthcoming projects will feature residences, including at Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Aman Hegra, Amanvari, Aman Beverly Hills and Aman Miami Beach. Additionally, we are exploring the addition of a limited number

THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Project Sama superyacht is being developed in partnership with Cruise Saudi; The interiors of the yacht which will launch in 2026; Aman New York in the US; A suite in Janu Tokyo

OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP: The Aman group will open three properties in the Saudi Arabian region of AlUla; Aman Residences, Tokyo and Janu Tokyo in Japan

of residences at several of our existing resort destinations, such as Amankila and Amandari.

“In the future, the brand will see us increase the number of branded residences across our portfolio, catering to the vast demand we have seen. All projects have pre-sold with the highest premiums to the market,” he says. In August last year, at the time of securing the investment from PIF and Cain, Aman said that it had generated US$2.4 billion in sales of its branded residences over the previous 12 months alone.

From land to the sea, Aman is set to branch into all-new territory with its Project Sama superyacht – a floating Aman hotel –that is being developed in partnership with Cruise Saudi and which Doronin says will be launched by 2026. The 600-foot vessel, equipped with 50 guest suites, is being designed by Sinot Yacht Architecture and Design, and recreates the full-service of amenities found in the group’s resort including a spa, club, and range of dining experiences.

As part of its brand-building exercise, the group’s lifestyle offering

of Aman Essentials consists of Aman branded fragrances, a leather collection comprising of handbags, wallets and passport cases, and even a new skincare range – Aman Essential Skin –that is produced in Japan with Kose.

Doronoin adds that the group will also launch another division called Aman Interiors, the details of which he says will be revealed soon.

As Doronin continues to diversify and build the brand, sustainability he says is key to its existence. “Our sustainability efforts are tailored to each of our destinations and its respective needs. Our hotel teams around the world consider four pillars in their work around sustainability – local heritage, local culture, environmental protection and social responsibility. Each property then can determine the best way in which to support the needs of its local area,” he says, citing examples of Amanpulo in the Philippines which has developed a sea turtle sanctuary and monitoring programme to help support the long-term survival of this endangered species. Additionally, that property also invested in a desalinisation plant to convert seawater to freshwater.

Meanwhile, at Amankora in Bhutan, Doronin adds, the team has focused on reducing the food miles by sourcing produce from the immediate local regions, and supporting the local heritage by participating in programmes related to the restoration of the historic Bhutanese fort – Wangdue Phodrang Dzong – which was built in 1648.

While this year will see its Janu brand open its first property in Japan, and five other Amans planned to open worldwide by 2025 – Aman Residences, Tokyo, Amanvari in Mexico, Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok, and two destinations in Saudi Arabia – Doronin teases the idea of another all-new hospitality brand from the Aman Group. “I am working on the development of a third brand, which is focused on sustainability, bold design statements and storytelling on an epic scale,” says Doronin in a statement that is enough to pique the interest of every Amanjunkie.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Amanpuri in Thailand; Amangiri in Utah; Aman Essentials has a branded collection of fragrances, a leather collection and skincare range

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ELEVATOR PITCH

THE

ELE TOR PITCH

Holiday Inn Riyadh e Business District

is an executive hotel in a strategic location in the heart of Riyadh’s business district. e hotel o ers an ideal balance between worldclass conference facilities and accommodation needs.

Located on Airport Road, the King Khalid International airport is just 10 minutes away, whereas Business Gate and Granada Business Park are 15 minutes away. e hotel also has convenient access to local attractions such as Riyadh Front, a contemporary exhibition and conference centre as well as shopping, dining, and entertainment spots.

Holiday Inn Riyadh e Business District has facilities such as a gym, two private pools, plus a pool bar serving drinks and snacks. Both private pools are located outdoors.

Our hotel also has two separate entrances. e main entrance o ers access to our accommodation and leisure facilities. e second entrance allows access to the event venues: the banquet halls, a range of fullyequipped and exible meeting rooms, all lled with ample natural light, plus pre-function spaces for co ee breaks. Zaytouna Ballroom links two banquet halls with two pre-function areas.

Zaytouna1 accommodates 550 guests, while Zaytouna2 accommodates 250 guests.

O ering a wide range of accommodation options, its rooms and suites feature oor-to-ceiling windows and wonderful views for a perfect stay. is property is ideal irrespective of whether you are looking to visit for business or leisure. Our stylish rooms provide comfort and relaxation for shorter business trips while our spacious suites are best suited for guests booking accommodation for a longer stay in Riyadh.

Our elegant Italian restaurant, Casa Oliva, provides all-day dining across both indoor and outdoor spaces, with Italian food served alongside innovative fusion options inspired by regional Saudi cuisine. L’Espresso Bar o ers a wide range of co ee selections, drinks, and gourmet snacks.

For those with electric vehicles, our underground parking facility also provides convenient charging stations for EVs.

Business travellers can work seamlessly with access to our business centre that is equipped with printers and iMac computers, while our leisure travellers can swim, work out or simply relax with our full range of services.

Business Traveller Middle East gives Nael Tamim, general manager of Holiday Inn Riyadh The Business District, five minutes to pitch his property to prospective guests

“For those with electric vehicles, our underground parking facility provides convenient charging stations for EVs”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The hotel features a mix of rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows; The lobby of the hotel; Nael Tamim

AIR MILES WITH e CEO of Clinique La Prairie shares his travel tips and business expansion plans

Simone Gibertoni

Clinique La Prairie has just announced its new resort in Amaala. What is its USP?

It’s our most important health and longevity-focused project [at the moment], and we have the chance to merge our 90-year expertise in the eld with an exceptional destination that in turn ampli es each other. I would describe its USP as the world’s most sophisticated longevity health resort. Guests will nd its programmes, technologies and next-generation therapies to focus on regeneration and health, combined with the most exclusive and luxurious setting.

Why did you choose Saudi Arabia as the first destination in the Middle East for your resort? We have been working on our expansion plans for the past ve years. e Middle East is central to our strategy, and Saudi Arabia’s Amaala project with its positioning as a regenerative destination with extraordinary landscapes impressed us. e challenge with our expansion is to retain the highest degree of exclusivity as we grow. We may have other opportunities in the Middle East, but we will develop less than 10 resorts. Besides Amaala, elsewhere we have announced the opening of the rst resort in Anji in China by 2024.

What is the extent of Clinique La Prairie’s global operations? Our vision is to pioneer longevity across two speci c expressions: health resorts and longevity hubs. e resorts are highly exclusive destinations, delivering a full range of programmes, housing medical and wellbeing experts and built with complete hospitality services – very similar to our current o ering in Montreux. e longevity hubs are about introducing our programmes, in urban places, [to those who haven’t probably experienced us before.] Here, participants can engage with experts and build their own health routines. e long-term roadmap is to reach about 40 longevity hubs and 10 health resorts.

What is your most memorable travel experience? A very simple one – it’s every time I go back to my hometown in Italy, Modena, to see my family and friends, eat in some simple trattoria and ride my bike in the Tuscan hills nearby.

What is your personal grooming ritual when you travel? I have worked in skincare development for 15 years, so I’m always trying di erent brands. At least one of these products is always with me. I also always have one perfume, Storie Veneziane, that I carry in my vintage leather kit along with my grooming products.

What are the three things that you always pack when you travel? A pair of jeans, a white linen shirt and a blue blazer.

What is your choice of in-flight entertainment? I love James Bond movies – each movie takes you to wonderful locations. From the glamour of Monaco to the Bahamas, with Champagne and some Beluga caviar. It’s funny to watch the old Bond movies and what were once considered exotic locations, which were at the time impossible to reach for most people.

Where would you like to travel next? I have two young children – twins – and I would like to take them to see cities that I’ve loved around the world such as New York and Tokyo. ese are such cinematic and vibrant cities. I know they will fall in love with these cities, just as I did the rst time I visited them.

Business travel: From recovery to growth

The forecast for the global business travel industry, driven by events such as the annual Arabian Travel Market held in Dubai, points towards an optimistic future that is bigger and more sustainable than ever before

Over the years, the business travel industry has repeatedly shown remarkable resilience. Events with global ramifications such as 9/11, the 2008 recession and more recently the Covid-19 pandemic haven’t dampened the long-term desire for travel and conducting business in-person. As the business travel and meetings industry rebounds towards pre-pandemic levels of activity, the economy, geo-political and environmental forces at both a global and regional level threaten to impact the speed of recovery. For 2023, the outlook is optimistic. However, there is still some uncertainty. Business travel spending is returning, but it looks different and therefore creates a new landscape for business travel. This year will likely see businesses balancing new ways of working with the need to make sustainable choices, whilst considering rising inflation, shortage of labour, increased fuel costs and disruption to the global economy.

According to the latest forecast from Global Business Travel Association’s (GBTA) business travel index – the BTI Outlook –business travel spending reached US$933 billion globally in 2022, 65 per cent of the US$1.4 trillion pre-pandemic business travel spend, with the MEA region accounting for US$23 billion or approximately 2.5 per cent of overall spending within the sector. Global business travel is forecast to make a full recovery by 2026, ending the year at US$1.47 trillion, just above the 2019 pre-pandemic spending.

Travel prices are forecast to continue to rise in 2023 fuelled by continued pent-up demand, increase in fuel prices, staff shortages and inflation, according to the 2023 Global Business Travel Forecast by CWT and GBTA. The forecast projects that airfares on average will continue to rise by an estimated 8.5 per cent in 2023, whilst hotel rates are set to further increase by 8.2 per cent. Car rental prices are projected to see a smaller percentage rise in 2023 as car rental companies continue to suffer capacity constraints due to the lack of new vehicles being supplied as part of the worldwide shortage of microchips.

But despite the challenges, business travel is forecast to reach the US$1.472 trillion mark by 2026 owing to emerging trends in a post-pandemic world. Dynamic changes and workplace transformations are influencing the future of business travel and the evolution of the workplace will continue in 2023. The rise of the remote worker, hybrid workforces and digital nomads have changed the profile of the business traveller. Workplaces will settle into a “new normal” as companies decide how they’ll operate, balancing in-person versus virtual meetings, and flexible work models to best serve employee wellbeing, company culture and the bottom line.

CATHERINE LOGAN REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, EMEA AND APAC, AT GLOBAL BUSINESS TRAVEL ASSOCIATION

What was once considered a commute to work is now classed as business travel, and travel managers are challenged with bringing dispersed teams together for collaboration and team-building. In-person meetings are critical for culture- and relationship-building, and in-person events have returned with a vengeance as businesses appreciate the value generated from face-to-face meetings and the undeniable energy from reconnecting in-person. After so long with limited networking options, corporates are looking for new opportunities to collaborate, forge partnerships, and strategically advance. Events such as the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which returns to Dubai from May 1-4, facilitate these discussions. After a hiatus among some attendees due to the pandemic in previous years, they are now highly motivated, driven, engaged, and ready to engage and do business. Now more than ever, human interaction is necessary to propel businesses to the next level, increase visibility, boost return on investment, and gain more value from in-person events, perhaps even in creative new ways.

The pandemic has led to a permanent change in how we balance work and our personal lives. Business travellers are choosing to work from anywhere and blend business with leisure to maximise their work-life balance. As we move into 2023, new strategies focused on the blended traveller will emerge more clearly as the industry recognises the traveller holistically.

Future Market Insights reported the value of the blended travel market in 2022 as US$497.5 billion, with two in five employees requesting blended travel according to travel managers in a recent GBTA poll. Hospitality suppliers are cashing in on this opportunity, creating lifestyle brands, and combining business and long-stay offerings with co-working spaces, amenities and others attractions.

For the future of the travel industry, and the planet itself, we must find the balance between getting back to business travel while creating a greener way forward. The recovery of our industry and adopting more sustainable practices do not have to be mutually exclusive. If we are building back the industry, why not build it back to a better and more sustainable future? It is our responsibility, for the cause of our industry, to make impactful strides in the area of sustainable business travel. Sustainability and climate action will accelerate as a priority, and travel programmes will need to align as organisations race to carbon neutrality. The focus will be on responsible choices, weighing the return on investment of a business trip against its cost, time, and environmental impact. That will require a thoughtful approach to discussing and implementing standards, as every travel programme will need to align with its company’s culture and goals.

Meanwhile, digital innovation has accelerated too as a result of the pandemic

as remote workers have to find new ways to communicate and collaborate. Within our industry, business travellers demand that the innovative and intuitive tools in their personal routines are mirrored in their business travel environment too. Technology can make business travel more efficient, faster, convenient, contactless, and customised. And as the digital natives of Generation Z increase in the workplace, so does the role of technology. As business travellers, they are poised to want their travel to be seamless and self-service-driven when selecting business travel options. More than ever, there is a willingness and a desire to innovate and to create a better experience for travellers from stakeholders across the industry.

Mobile device proliferation is part of this trend. There really is an app for nearly everything within our space – and business travel road warriors are among the savviest of digital users. AI advancements are helping in several aspects from pricing to booking and servicing automation too.

As the industry continues to grow, the return of previous talent and bringing new people into our industry need to be a priority. There’s an opportunity to reimagine and recreate a better way forward for the future of our industry and its professionals. The future for business travel looks bright, a world where business travel continues to grow. But, this time it’s about travelling with intention –ensuring a balance between carbon emissions, cost, time and work-life balance.

$933 BILLION

Global business travel spending in 2022

$1.472 TRILLION

Forecast for global business travel spending by 2026

*According to data from GBTA’s BTI Outlook report

Hospitality’s bold new workforce

In the service industry, the responsibilities of employers – and their very relationship with employees – are undergoing a dramatic change

The employee-employer relationship has drastically changed over the last five years, especially with the arrival of Generation Z in the workforce, boosted by the Covid-19 environment. Young employees’ expectations are now mostly short-term. They are linked to instant gratification as opposed to a medium- to long-term vision among the older generation who was concerned with the shape of their career over the following five-ten years.

For any company, especially in the service industry, people are the main asset of the organisation. They require attention, time and regular investments.

For companies to be successful, they need to change their outdated mindset of previous employee expectations. Mentalities and work environments need to adapt and embrace change. The change should not be driven by the employees, but instead by the employer. What can a company do to better understand young employees’ expectations and their need for instant gratification? What will motivate employees to work and stay with their employer?

To begin with, there is a need for better transparency, more open communication, and a tailor-made plan for every employee. We should not think of what an employee would become in two-five years hence, but rather in 6-12 months, as employees will switch companies if they are not understood and have no visibility with their current employer.

We must better think about employees’ personal needs, especially outside of work. Being more personal, paying attention and providing them with what will make them happy outside of work is key. Models such as a four-day workweek and their effect on the business’ bottom line really depend on which way you look at it. Old thinking (cost-driven thinking) will convince you that it is an additional cost. However, you may also look at it in a very different way. Happy employees will lead to happy guests and higher revenues, as well as less employee turnover, less training cost, and less recruitment costs… hence a better bottom line.

However, in my opinion, a shorter workweek is also only applicable to more junior positions with a few lower

NICOLAS BUDZYNSKI GLOBAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR AT LPM RESTAURANT AND BAR

responsibilities rather than an individual who is in charge of the business’ performance. Not every organisation may be able to apply the four-day workweek, and surely not at every level. Management needs to remain on top of the company’s operations, and remain connected. Therefore, three days of disconnection makes it very difficult to achieve that.

Four-day workweeks can be difficult for small companies operating seven days a week and with several meal periods to cover (breakfast, lunch and dinner), especially if the volume of business and workforce is not high. It would mean that employers would require to hire more employees. Employers will need to fully review their tasks, processes and operational models to ensure it is adapted to this new scheduling.

In addition to a four-day workweek, a few other management models that could further help the employee-employer relationship could involve hourly payments. For the Middle East specifically, hourly pay or part-time jobs should support more flexibility with employee scheduling. However, it is not clear how the visa sponsorship role would play with such a model, as most employees require one employer to sponsor them.

In addition, there should be better communication with a systematic sit-down offering the opportunity for employees to share their feedback and concerns.

Incentives and rewards with more transparency on how employees’ performances impact the business is another management model that could be introduced in the future. All these models are linked to a clear career plan with simple and achievable goals to reach a promotion or a salary increase.

Purposeful business travel

RICHARD TAMS AIRLINE CONSULTANT AND EXECUTIVE COACH

There’s a new buzzword doing the rounds in business travel circles and it’s ‘purposeful’. According to those in the know, we should all be bracing for ‘an era of purposeful business travel’. At first glance, this concept rather assumes that up until now we have all been embarking on business trips without ‘purpose’, but bear with me while I explain.

A white paper from American Express Global Business Travel entitled, ‘Why business travel is the centre of the new company culture’ was published last year and made the case that business travel should be seen as a strategic investment in people rather than a cost to a company. Travel industry consultants, Festive Road, who coined the ‘purposeful travel’ term, have now produced a ‘Purposeful Travel Model’ to go along with it, through which they invite participants to move to a new way of thinking about business travel. They challenge the old assumption that business travel is an unavoidable cost to the company and the planet and propose we replace the default of ‘jumping on a plane’ with an approach that identifies a professional and personal purpose first and factors in the various virtual meeting options as well. This would also take more consideration of employee wellbeing and sustainability and ensure that business travel is seen as an investment with a return, not just a cost.

FINDING YOUR PURPOSE

Having been both in the business of selling business travel and a business traveller myself, I can see the advantage of this; we may need to start looking at business travel

in a very different way. During my years selling airline seats to corporate clients, I have sat next to ‘road warriors’ at many a dinner who are falling over themselves to take me through their travel plans for the next quarter. They feign horror at the need for them to make four separate trips to New York over the next three months, while quietly drooling over the tier points they expect to rack up and the admiration

true that if you’re not travelling to see your clients, your competitors may be, since your clients may expect face-to-face meetings. It is also true that business travel can be very effective in supporting corporate values in a world where it is increasingly difficult by means of a traditional office environment. So purposeful travel will mean different things to every company, but 88 per cent of Festive Road’s respondents stated that they already have or intend to adopt a ‘purposeful’ approach to travel within their organisation.

OFFSETTING RISING COSTS

of their peers. It’s true that business travel has been traditionally viewed as a status symbol and an ‘indicator of busyness’. It’s also no coincidence that airlines refer to their Gold frequent flyer luggage labels as ‘vanity tags’.

However, the journey to purposeful travel is more nuanced than my disrespectful caricatures. The new model is designed to analyse trips by type and determine what purposeful travel means to your organisation. Of course, you don’t need to listen to airline advertising to know that there are other factors at play here. It is

This call to make business travel purposeful does chime with other trends being seen in the industry. We know that millennials, who now represent over 50 per cent of business travellers, are less likely to accept punishing travel schedules. In addition, flight and hotel prices are forecast to rise by more than 8 per cent year on year in 2023 (according to the 2023 Global Business Travel Forecast produced by CWT and the GBTA, see pg34 for more). These increases are on top of an estimated 48.5 per cent rise in air fares, 18.5 per cent increase in hotel rates and a 7.3 per cent rise in car rental charges this year on last. Business travel is going to become more expensive as demand catches up with supply and suppliers wrestle with large increases in costs, not least manpower and fuel. Finally, and needless to say, many companies are aiming for net zero carbon emissions and their travel programme will often be a significant element of that. So maybe it is time to look at the purpose of your business travel and check that your travel is fit for it.

Business travel should be seen as a strategic investment in people rather than a cost to the company

With travel costs set to rise, companies should start viewing business travel as a calculated investment rather than a general expense

NEW AND UPCOMING LONDON HOTELS

From historic conversions to art-inspired properties, there are plenty of new choices the next time you visit this capital

WORDS MARK CASWELL

The English capital has seen a slew of new hotels open in the past few years. In particular, the end of last year saw some great new additions to the city’s hospitality portfolio. Below, we have listed these exciting hotels alongside properties slated to be unveiled over the coming months. Here’s what should be on your radar.

RECENT OPENINGS

ART’OTEL LONDON BATTERSEA POWER STATION

It’s been a long wait, but PPHE Hotel Group has nally debuted its Art’otel brand in London. Business Traveller rst reported on the 164room property back in 2015 when it was scheduled to open in 2019, but the long-awaited hotel was nally unveiled in December 2022.

e property features interiors by Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon, who has drawn inspiration from both the building’s history

and “its future at the centre of a new cultural district and neighbourhood”. Facilities include an all-day restaurant with its own art gallery, as well as a heated roo op swimming pool and bar. artotels.com

THE HOXTON, SHEPHERD’S BUSH

e Hoxton opened its fourth hotel in the capital in December 2022, located in west London. e 237room hotel is situated on the north end of Shepherd’s Bush Green, close to shopping centre West eld and music venue Shepherd’s Bush Empire. e hotel has an open-plan lobby with vintage seating, a central wraparound bar and ai-Americana all-day restaurant Chet’s, a terrace and a standalone retail shop. (See our Tried and Tested review on pg58.) thehoxton.com

THE WESLEY CAMDEN TOWN

Hospitality group e Wesley opened its second London property in December 2022, with the unveiling of a 38-room hotel in the Camden Methodist Church building.

e Wesley Camden Town is located on Plender Street, close to Mornington Crescent and Camden Town Underground stations. e property has been renovated and refurbished to retain its historic façade, with nishings that date from the 1800s. thewesley.co.uk

LONDON

WIMBLEDON CENTRAL TRAVELODGE

Travelodge marked its 79th hotel in the UK capital with this opening in December 2022 in the southwest London town of Wimbledon. Located on Hart eld Road, a few minutes’ walk from Wimbledon’s rail, Underground and Tramlink station, it is the third new-build hotel to feature the group’s recently launched “budget-luxe” design. e hotel’s oors are named a er players who

RIGHT: Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment; Art’otel London Battersea Power Station

have competed at the Wimbledon tennis championships, including the UK’s Andy Murray and Tim Henman. travelodge.co.uk

HYATT REGENCY LONDON ALBERT EMBANKMENT

Formerly the Crowne Plaza London Albert Embankment, this hotel has become the latest IHG property in the UK to switch to Hyatt’s portfolio.

Located on the banks of the River Thames between Vauxhall and Lambeth bridges and next to the Park Plaza London Riverbank, the 142-room hotel is now known as the Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment.

Features include POTUS restaurant and bar (a nod to the nearby US Embassy), and a rooftop restaurant, cocktail bar and shisha terrace Mezemiso. hyatt.com

UPCOMING OPENINGS

THE PENINSULA LONDON

First announced in 2015, London’s rst Peninsula hotel was scheduled to open in “early 2023”, in the capital’s Belgravia district. ere was still no exact opening date con rmed at the time of going to press, but Business Traveller attended a preview of the hotel in late January (see businesstraveller.com for details).

e newly built property, designed by Hopkins Architects, is on the site of a former 1960s o ce block on Grosvenor Place, overlooking Hyde Park Corner. e property features 190 rooms and suites, plus 25 residential apartments designed by Peter Marino, many of which have oor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Buckingham Palace Gardens and Wellington Arch. Dining venues include roo op restaurant Brooklands by award-winning chef Claude Bosi and Cantonese restaurant, Canton Blue. e site will also have shops, a ballroom and a spa. e residential apartments have a separate entrance on Halkin Street, as well as a private pool. peninsula.com

BROADWICK SOHO

Scheduled to open in 2023, Broadwick Soho is the rst London hotel designed by Martin Brudnizki, and is described as “your eccentric godmother’s Soho townhouse”, with Brudnizki taking inspiration from “the gritty glamour, but also eclectic and diverse history of Soho”.

Situated on the corner of Broadwick Street and Berwick Street, the hotel will o er 57 “residentialfeeling” rooms, including a penthouse

and nine suites, with many rooms o ering private balconies that overlook the bustling streets.

e hotel’s food and beverage concepts will be operated in partnership with Jamie Poulton and chef Ed Baines, founders of Randall and Aubin on nearby Brewer Street. ere will be a street level Italian restaurant with terrace, and a roo op cocktail bar with a wraparound terrace. broadwicksoho.com

HOTEL RIU PLAZA

LONDON VICTORIA

Spanish brand Riu Hotels and Resorts is set to open its rst UK property this spring, within a renovated building on Neathouse Place, close to London’s Victoria station. e 11-storey Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria will feature 435 rooms, a tness centre, restaurant and lobby bar. riu.com

MANDARIN ORIENTAL MAYFAIR

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will also open its second London hotel this spring.

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is located on Hanover Square, with the building’s design by Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners. e property will include 50 rooms and suites designed by UK-based Studio Indigo, as well as 78 private residences.

Interiors have been led by Tokyobased studio Curiosity, with the concept of ‘a hub of nature and art’. e hotel will be home to awardwinning chef Akira Back’s rst

namesake restaurant in the UK, along with his ABar Lounge concept. ere will also be a spa with an indoor 25-metre swimming pool, sauna and vitality pool. mandarinoriental.com

RAFFLES LONDON AT THE OWO

is hotly anticipated Ra es property – housed within the former Old War O ce (OWO) at the junction of Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall – is set to open in 2023. Ra es London at the OWO will o er 120 rooms and 85 branded residences, as well as extensive wellness facilities and 11 F&B venues including a roo op restaurant. Completed in 1906, the sevenoor property served as the o ce of political and military leaders including Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George, Lord Kitchener, Herbert Asquith and T.E. Lawrence.

LEFT: The Peninsula London

RIGHT AND BELOW: Broadwick Soho; Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

Accor says that a five-year renovation programme has seen key features of the building restored, including hand-laid mosaic floors, oak panelling, chandeliers and a marble staircase. accor.com

LOCKE KENSINGTON

Hospitality group Edyn plans to open its sixth London property in June 2023, under its design-led Locke aparthotels brand.

The former NH Kensington hotel is situated on Cromwell Road, around five minutes north of Earls Court Underground station.

The as-yet-unnamed property is set to be converted into a 121-unit aparthotel with a bar, restaurant, coworking and meeting space, and private gardens. Its interior design will draw inspiration from “the iconic art deco style of Derry and Toms Department store and the golden age of Kensington”, with a “glamorous mid-century aesthetic”. lockeliving.com

HYATT REGENCY LONDON BLACKFRIARS

The former Crowne Plaza London The City hotel is set to

reopen under the Hyatt Regency brand this spring, following “an extensive refurbishment programme”. The Grade II listed property is located on New Bridge Street just north of Blackfriars Bridge and Blackfriars station, and Hyatt says the hotel will offer an all-day New York style bistro and a specialty Chinese restaurant, as well as a cocktail bar with outdoor area, meeting spaces and a fitness centre. hyatt.com

THE BOTREE

The Botree hotel is scheduled to open in July 2023, situated at the intersection of London’s Marylebone and Mayfair neighbourhoods.

The 199-room hotel will include 29 suites, two restaurants, a live music club, private screening room and fitness centre.

Rooms have been designed by Amsterdam-based firm Concrete and will feature colourful natural fabrics and textures created exclusively for the hotel. Each room will include a reception space, separated by sliding panels, which leads to the bedroom and lounge areas. thebotree.com

HAMPTON BY HILTON LONDON OLD STREET

Hilton is set to open the latest London property under its budget Hampton brand this summer.

The 107-room Hampton by Hilton London Old Street is scheduled to open on Westland Place, around a five-minute walk from Old Street Underground and rail station, with links to the Northern Line and National Rail services to Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City.

Facilities will include an Italian restaurant, free wifi and hot breakfast, a fitness centre and conference meeting room. Hilton has also highlighted the new-build hotel’s eco credentials, being designed to utilise harvested rainwater. hilton.com

RUBY STELLA

Lean luxury brand Ruby Hotels will open a 153-room property in London’s Clerkenwell this summer. Ruby Stella will form part of a mixed-use development that will also feature offices and nine new-build affordable residential units.

MARTIN MORRELL

TOP: The Botree BOTTOM: Raffles London at the OWO

The development will see a twostorey extension and private terraces added to the existing Victorian Ragged School building. The offices were scheduled to be completed in February, followed by the hotel and residential units in July this year. rubyhotels.com

CITIZEN M LONDON OLYMPIA

Dutch hotel group Citizen M is to open its fifth London hotel in 2023. The property will be located in the transformed Olympia London exhibition centre on Hammersmith Road, which is set to open in 2023 following a £1.3 billion regeneration led by Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance International. The mixeduse development will feature a

4,400-capacity live music venue, owned by entertainment company AEG, a 196-room Hyatt Regency property, and conference centres.

Citizen M London Olympia will include 145 rooms, three meeting rooms, and a living room open to the public in the historic Apex room. Interiors will be designed by Amsterdam-based partner Concrete and will feature furniture from Vitra, one of Citizen M’s long-term collaborators. citizenm.com

HYDE PARADOX HOTEL LONDON CITY

Hyde Hotels has announced that its first European property will open in 2023, occupying the redeveloped 15 Old Bailey.

The seven-storey building – which dates back to 1874 – will feature 110 rooms, two restaurants and a speakeasy bar.

The Hyde brand forms part of Accor’s global lifestyle hotel partnership with UK-based developer Ennismore, which was announced in late 2020. accor.com

SIX SENSES LONDON

Six Senses will open its first UK property in West London in 2023. The 110-room Six Senses London will be located in Bayswater’s former Whiteleys department store. Facilities will include a 20-metre swimming pool, indoor padel court, fitness centre, steam room, sauna and Six Senses spa, alongside a bar and all-day dining restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.

The 1,300 sqm ground floor will be inspired by the brand’s “connection to people and nature”, with the lobby featuring plants, textured fabrics, bespoke flooring and reclaimed wood furniture and upholstery in natural tones, while glass display cabinets will flank the walls. sixsenses.com

THE EMORY

Maybourne Hotel Group has announced plans for its fourth London property, which will join Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley. Scheduled to open in

GREGOR HOFBAUER; WEARENARRITIV; THE WHITELEY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Ruby Stella’s sister property Ruby Lucy, which shares a similar design; Six Senses London; St Regis London; The Emory rooftop; Citizen M London Olympia

Knightsbridge this winter, e Emory will be housed within a new building on Old Barrack Yard, designed by the late Richard Rogers, and Ivan Harbour of architectural rm RSHP.

e hotel will include 60 suites over nine oors, with each oor showcasing di erent interior designers, a guest-only roo op space, restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and a four- oor underground wellness space with a 22-metre pool. the-emory.co.uk

PARK HYATT LONDON RIVER THAMES

Hyatt is set to open its rst Park Hyatt property in the UK in late

2023, located in London’s Nine Elms area on the bank of the River ames.

e 203-room property will be located within R&F UK’s Nine Elms development, a mixed-use project which will also comprise 2,300 apartments and over 11,150 sqm of commercial space.

is will include the company’s One ames City development, made up of premium residences, hotels, shops, a park and restaurants. e hotel will have a secure executive wing and event spaces, including a large ballroom, targeting both business and government travellers due to its proximity to the new US embassy. hyatt.com

TRAVELODGE LONDON CHISWICK

Travelodge has secured funding for a new hotel in west London’s Chiswick district.

e new-build property will be conveniently located next to Chiswick Roundabout and Chiswick Flyover, and around 400 metres from Chiswick Business Park.

e hotel will feature 113 rooms – with the group’s latest budget luxe design – spread across the ground oor and ve upper oors.

RTP Global Real Estate Investments has purchased the site and committed to fund the development site for £19.4 million, with practical completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. travelodge.co.uk

ST REGIS LONDON

e Westbury hotel in London’s Mayfair is set to become a St Regis property, with an expected reopening date of 2024.

e hotel will be rebranded as e St Regis London following a £90 million transformation, with an additional eighth oor being added to the existing property.

Features will include 196 rooms and suites designed by Peter Newman-Earp of Morrison Design, with interiors handled by Richmond International.

An extension to the rear of the property will create “enhanced public areas”, and the building’s façade and drop-o area will also undergo a renovation.

e Polo Bar will be retained, and there are plans for a signature restaurant, speakeasy jazz bar, tness centre and spa. marriott.com

Urban sanctuaries

The four Hyatt Place hotels in Dubai are competitively-priced with a range of amenities that appeal to both business and leisure travellers

Positioned as upscale properties, there are more than 400 Hyatt Place hotels around the world. These hotels are known for their modern architecture, offerings and pricing, and are usually located in urban locations with easy access to the city’s main business and leisure attractions. Many of these properties feature well-priced dining options too, as well as a wide range of services including business centres and free wifi for business travellers, and offerings such as complimentary buffet breakfasts. Recently, it launched a “Kids Go Free” policy, wherein two children up to the age of 12 can stay free along with their parents. “Hyatt Place Dubai hotels are designed for today’s multi-tasking travellers who we call 'smart self-reliants.' These travellers require a cutting-edge setting that is also reasonably priced, has open and inclusive areas, and promotes interaction with others,” says Bhishmaraj Singh, general manager at Hyatt Place Dubai Hotels and Residences. In Dubai, there are four Hyatt Place hotels – here’s a closer look at each of them.

Hyatt Place Dubai Al Rigga

Located in Deira, the property is only a 15-minute drive away from Dubai International airport. Each of the 210 rooms in the property has a large workspace area, whereas the hotel has shared computers with internet access, printing facilities and a flexible meeting space of 245 sqm with F&B options and audiovisual equipment. As for its

amenities, there’s a 24-hour fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool. The Al Rigga metro station is also only a 10-minute walk away and allows for easy connectivity right across the city’s metro line. For long-stay options, the property also features fully-furnished Hyatt Place Residences that offer studio, one- and two-bedroom units with optional halfand full-board packages too.

Hyatt Place Dubai Baniyas Square

This hotel is close to some of the city's most well known attractions, including the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Al Seef, which is situated along the Dubai Creek. The property features 127 guestrooms, including a suite. The rooms have oversized sofas which can be used as an alternate bedding space for its guests. A concierge service at the hotel, a lavish breakfast buffet at its on-site restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness centre are all found at this hotel. The Baniyas Square metro station on the Green Line is just over 250 meters away from this hotel.

Hyatt Place Dubai Jumeirah

The property is only a 10-minute drive from prime business locations in the city such as the World Trade Centre, as well as less than a 15-minute drive from tourist destinations including Dubai Frame, Museum of the Future and the Burj Khalifa. Its rooms feature 49-inch smart TVs, a large workspace area, free wifi, and tea/coffee-making facilities. The free buffet breakfast is served at its Focus Restaurant which is open all day. The other noteworthy dining option at this hotel is Wox which serves street-style pan-Asian cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner. For long-stay guests, the property has fully-furnished Residences too. There are five event spaces on this property including two U-shaped conference rooms that can seat around 12 guests in each room, a boardroom and two banquet-style event spaces.

Hyatt Place Dubai Wasl District

This 202-key property not only features guestrooms, but also 10 suites. Its 48 sqm King suite has a separate living room with a kitchenette, a separate guest bathroom and a dedicated workspace area. As is the case with the Al Rigga and Jumeirah properties, the Hyatt Place Dubai Wasl District also features Residences. Meals are served at its Focus restaurant, but there’s also the option for in-room dining. The property’s leisure amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour fitness centre, while business travellers can avail of its 38 sqm conference room and shared-computer facilities too.

PALETTES

We recap some of the highlights from the recently concluded 16th edition of Art Dubai

One of the region’s leading art fairs, Art Dubai, returned for its annual rendition last month. The 16th edition of the exhibition took place from March 1-5 at Madinat Jumeirah Dubai. This year, the fair was met with a renewed enthusiasm for the arts and culture, with a diverse showcase of works across several media including paintings, sculptures, installations, photography, video and new media.

Art Dubai was established in 2007 and has since then grown to become one of the most important art events in the Middle East, attracting collectors, curators, artists, and enthusiasts from around the globe. The fair presents a range of programming, including exhibitions, talks, performances, and workshops, and is known for its focus on promoting emerging artists from the region and beyond.

In addition to the main fair, Art Dubai also includes other components such as the Global Art Forum – an annual interdisciplinary platform that brings together leading thinkers, artists, and writers to discuss contemporary issues related to art and culture.

This year’s edition witnessed over 130 participating galleries from more than 40 countries, featuring in excess of 600 artists. There were four main sections to this year’s exhibition: Modern, Contemporary, Bawwaba and Art Dubai Digital.

WORDS AKANKSHA MAKER

LEFT:

Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, Farhad Moshiri, and Slavs and Tatars, among others. The gallery has also exhibited the work of several other international artists who are engaged with themes related to the MENA region.

ART DUBAI CONTEMPORARY

Art Dubai Contemporary featured galleries from around the world, ranging from upcoming art scenes to well-known centres, showcasing solo and group shows too.

BOTTOM

ART DUBAI MODERN

Featuring modern art from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Art Dubai Modern this year focused on solo shows dedicated to either thematic dialogues or a particular period, featuring artists between the 1950s and 1990s. Showcasing modern art masters, it featured 10 presentations. This section was co-curated by Mouna Mekouar, an art critic, curator and art historian, as well as Lorenzo Giusti, who serves as the curator and director of GAMeC, Bergamo. Here are a few galleries that stood out in the this section at Art Dubai.

Aicon Gallery

A contemporary art gallery with locations in New York and London, Aicon Gallery was founded in 1994 by the Indian-American businessman and art collector, Parvez Taj, with a focus on showcasing contemporary art from South Asia and the Middle East.

Since its inception, Aicon Gallery has been dedicated to promoting and exhibiting the work of artists from the region, with a particular emphasis on those who are exploring new forms of expression and pushing the boundaries of traditional art practices.

DAG - Delhi Art Gallery

One of the leading art galleries in India, with a focus on modern and contemporary Indian art, DAG (Delhi Art Gallery) was founded in 1993 by Ashish Anand, and it has since become a prominent force in the Indian art

world. Known for its extensive collection of Indian art and works by some of the country’s most celebrated artists from the early 20th century to the present day, the gallery’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, among other media too.

The Third Line

An art gallery located in Dubai, The Third Line was founded in 2005 by Sunny Rahbar, who is also the gallery’s director. Renowned worldwide for its focus on contemporary art from the Middle East and North Africa region, with an emphasis on artists who are exploring issues of identity, cultural heritage and social change, the gallery’s collection includes a wide range of media.

The Third Line represents a number of established and emerging artists from the MENA region including Shirin Aliabadi,

The selection committee for Art Dubai Contemporary this year comprised of Andrée Sfeir-Semler from Sfeir-Semler Gallery, Priyanka Raja from Experimenter, and Ursula Krinzinger from Galerie Krinzinger. Here are a few art houses that made a mark in the contemporary section of Art Dubai.

Custot Gallery

Custot Gallery is situated in London and was started in 2016 by Stephane Custot, who has over 30 years of experience in the art world, including time spent with galleries such as Galerie Maeght and Marlborough Fine Art.

Featuring media including paintings, photography, and works on paper, Custot represents a roster of some of the most well-known artists including Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, and Marc Chagall, among others.

Custot Gallery is known for its focus on modern and post-war art, with an emphasis on the work of the School of Paris – a group of artists who were active in Paris in the first half of the 20th century. The gallery’s exhibitions often explore the relationship between art and society, and the role of art in shaping cultural and historical narratives.

ABOVE: Natvar Bhavsar AMBEE, 1993, courtesy of DAG

Rasheed Araeen, Untitled 2022, courtesy of Aicon Gallery

BELOW: Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, Reference image, Group 4, 2010, courtesy of The Third Line

RIGHT: Joana Vasconcelos, Lança Perfume No26, 2022, courtesy of Custot Gallery Dubai

Jhaveri Contemporary

Located in Mumbai, India, Jhaveri

Contemporary was brought to life in 2010 by sisters Amrita and Priya Jhaveri as a gallery that focused on showcasing contemporary art from India and South Asia. The gallery has made its mark for its innovative exhibition programme, which includes work across several media. The gallery’s collection features both established and emerging artists, many of whom are exploring issues related to cultural identity and social change.

Some of the artists represented by Jhaveri Contemporary include Nalini Malani, Gauri Gill, Manish Nai, and Neha Choksi, among others. It has also collaborated with a number of international institutions and curators to present exhibitions that explore broader themes related to contemporary art.

Ronchini

The gallery which is situated in London, was founded in 1992 by Lorenzo Ronchini. With a diverse exhibition programme, Ronchini represents a roster of internationally recognised artists, including Yinka Shonibare, JR, and Loris Cecchini, among others. Its focus is on contemporary art that is both aesthetically engaging and conceptually rigorous. Ronchini’s exhibitions often explore themes related to identity, culture and social issues.

RIGHT: Brendan Dawes, Persian Dream - Dynasties, 2023, nft video file, courtesy of Gazelli Art House

BELOW: Youdhisthir Maharjan, Between the Lines, 2022, hand embroidered book strips on reclaimed deacidified book pages, courtesy of Blueprint 12

BOTTOM: Berndnaut Smilde, Nimbus MAXXI, 2018, digital c-type print on aluminum, courtesy of Ronchini

LEFT: Lubna Chowdhary, Marker 46, 2022, ceramic painting, courtesy of Jhaveri Contemporary

BAWWABA AND ART DUBAI DIGITAL

In addition to contemporary and modern, Art Dubai also featured the Bawwaba and Art Dubai Digital sections.

The Bawwaba section, translating to gateway in Arabic, served as a portal to works created in the last year or specifically for the fair, presenting a curated reading of current artistic developments from geographical scopes across “The Global South” through solo artist presentations.

Art Dubai Bawwaba 2023 was curated by Vipash Purichanont, an independent curator and lecturer at Silpakorn University.

Lastly, Art Dubai Digital made a comeback for its second edition and invited a range of disciplines and practices to interact with each other, by observing the cross dimensions of art, design, music, and fashion, which can help expand horizons and understanding of new media and movements in culture. Art Dubai Digital 2023 meanwhile was curated by Clara Che Wei Peh, an arts writer, and leading curator.

THE MECHANICS OF TIME

Julien Tornare , CEO of Zenith, is reimagining the watchmaker’s existing collection and completely overhauling its global distribution strategy

WORDS VARUN GODINHO

Disobedience is central to Zenith. In fact, it is in many ways what saved the brand. Back in the 1970s when employees at Zenith were told that they were to destroy or sell all the tools, components and machines used to make the El Primero mechanical movement, one of them – Charles Vermot – disobeyed. He hid all the vital components in an attic in the watchmaker’s manufacture in Le Locle, along with detailed notes on how to reassemble the machines. A decade later when the brand decided to revive the El Primero – a robust automatic chronograph movement – it was Vermot’s hidden stash that the company fell back on to revive the calibre.

Today, the brand is based out of that same manufacture in Le Locle in Switzerland – which also happens to be the very same manufacture where it all began for the watchmaker in 1865. e El Primero is still the hero calibre for Zenith. Last year it debuted a rose gold Chronomaster Sport with an El Primero 3600 movement that is accurate to 1/10th of a second. is year, at the LVMH Watch Week, Zenith turned its attention to its Defy collection. It rolled out the new Defy Extreme Glacier, Defy Skyline and Defy Skyline Skeleton. “ e Defy is a key collection for us, a er the Chronomaster. It started with the Defy 21 which had a chronograph that was accurate up to 1/100th of a second. Now, we have the Defy Extreme, the Defy Skyline and the Defy Skeleton which are very much an expression of modern watchmaking,” says Julien Tornare, CEO of Zenith.

Tornare

and has since then been streamlining its production

they buy vintage watches. If people want classic [design], they buy classic watches. But most people watch.

Tornare took over as CEO of the brand in 2017 and has since then been streamlining its production and operations. He has nearly halved the number of references to 110 from around 200 that were in the collection at the time he started with Zenith six years ago. e design aesthetic of the watches has also been repositioned to be mostly forwardlooking, rather than one that is stuck in a draining vortex of nostalgia. “If people want vintage [design], they buy vintage watches. If people want classic [design], they buy classic watches. But most people today want to buy a 21st-century watch. ey don’t want to buy a watch that their father or grandfather would wear, but one that belongs to the current day. Zenith expresses that 21st-century modern, contemporary and dynamic [design],” notes Tornare.

at 21st-century design is very much re ected in the new Zenith Pilot collection that was launched at Watches and Wonders last month. Today, Zenith is the only watchmaker in the world that is allowed to use the word ‘Pilot’ on the dial. “Our founders, Georges-Favre Jacot, patented the word in French in 1888, and in English in 1904. Since then, the patent has been renewed and the word Pilot [on the dial] can only be used by Zenith.

Big Date Flyback

RIGHT: The new Zenith Defy Extreme E collection

TOP: Julien Tornare

Zenith Pilot

“Pilot has been a very important line for us. We’ve formerly had a vintage look to it, but we now have a much more contemporary watch. From a technical point of view, we have an instantaneous big date which updates very quickly,” says Tornare. The Pilot Big Date Flyback watch revealed at Watches and Wonders has an automatic El Primero 3652 column-wheel chronograph calibre where the date change jumps in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 0.007 seconds. The 42.5mm timepiece comes in options of either a classic stainless steel or a slick black ceramic case version.

Tornare explains that the positioning of the brand’s pilot watches is adventure, rather than combat. It did not want

the watches to be a nod to fighter jets or even commercial aeroplanes. “[Our pilot’s watches] are more about the emotion and the sense of adventure. If you think about Louis Blériot, when he crossed the English Channel with a Zenith watch, it was about a sense of adventure more than anything else,” says Tornare of the aviation pioneer who was the first to successfully fly across the Channel back in 1909. The current range of pilot watches just released at Watches and Wonders are not limited editions, but the CEO sheds light on what to expect from the collection. “We already have plans for a limited-edition and also plans to introduce some complications to the pilot’s watches that are linked to the world of aviation. For now, we have a big date and flyback mechanism, but you can imagine a split seconds, dual time, and world time making its way to the collection one day. We’re not going to put functions that aren’t relevant to aviation such as tourbillons or minute repeaters [in the pilot’s collection] as those won’t make sense.”

Zenith currently produces around 24,000-25,000 watches annually. All Zenith watches are not only purely mechanical pieces, but they also make use of only in-house Zenith-produced movements. “If I want to produce more [watches], I need to get more spare parts and I need to get more watchmakers on board to raise the production levels – and this is not easy. If we grow [our production numbers] by 10-12 per cent in a year, it will be enough. At some point though, there will be a ceiling. I don’t know where that ceiling would be, but there is always a ceiling if you want to maintain the same levels of quality.”

ABOVE: Zenith Defy Skyline Boutique Edition

TOP: Zenith’s new boutique in Riyadh

OPPOSITE PAGE: Zenith Defy Extreme Glacier

Here, in the Middle East, Zenith has been pushing forward with opening its own boutiques. It took over the management of its boutique at Dubai Mall – where we met Tornare for this interview – and he says that there are plans for another boutique in the UAE. It also formally opened its boutique in Riyadh this year. “In Qatar and Kuwait, we have partners, but we don’t have our own boutiques there. But one day, we will. We have many requests coming in for boutiques, but I cannot go too fast. I cannot do too many boutiques at the same time and in the same region since we’re also receiving requests from Europe, America and Asia. When I came on board, we had only around five boutiques worldwide, today we have 35. Also, at the time I joined Zenith, we had mostly wholesale across 850 doors worldwide. We would have shrunk down that number to 550 by the end of this year to give our existing partners more watches and an increased market share.”

As part of the LVMH Group, Zenith’s siblings include TAG Heuer, Bulgari and Hublot – each of which has extensively developed their individual watchmaking capabilities. “We collaborate and we share information, but each brand at LVMH has a lot of independence and has to work for itself, with its own set of strategies. We are friends, but we are also competitors and that’s something I believe is very positive,” observes Tornare.

As Tornare defines the evolution of the brand, he’s also opening up new frontiers for it. The watchmaker became

the founding partner and official timekeeper of Extreme E, the all-electric SUV race. “Car and watch brands have always been partnering with each other. But I didn’t want to do another regular car-watch deal. I wanted to find different angles. That’s what we found with Extreme E. We go to extreme locations in Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Iceland, and Senegal where the teams undertake races in extreme conditions – so it’s a fantastic concept.”

Another front that Tornare is driving is Zenith’s e-commerce model. Pre-Covid, it didn’t have any of its own e-commerce operations. Today, e-commerce accounts for approximately 5-6 per cent of its global business and the aim is to further scale that figure. Another strategy that Tornare is pushing ahead with is to ensure the authenticity of its watches in the vintage market. The Zenith Icons project is one such endeavour where Zenith restores specific vintage watches that are important from its history such as the A386 that had El Primero movements from the calibre’s birth year of 1969, or the A384 from 1971 and the A385 from the following year. “When you buy

vintage watches, you never really know if it’s the real one or if it’s functioning well or even the actual maintenance history of the watch. What we do with the Zenith Icons programme is that we work on buying back certain iconic watches from our history from the secondary market, restore them, add our certification of authenticity to it and sell it with a three-year warranty.”

Tornare reveals that after having focused on its Defy, Chronomaster and Pilot collection over the last few months, it is the watchmaker’s Elite collection which will be the next to be overhauled. “It’s very important for us to get more people to understand what the brand is all about. We don’t want to be show-offs – we don’t want to use the red-carpet effect. Zenith is discreet, it is serious.” And he might as well add another qualifier that has long served it well: disobedient.

When I came on board, we had only around five boutiques worldwide, today we have 35

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The Hoxton, Shepherds Bush, London

BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. This property opened in December 2022 in West London, marking Hoxton’s fourth hotel in the capital, with existing properties in Shoreditch, Holborn and Southwark.

WHERE IS IT? It is located at the north end of Shepherd’s Bush Green, near Shepherd’s Bush Empire and within walking distance of Shepherd’s Bush Market, Westfield shopping centre and BBC Television Centre.

Shepherd’s Bush underground and overground stations are a ten-minute walk away, and the 94 bus stops just outside and takes you into central London via Notting Hill.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Often lively and energetic, with a bustling wraparound bar belonging to all-day restaurant Chet’s facing you as you enter. The lobby is narrow, with the reception located to the left-hand side and shop Plastic Freedom, which sells sustainable products, at the opposite end. There are comfy armchairs along this stretch where people can gather for informal meetings.

The check-in desk resembles a high-end cinema counter, with walls lined with snacks and drinks (in place of in-room minibars).

Guests have the option of flexible check-in and check-out times, if requested 72 hours in advance, otherwise check-in is from 2pm and check-out at 12pm.

Every Thursday from 5-9pm the hotel hosts DJ sets in partnership with local shop Next Door Records. Guests can pin local recommendations onto a noticeboard in the lift bank – a nice way to champion independents in the neighbourhood.

ROOMS The hotel’s 237 rooms all feature the same nostalgic design, with peach-toned walls, warm lighting, copper finishes and beautiful lighting fixtures. As you enter, a retro Roberts radio plays old-school hits taking you back to the 1970s, though the clientele seem to be of a younger generation.

Room categories include the compact 14.5 sqm Snug and same-sized Hideout, 18.5 sqm Cosy (and an ‘Up’ version with extra-large windows) and the 18.5 sqm Roomy. The Hideout, a new category, features basement rooms without windows, which may be a hard sell but the cheaper rate might entice some. While the rooms are on the small side, the space is well-designed. For instance, available space is maximised through the creation of

onion’ – a fried onion which resembled a lotus flower – alongside stir-fried yellow miso aubergine, coconut and lemongrass seabass curry and pineapple fried rice served in the fruit shell.

It has an upmarket 1950s diner feel, with open kitchen, booths, two-person tables and plush high-top tables. The two-person tables were too small for the sharing ethos; we had trouble sharing four dishes along with a drink.

Breakfast at this hotel is served from 7-10.30am, or guests can hang a breakfast bag on their door to get delivery of a breakfast pot, juice and fruit whenever they wake up (£4 per person).

an open wardrobe, built into the right-hand side of the desk fitting. Cosy and Roomy categories are better suited for business travellers as they have a wooden desk as well as a co ee table and lounging area. I found it easy to work from the room. The road can be a little noisy, but not disruptive.

All rooms include comfy king-size beds, tea and co ee, a laptop safe, blackout curtains, a TV and a mini fridge with water and fresh milk. The beds are comfortable and the terrazzo-topped bedside tables have both USB and plug sockets.

Bathrooms feature rainfall showers and amenities from The Hoxton’s brand, Blank. There is free wifi throughout (no password required) and you get an hour of free calls per day (including international calls).

FOOD AND DRINK ThaiAmericana restaurant Chet’s is helmed by Kris Yenbamroong of LA venue Night and Market. The sharing-style menu o ers Thai cuisine with American influences. We enjoyed the crispy ‘tingling

MEETINGS

The Apartment, located o the lobby, comprises four rooms with retractable walls centred around a communal pantry.

LEISURE

There are no leisure facilities.

VERDICT

The Hoxton is a fantastic, buzzy addition to Shepherd’s Bush that champions local venues. Rooms are small but welldesigned and dining at Chet’s is a must.

Hannah Brandler

BEST FOR

Stylish decor in the well-located neighbourhood of Shepherd’s Bush

DON’T MISS

Sharing spicy Thai dishes at lively Chet’s PRICE

Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April start from £174 for a Snug room CONTACT

65 Shepherd’s Bush Green, London W12 8QE; +44 20 354 031 40; thehoxton.com

As you enter your room, a retro Roberts radio plays old-school hits

Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island

BACKGROUND Movenpick’s first beach resort in the UAE opened its doors last year in Ras Al Khaimah. We recently checked into the property, and it doesn’t fail to impress. The resort has two buildings connected by a suspended bridge, which instantly caught our attention with its impressive architecture.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The hotel sets an immediate tone for an ‘island’ feel, with a strong emphasis on nature-centricity. The entrance hallway leads to the lobby on the right, which is adorned with grey walls, soothing hues and attentive service. Ocean-inspired light fixtures hang from the ceiling, a wall nearby is covered with a large line drawing, while high-back wicker chairs o er a perfect reading spot. The floor-toceiling glass windows allow natural light to pour in and o er views of lush greenery outside, with winding pathways leading to the pristine beach.

WHERE IS IT? The resort is located on the man-made Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. It is a 50-minute drive from Dubai International airport, and is close to other properties including DoubleTree by Hilton Resort and Spa Marjan Island and Rixos Bab Al Bahr.

FOOD AND DRINK We headed to Boons for brunch which had plenty on o er from salads, breads and sushi to an inviting dessert spread, accompanied by live music.

BEST FOR

The ability to disconnect due to the resort’s ‘island’ feel

DON’T MISS

Watching the sun set from the rooftop lounge, while downing a Red Star mocktail

PRICE

Internet rates for a Panoramic Bridge Junior suite in mid-April start from Dhs830

CONTACT

Al Marjan Island Boulevard, Ras Al Khaimah; +971 7 246 0000; movenpick.com

A warm and friendly vibe came strongly through. We’d recommend the mushroom tortellini, braised beef short ribs, volcano roll sushi and smoked salmon rillette. We headed to the Neo Sky Bar later, which is the island’s only rooftop lounge o ering stunning views. For dinner, we returned to Boons, where we’d recommend you try the Wagyu Entrecôte. We also dug our feet into the sand the following day for lunch when we headed to Beach House, where we recommend the Kick-in Wings and Steak Fajitas. Other restaurants and bars at the property include The Market, Ula and the Moca Lobby Lounge as well.

ROOMS There are 418 rooms, suites and chalets on the property. We checked into the Panoramic Bridge Junior suite on the top floor located on the suspended bridge. The suite o ers sweeping sea views and strongly reflects currents of modern design. It has plenty of storage space, a sofa bed and a large balcony. Thankfully, the bed isn’t stacked up against a wall. A partition flanking the bed hosts the LED TV. There is an enclosed walk-in shower o ering sea views, a bathtub as well as sustainable bathroom amenities.

The hotel sets an immediate tone for an ‘island’ feel, with a strong emphasis on nature-centricity

LEISURE The gym is open 24 hours, while the Citrine Day Spa is open from 10am until 10pm. Guests who fancy an adrenaline rush can opt for water sports, which are available until sunset. A floating waterpark is also present on the premises, along with multiple swimming pools.

BUSINESS A ballroom on the property can accommodate 300 people, and that figure can be increased to 450 guests for standing events. The space can be divided into two distinct sections and is complemented by a pre-function area and terrace. Meanwhile, the two meeting rooms, named after the mountains in Ras Al Khaimah, can each host up to 60 people. Each meeting room can be further divided into two smaller sections as well.

VERDICT An ideal family-friendly getaway, coupled with impeccable service, great food and stunning views. A must on your staycation – or blesiure – radar. Zainab Mansoor

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

BACKGROUND Four Seasons opened its second hotel in Tokyo in September 2020. Located in the business district of Otemachi, it is larger than its sister property and has 170 rooms and 20 suites, four F&B venues, a spa and events space.

WHERE IS IT? The hotel occupies the top six floors of the 39-storey Otemachi One Tower. It is close to various multinational companies and adjacent to Otemachi station, with direct access from exits C4 and C5. The Imperial Palace lies opposite.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The hotel has a more conspicuous arrival area than its sister property in Marunouchi, with a red-orange timber entrance designed to pay homage to Japanese torii gates. The real experience begins on the 39th floor. As the lift doors open, it feels like you have entered a sky-high oasis. Shallow pools of water, which resemble those within a Japanese zen garden, distance you from the floor-to-ceiling windows but don’t obstruct the view. The reflections instead multiply the cityscape and envelop you in tranquillity. Interiors have been designed by Jean-Michel Gathy and Denniston, with Design Studio Spin responsible for dining venues Pigneto, Virtu and Est.

The reception is at the heart of the space, with the reception facing a large centrepiece with an arrangement of seasonal flowers. The hotel o ers wooden keys or digital key via the Four Seasons app.

ROOMS Lifts on level 39 are used to access rooms on levels 34-38. Rooms range from Superior (49 sqm) to Deluxe (50-54 sqm) and Studio (61 sqm), with the option between city or Imperial Garden views. Suites span 67 to 283 sqm.

Blinds open automatically as you enter the room, showing o the mesmerising cityscape views. I could have easily spent the day reclined on the chaise longue watching the sun rise and set behind the skyscrapers and mountains in the distance.

The contemporary design features natural textiles and neutral colour schemes, with a serene wave-like artwork by Namiko Kitaura displayed above the sumptuous bed – a tribute to Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake. A round table in the corner has USB and plug sockets embedded into the base of a desk lamp behind. Floating

FOOD AND DRINK One Michelin Star restaurant Est is led by chef Guillaume Bracaval and pastry chef Michele Abbatemarco. Tasting menus focus on French cuisine, but 95 per cent of produce is sourced in Japan and the kitchen reduces waste by transforming trimmings into stocks and so on. Plant-based products have been used to great success – the tofu resembles creamy burrata in the peau de soja dish. Italian restaurant Pigneto o ers à la carte menus, the lounge o ers high tea, and bar Virtu celebrates French and Japanese spirits.

bedside tables have USB and plug sockets and buttons to adjust the lighting, curtains and roller blinds.

There are ‘do not disturb’ and housekeeping switches by the door. There is also a large closet area as you enter and a pantry with a Nespresso machine, teapot and eco-friendly aluminium water bottles. The modern and spacious bathrooms include a separate cubicle with a Toto toilet, miniature Frederic Malle toiletries, a freestanding tub where you can bathe with views of Tokyo (and frost the window to preserve your modesty) along with a handheld shower and soothing rain shower.

Amenities include Bose speakers, an ultra HD Smart TV, twice-daily housekeeping, comfy Four Seasons-branded pyjamas, a safe, umbrella, iron and ironing board.

MEETINGS The hotel has 1,370 sqm of function space.

LEISURE The 39th floor has a 24-hour fitness centre and spa, with a dedicated elevator on each guest room floor.

VERDICT Four Seasons continues to impress with its second hotel in Tokyo, whose grandeur will attract a flurry of international visitors now that Japan’s borders have reopened. Hannah Brandler

BEST FOR Impressive views of Tokyo’s lights and exceptional service

DON’T MISS

Seasonal cocktails at Virtu followed by inventive cuisine at Est, and a midnight soak in the freestanding bathtub

PRICE

Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April start from £1,513 for a Superior Room with a city view CONTACT

1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo 100-0004; +81 3 6810 0600; fourseasons.com

It feels like you have entered a sky-high oasis on the 39th oor

Voco Dubai The Palm

BACKGROUND Four years ago, IHG’s voco brand entered the Middle East with its voco Dubai property on Sheikh Zayed Road, and followed that with the voco Bonnington in Jumeirah Lake Towers last year. The latest and most recent opening is this beachfront pet-friendly property located on Palm Jumeirah that began to welcome guests at the start of this year.

WHERE IS IT? If you’re a regular on these pages, you’d remember us having reviewed the Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai in our February edition. That hotel is located only a stone’s throw away on Palm West Beach. Within a 300m walk from this voco property, you’d find the new Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah and Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai too. This voco property has fine company among its hospitality peers in the neighbourhood.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? IHG’s most recent opening in Dubai is a new-build property and hence there are no creaking floorboards, cobwebbed corners or chipped furniture anywhere around. The lobby of this boutique four-star hotel is chic and minimalistic – no gargantuan artwork or bright colours to shock your senses. The lobby and corridors are filled with one of the best hotel scents we’ve experienced thus far – a gardeninspired fragrance of sea salts.

ROOMS There are a total of 138 rooms and we stayed in the Twin Palm Sea View room which had beige and brown decor. There was a kettle with tea, co ee and Van Houten chocolate sachets. The absence of a bathing tub in the bathroom

was conspicuous, but bode well for the hotel’s stated goals of sustainability and water conservation. In addition to a single-seater chair in the room, there was also a lightweight writing desk, placed perpendicular to the wall. Since we were visiting with children, we found it could be easily shifted and placed parallel to the wall – doing that also gave us some more floor space in the room. A thoughtful touch was that its temperature control panel was placed above the bedside table which didn’t require us to undertake the uncomfortable middle-of-the-night trek across the room to alter the temperature.

FOOD AND DRINK When we visited, the hotel had one all-day dining venue in Maison

A value-for-money proposition, the property is a great addition to Palm West Beach

BEST FOR

A meal at Maison Mathis that has relaxed vibes, good service and well-priced menu options

DON’T MISS

A walk along Palm West Beach which is filled with restaurants, beach clubs and hotels

PRICE

Internet rates for a Twin Palm Sea View room in mid-April start from Dhs855

CONTACT

Palm Jumeirah, West Beach, Dubai; +971 4 249 5555; ihg.com

Mathis that serves European cuisine and was located at the lobby level. You can sit next to the open kitchen indoors or take a seat in the corridor outside too. The menu features a selection of soups, salads, burgers and pasta, among other o erings. The recommended heartier options include the Crispy Skin on Salmon served with olives and zucchini, or a delicious creamy Mushroom and Tru le Risotto. The bu et breakfast meanwhile has all the essentials, but if you’re feeling indulgent, you can ask for the à la carte menu and order options such as Sourdough Avocado or Pulled Beef Benedict which will be charged separately.

MEETINGS There are shared computers at the lobby level for guests who need a device to shoot a quick email or print a document. On the first floor, there’s a single mid-sized business meeting room that can seat around a dozen people. It also features a large presentation screen with videoconferencing capabilities.

LEISURE A private stretch of beach right in front of the hotel is reserved for its guests. There’s also a rooftop pool, the entrance to which requires your room keycard. From the rooftop, there’s a great view out over the sea and the Dubai Marina skyline. The gym is open throughout the day, and the property’s Neroli Spa is located near the hotel’s business meeting room.

VERDICT An absolute value-for-money proposition, the property is a great addition to Palm West Beach. It is a far more a ordable option compared to many of its peers on the Palm, without pinching on service or quality standards. Varun Godinho

Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel

BACKGROUND Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel opened in 2020 and merged with the existing Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel and Conference Center in 2021 following a three-year renovation process. It is the first dual-brand property combining the Marriott and Sheraton brands in Europe.

The property has 1,012 rooms and suites over nine floors, split into 779 rooms at the Sheraton and 233 at the Marriott. Each hotel has its own lobby, reception area and club lounge.

WHERE IS IT? It is directly connected to Terminal 1 of Frankfurt airport via a covered walkway. The free Skytrain o ers access to Terminal 2 within a few minutes.

The property is also connected to the AIRail ICE long-distance train station, and is a 20-minute drive from the city centre.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? As you enter from the walkway, you come to a circular space which forks for the Marriott and Sheraton check-in areas. The layout of both properties is characterised by interconnected public spaces, so you don’t feel excluded from one of the hotels if your room is located within the other.

Bridging the two nine-storey properties is a beautiful, bright atrium, which is flooded with natural light and overlooks Terminal 1.

This space is home to The Eatery Kitchen and Bar, a sophisticated gathering place designed by London-based B3 Designers. It features an Art Deco-style brass and turquoise-tiled bar at its centre, New Yorkstyle lamps and dark green furnishings. There are seating areas for both transit customers and in-house guests. The entire space seats 240 and there are power sockets throughout.

The atrium is set to become more buzzy in the future once it has direct airport access. Once complete, the second platform of the Skytrain will be connected to The Eatery space via a walkway, and will connect Terminal 1 with T2 and the forthcoming T3.

Master light switches have been built into the side of the bed’s leather headboard, along with two USB points and a plug socket. Rooms can be hired on a day-use basis for those with a longer layover.

ROOMS Marriott rooms come in three categories: Deluxe (27-29 sqm), Executive (27-29 sqm with M Club access), and Family (47 sqm with a king-bed and two singles). There are ten accessible rooms in the Deluxe and Executive categories. The hotel also has 18 Club (63 sqm) and Premier (72 sqm) suites, both of which have M Club access.

Rooms have a sleek, contemporary design with hardwood floors, typography inspired by the Frankfurt Book Fair, and walls featuring the word ‘travel’ in various languages.

The rooms are well-appointed with a comfortable king-size bed, work desk with an armchair and ottoman on either side, and an L-shaped sofa which can be used for relaxing or working. Bathrooms are modern with either a walk-in shower or bathtub with shower. Amenities include a 55-inch TV, a wardrobe with a small safe (not large enough for a laptop though), refillable This Works toiletries, GHD hairdryers, two glass bottles of water, a Nespresso machine and kettle, blackout curtains and soundproofed windows – it is one of the quietest rooms I’ve stayed in.

FOOD AND DRINK

Two restaurants and two bars are shared by the properties. The aforementioned Eatery is an all-day dining spot and o ers grab-and-go options, snacks and Starbucks co ee as well as an à la carte service. Flavors, located on the lobby level of the Sheraton building, serves a bu et breakfast. The two bars on the lobby level of the Sheraton building feature cocktails at The Bar and cigars at the Davido Lounge.

MEETINGS The properties have 58 meeting spaces (4,100 sqm) over three floors. There is also the M Club on the ninth floor and Sheraton Club on the lobby level.

LEISURE There is a 24-hour fitness centre with a wellness area including a sauna and steam room.

VERDICT While some might assume airport hotels are stu y, that is not the case at this stylish property which has facilities for both the individual traveller and those attending large events. The open-plan design is a great way to connect the two properties and the rooms are very quiet, so perfect for a layover.

Hannah Brandler

BEST FOR

A soundproofed night’s sleep right next to the busy airport

DON’T MISS

Lobster rolls at The Eatery followed by a drink at The Bar

PRICE

Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April start from €224 for a Deluxe room

CONTACT

Hugo- Eckener-Ring 15, Airport / Terminal 1, 60549 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; +49 69 6959770; marriott.co.uk

Excellent blackout curtains and soundproofed windows – a must for an airport hotel

Sun Street Hotel, London

BACKGROUND Sun Street is part of the One Crown Place development which has two towers with 246 private apartments as well as o ices.

WHERE IS IT? On Sun Street, between Finsbury Square and Liverpool Street station, which is a five-minute walk through Broadgate Circus.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Very cleverlydesigned by Bowler James Brindley and Studio Ashby. The hotel is a new-build but, because it is behind the original Georgian façades of six houses, the moment you enter through the black-painted wooden door you feel like you are stepping back in time.

On the ground floor there are a series of rooms which would have originally been the front rooms of the houses. The central one is reception, but turn left and you walk into the lounge bar. Beyond that is ‘the Tasting Room’, which is set up as a boardroom. Turning right from reception there is the Club Room and then the Library.

The smaller, more human dimensions of the hotel provide a contrast with the larger buildings around, and also give it a sense of intimacy. The walls are filled with antique prints and quirky art which works well, but is very reminiscent of the Ivy chain of restaurants. There’s a fair bit of whimsy to the design – you’ll find large pencil sketches of the architect George Dance the Younger (1741-1825), who was the city planner responsible for a surprisingly large amount of development in the area, including Finsbury Circus and Newgate Prison, though like the prison, most of his

BEST FOR

Feeling like you are staying in a luxury London hotel 200 years ago

DON’T MISS

A drink at the bar, or a cup of tea in the Library

PRICE

Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April start from £350 for a King room

CONTACT

Sun Street Hotel, 5-15 Sun Street, London EC2A 2EP; 020 456 7890; sunstreethotel.com

buildings and developments have since been demolished.

The hotel is operated by Bespoke Hotels and the sta were friendly and helpful, which together with the design made it a memorable and pleasurable stay.

ROOMS There are 41 rooms (including seven suites) spread over four floors.

These have been designed by Bowler James Brindley with a choice of modern or Georgian-style decoration. All bedrooms have king-size beds, Oxford pillows, Illy co ee machines, air-conditioning, twicedaily maid service and Penhaligon toiletries. There are six di erent categories: King (26 of these), Superior (six), Junior Suite (two), Suite (three), Loft rooms (three) and a Master Suite. Kings are 18-20 sqm while the Superiors are 27-33 sqm and five of the six Superior rooms are accessibility rooms. Some of the suites have freestanding baths and all suites have a complimentary minibar (soft drinks). The Loft Rooms and Master suite have stair access on the fourth floor. We stayed just after opening, and there were a few teething problems with water temperature and devices not working in our Loft Room, which was also quite dark, even with all the lights on – perhaps some more freestanding lights are necessary. The Loft rooms are in the eaves of the hotel and have a wall of exposed brickwork, shuttered window blinds and sloping ceilings, with a bright bathroom and a rolltop freestanding bath. There are no phones, so you use Whatsapp to communicate with the hotel.

There are no phones, so you use Whatsapp to communicate with the hotel

FOOD AND DRINK The wood-panelled restaurant at Sun Street Hotel has 40 covers and a courtyard with tables in the summer as well as a glass-roofed Orangery where breakfast is served. The evening menu is modern British cuisine and dishes include Dover sole, burrata and black tru le tortellini with sage and pine nuts, as well as sirloin grass-fed Hereford steak and Ridgeway Farm Irish Wagyu, shorthorn, chocolate fed, ribeye 280g.

MEETINGS The Library and the Tasting Room are available for private events, as is the private dining room in the restaurant. There is also a terrace on the third floor.

LEISURE The hotel does not have a fitness centre.

VERDICT This is a lovely boutique hotel, perfect for staying in the City of London while avoiding corporate design and enjoying some luxurious service. Tom Otley

Our guide to… SMART TRAVELLER

The last three years have seen unprecedented intervention by airlines in their frequent flyer programmes, with status benefits extended several times to ensure members did not lose out as a result of travel restrictions.

As we move into a post-Covid era, most of these temporary adjustments have now ceased, enabling airline groups to refocus on strategic changes to their schemes, some of which were originally announced before the pandemic but have been on hold.

Here we list the major changes coming in the next 12 months.

BRITISH AIRWAYS AND IBERIA

In November 2022 the Iberia Plus programme announced plans to move away from the current model of Avios earning being linked to the distance flown, in favour of Avios being awarded per flight expenditure.

Iberia Plus members now earn Avios according to the number of Euros spent with the airline, with entry level Clasica members receiving five Avios per €1 spent, and elite tier members earning eight Avios per €1 spent.

At the time of the announcement it was confirmed that fellow IAG member carrier British Airways will also adopt a similar system for its Executive

Club in 2023 – we await further details on this with interest.

DELTA

Delta announced several changes to its Sky Club access policy in December 2022, to address capacity issues. The carrier admitted that “a byproduct of Delta Sky Club’s widespread popularity is visit growth that has outpaced Club capacity – resulting in

frustration for some customers who find themselves waiting in lines or searching for seating once inside.”

Changes in January included an increase in the fees for annual Club memberships, and restrictions on members being able to access lounges when travelling on certain low fare tickets.

JETBLUE

At the end of last year, Jetblue unveiled its revamped True Blue frequent flyer programme, which includes members now earning Mosaic tier status through a combination of travel and credit card spend.

Mosaic Qualifying Points are being retired from spring 2023, to be replaced by a new system of ‘Tiles’ and four Mosaic tier levels.

Members will earn one Tile for every US$100 spent on flights (including American Airlinesoperated services), holiday packages and add-ons, as well as one Tile for every US$1,000 spent on Jetblue credit cards.

Customers yet to reach the Mosaic 1 status can also choose from a list of perks for every ten Tiles they earn up to 50 Tiles, including early boarding, priority security, an inflight drink or 5,000 bonus True Blue points.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

In December 2022 AA unveiled a raft of changes to its AAdvantage loyalty programme, including the ability for members to earn benefits before reaching Gold tier status.

The latest changes follow on from the AAdvantage programme being revamped in 2022, with simplified elite qualification requirements.

The carrier has now introduced a new Loyalty Point Rewards (replacing the current Loyalty Choice Rewards), with members receiving perks after earning just 15,000 Loyalty Points – some 25,000 points before members attain Gold tier status.

But going forward, members flying on Basic Economy fares will only earn two miles per dollar spent, down from the current five miles per dollar spent.

LUFTHANSA GROUP

Lufthansa Group is finally set to go ahead with changes to its status programme, although these will not take e ect until January 2024.

Plans to revamp the programme were originally announced in 2019, but as the group put it “then everything changed”, and the changes were pushed back due to Covid-19.

In order to reward those who travel with Lufthansa Group airlines the most, the new system will consist of Points, Qualifying Points and HON Circle Points. Members will earn Points on flights operated by Lufthansa Group carriers, plus the co-issuing Miles and More airline partners (Croatia Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Luxair), and all other Star Alliance airlines.

Meanwhile Qualifying Points will be earned on flights operated by Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Eurowings Discover, Air Dolomiti, Croatia Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines and Luxair, and HON Circle Points will be earned only on these carriers when flying in business or first class.

To achieve elite status members will need to earn both Points and Qualifying Points, while HON Circle status can only be achieved by earning HON Circle Points under the new system.

Mark Caswell

The sustainable urban highway of the future

The Loop is a planned 93km climate-controlled ‘sustainable urban highway’ built in Dubai and conceived by URB. The mixed-use project will include vertical farms, wellness hotels, sports facilities and other attractions. However, one of its biggest calling cards is that it is being designed to be energy-positive, using footsteps and the movement of people within it to generate electricity. As a highly sustainable venture and part of Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, the project also envisions a zero-emissions transport system and the use of 100 per cent recycled water for its irrigation needs. Further details about this futuristic project are yet to be revealed – but urban planners around the world would do well to start paying close attention.

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