BTME - July/August 2020

MIDDLE EAST

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24 HOURS IN RIYADH

BIG APPLE AMBITIONS

ISOL ATION HOTSPOTS

PLUS

How to make the most of a quick trip to Saudi Arabia's capital

A tour of New York City's new, refurbished and upcoming hotels

Top 10 regional resorts that make social distancing a breeze

Tried and Tested • Sleeping tips • Modern Morocco

Serviced apartment safe havens

HERE TO STAY

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

CONTENTS

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R E G UL A R S 06

UPFRONT

Airline and hotel news worldwide 26

24 HOURS IN ... RIYADH

How to make the most of a day in this modern Arabian city 30

COMMENT

Tips to sleep easy, by wellness consultant Stephen Marks

T HE R EP OR T

ON TH E C OVER

TRIED & TESTED AIRLINES

60 Emirates B777-300 ER business class, Dubai to London

HOTELS

62 Crowne Plaza Nairobi, Kenya

63 Radisson Blu, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

18

H E R E TO S TAY

The changing role of serviced apartments in a mid-pandemic world

F E AT UR E S 14

SAFET Y FIRST

A walk-through of the new hotel guest experience 32

BIG APPLE AMBITIONS

A glimpse at new, refurbished and upcoming NYC hotels 42

50

INTO AFRICA

How Morocco is modelling the future by protecting its past 56

50

ISOL ATION HOTSPOTS

Luxury havens where social distancing is a breeze

IT’S HIP TO BE SQUARE

Ahead of the curve, Longines reveals its new line of square watches for men

26

64 Anantara Villa Padierna, Marbella, Spain 65 Academia of Athens, Greece 66

FROM THE ARCHIVE

The remarkable story of Dubai International Airport

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WELCOME

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he way we live, work and travel has changed beyond recognition since the global outbreak of COVID-19.

We have been quick to adapt, conducting our business and social lives in the virtual world and when we do venture out, adhering to new rules, from social distancing to wearing masks and sanitising our hands, which have become the bizarre but necessary norm.

Some would argue this unprecedented disruption to all that is familiar has created as many opportunities as it has challenges.

It has forced us to think outside of the box, embrace technology and re-evaluate what is most important to us as individuals.

But while our priorities have shifted, with an emphasis on preserving our physical and mental health, our desires, dreams and ambitions have not.

And when it comes to travel, whether it’s for business or pleasure, our mindset has not changed that much; we still want to feel valued as a guest of an airline or a hotel and now, more than ever, we value human connection, warm hospitality and an emotionally positive experience.

With new health and safety regulations in place, creating a sanitary environment more reminiscent of a hospital than a hotel or an aircraft cabin, us travellers will gravitate towards meaningful experiences within these confines.

This is a tough one – we want contactless stays, using our own devices for check-in and check-out to minimise our risk to

infection, for example, yet we still crave interaction with people.

Luxury hotels, which are by nature, in the business of selling space and privacy in sumptuous surroundings and stunning locations, will arguably have it easier when it comes to catering to guests in a COVID-19 world, although leisure travellers with time to spend in private villas and deserted beaches are the true beneficiaries.

It is far more challenging for business-focused hotels with smaller spaces and fewer bells and whistles and it will be interesting to see how hoteliers adapt to these new circumstances by creating concepts that strike a balance between sanitisation, efficiency and guest experiences that appeal to business travellers specifically.

The meetings, events and incentives offering will most likely get an overhaul too. We’re already witnessing the rise of buyout packages, with companies able to hire out entire hotels or resorts for staff and clients, but given current budget constraints, most businesses will be seeking novel concepts on a shoestring.

Future hotel experiences will need to be reinvented and I, for one, look forward to seeing fresh innovations that tick all the right boxes for business travellers: value, safety, efficiency, human interaction, individual recognition and emotional connection.

Gemma Greenwood, Editor

THIS ISSUE’S PICKS

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Business Traveller Middle East is jointly published

by Motivate Media Group and Panacea Media Ltd M OT I VAT E M E D I A GRO UP

Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Managing Partner and Group Editor Ian Fairservice Editor Gemma Greenwood Art Director Ángel Monroy Editorial Co-ordinator Londresa Flores Contributors Tom Otley, Jenni Reid, Chris Hall, Melanie Swan, Lark Gould, Paul J Devries, Richard Holmes, Ramsey Qubein, Phill Robson General Manager – Production S Sunil Kumar Assistant Production Manager Binu Purandaran Production Supervisor Venita Pinto Chief Commercial Officer Anthony Milne Group Sales Manager Dane Hills PAN ACE A M E D I A LT D

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

HERE TO STAY The changing role of serviced apartments in a mid-pandemic world (Page 18)

BIG APPLE BITES A glance at new, refurbished and upcoming hotels in New York City (Page 32)

ISO HOTSPOTS Top 10 regional retreats where social distancing could not be easier (Page 42)

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Dream Away IN AN EXCELLENT LOCATION IN RIYADH

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UPFRONT

AIR TRAVEL SLOW TO RECOVER: EMIRATES

AIR TRAVEL DEMAND will not recover until at least 2022,

but possibly as late as 2024, according Emirates President Sir Tim Clark. A global vaccination process combined with social distancing measures will be crucial to industry recovery, he told aviation industry consultant John Strickland during the ATM Virtual conference. ( June 1-3), “Eventually we’ll get over this; it’s probably just the next six to nine months where it’s going to be tough. I believe once we’ve got everybody through the inoculation process, like we did with polio, with smallpox and everything else, we will start to see things

coming back to normal. And that way, by the summer of next year, we will start to see an uptick, quite a large uptick, in demand for travel, both on the short-haul and for airlines like ourselves.”

Emirates will also continue to restructure its fleet, with some aircraft orders deferred or even cancelled, he revealed.

“We know the A380 is over, the B747 is over, but the A350 and the B787 will always have a place. They may not be ordered soon, they may have orders deferred and pushed back, but eventually they will come back, and they will be a better fit probably for global demand in the years post the pandemic,” Clark added.

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WIZZ AIR BULLISH ABOUT GCC PROSPECTS WIZZ AIR CEO Joszef Varadi has revealed ambitious plans for the low-cost carrier’s GCC operations.

“If you look at what we’ve been able to achieve in the EU, we managed to grow our fleet to 100 aircraft over the last 15 years and we should be able to do the same thing in Abu Dhabi,” he told the online audience during ATM Virtual ( June 1-3).

“You should be looking at our platform, not necessarily just Abu Dhabi; we want to serve the UAE and possibly the broader GCC markets.”

Wizz Air flew 40 million passengers to 151 airports in 44 countries on 710 routes last year. It has a young fleet of 120 Airbus aircraft with an option to buy a further 20 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the most cost-efficient aircraft of its type.

The airline plans to launch five routes from Abu Dhabi this year – Budapest in Hungary, Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca in Romania, Katowice in Poland and Sofia in Bulgaria.

Varadi also suggested that the aircraft environment was safer than most other indoor spaces in terms of contracting COVID-19.

“There is no scientific evidence to suggest any passengers have contracted the virus while flying. In fact, the air filtration onboard aircraft is comparable with an intensive care unit,” he said. “However, I do support wearing masks, hand sanitising, disinfecting and reducing the amount of high-touch points such as cash payments for onboard catering and in-flight magazines.”

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PPE to go at DXB MID-PANDEMIC TRAVEL calls for the

purchase of new on-the-go essentials and Dubai International (DXB) has nailed it. The airport has installed two vending machines selling personal protective equipment (PPE) – one each in the departure areas of T2 and T3. The machines dispense PPE kits containing a mask and a pair of gloves and also offers two varieties of sanitisers. More products are expected to be added soon, including European-made and certified reusable face masks.

Saudia partners with Dettol Arabia SAUDIA HAS JOINED FORCES with Dettol

Arabia to provide guests and cabin crew with in-flight hygiene products – one of several measures adopted to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The partnership will initially ensure all passengers on board the airline’s flights have access to Dettol disinfectant wipes and in the future, be expanded to cover additional areas of aircraft hygiene. Dettol, which recently created a myth-buster website to update consumers on risks and best practices to avoid COVID-19 from spreading, will also provide up-to-date virus information. Saudia (also known as Saudi Arabian Airlines) flies to 95-plus destinations globally.

VOTE TODAY FOR THE AIRLINES, HOTELS AND CAR RENTAL COMPANIES IN THE REGION THAT MAKE

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UPFRONT

Rotana promises guests a ‘safe space’ UAE HOTEL COMPANY ROTANA is promising

guests peace of mind from check-in to check-out with the launch of its new ‘Rotana Safe Space’ health and safety programme.

The initiative focuses on what its customers now value most – a contactless hospitality experience, using tools such as the Rotana app, as well as significantly enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices certified by leading water, hygiene and energy technologies and services provider, Ecolab.

The hospitality firm, which operates 69 properties across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey, has also partnered with SGS,

the world’s leading inspection, testing, verification and certification company, to monitor and verify cleanliness and hygiene measures.

Bolstered room-cleaning procedures that come with an ‘Unlock your Safe Space’ assurance, are a focal point of the Rotana Safe Space programme and range from full disinfection processes using intense aerosol methods to strict chemical and thermal treatments for bed and bath linens.

Rotana has also rolled out a host of contactless services, from online check-in, check-out, menus and restaurant bookings, to grab-and-go packaged food options and flexible room-cleaning options to make guests feel as comfortable as possible.

TIME HOTELS PROPERTIES ARE NOW ‘SANITISED AND READY’ UAE-BASED TIME HOTELS

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Swiss-Belhotel reassures guests SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL has launched ‘WeReassure’ – a wellbeing promise to guests and staff in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It encompasses a new robust hygiene and safety standards programme, supported by hotel audits and staff training. The company has also appointed a health and safety officer at each hotel, ensuring new standards are met and to serve as the point of contact for guests who have questions or concerns. New policies and measures range from temperature scans on arrival and ultraviolet light technology for sanitising keys, to new guestroom ‘Care Kits’ that include hand sanitiser gel, a box of face masks, surgical gloves and antibacterial wipes.

Etihad appoints 24/7 wellness ambassadors ABU DHABI’S ETIHAD AIRWAYS has introduced specially trained Wellness Ambassadors to provide essential travel health information and care so guests can fly with greater peace of mind. This dedicated multi-lingual team can be contacted 24/7 by emailing wellnesss@etihad.ae and is on hand to share advice on travel wellbeing and details of the health and sanitisation measures being implemented throughout their journey. Etihad plans to expand the service to include a web-chat option.

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is to implement a new and improved sanitisation protocol, ‘Sanitised & Ready’, in partnership with leading hygiene solutions provider Diversey.

The initiative, which is being rolled out across its properties in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, includes a wide range of new intensified cleaning measures and sanitisation procedures with detailed infection control a key focus.

This involves the disinfection of all hotel transportation, reception areas, elevators, public rest rooms and guestrooms, as well as all F&B outlets and kitchens.

All hard surfaces and areas frequently touched and used by hotel guests, including door handles, elevator buttons, reception counters and door frames are being sanitised every 30 to 45 minutes, with a dedicated housekeeping assistant assigned to each individual area.

In addition, once guestrooms are deep cleaned, door locks will be sealed with ‘Sanitised & Ready’ stickers, which will need to be removed by guests before they are able to insert their key into the lock and enter their room.

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UPFRONT

DWTC LOOKS TO RESUME EVENTS

DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE (DWTC)

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is preparing to re-open its doors in H2 2020 in line with government directives to re-start business activities across the emirate.

“We are gearing up to resume events and exhibitions at DWTC shortly in this second half of the year,” said His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) and Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

“The MICE sector is a key pillar of our economy and we are working aggressively towards restarting and accelerating the return to normalcy of business events – a critical goalpost.

“Yet, safety of our visitors and assuring a well-rounded experience for every domestic and international participant supersedes all other priorities.” DWTC is therefore “committed to the development and deployment” of worldclass health and safety protocols at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), he added.

Dubai is the region’s largest MICE hub and in 2019, the DICEC set a new record of 3.57 million attendees, delivering events across several high-performing sectors.

“As the region’s largest business networking destination, DWTC is committed to driving the GCC’s post-pandemic industry emergence as a global leader, in close consult and collaboration with event organisers, industry stakeholders, and all relevant government entities,” stressed Almarri.

BUY AN ISLAND FOR BUSINESS

ANANTARA HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS has launched private island buyout

packages for corporate gatherings, events, special occasions or cashed-up leisure guests who are willing to pay for total privacy and peace of mind.

You can now hire out entire Anantara properties in locations ranging from the UAE’s biggest nature reserve, Sir Bani Yas Island, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, to private islands in The Maldives and Mozambique.

Sir Bani Yas Island by Anantara offers three types of accommodation – the Desert Islands Resort and 30 private villas each at Al Yamm (beachside) and Al Sahel (in the savannah) – complemented by facilities spanning five restaurants and lounges, the Anantara Spa and the Desert Islands Conference Centre. Activities include kayaking, archery, snorkeling, nature walks, movie nights on the beach and more.

The buyout rate for the entire island is from US$89,000 per night or from $40,000 for the resort, $24,000 for Al Yamm and $24,000 for Al Sahel. A more affordable option is to camp, with prices leading in at $3,500 for 20 guests minimum. The property adheres to Anantara’s ‘Stay With Peace of Mind’ programme, encompassing enhanced cleaning and hygiene procedures compliant with global experts including Ecolab and Diversey.

Boardroom gender diversity takes centre stage in MENA region THE 30% CLUB MENA CHAPTER has launched its inaugural Senior Mentoring Programme for professional women in the region. The one-year programme brings together men and women representing a wide range of industries to mentor women who stand out as leaders in their fields and have boardroom potential. The 30% Club is a global campaign led by Chairs, CEOs and leaders of industry who are taking action to improve gender diversity at board and senior management levels, with the MENA chapter established in 2015. The mentor programme is being supported by organisations including Dentons, PwC Middle East, the GCC Board Directors Institute, Boardlist and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which are providing access to coaching, accreditation, governance training and board and speaking opportunities.

D U B A I T O W E L C O M E B A C K V I S I T O R S F R O M J U LY 7 BUSINESS AND LEISURE TRAVELLERS can visit Dubai from July 7 but must adhere to strict new procedures. In addition to appropriate visas, all travellers must obtain medical insurance, complete a Health Declaration Form disclosing any symptoms, register their details on

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the COVID-19 DXB app and sign a form declaring they will cover quarantine and medical costs if required. Visitors must also take a PCR test up to four days before travelling to Dubai. If they fail to do this, a PCR test will be conducted on arrival at Dubai airports.

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UPFRONT

A R O U N D - U P O F L E A D I N G T R AV E L N E W S F R O M J U N E ’ S I N A U G U R A L AT M V I R T U A L C O N F E R E N C E

Hoteliers look to build guest confidence

A B O U T AT M VIRTUAL

THE REGION’S HOTELIERS are pulling out all the

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stops to ensure guests feel safe in their care, with robust health and safety practices taking priority.

That was the verdict of hospitality experts taking part in ATM Virtual, who unanimously agreed that developing a global set of transparent hospitality standards relating to health, safety and hygiene was key to regaining traveller trust.

“There has never been a global pandemic of this scale in modern times [and] building confidence will be key as we look ahead to the post-COVID-19 hospitality recovery. They (guests) will need full reassurance that our properties are safe, secure and following the highest standards when it comes to hygiene and cleanliness,” said Tim Cordon, Senior Area Vice President for Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group.

“Our properties rely predominantly on corporate and business travel. So, having a global standard will be essential before we start to see large organisations send their employees all over the world again.”

MENA has witnessed an estimated 42 per cent decrease in hotel occupancy since March, according to Colliers International, with many people cancelling or postponing their travel plans in H1. But travellers should not expect a drastic reduction in hotel prices,

according to Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).

“Our industry is very resilient and will recover and for this reason it’s important that hotels don’t drop their room rates. Tourists will come back; we are already seeing this in Ras Al Khaimah,” he said.

Chris Lund, Head of Hotels, Colliers International, MENA, encouraged hotels to implement immersive technologies such as virtual 3D tours of properties, as well as phone apps enabling guests to access their hotel room, change the temperature, call the elevator, book excursions and order room service.

Simon Casson, President of Hotel Operations, EMEA, Four Seasons, said the group was focusing on the “new guest journey”, stressing the importance of working with airlines, airport transfer providers and tour guides to ensure they were “abiding by the same level of santisation and hygiene”. “Consistency across the entire experience is key,” he added.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Middle East’s leading travel industry event, which takes place in Dubai every April or May, could not be staged this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has been postponed to May 16-19, 2021. To keep the industry connected, organiser Reed Exhibitions, ran ATM Virtual from June 1-3, featuring online conference sessions, webinars, speed networking and oneto-one meetings. See p6 for ATM Virtual airline news.

INVESTMENT KEY TO TOURISM RECOVERY OPENING DOORS TO FOREIGN INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS

will be crucial to tourism recovery, industry experts have stressed.

“Tourism will bounce back, and how we make it bounce back is so important,” said Gerald Lawless, Ambassador for the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). “It is a time for opportunity and that is something investors will always look for. There are investment opportunities within our industry, particularly in the hotel sector and we will see this developing over the coming weeks and months.”

Discussing Dubai’s investment appeal, Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Dubai has a lot of multinational companies who have established their regional headquarters here. It has a lot to offer these businesses in terms of systems and the different free zones giving companies the opportunity and flexibility to be able to practice their business in a way that is comfortable for them. The lifestyle of Dubai also makes it very easy for people to relocate. It simply becomes an offer too good to refuse.”

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

Home to luxury and comfort

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Studios and apartments boast city views; the property is located near to KAFD; the city's first outdoor pool dedicated to women, located on the 27th floor

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iyadh is not only the capital of one of the most influential Middle Eastern countries, but the largest city on the Arabian Peninsula and a regional hub for international business, with the famous King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) one of the largest dedicated financial precincts globally. With multiple industries delivering exponential growth, including the thriving entertainment and leisure sector, Riyadh is a modern city that thousands of expatriates and visitors call home.

Strategically situated near to KAFD, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh appeals to travellers who value an exclusive and high-end residential-style experience.

Catering to short and long stays, it is the first property of its kind in the city, setting the benchmark for high-quality serviced residences, which is a fledgling accommodation sector in Riyadh.

Presenting a new level of luxury, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh features stylishly adorned studios, as well as apartments with one or two bedrooms. These premium spaces, complemented by a full range of amenities, meet the global

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ASCOTT RAFAL OLAYA RIYADH OFFERS EXCLUSIVE LIVING IN SAUDI ARABIA’S THRIVING CAPITAL lifestyle needs of today’s travellers. Each apartment features separate living and dining spaces, a fully equipped kitchenette and floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal breathtaking views of the city, offering guests sheer extravagance.

They can enjoy an array of health and leisure facilities that include a gymnasium, children’s playroom, steam, sauna, lounge, prayer rooms and two swimming pools.

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh is also home to the city’s first outdoor swimming pool dedicated to women, located on the 27th floor. Popular with business travellers due to its prime location in the financial capital, the property hosts a fully equipped meeting and conference room, which can be booked for corporate events.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh has significantly enhanced its health and safety protocols with the roll out of the Ascott Care initiative. This programme adheres to nine commitments that inculcate stringent deep cleansing and health procedures, in addition to measures reflecting local and global health and safety regulations.

The property is offering a 25 per cent discount on bookings made 21 days in advance on the-ascott.com/offers.

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh is managed

by The Ascott Limited, the leading international lodging owner-operator from Singapore. The brand’s impressive portfolio of 700-plus properties spans more than 180 cities and caters to a broad spectrum of consumers in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA.

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A HOTEL STAY, BUT NOT AS WE KNOW IT 14

Alfio Bernardini, General Manager at Dubai’s Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City, runs Business Traveller through the property ’s guest experience with new health and safety measures in place

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hat happens when a guest arrives at the hotel?

Guests are welcomed by our concierge team and temperature screening is conducted before they enter the property. The team has been trained to explain the new ALL Safe measures (introduced by parent company Accor globally) and to guide guests, ensuring their experience is safe and comfortable.

Furthermore, our dedicated ALL Safe officer is responsible for implementing health and safety measures in compliance with ALLSAFE label standards and to lead the preventative hygiene procedures in line with government regulations.

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What is the check-in and checkout process?

We have taken every precaution possible to ensure check-in and checkout is as contactless as possible.

For example, for a seamless checkin process, we have implemented an e-registration card, enabling guests to type and e-sign on iPads. They scan their own IDs and passports using the designated scanner to avoid any contact with the reception team and place their key card on the key encoder machine to programme it.

Finally, they are encouraged to use contactless payment methods such as cards, pre-arrival online payments, etc.

During check-out, guests are asked to drop their keys into a specific box and to verify and e-sign their invoice on the iPad. They use the contactless payment procedures to settle the bill and we send their invoice via email.

How do guests know their room is safe and clean?

We have implemented many extra procedures to clean and disinfect guestrooms as part of ALL Safe, with special attention to frequent touch points. Non-essential items have been removed and a list of items available on request is given to guests when they arrive. We have also introduced a WhatsApp tool, available 24/7, putting guests in touch with the Guest Service Centre to request room service, book a table in our restaurant or ask for additional room amenities.

What changes are there to your public spaces?

As part of our ALL Safe programme, and following local legislation, social distancing is our priority and we have erected signs in the public areas to remind our guests of the requirements. Moreover, public area seating capacities have been revised to comply with social distancing guidelines.

Where can guests dine – and what can they expect?

Guests can order the in-room dining service by contacting our guest service

HOTELS

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centre by WhatsApp or phone They can also visit our restaurants and browse our new digital menus by scanning a QR code placed in all dining venues and guestrooms.

Can guests hold a meeting in your hotel and if so, how?

In line with local regulations, meetings are not officially allowed (at the time of this interview). However, this is expected to change soon considering all the steps that local authorities are taking to reactivate many business activities. When that occurs, we will be ready to welcome back our clients in our state-of-the-art and fully sanitised meeting and events facilities.

If guests aren’t sure what protocols are in place, how can they find out?

Our website and booking platforms are updated with ALL Safe health and safety information and once guests arrive at our hotel, our team is fully trained to explain these new procedures, which include: reinforced food safety standards; contactless check-in, check-out and payments; social distancing in all common areas; an enhanced cleaning programme in public areas with frequent disinfection of high-touch areas; a guest temperature-control system; and the appointment of our specially trained ALL Safe Officer.

What can ALL loyalty lifestyle programme members expect at the moment?

FROM TOP: Contactless check-in; Digital menus OPPOSITE PAGE: Guests are temperaturescanned on arrival

ALL members can enjoy a 50 per cent discount on published rates when booking directly on our website. Additionally, they can access benefits ranging from complimentary internet access to a free room upgrade, depending on their status.

How full is the hotel right now?

In line with local regulations and to ensure social distancing protocols are maintained, our occupancy has J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

HOTELS

RIGHT: Social distacing measures are in place in all public areas

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been capped at a low percentage. That being said, with the relaxation of the quarantine in Dubai, we have seen positive signs of an uptick in demand over the last weeks and we are confident business will improve in the weeks to come.

What’s the current guest profile?

Due to UAE borders being closed to external visitors, demand is driven by local residents, many of whom opted to stay with us for long periods throughout the lockdown phase.

What’s going on back of house?

We have taken all the necessary health and safety precautions in every area of the hotel, including back of house.

They include displaying ALL Safe posters to inform, guide and educate our team on how to prevent and combat COVID-19.

We have installed additional sanitising stations and provided detailed instructions on how to wash and sanitise hands and how to correctly wear and remove the masks. We also ensure team members maintain social distancing at all times For example, in our staff cafeteria, we have reduced capacity and rostered employees to minimise how many colleagues dine simultaneously.

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What extra training have you conducted with hotel staff?

Why should guests choose this hotel over others in this location?

All team members have undergone intensive online training on safety and hygiene, as well as training related to their specific departments and in line with the ALL Safe programme.

Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City is the only five-star property in Dubai Media City, which is a vibrant business district overlooking the Palm Jumeirah and 20 minutes by car from Dubai International Airport.

Our hotel features a state-of-the-art convention centre, spacious rooms and suites, an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a spa, three restaurants and a rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.

We have also been recognised by our guests as one of the top five hotels in Dubai on TripAdvisor, and finally, our team is fully trained on the ALL Safe programme to safeguard our the health and safety of our guests during their stay. We are ready to welcome guests as soon as they are ready to stay with us.

When do you expect business to return to normal?

Alfio Bernardini, General Manager, Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City, Dubai

While we all need to remain positive and confident, the path to recovery will be challenging considering the current circumstances.

There are some positive signs indicating a demand increase by Q4, although we understand the situation could change. The recovery of our industry, like many others, depends on a positive development to combat COVID-19 on a global scale, as well as the opening of borders, an improvement in traveller confidence and an increase in economic activity.

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

Unwind, indulge and explore OPULENT LIVING IN THE HEART OF DUBAI

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riven by its inspiring legacy, Dubai is a city of dreams and a visionary’s paradise. The emirate embraces the future while honouring its courageous history and has earned a formidable reputation as a global economic titan, as well as the entertainment capital of the Middle East.

Dubai is also an outdoor showroom for modern leading-edge architecture, with some of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers punctuating its skyline.

Standing proudly amongst these global greats is Ascott Park Place Dubai, a prestigious address by leading international owner-operated lodging brand, The Ascott Limited. A niche accommodation offering in the city, the property caters to leisure and business travellers with luxuriously adorned hotel apartments featuring one, two and three bedrooms, exclusive living and dining spaces and sweeping city views.

Strategically located opposite the city’s prime exhibition and financial areas, the Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates Towers and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) on the famous Sheikh Zayed Road, the property meets the lifestyle and business needs of discerning guests and is ideal for short or long stays, with facilities including a swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna rooms, guest lounge, restaurant and more.

For savvy, on-the-go business travellers or long-stay expats who value a convenient home-away-fromhome set-up, Ascott’s Citadines Metro Central Dubai, located just steps away from Dubai Internet City metro station, is a stylish urban retreat offering well-

17 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Exclusive living at Ascott Park Place Dubai; Citadines Metro Central Dubai is a stylish urban retreat in Dubai Internet City; Ascott Park Place Dubai is located on the famous Sheikh Zayed Road

designed serviced living spaces with modern technology. The property offers contemporary studios and one-bedroom apartments, as well as essential lifestyle facilities including a swimming pool, gymnasium, business centre and a café.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ascott Park Place Dubai and Citadines Metro Central Dubai have significantly enhanced their health and safety

protocols with the roll out of the Ascott Care initiative.

This programme adheres to nine commitments that inculcate stringent deep cleansing and health procedures, in addition to measures reflecting local and global health and safety regulations.

Both properties are offering a 25 per cent discount on bookings made 21 days in advance on the-ascott.com/offers

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SER VICED APAR TMENT S

HERE TO STAY

SERVICED APARTMENTS HAVE BECOME SAFE HAVENS FOR VISITORS, RESIDENTS AND STAYCATIONERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

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WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD

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he majority of the region’s serviced apartments remained open during the lockdown and as countries now begin to ease restrictions, they continue to provide accommodation for a wide range of guests, from long-stay business travellers and stranded overseas visitors to expatriates with flexible living requirements and quarantined repatriated citizens. Business Traveller Middle East spoke to operators and managers of serviced apartments to find out what type of guests they have been hosting and how they have adapted their operations and services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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A place to call home

Guy Hutchinson

“We have implemented some of the industry’s most stringent procedures”

LEFT: Arjaan by Rotana Dubai Media City

With country border closures thwarting international travel, most guests at Rotana’s Arjaan-branded serviced apartment properties were long-stay visitors or temporary residents, says Guy Hutchinson, President and CEO of Rotana.

“This reflects our typical guest profile, which includes families and employees of companies that have accommodation agreements with us.”

Healthy average occupancies of “around 80 per cent” have been maintained due to long-term stays arranged before the lockdown commenced, he adds.

At Oaks Liwa Heights in Dubai, operated by Minor Hotels, occupancies dipped to 70 per cent in March, which the hospitality group’s Amir Golbarg, Vice President Operations, MENA, describes as “unusual” for a normally busy month.

“The majority of our guests were corporate travellers and long-stay residents – both individuals and families,” he says. Due to Dubai’s thriving expat community, the property has retained these guests, with no termination of contracts to date, he notes.

It was a different story at InterContinental Dubai Marina, which accommodated tourists who were unable to leave the country as well as residents choosing to stay in hotels or apartments with kitchen and laundry facilities, reveals Director of Sales and Marketing Michele Ristuccia. “We have seen many UAE residents relocate to short-term rentals and guests who recently J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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moved to Dubai for work,” he says.

Sister property, InterContinental Dubai Residence Suites, benefitted from its “unique community centric ecosystem”, with guests making the most of services and amenities at the InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels, as well as “extensive shopping facilities at the Festival City Mall”, says Director of Sales and Marketing Michael Borges.

“As Dubai lockdown restrictions eased, occupancies grew by six per cent on average and we are still welcoming UAE guests for one- to three-night stays,” he says, “but until airports reopen, we doubt we will see much change in the business mix.”

At Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, short-stay business plummeted when major events on the island were cancelled, but regulars stayed because they felt “at home” and were reassured by the property’s enhanced health and safety measures, explains Tamara Salha, Hotel Manager at the Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites complex.

“With the occasional short-stay check-ins it was important to monitor these guests and understand their motivation and stayover reason,” she says. “As the Covid-19 crisis progressed, these actions encouraged guests to extend their stays as confidence levels on service and management were bolstered.”

HEALTH COMES FIRST InterContinental Hotels Group, Rotana and Minor Hotels have all introduced robust health and safety programmes in response to COVID-19 ensuring guests feel safe in their care. While every initiative has its own nuances and brand ‘stamp’, they all encompass significantly ramped-up cleaning and disinfection procedures, social distancing protocols and contactless experiences such as online check-in, check-out and menus, adhering to guidelines set out by local and global authorities.

The ‘IHG Way of Clean’ has made a long-standing commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures, which J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

have been developed in partnership with hygiene and cleaning technology and solutions providers Ecolab and Diverse. This programme was recently expanded to include additional COVID-19 protocols and best practices that reflect the advice of the World Health Organisation and the Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

Oaks Hotels & Resorts has also integrated WHO guidelines into its Oaks SureStay programme, which “builds on already impeccably high standards of cleanliness to deliver hospitalgrade sanitation in each room, apartment, common areas and food and beverage Tamara Salha venues”, says Golbarg.

A deep clean of the top “Regular long-stay 10 high-touch areas in guest rooms is a guests are extremely focus, as well as a new happy with IHG’s sanitisation fogging answer to the system. pandemic” According to Hutchinson, “Rotana was among the first hospitality groups in the region to adopt enhanced safety protocols when the COVID-19 situation began to emerge”.

“Since then, we have implemented some of the industry’s most stringent procedures with the launch of our Rotana Safe Space programme, which focuses on two areas we believe our guests value most; a contactless experience throughout their stay, and significantly enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices,” he adds.

The Rotana app and QR code scans are among the tools at guests’ disposal and can be used to arrange contactless check-ins and in-room dining. The hospitality group has also partnered with SGS, a global leader OPPOSITE PAGE FROM in testing, inspection, verification and TOP: InterContinental Dubai Marina; Al certification, to audit cleanliness and Bandar Arjaan by Rotana Dubai hygiene procedures at every property.

BACK TO BUSINESS With new health and safety measures in place and lockdown restrictions easing, serviced apartments are starting to fill up.

Golbarg says if Dubai reopens borders this month ( July), as suggested at time of press, occupancies at Oaks Liwa Heights Dubai could nudge up from the current 50 per cent to 65 per cent this summer.

“We are receiving a lot of enquiries from individual corporate travellers who want to visit Dubai as soon as they are allowed to travel,” he says.

With international flight capacity restricted, Hutchinson expects a boost in domestic travel, with more people opting for local getaways and so-called ‘staycations’.

“This will come as part of a gradual process of developing trust in the safety of travel and regaining confidence during the post-lockdown period,” he says. “The number of travellers coming from further afield will increase as countries around the world open up their borders and international movement resumes.”

Business will pick up at Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi when flights to the UAE from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain resume, says Salha, but in the meantime, “regular long-stay guests are extremely happy with IHG’s answer to the pandemic and appreciate all the new measures implemented to reassure their safety and well-being”.

“Our commitment to them is paying off and we have seen most of the guests extending their stays with us,” she adds.

InterContinental Dubai Marina and InterContinental Dubai Residence Suites are focusing on creating value for guests as challenges surplus to COVID-19, including an influx of new residential units in markets like Dubai, create a more competitive environment.

Borges stresses the need to be creative, with InterContinental Dubai Residence Suites introducing a new cinema experience and hosting in-room birthday party celebration to ensure guests feel “well taken care of and positive through these trying times”.

At your service

Serviced apartments worth checking out

DUBAI AL BANDAR ARJAAN BY ROTANA DUBAI Where is it? Baniyas Street on the north shore of Dubai Creek.

What’s it like? This modern apartment complex combines cuttingedge technology with home comforts to provide a taste of stylish waterfront living. Guests can use the facilities at the five-star Al Bandar Rotana hotel, which is connected to the property.

Where can I stay? 90 fully furnished apartments range from spacious studios to three-bedroom apartments.

INTERCONTINENTAL DUBAI MARINA Where is it? Dubai Marina.

What’s it like? 196 fully serviced residences, including four “iconic” penthouses, combine elegant luxury with the service and amenities of a five-star hotel. High-speed Internet, large-screen TVs, fully equipped kitchens and private parking are part of the package.

Where can I stay? Studios and onebedroom apartments with Marina Yacht Club views; two- and threebedroom apartments overlooking Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residences; and 317sqm Penthouse Suites with a master bedroom and three bedrooms, a separate kitchen, study and living and dining areas, a Jacuzzi in the bathroom and a private balcony with city views. Guests can request 24/7 personal services and private chefs and mixologists.

Are there business facilities?

There’s a business centre at Club Rotana.

What can I do to relax? The Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club at Al Bandar Rotana features a fully equipped gymnasium with Dubai Creek views, an outdoor swimming pool and sauna, steam and massage rooms.

Are there business facilities?

There’s a Business Centre.

What can I do to relax? Use the gym, outdoor pool or spa with six treatment suites. The beach is 10 minutes away.

What’s different? Cutting-edge design and décor, bespoke modern art, design and sculptures and Marina Social.

How does it make life easy? Full kitchen appliances, cleaning services, 24-hour reception, concierge services, access to hotel facilities, secure covered car parking with direct access to Residences, complimentary highspeed internet.

“We have seen many UAE residents relocate to short-term rentals”

Can I bring my family?

Apartments feature a separate living room and fully equipped kitchenette.

The 13th-floor swimming pool with Dubai Creek views has family appeal.

Where can I eat? Gusto Italian Restaurant, Morgan’s Gastropub, the Vanilla Lobby Lounge and The Deck Pool Lounge.

Where can I eat? British Celebrity Chef, Jason Atherton’s first restaurant and bar in the Middle East, Marina Social and The Social Room are located on Level 1 in the hotel. Other options include Accents Restaurant & Terrace and the Ginter bar.

Michele Ristuccia

What’s different? The location, with easy access to key landmarks in old and new Dubai.

How does it make life easy? Ample parking spaces,

car and limousine rental services, complimentary transportation to Dubai’s top beaches and shopping malls, express laundry and dry-cleaning services and 24-hour security.

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ABOVE: Creek views at nterContinental Dubai Residence Suites BELOW: Oaks Liwa Heights OPPOSITE PAGE: The pool at Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi Yas Island

OAKS LIWA HEIGHTS Where is it? Jumeriah Lakes Towers ( JLT), Dubai.

What’s it like? Midscale serviced apartments for long-stay residents, but ideal for short stays too.

Where can I stay? 126 onebedroom (100 sqm) and 42 twobedroom (167 sqm) apartments with spacious living, working, storage and sleeping areas, a fully equipped kitchen including washing machine,

plus a balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows with great views.

Can I bring my family? The twobedroom apartments sleep up to six people, plus there’s a children’s pool.

Where can I eat? The Coffee Club has indoor seating and outdoor lakeside seating.

Are there business facilities?

Free Wi-Fi access.

What can I do to relax? JLT has more than 300 restaurants and cafés,

several spas and beauty salons and is close to parks with jogging tracks, exercise equipment and children’s playgrounds.

What’s different? Great location in JLT, close to a Dubai Metro station and no nearby construction noise.

How does it make life easy? 30 minutes from Dubai International and 50 minutes from Abu Dhabi International. Free car parking in covered lower-level area.

“We are receiving a lot of enquiries from individual corporate travellers who want to visit Dubai” Amir Golbarg

INTERCONTINENTAL DUBAI RESIDENCE SUITES Where is it? Festival City, Dubai.

What’s it like? Luxurious hotel apartments overlook Dubai Creek and are just steps from Festival City Mall.

Where can I stay? Studios and one- and two-bedroom residences.

Can I bring my family? Absolutely – there’s a promenade with numerous entertainment options for little ones.

There’s also an indoor swimming pool and outdoor play area.

Where can I eat? MezzaLuna (Italian and international display kitchen) and at hotel restaurants including Anise, Belgium Beer Café, Choix and Vista Bar and Terrace.

Are there business facilities?

Meeting rooms and a business centre.

What can I do to relax? The leisure complex features a 25-metre lap pool, children’s pool, spa pool, sun deck with stunning city views and the Skyline Fitness Centre.

What’s different? A tranquil community atmosphere, waterfront location, lower-level mini-market and complimentary transport to Festival City Mall and other IHG restaurants.

How does it make my life easy?

Complimentary parking, housekeeping service, room service, grocery delivery, post to room bills from other IHG outlets, dining and takeaway discounts and 250 IHG Rewards Club points for every US$25 spent.

“Until airports reopen, we doubt we will see much change in the business mix”

Michael Borges

ABU DHABI STAYBRIDGE SUITES ABU DHABI – YAS ISLAND Where is it? Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The UAE’s entertainment destination.

What’s it like? Spacious and sophisticated apartment-style suites with living areas and kitchen amenities. Part of the Yas Plaza Hotels complex, guests can access a variety of restaurants and sports facilities.

Where can I stay? 164 apartments across studios and one- and twobedroom suites.

Plaza Hotels complex.

Accommodation is fully furnished with kitchen, dining and laundry facilities.

Where can I eat? Stays include daily breakfast and weekday social dinners. Guests can dine at one of 21 award-winning restaurants at the Yas

How does it make life easy?

Can I bring my family?

Are there business facilities?

There’s a business centre and The Den where you can plug-in your laptop and work quietly. Wi-Fi is complimentary.

What can I do to relax? Take a dip in the pool or use the Senses Massage Centre at the Crowne Plaza hotel.

What’s different? Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warners Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, CLYMB and Yas Mall are just five minutes away.

Breakfast and weekday social dinners are included in the stay package.

There is a self-laundry facility, fitness centre, swimming pool and business centre. Guests can access the underground parking.

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JEDDAH The Ascott Limited operates four unique properties in Jeddah. With well-equipped living and dining spaces and fully equipped kitchenettes, each one suits solo travellers, families and business travellers on long or short stays. The properties offer parking spaces, laundry and housekeeping services and much more. Here are the options.

ASCOTT SARI JEDDAH Where is it? In the exclusive Sari Street suburb.

What’s it like? Luxurious, Parisian interiors, global hospitality services and amenities and pampering.

Where can I stay? Studios and oneand two-bedroom hotel apartments.

Are there business facilities?

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Three meeting/conference rooms accommodate up to 100 people.

What can I do to relax? There’s a swimming pool, gymnasium and children’s play area.

ASCOTT TAHLIA JEDDAH Where is it? In the vibrant Tahlia neighbourhood.

What’s it like? Luxurious, exclusive, global hospitality services and amenities and indulgent.

Where can I stay? Studios and onetwo- and three-bedroom apartments,

SPECTRUMS RESIDENCE JEDDAH Where is it? In north Jeddah’s Al Salamah District.

What’s it like? A stylish and spacious lifestyle-led property.

Where can I stay? Two-bedroom deluxe, two-bedroom executive

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plus penthouses.

Are there business facilities?

Yes; a business lounge and a meeting/ conference room with a capacity for 80 participants.

What can I do to relax? There’s a swimming pool, gymnasium, children’s play area and guest lounge.

and two-bedroom premier apartments.

Are there business facilities?

Yes, a business centre and a meeting/ conference room.

What can I do to relax? There’s a gymnasium, children’s playroom and residents’ lounge.

CITADINES AL SALAMAH JEDDAH Where is it? Al Salamah What’s it like? A lifestyle destination with well-connected spaces for savvy travellers.

Where can I stay? Studios and onetwo- and three-bedroom apartments.

Are there business facilities? No. What can I do to relax? There’s a gymnasium and outdoor games area.

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ISTANBUL SOMERSET MASLAK ISTANBUL Where is it? New Maslak 1453, Europe’s largest lifestyle development in one of Istanbul’s main business and leisure districts.

What’s it like? Luxurious serviced apartments overlook breathtaking natural landscapes and offer spacious living areas with contemporary décor.

Where can I stay? Studios and one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments.

Can I bring my family? With well-

equipped living and dining spaces and fully equipped kitchenettes across seven different apartment types, the property is perfect for solo travellers, families, friends and larger corporate groups visiting for business or leisure.

Where can I eat? Make the most of the apartment kitchenettes and dining areas, order in-room dining or start your day at the breakfast lounge.

Grocery deliveries are also available.

Are there business facilities?

Yes, the business centre offers multiple

services, including printing.

What can I do to relax?

Facilities include a swimming pool, gymnasium, guest lounge, children’s playroom and prayer rooms.

What’s different? It combines home comforts with the pampering services of a hotel and is popular with Istanbul’s expats, tourists and business travellers.

How does it make life easy?

It offers airport transport, parking spaces, babysitting, housekeeping and grocery shopping services.

ABOVE: An expansive apartment living space at Somerset Maslak Istanbul J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

Riyadh

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How to make the most of a day in this modern Arabian city

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audi Arabia and in particular, Riyadh, welcomes thousands of business visitors every day, but they don’t always get the opportunity to explore the city outside of work hours.

When you next visit the kingdom’s capital, whether it’s your first time in this modern metropolis or you’re a regular, it’s worth taking time out to get to know its distinct Arabian culture, rich history, great food and much more.

The best way to get around Riyadh is with Uber or Careem, but if you’re looking to venture further afield, private drivers can be organised through your hotel concierge or at the airport when you arrive.

Here are Business Traveller’s top tips on how to spend 24 hours in the city.

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Grab a big breakfast on Riyadh Boulevard

For a selection of breakfast options, head to Riyadh Boulevard located on Prince Turki Bin Abdul Aziz Al Awwal Street, which is lined with international cafés. Karak Gholam (karakgholam.com) offers a modern take on Indian street food with a global twist, while Madeleine (madeleine.sa) serves a full breakfast menu, from pancakes and eggs to pastries and artisan bread.

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Explore the Diplomatic Quarter by bike

After breakfast and before lunch, explore Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter on foot or by bike. This district is home to some of the city’s most scenic parks and green spaces, linked by

winding paths that circle the resident embassies and consulates. Whizz past the gated entrances to the embassies and weave into the gardens, or tackle the quarter’s more challenging offroad trails, forested by palm trees and blooming shrubs.

Local start-up Spin Rentals (Instagram: @Spin.sa) hires out cycles and maps by the hour and even arranges group rides for those wanting company.

It’s the brainchild of Saudi entrepreneur Manie Al Khaldi, who gained a passion for biking while living in San Francisco and spotted an opportunity to capitalise on his hobby when he returned home.

Bike rental is SAR60 (US$15.99) for the first hour, with any subsequent hours costing SRA45 ($11.99) each.

Helmets and yellow safety vests are provided for all riders.

24 HOURS IN . . .

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LEFT: National Museum of Saudi Arabia

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RIGHT: Al Masmak Fortress is a must visit

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6 The Diplomatic Quarter’s parks are open daily and free to access, but entrance to the area requires passing through a checkpoint where you are required to show photographic ID.

PHOTOS: VISIT SAUDI

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Lunch at Oud Square

In the heart of the Diplomatic Quarter lies Oud Square, a perfect example of Riyadh’s increasing modernity, where you will find Saudis and foreigners socialising and dining at contemporary restaurants and cafés.At Leila Min Lebnen (leilaminlebnen. com), which has mastered the modern take on traditional Lebanese food, you can feast on delicious plates ranging from hot and cold mezze to grilled meats. They are best enjoyed outdoors where comfortable seating awaits.

If you’re looking for something a little more fancy, Oud Square is also

home to the recently opened chain, Coya; a high-end Peruvian restaurant that takes inspiration from Spanish, Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

Riyadh is one of just six global Coya locations, with others including London, Mykonos and Monte Carlo.

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Visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia

After lunch it is definitely time to delve into Saudi’s fascinating culture.

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia tells the story of the kingdom, from prehistoric times to the modern day, guiding visitors through eight galleries encased in a modernist building. For culture lovers, this is an evocative experience and gives you the chance to view both permanent collections and a roster of visiting exhibitions (Nationalmuseum.org.sa).

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Al Masmak Fortress

Nestled in the heart of Riyadh in the city’s old quarter is the 150-year-old Al Masmak Fortress. A clay and mudbrick citadel that witnessed the rise of a kingdom, Al Masmak serves as a proud reminder of Saudi Arabia’s storied history. Its capture by King Abdul Aziz in 1902 marked the first step towards the consolidation of the kingdom under the Saud name and the founding of the Saudi nation as we know it today. Built in 1865, it is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about Saudi Arabia’s rich history.

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ABOVE: A traditional shopping experience at Souq Al Zal

Retail therapy

For a traditional shopping experience be sure to head to Souq Al Zal, handily located next to the fortress.

Here you’ll find handicrafts, spices, J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

24 HOURS IN . . .

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BELOW: The National Museum tells the story of Saudi history

incense, traditional attire, antiques and a wide array of woven carpets, rugs and tapestries.

If modern Arabian fashion is more your style, Mira Y Mano is the self-titled home of independent brands, stocking a diverse mix of Arab and Saudi designers. Look out for statement abayas by local names Nabila Nazer and Maha Ghalayini, which juxtapose heritage and innovation, and exquisitely handcrafted jewellery by Jeddahborn artisan Lillian Ismail. This is a beautiful boutique for those interested in browsing, buying or looking to pick up a special gift (miraymano.com).

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Traditional dining

Riyadh is home to a wealth of restaurants, ranging from street food to fine dining, but Najd Village Restaurant is the best spot to

experience traditional local cuisine.

The dishes at Najd are prepared by talented local chefs and promise an unforgettable feast in an authentic space – Saudi dining at its most memorable (najdvillage.com).

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A longer trip?

If you have the time to explore a little further, 90km outside of Riyadh sits the dramatic Edge of the World or Jebel Fihryan. Hikers can choose from a range of routes to access the top of the cliff edge where they are rewarded with stunning views. Please note, an SUV, a good GPS and the right gear are a must. Tour guides can also arrange overnight camping.

Reliable tour operators include Deira Tours (Deira.com.sa) and Ghazi Tours (Ghazitours.com).

For more ideas and inspiration, check out VisitSaudi.com

PHOTOS: DDB AND VISIT SAUDI

ABOVE: An out-of-thisworld experience at Edge of the World

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia tells the story of the kingdom, from prehistoric times to the modern day

emirateswoman.com

WELLNESS

SLEEP EASY Wellness consultant Stephen Marks reveals his top tips for getting a good night’s rest

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ABOUT STEPHEN MARKS

Stephen Marks is a London-based yoga, meditation and sleep meditation teacher who teaches his practices all over the world and has worked with a host of international organisations including Google. Having spoken at the Dubai Sleep Conference and Global Wellness Summit last year he will return to the city in September for the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) 2020, which takes place at Madinat Jumeirah. www.ahic.com

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he world seems preoccupied with us achieving more sleep or a better quality of sleep.

Almost every magazine is heralding a miracle sleep programme, so it’s no wonder a recent feature in The Economist valued the sleep industry at a staggering $51 billion in 2014, predicting this figure would rise to $81 billion by 2021.

You can buy just about anything to aid your sleep these days, from specialised pillows, mattresses, sleep masks, sleep clothing and even a sleep robot (that mimics your breathing), to sleep supplements, drinks and sleep technology.

But what if the key to getting a good night’s sleep came down to some common sense, mindful practices and AI – and by this I mean Ancient Intelligence not Artificial Intelligence?

Thanks to modern science and medicine, we have become adept at diagnosing conditions, but often neglect to treat underlying symptoms.

Practices such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness help to restore a balance within the body and mind and can often address the most frequent underlying causes of poor sleep, which are stress, anxiety and over-stimulation.

How we manage our day is directly linked to how well we sleep. When your head hits the pillow and you are unable to fall asleep, more often than not, it is not quality or softness of that pillow or mattress that is to blame, but the fact your body and mind are out of balance. Mindfulness can achieve an equilibrium by paying attention to what you do during your day. Here are six simple tips I would like to share that can make a huge difference to how well you sleep.

1) You may be surprised that my tips start with morning practices and the first of these is to eat breakfast within 30 minutes of rising. Ideally, include some form of protein like nuts or nut butter.

Yoga and breathing practices can help to aid sleep

2) Staying hydrated throughout the day is extremely important for our brain health and impacts our sleep too, so make sure that your first drink in the morning is a glass of water.

3) Caffeine care is also important and I advise anyone who drinks coffee or tea to have their last cup before 4pm, because caffeine has a half-life of six hours.

4) At least 20 minutes of exercise is important, even if it’s just a quick walk, but not too close to bedtime is this may actually activate the body.

5) Breaks from technology throughout the day are crucial.

As an example, while you are eating is a good time not to look at your phone or be near it. You

BREATHING FOR SLEEP A very simple but powerful breathing technique, which is hugely effective and aids sleep, is conscious or coherent breathing. It has been used to treat trauma patients and the positive results are scientifically backed. Breath is the conversation between mind and body and this form of abdominal breathing combines wonderfully with a simple visualisation exercise. Here’s how you do it: • Get comfortable lying down and shut your eyes • Start by placing your right hand on your navel • Breathe in just through your nose and count to four feeling just the belly rise • As you breathe in imagine the tide rolling in gently on your favourite beach • Now breathe out for four, also through your nose and feel the belly empty • As you breathe out imagine the tide drawing back out • Repeat a few times until you start to drift off

should not look at your phone or laptop at least an hour before going to sleep. When it comes to going to sleep, it is vital you do not have the mobile in your bedroom as it omits signals even when turned off (if you are in a hotel, put your phone in the bathroom). Recent research reveals at least 30 per cent of businesspeople will get up in the middle of the night and check their phones. Don’t!

6) At least 30 minutes of daylight is very important for our internal body clock and helps to regulate the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.

I also recommend guided meditation such as Yoga Nidra or sleep meditation as an excellent way to enter a state of deep relaxation.

The practice has a clever structure, which relaxes the body and quietens the mind. In a world where we are increasingly overwhelmed and overstimulated, the value of winding down becomes more significant. www.stephenmarksyoga.com J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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HOTELS

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

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Business Traveller takes a glimpse at New York City ’s new and upcoming hotels

WORDS: PAUL J DEVRIES J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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efore COVID-19 brought almost all travel to a halt, Business Traveller had a look at the latest hotel developments in New York City, from recent openings and renovations to future arrivals planned. Welcoming an annual combined 60 million domestic and international visitors during a normal year, the city was on track to add 20,000 hotel rooms by the end of 2021, taking total inventory close to 140,000. The future is uncertain as the city continues to deal with the devastating impact of the pandemic, but we are sharing our round up to provide inspiration for when travel to The Big Apple resumes.

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New ABOVE AND RIGHT: Moxy East Village

Renaissance Chelsea Hotel

In February, Marriott also added the Renaissance Chelsea in a new 39-story tower on West 25th Street with 341 rooms and suites. On the site of a former flea market, it’s the brand’s third Manhattan hotel. Art is a major theme, with video projections in the hallways and a two-storey installation featuring more than 2,000 antique knobs, locks and keys.

Restaurant Cotto serves Italian food, while the top two floors house Somewhere Nowhere, a rooftop lounge and bar with outdoor pool. Other Marriott hotels under development in New York include a Le Meridien on Fifth Avenue.

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Moxy East Village BELOW: Renaissance Chelsea Hotel

In the space of a few years, Marriott International’s millennial Moxy brand went from opening its first New York hotel in Times Square to having more than 1,200 rooms on Manhattan across three properties, with additions Downtown (298 rooms) and in Chelsea (349 rooms).

In September last year, it continued with a 286-room hotel in the East Village, each floor drawing inspiration from the surrounding area’s history. Rooms pack a lot into their footprints, and food and drink options include a rooftop bar and a

HOTELS

The Artezen

An office conversion two blocks from the World Trade Center, the Artezen opened in April last year. Its 89 rooms are decked out in a contemporary mix of greys, whites, blues and tan leather, and some have terraces. Its two-storey lounge and restaurant at the top of the building is still to come. artezenhotel.com

35 ABOVE: The Artezen BELOW: Hyatt Place Times Square

French-Mediterranean restaurant.

Moxy properties in the Lower East Side and Williamsburg are to follow in the next few years. moxy-hotels.marriott.com

Hyatt Place Times Square

At the end of November, Hyatt cut the ribbon on Hyatt Place Times Square, its second property for its upscale select service brand on Manhattan and its largest worldwide.

In addition to its 520 contemporary

guestrooms, there is The Market, which offers all-day dining plus sandwiches and salads to go, the Breakfast Bar for daily hot breakfast, The Bar serving hot drinks, wines and cocktails, as well as event space and a fitness centre.

hyattplace.com

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TWA HOTEL

The TWA Hotel at JFK Airport

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Last May, the 1962 Eero Saarinendesigned TWA Flight Center at JFK airport began its new life as part of the TWA Hotel, flanked by two new wings featuring 512 rooms with mid-century furniture, including the Howard Hughes Suite. The former terminal has restaurants and lounges, and the 1958 Lockheed Constellation aircraft outside houses a vintage cocktail bar. The observation deck has a pool for plane watching. twahotel.com

Hotel Hendricks

Opened last summer (2019), Hotel Hendricks is a few blocks from Bryant Park and part of the Fortuna Collection, which includes Hotel Hugo in Soho. Interiors in the 176 rooms mix mahogany panelling with bursts of animal print. Restaurant Paloma serves pan-Latin cuisine, while Hendricks Rooftop offers views Downtown towards One World Trade Center. hotelhendricksny.com J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

ABOVE: The Howard Hughes Suite with runway views at TWA Hotel RIGHT: Hyatt Centric 39th and Fifth BELOW: Hotel Hendricks

Hyatt Centric 39th and Fifth

A 162-room Hyatt Centric is coming to 39th Street and Fifth Avenue, also the second property for this lifestyle brand on Manhattan. One of its six suites comes with a private balcony with views of the Empire State Building; there is also a restaurant and rooftop lounge and bar. hyattcentric.com

HOTELS

RIGHT: Conrad New York Midtown

Conrad New York Midtown

Taking over what was the London NYC, Hilton’s Conrad Hotels opened its second Manhattan property on West 54th Street in October after a full renovation. There are 562 suites in the 54-floor hotel, starting at a spacious 500 sq ft all the way through to a 3,000 sq ft two-storey penthouse.

All-day dining is available at Dabble. conradhotels.com

Equinox Hotel

Pestana Park Avenue

Part of Hudson Yards, the largest development in New York since the Rockefeller Center, the first hotel for this high-end fitness chain opened in July last year. The 212 rooms and 48 suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and are designed to be “dark, cool respites” to optimise rest.

There is a 60,000 sq ft Equinox club with both indoor and outdoor pools that guests can access, as well as restaurants Electric Lemon and Broken Coconut. Equinox is also planning hotels in Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles.

Portuguese hotel group Pestana opened its 100th property, and its first in New York, in early February. On East 39th Street, near the Empire State Building, there are 94 rooms across 27 floors, including a limited number with balconies and two junior suites. A 24-hour Grab and Go in the lobby offers healthy snacks and meals. pestana.com/en

equinox-hotels.com Equinox Hotel

The outdoor pool at the Equinox Club

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Refreshed

The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel

Towering over the corner of Madison Avenue and 76th Street on the Upper East Side, The Carlyle is in the middle of a refurbishment of its rooms and suites. Full details are yet to be released, but the Tony Chi design will offer a modern take on art deco with geometric carpets, soft golden panelling, and contrasting marble in the bathrooms. A number of suites will keep their individual designs. rosewoodhotels.com

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Park Avenue, home to the Waldorf Astoria ABOVE: The Carlyle

BELOW: The RitzCarlton New York, Central Park

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

Last July, the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park completed a year’s worth of renovations, tackling all rooms and suites, as well as the public spaces. An all-day “gastro lounge” now occupies the ground floor, while the mezzanine is dedicated to wellness with a fitness centre and studio. New two-bedroom Presidential and Royal suites were added, taking the room count to 253 in total. Being right on Central Park South, many of the rooms and suites have views of the park, with in-room telescopes by the windows. ritzcarlton.com J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

HOTELS

Coming soon

Arlo Midtown New York

Arlo Hotels will expand its New York presence with a property on West 38th Street and 9th Avenue. It will have 489 rooms designed by Meyer Davis, taking “design cues from the natural world”. Its Midtown property is the budget-chic brand’s third on Manhattan; it is also working on a second Miami property and a hotel in Washington DC. arlohotels.com

TOP: Arlo Midtown FAR LEFT: The twisting towers of Six Senses New York

Aman New York

Aman New York will bring 83 rooms and suites – all with fireplaces – to the 1921 Crown Building on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.

Standout features will include a tenth-floor terrace with Central Park views and a three-storey spa with pool.

BELOW: Aman New York

aman.com

Six Senses New York

Set inside the twisting XI towers designed by architect Bjarke Ingels, Six Senses will add another temple to health and wellness on Manhattan’s westside, about ten blocks south of Equinox Hotel. There will be 136 rooms – dressed in neutrals and natural materials – spread across ten floors, as well as private residences.

A restaurant and café with an outdoor terrace connect to the High Line elevated park, while a 45,000 sq ft spa will have such essentials as a vibroacoustic meditation dome and magnesium pool. sixsenses.com

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HOTELS

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Waldorf Astoria New York

After a renovation project lasting half a decade, the Waldorf Astoria is due to reopen. In addition to a full restoration of its public spaces, there will be about 350 rooms and suites – a significant reduction from before – and a similar number of private residences. waldorfastoriacollection.com

ABOVE: The Park Avenue entrance to Waldorf Astoria New York RIGHT: The Silver Corridor at Waldorf Astoria J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

Ritz-Carlton NoMad

In addition to refurbishing its Central Park hotel, Ritz-Carlton is planning a 250-room NoMad hotel. Part of a US$500 million, Rafael Vinolydesigned tower, it will have interiors

by Yabu Pushelberg, a signature restaurant, a Club Lounge, a spa, a rooftop bar and a public garden, as well as 16 branded residences. ritzcarlton.com

Virgin Hotel New York

After launching in Chicago in 2015, Richard Branson’s Virgin Hotels went to Dallas and San Francisco, but additional properties are coming to Nashville, Las Vegas and New York.

Located on 29th and Broadway in NoMad, the brand-new, glassy tower will pack in 500 rooms (or Chambers, in Virgin speak) as well as the brand’s Commons Club and a whole host of facilities.

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virginhotels.com

ABOVE FROM TOP: RitzCarlton NoMad; Virgin Hotel New York BELOW LEFT: Pendry Hotel Manhattan West

Pendry Hotel Manhattan West

The third hotel for this luxury boutique brand is planned as part of the Manhattan West mixed-use development, in between the redeveloped Penn Station and new seven-train station at Hudson Yards. It will have 134 rooms and 30 suites, a restaurant, a lounge and an open-air terrace bar. pendryhotels.com

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OUR TOP PICK

OF LUXURY HAVENS

T O P

WHERE SOCIAL

DISTANCING

COULDN’ T BE EASIER

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ith COVID-19 halting our travel plans and putting our lives on pause, we have been able to appreciate the freedom we once had and to dream of destinations we are yet to visit. For many of us, this episode will change the way we travel for the foreseeable future; we’ll look to escape to remote or hidden destinations and seek experiences that allow for safe social distancing.

Getaways to natural hideaways with fresh air and space will now be a compelling alternative to breaks in busy cities for many. With this in mind, Business Traveller has compiled a list of 10 luxurious resorts in the Middle East and North Africa where you can truly escape the crowds.

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I S O H O T S

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WORDS MEL ANIE SWAN

L A T I O N P O T S

Private dining at Six Senses Zighy Bay

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1.

EGYPT FOUR SEASONS SHARM EL SHEIKH

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Perched on Egypt’s magnificent Sinai Peninsula, Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh promises luxury, privacy and with new health and safety measures in place, peace of mind. If you want to get out and about, there are plenty of socialdistance-friendly activities, from world-class diving and snorkelling to desert excursions, or you can simply enjoy some down time in one of the exquisite villas (up to four bedrooms) or suites overlooking the Red Sea. Four Seasons has collaborated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International to validate its new global health and safety programme, Lead With Care.

A joint advisory board is ensuring that guests can enjoy uninterrupted luxury supported by the latest scientific knowledge, while staff undergo ongoing training to ensure guest safety, without compromising luxury and comfort. fourseasons.com

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BELOW: Four Seaons Sharm El Sheikh

2.

OMAN AL BALEED BY ANANTARA, SALALAH

With its sumptuous selection of oneto three-bedroom private pool and beach villas, Al Baleed by Anantara, which is nestled between a private beach and lagoon, provides the perfect isolated escape. The landscape of Salalah, known as the tropics of the Middle East, with its lush green waterfalls, dramatic monsoon season and palm-fringed beaches, belies its geographic origin and provides true back-to-nature respite. Intimate private dining experiences can be enjoyed from the comfort of your villa, thanks to Anantara’s Dining by Design concept, while in-room dining enables you to sample dishes offered at the resort’s three restaurants Activities on offer range from desert camel treks and water sports to luxury camping, private cooking lessons and much more. Anantara has implemented a range of new procedures at all of its properties to ensure guests feel safe, from enhanced high-tech cleaning strategies and sanitised transfer vehicles to shopping by appointment at its boutiques. anantara.com

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ABOVE: Al Baleed

by Anantara

4.

ABOVE: The Ishtar Royal Villas look out to the world's oldest natural spa

MUSANDAM PENINSULA SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY

Tucked away in the idyllic Zighy Bay on northern Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, this property is an absolute escape to nature. Just over two hours by road from Dubai, the resort boasts the dramatic Hajar Mountains as its backdrop and a breath-taking hike or bike expedition across this rugged rocky terrain is one of many activities up for grabs. With just 82 private villas, each with a private infinity pool and a butler on hand, Six Senses Zighy Bay will indulge you with solitude, tranquility and an intuitive service.

The resort is an incredible natural playground, with more than 25 unique experiences that can be enjoyed individually or with family and friends, from diving and snorkelling to fishing and kayaking. Private dining in stunning isolated locations – on the edge of the water or a cliff – are also part of the blissful offering. sixsenses.com

JORDAN ISHTAR ROYAL VILLAS AT KEMPINSKI HOTEL ISHTAR DEAD SEA

3.

ABOVE: Mountain biking at Six Senses Zighy Bay

The Dead Sea is where natural beauty, history and, thanks to Kempinski, luxury, go hand in hand.

Here, at the lowest point on earth, is one of Jordan’s most private retreats featuring a selection of two-storey royal villas that look out to the shores of the world’s oldest natural spa.

There is absolutely no need to leave these havens where you can luxuriate in the infinity pool and whirlpool or simply take in the spectacular views from each of the three master bedrooms. With a private dining room connected to a fully equipped kitchen, an exclusive wellness area that includes a treatment room, steam room, sauna and shower, plus a personalised butler service, it’s isolation heaven. kempinski.com J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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TURKEY MANDARIN ORIENTAL BODROM

For social distancing with style, the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, located on the shores of magical Paradise Bay, overlooking the Aegean Sea, is just the ticket. Check into the newly launched five-bedroom Magnolia Villa for a stay to remember, enjoying residentialstyle luxuries including a fully equipped kitchen, living area, outdoor terrace with spectacular views, a barbecue area and a private pool. If you do step outside this spectacular residence, there is plenty to keep you occupied while staying away from the crowds, with scuba diving, fishing and sailing ideal for water lovers, plus a private beach. There’s plenty to feed your body and mind too, from Japanese, Mediterranean, Italian and modern Turkish cuisine, to spa, wellness and fitness experiences, all currently adapted to meet stringent health and safety requirements. mandarinoriental.com J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

ABOVE: Mandarin Oriental Marrakech

BELOW: Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

6.

MOROCCO MANDARIN ORIENTAL MARRAKECH Just a 10-minute drive from the heart of the city and its historic Medina, but set amid 20 hectares of fragrant gardens and olive groves, Mandarin Oriental Marrakech is a true urban escape. Inspired by Berber and Andalusian-Arabic design influences, all 45 villas have secluded walled gardens, swimming pools, hot tubs, extensive areas for sunbathing and shaded alfresco private dining spaces.

The resort also has seven spectacular suites complete with their own rooftop plunge pool and offering panoramic vistas of the gardens and the surrounding countryside, including the awe-inspiring Atlas Mountains. Home to plenty of restaurants and a world-class spa, there is much to make guests feel like Moroccan royalty, but for the more intrepid, with the Sahara and Atlas Mountains close by, exciting day-trips await. Outdoor activities including trekking, quad biking and skiing give you the chance to really experience Morocco’s wild side. mandarinoriental.com

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RIGHT: The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah Island

8.

UAE, ABU DHABI ZAYA, NURAI ISLAND

It’s hard to believe you’re in the Gulf when you become immersed in the lush surroundings of private Nurai Island. Villas are hideaways within a hideaway, ranging from one-bedroom sanctuaries to secluded six-bedroom estates, each with a spacious living area, private gardens and beach, an infinity swimming pool and reflecting pool. You’ll feel like you’re in a James Bond movie when you jump on a speed boat to access the island from the mainland – the journey time is around one-and-a-half hours from Dubai International Airport and half an hour from Abu Dhabi International Airport. There is much to entertain the whole family, from stand-up paddle boarding, kite surfing and the recently opened water park to the beach club where rest and relaxation beckon. zayanuraiilsland.com

7.

UAE: AJMAN THE OBEROI BEACH RESORT, AL ZORAH ISLAND

Just a 30-minute drive from Dubai International Airport lies Ajman’s exquisite and largely undiscovered natural island of Al Zorah, where luxury resort operator Oberoi has made its home. The lush mangroveencircled island destination, which is a protected area, is a nature-lover’s paradise, featuring pristine white sandy beaches and lagoons that nurture exceptional biodiversity.

From kayaking around the mangroves or enjoying exhilarating water sports on the Gulf waters, to

hitting a few balls on Al Zorah’s Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course, there is much to see and do during your stay. For isolationfriendly downtime, the resort’s expansive private pool villas are just the ticket with their private gardens, wall-to-wall windows, large living and dining spaces and an expansive terrace that’s perfect for barbeques. Oberoi has partnered with Bureau Veritas, the world leader in testing, inspection and certification services, to validate and constantly review its safety and hygiene programme, giving you peace of mind throughout your stay. oberoihotels.com

BELOW: Estate Villas at Zaya, Nurai Island

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LEFT: Bulgari Resort Dubai

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9.

UAE, DUBAI BULGARI RESORT, JUMEIRA BAY

Hidden away on a man-made seahorse-shaped island, Jumeira Bay, the opulent Bulgari Resort offers the best of both worlds – it’s just minutes away from the city, but with its isolated Arabian Gulf location and distinct design edge, it transports you to a European-style retreat. In fact, if

it wasn’t for the spectacular views of the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, you would forget you were near a mega metropolis. The resort has launched “Summer plans, reimagined”, introducing staycation experiences at its villa accommodation with private pools and Arabian Gulf or city skyline views.

Choose from B.Family with special kids’ amenities and activities; B. Private, offering exclusive dining options that respect privacy and social distancing; B.Active, including training sessions, body treatments and special dining; and B.Beautiful, a luxurious getaway with spa treatments. bulgarihotels.com

10.

UAE, RAS AL KHAIMAH THE RITZ-CARLTON RAS AL KHAIMAH, AL WADI DESERT

LEFT: Bulgari Resort J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

Experience the beauty of the Arabian Desert using The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert as your luxurious base camp. This elegant and tranquil resort has launched summer staycation packages that bring together pampering services with opportunities to discover the scenic Nature Reserve.

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The resort boasts 100 private villas, each with temperaturecontrolled swimming pools and highly recommended for private dining experiences under starlit desert skies. If you like to keep busy, try archery, desert biking, bird watching, horse riding and camel treks, while more relaxed pursuits include galaxy watching from the stargazing platform or a leisurely bike ride.

Families will love the daily falcon and owl show, while outside the resort, Ras Al Khaimah is an adventureseeker’s playground, home to the UAE’s highest peak, Jebal Jais and the world’s longest zipline. The resort has aligned its health and safety practices to the government-endorsed Stay Safe RAK campaign and follows the advice of Marriott Global Cleanliness Council experts. ritzcarlton.com

FROM TOP: The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert offers desert pursuits, galaxy watching from the stargazing platform and stunning private pool villas J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

To visit Morocco is still like turning the pages of some illuminated Persian manuscript all embroidered with bright shapes and subtle lines.

PHOTOS ILENE PERLMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK/VIXIT

– Edith Wharton

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Into Africa Morocco models the future by protecting its past

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Morocco is known for is colourful flowing wraps, seen everywhere in its craft-filled marketplaces; Fez and Meknes are famous for pottery production, still made by hand and baked in the sun; Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains is considered Morocco’s most instagrammable location J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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WORDS LARK GOULD

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M

orocco has long been the dim light beckoning across the Strait of Gibraltar from continental Europe, drawing writers, poets, painters and dreamers to its bustling aromatic cities and its vast empty spaces.

It is to where Edith Wharton escaped for an adventurous visit at the end of WWI. No guidebooks; just the tomes of Ibn Buttata to lead the way. It is where Paul Bowles lived for most of his adult life to write such haunting works as The Sheltering Sky, initially prompted to visit the country by his friend, Gertrude Stein, who, herself found inspiration in the North African expanse.

More recently, Yves St. Laurent adopted Marrakech as a delectable canvas and made his mark on the local cultural fabric.

BEYOND CASABLANCA And then there are the countless films, so numerous that the country has its own film office and list of standby medinas to set into action. The ancient clay city of the Aït Benhaddou near Ouarzazate is easily

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Morocco’s medieval tanneries turn animal hides into works of art; Travellers can take camel treks into the erg for hours or days; The Roman ruins of Volubilis near Meknes dates from the 3rd century BC and was once the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania

recognised as the city of Unsullied in Game of Thrones (also scenes from Gladiator were filmed here). Orson Welles shot Othello in Essaouira. Hitchcock filmed the Man Who Knew Too Much in Marrakech. Parts of Lawrence of Arabia were filmed in Morocco.

Ironically, Casablanca was not.

But the travellers to Morocco these days are less apt to be poets and writers, and more likely to be young Instagrammers salivating over the ubiquitous cerulean dwellings amid desert palms, ferrous mountain rises and snowcapped peaks in a swirl of hues that mix

well with the local drapey fashions donned for striking selfie shots.

Due to Instagram, as well as Morocco’s relatively long lasting stability, its commitment to protecting and buoying tourism, and the North African Kingdom’s interest in bridging business enterprise between Africa and Europe, the country has been seeing some good years.

Tourism arrivals counted 13 million in 2019, up 5.2 percent from the previous year and contributing $8.16 billion to the country’s economy.

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CONTEMPORARY CARPETS Expanded airline service, too, has contributed to Morocco’s upward trajectory.

Europe remains ever close and affordable with lift from easyjet and now Ryanair.

British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France also offer direct and non-stop flights from key gateways in Europe.

From the US, Morocco is back in play with new and expanded service from Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and the first-ever non-stop flight by American Airlines to the African continent. Royal Air Maroc now offers nonstop service to Casablanca from Miami as well as Boston, New York JFK and Washington Dulles. It runs a codeshare with American Airlines to shuttle passengers beyond Casablanca to other destinations in Africa.

And it recently joined the oneworld alliance, which brings together 13 airlines and enables RAM to access more than a dozen new hubs as well as 1,035 destinations in 164 countries. Currently, RAM operates 100 air routes – 80 to international airports of which half are in Europe, 32 in Africa and five are in the Middle East.

“Royal Air Maroc is a premier African carrier and its hub in Casablanca is perfectly

situated to offer customers convenient connections between North America and over 40 destinations throughout Africa,” said Vasu Raja, American’s senior vice president of network strategy, in a statement about the new service. “With Royal Air Maroc’s upcoming entry into the oneworld alliance and our recently announced service between Philadelphia and Casablanca, we are committed to creating more opportunities for our customers to visit unique destinations in Africa.”

The codeshare agreement allows American’s customers much easier access to more remote destinations in Africa, including: • Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire (ABJ) • Accra, Ghana (ACC) • Lagos, Nigeria (LOS) • Luanda, Angola (LAD) • Monrovia, Liberia (ROB) American Airlines flies nonstop from Philadelphia to Casablanca seasonally, starting June 4 through to Sept. 8, 2020, on three flights a week running about 7.5 hours in flight time. Gone are the days travellers would have to take up to 40 hours to get from the US to Casablanca on pond

and puddle jumps between inconvenient gateways punctuated with long layovers.

Those flying privately will appreciate the new flagship Jetex VIP Terminal at Marrakech Menara Airport, the latest terminal in the bunch that also includes Casablanca, Agadir and Rabat and a smattering of other locations in Africa.

Morocco sees more than 10,000 private jet movements annually and the private terminal caters to the expectations of these travellers with privacy, attendant service and a modern facility furnished with designer pieces by Pritzker Prize winner Zaha Hadid.

Morocco is no stranger to business travelers. Besides tourism, the country is a major exporter of agricultural products and a hub for mining operations. It is now actively attracting corporations to open their continental headquarters here; most recent among them is Orange Group, formerly France Télécom, that is building its regional offices in Casablanca Finance City (CFC), the new business centre of Morocco’s economic capital.

“Africa is the future of Orange,” Stéphane Richard, Orange’s CEO told a reporter for Paris-based The Africa Report. “Setting J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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up in Dakar rather than Abidjan would have made the Ivorian side jealous and vice versa. Casablanca has become a communications hub in Africa that meets all our expectations.”

Since the US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement came into effect in 2006, overall annual bilateral trade has increased by more than 250 percent.

The United States is Morocco’s fourth largest trading partner and second largest foreign investor. Company names populating Morocco’s global business listings include Faurecia, Resolution Call, Hilti, Comdata, Menara Holding, Teleperformance, DHL Express, Decathlon, EM Lyon Business School Casablanca, Payment Center for Africa, Averda, Societe Generale Africa Technologies & Services, Alten, Chaabi LLD, Hyundai, among others.

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SPEEDING UP AND SLOWING DOWN Whether heading here for business or pleasure, truly seeing Morocco should entail forays into the great ergs or deserts edging the Sahara as well as visits to the country’s four Imperial Cities of Meknes, Marrakech, Rabat and Fez. Tangier is the great port city on the Mediterranean and connected to Morocco’s

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ABOVE: Moroccan musicians performing mystical Gnawa music at a gathering; BELOW: Wandering the great souks of Marrakech, Meknes and Fez comes with plenty of surprises

capital, Rabat, as well as Casablanca, by a new, French-built TGV high-speed rail service that launched in 2018.

Trains depart from each end around the hour mark from 6 AM to 9 PM. The 225mile journey takes approximately two hours at speeds that reach up to 186 mph cutting in half the previous travel time.

No matter what the destination, the visitor will be greeted by a fairyland of colour, textures, aromas, timeless movement and stunning urban surrounds that leap straight out of a 20th century film set or 19th century tome about daring explorations in the exotic and adventuresome Sahara.

Perhaps the most mesmerising of Morocco’s destinations, celebrated in song and legend, is Marrakech – the Red City. A serene 2.5-hour train ride from Casablanca arrives in a city of dizzying ancient souks flanked by a sprawl of ferroushued low rises and minaret towers dotted with palms and set against the shadowy Atlas Mountain range.

Luxury hotels have planted their flags in this city: Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Amanresorts (Amanjena) and Fairmont.

Marriott has the AnaYela (part of its Design Hotels collection) and Le Méridien N’Fis there. And there are some exquisite properties you will not find anywhere else: Selman Marrakech and La Mamounia.

The latter has a fabled history as it became the domicile of visiting kings and sultans after it opened in 1923, and has not lost its luster or its time-defying nature.

It will be closed this summer for a renovation by a Paris-based studio called in to overhaul the restaurants and public areas, but will remain an oasis of quiet and beauty just steps away from bustling Djemaa el Fna square, the medina that is the heart of Marrakech.

The four-acre sprawl of Djemaa el Fna is as alive today as it was when it was created in 1062. Narrow stone alleys snake into various neighbourhoods bursting with visual, auditory and olfactory shocks: the spice markets; the jewellery markets; the textile kiosks overflowing in cantaloupe-coloured scarves and all possibilities of pasha pants; the reptile boutiques (iguanas, chameleons, tarantulas); the intricate carpets woven from the wool of Barbary sheep; the tinkling pours of mint tea; the heady Argan oil attars made from roses, frankincense and musk.

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ABOVE: The leather tanneries of Fez were built in the 11th century and remain active today.

LEFT: Moroccan woman filling water jugs to take back to her village

This is a place that demands hours, if not days. Chances are you will get charmed by a snake tamer and wrapped in a live boa. And no doubt the charmer will request dirham to remove it from your neck.

But this is all part of the fun – and no, the snake is not at all dangerous.

Getting lost in the souk is also inevitable and something to be savoured.

But it need not be eternal. Most merchants speak English and there are many ways out. Just watch for speeding donkeys and listen for the word, “balak!” the warning heard everywhere to get out of the way.

Other top spots in Marrakech include the Majorelle Garden, now an Instagram fave for its villas doused in riveting blue and yellow hues. The 2.5-acre garden, was created by the eponymous Orientalist artist in 1923 and purchased (and restored) by fashion designers Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé in the 1980s.

The garden houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech, the Berber Museum and now the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

While Morocco may be roughly the size of California, it packs in the bedazzling topography, the varied history (a visit to Fez will offer an authentic experience and understanding of Morocco), the endless deserts pocked here and there by medieval villages, the endless beaches, the snowcapped mountains, the crowded medinas and the swell of modern industry keeping it all safe, stable and accessible.

Morocco is a friendly place and for those with eyes open and hearts willing, the timeless lessons of history and engagement are there for the taking, pure and simple.

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Hip to be

SQUARE More commonly marketed to women, are we about to see a resurgence of square watches for men? If so then Longines is ahead of the curve

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hen you think about it, there are plenty of logical reasons for a watch to be round. The mechanics inside a movement operate in circles, from the unwinding mainspring that drives the watch to the wheels and gears that translate that energy into regular, controlled motion. It’s easiest to read the time on a circular dial, with every point equidistant from the centre, and at a deeper, more fundamental level, the building blocks of our system of measuring time are all approximately circular: the rotation of the earth on its axis around the sun, and that of the moon around the earth.

There are other practical reasons, too – as watches were developed in the 1930s and ’40s to be more durable and hard-wearing, round cases found favour partly because they were easier to water-proof, usually by screwing the back into the circular case, and when watches capable of surviving hundreds of metres underwater were required, round cases were better able to deal with the pressure.

Around 80 per cent of watches sold are round, which bears out its common-sense appeal. But what of the other 20 per cent? The first purpose-built wristwatches were square, or more typically rectangular (starting with the Cartier Santos-Dumont in 1904) and have retained their allure for more than a century. Look at the cult appeal of a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso or a Tag Heuer Monaco: both celebrated designs with well-known watch-geek stories – the Reverso for its arcane, flippable case developed for polo players, and the Monaco for its association with actor Steve McQueen and as the first square shape watch to be water-resistant.

WORDS CHRIS HALL J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

WATC H E S

PICTURED: Longines’ Dolce Vita XL

This is a watch plucked straight from one of Jay Gatsby’s parties

More generally, however, square watches have been marketed more assiduously to women, often in diminutive cases powered by quartz movements. Look across the market, from Patek Philippe to Hermes, and that’s what you’ll find. Until this year, that was also true for Longines’ Dolce Vita, which was first launched in 1997, but now the Swiss brand has added a larger case size to the range for the first time, and intends to position the Dolce Vita “XL” (£1,312) as a men’s watch. It has got an automatic movement, which is a key point because it appeals to a male audience.

GOING MAINSTREAM

It does make one wonder whether we are due a resurgence for “mainstream” square watches aimed at men – that is to say, models that sell themselves purely on their shape and design, rather than with the assistance of a butch narrative about motorsports or aviation (as is the case with Bell and Ross’s square-cased pilot’s watches, for instance).

For one thing, we are reaching the centenary of the art deco movement that so heavily influenced many of the first generation of wristwatches: look at the Dolce Vita’s case, with one long line from end to end and the parallel extruded sections on each side. Look at the elegant, thin hour markers, and the contrast between their silvered finish and the deep blue dial, glittering like a starry night.

This is a watch plucked straight from one of Jay Gatsby’s parties. As our art and culture look to recapture the spirit of the roaring twenties, I expect demand for this kind of watch to increase.

Traditionally, men are steered towards square watches for black tie functions and formal events, for the geometric harmony between watch case and shirt cuff, and that’s definitely the best place for this Dolce Vita, but in time, other less flamboyant dial designs will follow that will be better suited to everyday wear.

The other reason I think oblong shapes might now be getting more of a look-in on our wrists is firmly rooted in the present day. I’ll grant that the jury is still out over the long-term influence of the Apple watch on the traditional watch industry (it seems conclusive that it has dealt a blow to sub-£500 (US$623) offerings, but whether today’s young Apple customers will “graduate” into mechanical watches over time, as many predict, is yet to be seen). Still, I think the tech giant’s decision to use a rectangular watch shape could yet be significant.

It was interesting to note that when Switzerland’s brands attempted to respond to the rise of the smartwatch – think Tag Heuer’s Connected or Montblanc’s Summit – they did so in the form of round watches. Circular timepieces may be the most logical shape for timekeeping, but they are fundamentally compromised in the age of the screen; now that rectangles are the dominant form factor for conveying information, is it too much of a stretch to think that that might have an influence when we go shopping for oldfashioned watches?

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

HOTELS COLLECTION

GRAND MILLENNIUM DUBAI HOTEL

MIRFA HOTEL

WALDORF ASTORIA RAS AL KHAIMAH

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

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

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

CROWNE PLAZA MUSCAT OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

CROWNE PLAZA DEIRA, DUBAI

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, DUBAI

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

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

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

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eport Tried, Tested, Tasted.

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TRIED AND TESTED

FROM THE ARCHIVE

∙ Emirates

∙ Crowne Plaza Nairobi,

∙ Anantara Villa Padierna,

∙ The remarkable story

B777-300 ER Business Class DUBAI-LONDON

60-61

Kenya

Marbella, Spain

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62

∙ Radisson Blu, Port

∙ Academia of Athens,

Elizabeth, South Africa

Greece

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of Dubai International Airport (DXB)

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Emirates B777-300 ER business class DUBAI - LONDON B A C K G R O U N D I was repatriated to the UK from Dubai, via the British Embassy, on April 5, 2020, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. I was placed on a waiting list at the end of March and waited seven days before Emirates called and emailed offering me a £550 (US$683) one-way economyclass ticket. It was one of the first flights to repatriate expatriates to the UK, so it was clearly a tense period for staff and passengers.

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C H E C K - I N We were departing from Dubai International’s Terminal 2, rather than the usual Terminal 3, and I arrived at the airport five hours before the flight as requested by the airline. On arrival I was directed to the main hall to go through the COVID-19 processes, which included a temperature/heat scan and being handed a pair of medical gloves, a face mask and hand sanitiser. I was then directed to the waiting area where social distancing guidelines were place, prior to being called forward to check in.

In addition to the large team of Emirates and flydubai staff providing assistance, members of the UK and UAE governments were on hand to ensure all procedures were adhered to and to answer passenger questions. My only concerns were that because T2 is normally a flydubai terminal, there was some confusion as to which team was in charge and information provided to passengers was sometimes unclear.

We were not informed prior to arrival at the airport that hand luggage could not include laptops or small (7kg) cases etc. and that excess baggage would be charged at AED 120 (US$32) per kilo plus a AED 80 ($21.34) service charge. To make matters worse, the excess baggage fee payment counters were unmanned for 45 minutes. I ended up paying an AED 780 ($208) for my excess baggage of approximately 6kg.

B O A R D I N G From check-in it was a twominute walk to the gate. Subway was the only shop open in the terminal, which felt eerily quiet. At the departure gate, which

J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

We were allowed to move our face masks down to communicate

was busy, social distancing measures enabled us to queue in four lines - one for each desk open. The wait for departure was almost two hours and during this time, passengers were visited by the UK Ambassador to the UAE. It definitely helped lighten the mood a little. While waiting to board I was given an upgrade to business class. Boarding took much longer than usual (around 45 minutes longer) due to social distancing restrictions and extra security checks and scans.

T H E F L I G H T We took off approximately 30 minutes later than expected as the shuttle bus service took longer due to social distancing measures. There were two flight attendants serving the business class cabin.

Because I had been upgraded, I was not

entitled to all of the usual bells and whistles.

It was an economy service in a businessclass seat; the blankets and pillows were from the economy cabin, as was the food offering – two basic choices of a chicken or beef dish. However, the extra leg room, flatbed option, automated window screen and large TV with great movie options ensured the flight was relaxing. I also had access to the in-flight Wi-Fi. We were allowed to move our face masks down to communicate if necessary and to remove them if we were sleeping. In business class the booths enable you to maintain social distancing thereby making it unnecessary to wear the mask at all times.

T H E S E A T The seat, with its 60-inch

pitch and ergonomically designed headrest,

S P E C I A L R E P O R T : F LY I N G D U R I N G T H E PA N D E M I C

BEST FOR Attentive service, fully reclining seat/bed

C ONFIGURATION 2-3-2

SE AT RECLINE Flat

SE AT WIDTH 20.5 inches

SE AT PITCH 60 inches

FLIGHT TIME 7 hours, 20 minutes

PRICE Higher due to the pandemic, ÂŁ550 ($683) one-way economy (upgraded to business)

CONTACT emirates.com

With plenty of room between social distancing was easy was extremely spacious and luxurious and reclined to a fully flat bed. There were USB charging points, a universal plug socket and a large 23-inch TV screen. With plenty of room between seats, social distancing was easy and if you do have hand luggage such as laptops and handbags, there is plenty of storage space. There was also room to spread out and work.

A R R I V A L We arrived on time despite

the delayed departure. Upon arrival at Heathrow Terminal 3, I was shocked to find that none of the Heathrow terminal staff were wearing masks, gloves or social distancing. There was no hand sanitiser

at the baggage counters or trolley collection points and there were no social distancing measures in place at the exit from passport control. It was as if the UK was unaware of the pandemic. There were no representatives from Heathrow, UK Immigration or seats, the UK Government to meet UK Citizens and welcome them home or explain any COVID-19 procedures, which left us all wondering what we were coming back to.

V E R D I C T Given the circumstances the

airline handled things very well. It was a tense time for everyone, but the service provided was of the high standard you’d expect from Emirates. Staff were constantly asking if they could do anything to help, refilling my tea and so on. The upgrade was a nice touch and considering we were all navigating this new world of COVID-19 travel for the first time, the process was reassuringly smooth from the Dubai side.

Phill Robson, CEO & Co-Founder, Xtreme Spaces J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

BEST FOR Meetings and events

DON’T MISS A dip in the outdoor pool with sea views

PRICE From US$124 per night (booking direct online)

CONTACT Kenya Rd, Upper Hill, Nairobi tel +254 2027 46000 email info@cpnairobi.com ihg.com

emphasis on international meats, but there are local dishes too such as a tasty Red Snapper in white wine sauce. The wideranging menu also includes affordable vegetarian options such as risotto or pasta parcels, as well as pricier dishes including lobster thermidor and prawns masala.

Crowne Plaza Nairobi 62

B A C K G R O U N D Crowne Plaza Nairobi

opened in 2010 when there was a dearth of internationally recognised hotel brands in the Kenyan capital. A decade later and it has been joined by a fair few, plus a second Crowne Plaza opened near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport last year.

When it comes to meetings and events, the hotel is in its element

W H E R E I S I T ? Upper Hill, known as the city’s financial hub, is where you’ll find the regional headquarters of the World Health Organisation, the African Development Bank, Citibank and the World Bank, as well as various embassies and offices.

dinner. My TV remote wasn’t working, but I didn’t want to watch TV so didn’t ask to get it fixed. The TV screen was surprisingly small given the cinema-like proportions that most hotels offer, but this wasn’t a problem for me.

R O O M S There are 206 rooms across

F O O D A N D D R I N K Alabaster Coffee

several categories: Superior Rooms with a king-sized bed, Standard Rooms with two queen beds, Executive Suites with a separate lounge area, plus larger Presidential Suites. All rooms have desks, armchairs, safes and tea/coffee-making facilities. I stayed in an Executive Suite, which was comfortable with a nice bath.

Distinctive Crowne Plaza touches included a pillow menu and a lavender sleep spray next to the bed. The Wi-Fi was fast and easy to connect to and there was a bowl of fresh fruit on the dining room table. The windows were large with good views and a turndown service was carried out while I was having

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Lounge in the lobby serves light meals, pastries and drinks and Baraka Restaurant serves the morning breakfast buffet, a buffet lunch and à la carte dinners. I had to leave before breakfast service started (6am) to catch a flight, so staff offered to prepare me something. On a side note, though this is far from an airport hotel, the reception displays live flight information. The night before I ate at Sikia Restaurant, which is dark and atmospheric, but with bright local artwork on the walls and is the kind of space where you don’t feel conspicuous when dining alone. The culinary offering recently had a refresh under a new manager, with an

B U S I N E S S There is

complimentary, fast Wi-Fi throughout the property and a desk in every room. When it comes to meetings and events, the hotel is in its element. There are 11 rooms across 800 sqm, the largest of which can fit 550 people, or 300 for a banquet. To the left of reception are the big ballrooms, while the smaller meeting rooms are tucked away further into the property across different floors.

L E I S U R E There is a large two-floor gym, staffed from 6am to 10pm, but you can use it on request at other times. It’s open to non-guests and popular in the early morning when members use it before work. Beauty treatments and massages are available and there is also an outdoor pool.

V E R D I C T A classic Crowne Plaza, and a very nice one at that. Staff are friendly and accommodating, the rooms are large and there are lots of dining options as well as a good gym and pool. It’s the kind of hotel you don’t really need to leave. Jenni Reid

TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth B A C K G R O U N D Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth, South Africa, was purposebuilt for the 2010 World Cup, but has since evolved into a sought-after seafront hotel that’s popular with the corporate, government and leisure markets. For the third year running it has received certification from the global SafeHotels programme, which benchmarks security standards in the hospitality industry. The entire property is non-smoking.

W H E R E I S I T ? In the upmarket suburb of Summerstrand, a 10-minute drive from Port Elizabeth Airport and a similar distance to the central business district. It’s also close to the N2 freeway for travellers heading into the Eastern Cape and a short walk from some of the city’s best beaches.

Tabú Grill is certainly a good option for after-work dinners and catching up with colleagues R O O M S There are 173 rooms across 18 floors, with upper floor rooms offering superb ocean views. The ‘Superior Rooms’ – with or without a direct ocean view and king or twin bed options – are well-suited to corporate travellers and feature a desk, coffee-making facilities and complimentary high-speed internet access. Junior Suites are a significant step up, offering nearly double the space and a separate lounge

area. My Junior Suite had superb sea views from the bedroom and lounge (even the desk was sea-facing) plus large flat-screen TVs ls in both areas. The bathrooms are modern and spacious with a bath and shower, but are rather open-plan to the bedroom – worth remembering if you plan on upgrading to share with a colleague.

FOOD AND DRINK

BEST FOR Meetings, business trips or corporate getaways

DON’T MISS A dip in the outdoor pool with sea views

PRICE From US$98 per night for a Superior Room (booking direct online)

L E I S U R E The hotel’s modern gym is managed by an outside provider and features state-of-the-art Technogym cardio equipment, as well as a weights and floor area. Outside guests use the facility so it can get busy in the mornings. There’s a dedicated shower and subject to availability, hotel guests have complimentary access to the steam room at the Amani Spa. With six treatment rooms, a relaxation room, nail bar and competitively priced therapies, it’s a good option for corporate breakaways.

CONTACT

Cnr Marine Drive & 9th Avenue tel +27 41 509 5000 email info.port-elizabeth@ radissonblu.com radissonhotels.com

There’s one all-day dining outlet – the Tabú Grill, Bar and Lounge overlooking the pool terrace – which serves a generous buffetstyle breakfast. A buffet is also offered at dinnertime, but the à la carte menu is a better choice with a good range of South African and international dishes, including generously sized steaks. Tabú Grill is a good option for after-work dinners and colleague catchups, but for celebratory client dinners it’s perhaps a little low-key.

M E E T I N G S The hotel’s spacious

The multi-functional Bay Suite space can accommodate between 42 and 180 guests with a dedicated bar and catering area on hand. The conference floor has separate access lifts for delegates.

There’s a small business centre on the ground floor and the friendly concierge team can help with airport transfers and other requests.

conference facilities, which span an entire floor covering 680 sqm, range from private meeting rooms to larger function spaces.

V E R D I C T The combination of location, facilities and upmarket accommodation ensures the Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth ticks all the right boxes for the corporate market. Richard Holmes

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TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

Anantara Villa Padierna, Marabella, Spain B A C K G R O U N D Anantara’s hospitality and focus on connecting guests with the destination shines through, with signature experiences that avoid the tourist hubbub yet still immerse the traveller in the region.

W H E R E I S I T ? Within a gated development, the resort is an hour’s drive from Malaga. Major sites like Alhambra Palace is just over two hours’ drive; Marbella Old Town is especially convenient.

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W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? The resort is divided between two beautifully designed villas that look like palaces. Trickling Moorish fountains surround the pool and gardens with majestic noble arches in the main atrium creating a dramatic first impression.

R O O M S The décor of the 132 rooms and suites blends old-world European accent pieces in the artwork and fabrics with modern touches like flat-screen TVs and immense bathrooms stocked with Spanishbrand Loewe luxury products. Some rooms and suites have furnished balconies overlooking the golf course or gardens.

I really enjoyed the option to choose my own style of pillow from a bedside menu although I wish there were more conveniently placed power outlets.

F O O D A N D D R I N K La Loggia is the main dining room serving all-day menus starting with a lavish breakfast buffet featuring Spanish products galore – cured meats and hams, local cheeses, and tropical fruits. I especially liked the Padron peppers and churros; a la carte dishes like omelets and pancakes are also available. Lunch and dinner continue the same Spanish fusion theme (the salmorejo soup was incredible).

Eddy’s Bar is a consistent award winner for its cocktail menu served in designer glassware while 99 Sushi Bar is especially popular for its menu made famous from outlets in Dubai, Madrid, and Mallorca among others. Menus are served by the J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

BEST FOR Manicured grounds, three 18-hole golf courses, and exquisite dining

DON’T MISS The private yoga classes overlooking the Mediterranean

PRICE Internet rates for a traditional room start at $250 including breakfast

CONTACT Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort tel: +66-0-2-365-9110 anantara.com/en/villapadierna-marbella

pool, at the panoramic beach club (a short shuttle drive away), and The Grill Club (part of the racquet club). Chef Paco Roncero, a two-Michelin star recipient, is responsible for much of the resort’s specialty menus including the new O by Paco Roncero.

Anantara is famous for its Dining by Design concept that allows people to customise their menu and dining location anywhere around the resort (the romantic chapel is a popular option).

L E I S U R E F A C I L I T I E S The swimming pool winds around trees with plenty of shade. A lifeguard delivers towels and reading material to sunseekers while others relax in the spa. This goes beyond massage and beauty treatments to offer an impressive

thalassotherapy circuit, with hot and cold areas designed to improve circulation and energy levels. For a bit of local flair, try the Andalusian olive oil massage. A kids’ club provides supervised activities like cooking.

M E E T I N G S A N D F I T N E S S Wireless

Internet is complimentary, including at the beach club, and there are a variety of conference setups including an outdoor amphitheater. A business corner provides a computer and printer.

V E R D I C T Marbella is awash in tourist

resorts, but Anantara has mastered the art of luxury. Its formula of service and exceptional quality hits high marks for even the most frequent travellers. Ramsey Qubein

Signature experiences avoid the tourist hubbub yet still immerse the traveller in the region

TRIED & TESTED HOTEL

BEST FOR

Academia of Athens Greece B A C K G R O U N D What makes each Autograph Collection hotel so special is that the brand’s motto holds true: “It’s exactly like nothing else.” That’s probably why guests have a hard time describing their stay at an Autograph Collection hotel.

What travellers love about the Academia of Athens, however, is the property has spectacular personality all its own including a strong focus on education and enrichment (quite fitting for the Greek capital).

W H E R E I S I T ? Close to many of the main shopping and dining areas in town, this is one of the few American brand hotels in the city centre. It takes only a few minutes to reach the nearest metro station or Syntagma Square. Popular pedestrian shopping streets and the famous Plaka area are all within a close walk of the front entrance.

W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? For such a small property, the Academia offers plenty of local character in the form of quotes on the walls from famous Greek philosophers, and books and artifacts located throughout the hotel. As part of Autograph Collection’s “mark of craft,” a signature experience that represents the destination of each hotel,

Spectacular personality with plenty regional flair

DON’T MISS The weekly gatherings with a local academic to discuss – well, everything

PRICE Internet rates for a traditional room start at $202

CONTACT

The Academia offers plenty of local character in the form of quotes on the walls from famous Greek philosophers this property offers weekly soirees where guests can engage in hour-long chats with a local professor on a variety of topics ranging from philosophy to love and life balance. How positively Greek!

R O O M S Sizeable, attractive and pleasant, the guest rooms show clean lines and modern fixtures. Plush mattresses with duvets are accompanied by pillow menus and convenient power outlets on either side of the bed. The choice of views can vary wildly between city streets, neighbouring buildings, and for those lucky few on the top floors, the Acropolis. Likewise, guestrooms also vary in their layout, with nearly half offering traditional bathrooms

Academia of Athens, 38 Akadimias, Omirou Street, Athina 106 72, Greece tel +30-21-0367-0000. autograph-hotels marriott.com

behind sliding doors while the rest have bathrooms that are divided from the guest room by glass panels. These panels feature technology that allows them to be switched to opaque at the touch of a button. Each bathroom stocks a supply of Molton Brown toiletries sporting a scent created specifically for the hotel.

F O O D A N D D R I N K Plato Bar in the lobby serves cocktails and coffee specialties while Symposium serves all-day menus starting with a deluxe breakfast spread including cold cuts, fresh fruit and Greek cheeses, and an a la carte menu with smoothies and a wide variety of egg dishes. Later in the day, the menu focuses on Greek cuisine with a modern twist. Soon to open is the rooftop restaurant, which will serve panoramic views as well as creative and modern Greek fare.

M E E T I N G S A N D F I T N E S S Wireless

Internet is complimentary and a convenient business centre is near reception. The basement has modern workout equipment, plenty of bottled water and towels and a heated lap pool for aquatic exercise.

V E R D I C T This boutique hotel offers

plenty of local character plus an excellent city-centre position that works for both business and leisure travellers. Ramsey Qubein J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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SNAPSHOT

1988 Dubai International airport has grown exponentially over the past three decades

WORDS JENNI REID

PICTURED: Dubai International in the 1970s (left) and today (below)

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D

ubai International airport has entered a year of milestones.

In September it will mark 60 years since it opened with a single terminal and compacted-sand runway on a salt flat in the desert, capable of handling aircraft up to the size of a Douglas DC-3.

In 2020 it will also be 55 years since the airport got its first asphalt runway (it now has two); 35 years since the founding of its home carrier, Emirates; and 20 years since it opened a new concourse that increased its capacity from 10 million annual passengers to 23 million. That final figure J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

seems miniscule by today’s standards, as it approaches the 90 million mark. Between 1960 and 2011 the airport served 500 million passengers; between 2012 and 2018 it served another 500 million.

When Business Traveller’s Alex McWhirter visited in 1988, the airport was already popular as a transiting spot. It offered cheap duty-free and had a US$35 million arrivals terminal. Airlines liked its economical landing and airport handling fees, lack of night flight restrictions and the emirate’s liberal open skies policy.

Three decades on, transiting passengers are still key to the airport’s success, accounting for half of its traffic and making

it the world’s busiest airport for international travel. Just under half of passengers are flying Emirates, which has cemented a reputation for competitive longhaul fares, excellent food and quality service.

What’s ahead for the hub?

Like many airports it will look to boost its sustainability credentials. It has pledged to ban single-use plastics this year and has installed 15,000 photovoltaic solar panels. It will also continue to invest in biometric technology, having rolled out a “biometric path” allowing passengers to use facial recognition at check-

in, security and boarding. Its fortunes are bound up with those of Emirates, which even before the COVID-19 pandemic, faced challenges including geopolitical tensions, oil price volatility and competition from new long-range, single-aisle aircraft, which could jeopardise the value of Gulf stopovers.

As Alex has written many times in Business Traveller, nothing is certain in aviation.

Still, as the airport mulls ways to increase annual capacity from 90 million to 120 million, it is banking on a bright future when air travel returns to normal.

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Sign up for your FREE Ascott Star Rewards membership now and receive 2,000 bonus points* and a 30% off eVoucher for your first online booking. www.the-ascott.com/asr + 971 4 377 1099 The Ascott Limited is a member of CapitaLand. It is one of the leading international lodging owner-operators with more than 700 properties in over 180 cities spanning more than 30 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its portfolio of serviced residence and hotel brands includes Ascott The Residence, The Crest Collection, Somerset, Quest, Citadines, lyf, PrĂŠfĂŠrence, Vertu, Harris, Citadines Connect, Fox, Yello and POP!.