The SS24 Middle East Launches To Know About
UAE
The Mega Launch:
One&Only One Za’abeel
The third One&Only in Dubai is a departure from the beachside resorts with which the luxury hotel chain has made its name. This is the brand’s first vertical urban property. Housed in one of two conjoining skyscrapers slap bang on what was Trade Centre roundabout in the Za’abeel district, the resort is a hub not just for travellers, but for locals who will appreciate the new culinary concepts it houses. Michelin-lauded names like Anne-Sophie Pic, Bo Songvisava and Dylan Jones, Mehmet Gürs, Paco Morales and Tetsuya Wakuda all appear within The Link, a dining destination within the cantilever that connects the two skyscraper towers. A star attraction is Tapasake, which offers Japanese-Peruvian cuisine around the UAE’s longest suspended infinity pool – expect a unique view across the city to the Burj Khalifa. Spa junkies are catered to with the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, a three-storey space offering a holistic approach to wellness. Read more about the exciting launch event here.
Visit OneAndOnlyResorts.com
The Food Event:
Dubai Food Festival
Dubai’s annual Food Festival is taking place from 19th April to 12th May. Across the event, restaurants and stars of the city’s hospitality scene will come together to showcase the best food and drink the destination has to offer. Whether you’re a Dubai regular or are on the hunt for a great restaurant or two to book, the festival is the perfect chance to explore new restaurants and take part in one-off experiences, including food masterclasses and four-hands dinners which show off the flavours and traditions of Dubai. One of the highlights in the event’s calendar is Dubai Restaurant Week, which starts on 26th April and involves hotspots such as Taiko, Kata and 21 Grams. New for 2024 is the Chef’s Menu, a 12-day interactive celebration – from 1st to 12th May – where each night will see one of Dubai’s leading chefs serve an exclusive menu of their most celebrated dishes.
Visit VisitDubai.com
The Spa:
Dior Beauty Spa At The Lana
The Lana – Dorchester Collection’s first property in the Middle East – has already made a splash since it opened at the start of the year. Now it’s readying to open the first Dior Spa in the UAE. On the hotel’s 29th floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the city’s iconic landmarks, Dior Spa The Lana will have five treatment rooms and one couple’s suite. Cutting-edge treatments will include Icoone Therapy, Hydrafacial, Dior Micro-Abrasion and the Dior Skin Light LED therapy mask, renowned for its ability to promote intense cell regeneration. Enhancing the experience, the spa offers a futon for Japanese-inspired treatments and a dedicated beauty room. Three signature treatments will be exclusive to The Lana, including Escale at The Lana, Dior Stone Therapy and D-Sculpt.
Visit Dior.com
The Restaurant:
Funkcoolio
Funkcoolio is the latest addition to top Dubai chef Akmal Anuar’s empire of Michelin restaurants, which include Otoro, 11 Woodfire and Goldfish. Launching shortly, his newest spot will bring an ‘Itameshi’ experience to Dubai, focusing on Italian and Japanese flavours presented in playful ways – highlights include arancini nigiri and koshihikari risotto. We can’t wait to try what the group is calling ‘game-changing pizza’. On Port De La Mer, the restaurant will overlook the waterfront. An inventive, alcohol-free drinks list will feature everything from refreshing herbal infusions to innovative fruit blends.
Follow @Funkcoolio on Instagram.
The Fitness Focus:
Siro One Za’abeel
In the skyscraper that conjoins One Za’abeel, Siro is Dubai’s first dedicated fitness and recovery hotel from Kerzner International. It offers state-of-the-art Fitness and Recovery Labs and private training sessions built around plans tailored to individual health and fitness goals and nutritional requirements. A long list of studio classes and curated programmes features big names in fitness such as Core by British Olympian Adam Peaty, Boxing by Ramla Ali and Functional Fitness by AC Milan. Suites and rooms – dubbed ‘urban recovery cocoons’ – will be set up to complement your chosen fitness programme. The Fitness Suites will provide private workout areas with impressive views across Dubai, while the Recovery Suites include a dedicated spa area and massage table. Both come with two complementary 30-minute treatment sessions.
Visit SiroHotels.com
The Dining Experience:
Agatha
One of the restaurant arrivals in Dubai is Agatha in Habtoor City, where it’s neighbours with Le Patio, World Cut Steakhouse and The 44. Billing itself as ‘a dining experience where Asian classics are transformed with French artistry’, dishes could include tomato shoga salad with tomato dashi; confit duck leg glazed with a Cantonese-style hoisin sauce; and this striking riff on cheesecake. The interiors also draw inspiration from vintage French-British aesthetics – think midnight blue walls, moody table lights, velvet upholstery and an atmospheric bar. Live entertainment will take centre stage as the evening goes on.
Visit AgathaDXB.com
The Offer:
Madinat Jumeirah Wellness Escapes
Madinat Jumeirah has introduced its new Wellness Escapes offer, available to guests staying at any of its four properties, which include Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, Jumeirah Al Naseem and Jumeirah Al Qasr. The offering invites guests to experience the Talise Wellness Programme, which includes a dedicated wellness coach and access to daily wellness activities from reiki to sound healing therapy. Whether opting for the ‘recharge’ programme, ‘sleep’ offering or alleviating physical tension with the ‘de-stress’ programme, guests will be able to create a framework to suit their needs. All this is set within the palatial setting of Jumeirah Al Qasr.
Visit Jumeirah.com
The Beachside Retreat:
Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi
Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat has opened its doors, bringing Aegean luxury to the shores of the United Arab Emirates. On the coast, approximately halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the adult-only property is made up of 22 luxury guest rooms and suites, all in a style inspired by the low-lying white buildings found on the Greek island of Santorini. Views of the Gulf stretch can be enjoyed from every suite and terrace, and all the accommodation has soft furnishings in neutral colours. At the Anantara Spa, treatments from the East and West are fused to create a menu of traditional rituals and cutting-edge treatments, alongside a plunge pool, Himalayan salt sauna, Moroccan hammam and spa bath.
Visit Anatara.com
The Stylish Way To Travel:
Wheely
Wheely, the Swiss-founded company known for its on-demand and pre-booked chauffeuring, has now launched in Dubai, along with the Middle East debut of its New Business Class product. From on-demand and pre-scheduled chauffeuring and ‘Perfect Airport Pickups’ to a concierge service and best-in-class app, Wheely helps its clients reclaim their time. Its New Business Class offer introduces BMW vehicles alongside its existing fleet of Mercedes-Benz, which will be used for its XL, Perfect Airport Pickup and Chauffeur for a Day services.
Visit Wheely.com
The Refresh:
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
One of the world’s most recognisable buildings, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is an icon on the Dubai skyline. Fresh for 2024, chef Tom Coll has launched a new pastry boutique. On the first floor, Les Desserts serves everything from raspberry tarts to rich pistachio religieuse. On the 27th floor, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s Skyview Lounge has launched a new afternoon tea experience, serving king crab tartelettes, mango flower rolls, hazelnut lemon swirls and champagne daily, all from 200m above sea level. Finally, the hotel’s award-winning Talise Spa recently introduced HWH Studio, a dedicated yoga studio where renowned instructor Adrienne Everett hosts regular classes and retreats, plus 1:1 yoga and Reformer Pilates classes sessions.
Visit Jumeirah.com
The Resort:
Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort
Within protected mangroves in a natural reserve, and set against the backdrop of the Al Hajar mountains, the Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort opened earlier this year. Forty-five minutes by car from Dubai and a 15-minute transfer from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, the resort has been built in part using eco-friendly materials such as recycled fabrics, plastics and wood, and features sustainable initiatives such as solar panels and thermodynamics to heat water, greywater waste recycling and a water bottling plant. Every room showcases a balcony or terrace on which to relax with something chilled, while taking in the surrounding lagoon or sea view. The overwater villas – a first in Ras Al Khaimah – offer the chance to see dolphins, turtles and dugongs from the deck.
Visit Anantara.com
The One To Watch:
Aman Dubai
Ultra-luxury hotel group Aman has announced the launch of its latest property. Designed by long-term collaborator Kerry Hill Architects, Aman Dubai will occupy a prestigious shoreline setting, complete with an expansive private beach. The all-suite hotel will feature a limited number of Aman branded residences, a huge Aman Spa, several choices of restaurants and an Aman Club. We can’t wait to hear more…
Visit Aman.com
SAUDI ARABIA
The Desert Resort:
Six Senses Southern Dunes
In Tabuk on Saudi Arabia’s west coast, Six Senses Southern Dunes is another part of The Red Sea Project. It’s a 45-minute drive from the recently opened Red Sea International Airport, which is serviced by Saudi airlines direct from Riyadh and Jeddah. This desert resort is a 45-minute drive to the Red Sea – and surrounded by breath-taking dunes as far as the eye can see. In lieu of the sea, there’s a central swimming pool and 40 villas with private pools. Inspired by Saudi’s Bedouin heritage, the resort blends with its desert surroundings and displays traditional artworks and artefacts to remind you where you are. As health is at the centre of all Six Senses, the expansive spa houses a gym, yoga studio and state-of-the-art facilities including an infra-red sauna, biohacking area and hammam.
Visit SixSenses.com
The Hack:
Abu Dhabi Pass
Experience Abu Dhabi has launched the Abu Dhabi Pass in partnership with global travel marketplace Alike. Offering more convenience and savings to visitors exploring the emirate’s diverse range of offerings, The Abu Dhabi Pass offers discounts of up to 40% across more than 40 of the city's most-loved attractions – along with opportunities for skip-the-line access as well as exclusive discounts on UAE visas, SIM cards and transport. Passholders can tailor their experience with three pass options that suit different trip lengths and budgets. The pass covers entry and access to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn and the Etihad Tower Observation Deck at 300, while families can enjoy KidZania Abu Dhabi, the BMX Park at Circuit X and a desert safari adventure through Abu Dhabi’s endless dunes.
Visit TheAbuDhabiPass.com
The Luxury Launches:
Albalad Hospitality
Three historic properties in Al Balad have been transformed into luxury hotels. Located in an area of great historical and cultural significance, with Unesco heritage protection, the trio of hotels are part of the Jeddah Historic District Program, which has paved the way in the regeneration of the old town of Al Balad. Named Beit Jokhdar, Beit Kedwan and Beit Al Rayess, each hotel has been carefully restored with the help of historians and the knowledge of locals, using local artists, carpenters and architects as well as locally sourced products to bring the buildings back to life. Of the three, we love the look of the sumptuous suites in Beit Al Rayess.
Visit AlbaladHospitality.com
The Island Escape:
St Regis Red Sea Resort
Part of The Red Sea Project, on a private island in the protected Ummahat archipelago, the ultra-luxury St Regis Red Sea Resort is now open. It’s only accessible by boat or seaplane, giving it a distinct Maldives feel. There are 90 villas, overwater and beachfront, with up to four bedrooms. Guests are encouraged to explore the surrounding pristine waters – home to the world’s fourth largest barrier reef – through diving excursions, PADI courses, snorkelling trips and educational expeditions. Three restaurants will keep guests catered to throughout their stay: modern Japanese will be served at Gishiki 45; Middle Eastern food is celebrated at Nesma; and Tilina, perched over the top of one of the reefs, is a fine-dining steakhouse. Days can be spent luxuriating in the spa or by your private pool while children play in the kids’ club.
Visit Marriott.com
The Flight:
British Airways London Heathrow-Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia
British Airways has launched daily flights to Abu Dhabi, following a four-year hiatus. Available to book, the route will begin operating on 20th April, serving the UAE’s capital on a year-round basis from London Heathrow. The new flight will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 aircraft and will boost connectivity to the UAE as it joins flights to neighbouring Dubai, which operate up to three-times daily from Heathrow. Those looking for holiday packages can enjoy a wide selection from British Airways Holidays, which include ATOL protection, a 24-hour helpline and 23kg baggage allowance as standard.
Visit BritishAirways.com
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