Gliding Through the Persian Gulf

LUXE TRAVEL

MAGAZINE GLIDING THROUGH THE

Persian Gulf

VOL.07

CONTENTS 03.

07.

11.

15.

RIXOS, SAADIYAT

SWISSÔTEL, AL MUROOJ

DEVERANA SPA

19.

24.

29.

33.

RITZ-CARLTON RIYADH SPA

FEATURED INTERVIEW

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FEATURED INTERVIEW

HIBACHI RESTAURANT

SAVE THE DATE

Provided By Rixos Premium, Saadiyat Island

RIXOS PREMIUM

SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI 03

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is a place for you to lose yourself. A place where exclusivity and luxury define every experience, all the time. The luxurious family getaway is beautifully located by the ocean yet within touching distance of the city.

SCAN ME TO SEE MORE

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AN UNFORGETTABLE

TOUCH OF EXCLUSIVITY

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Provided By Athina Luxury Suites

As a Rixos Premium Saadiyat guest you will only experience the very best of the best, from the deluxe accommodation to the exquisite gastro-nomic delights, from the incredible entertainment to the blissful spa, you’ll live out an exclusive experience. The addition of the Kids Club has been created to ensure that children also have a memorable stay.

The Saadiyat Island is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Gulf and is a certified UNESCO heritage site. Guests can expect to be pampered while enjoying premium beach services that will make every day by the ocean unforgettable. If you do manage to tear yourself away from the stunning views, rest assured that Abu Dhabi and its attractions are always close by.

Other than offering guests plush rooms, the cosiest beds or even the most stunning views. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island also offer guests more. Premium, made-to-order services that will make you wish your vacation was permanent. The elegantly-designed rooms, suites, and villas will make you forget the world outside with gorgeous garden and sea views. Guests staying in the suites and villas, also receive luxurious VIP services.

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ALI OZBAY OF RIXOS GULF REGION

REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF MARKETING The challenges that come with being competitive in one of the most sought after regions in the world is not lost on anyone, especially not Ali Ozbay who heads up the Marketing Communications for Rixos in the Gulf Region. We caught up with Ali to hear more about what it takes to have the competitive edge.

As the Head of Marketing & Communications for Gulf Region, it must come with a lot of responsibility. What does an average day look like for you?

Every day is a new day. I wake up each morning at 5 AM. I try to exercise at least three days a week for an hour. Shower, enjoy a morning cup of coffee in the garden, dress up, and head to the office.

I schedule essential meetings early in the morning and initiate regular one-to-one catch-ups with the team. Some days consist mainly of networking and connecting with media, peers and executives.

I must say Zoom Meetings have also become a part of our lives after the pandemic. I'm a firm believer in efficacy over presence. Remote work is the future. It does not matter where you are; what matters is the quality of your contribution regardless of your location.

Where did your passion for the industry come from?

I was born in Istanbul/ Turkey. Having spent my childhood travelling the country with my family for years, I found hospitality or the hotelier life fascinating.

My first job was being a Holiday Rep for one of the major travel companies back then, and I was based in the famous Hillside Beach Club in Fethiye, which is still one of the best hotels you can ever visit in Turkey. Working in tourism and hospitality in Turkey is excellent and so much fun, especially in those years when the tourism sector was booming with new concepts.

I moved to UK to finish my studies and did a Master's Degree in Tourism Management. After finishing my studies, I started travelling in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. I remember my motto back then, "Life is short, and the world is wide. Travel often."

Could you tell us a bit more about the history of the destination?

We are located on the beautiful Saadiyat Island, a natural island and a cultural hotspot for Emirati heritage. From Zayed National Museum to Louvre Abu Dhabi and soon the Guggenheim, are some of the Saadiyat experiences.

Saadiyat Island also has a strong appeal to nature lovers. Marine life enthusiasts will love the abundance of beautiful animals, particularly the endangered Hawksbill turtles that nest on the island.

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From a personal perspective, what strategies work the best to keep Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island such an esteemed destination?

We've done extensive research and sampling throughout the years, and it always comes down to 3 significant elements. F&B, Entertainment and Sports. There are no surprises here. But the question is, how do you actually leverage that into a business proposition. We are by far the best in the industry when it comes to delivering unique experiences at a scale.

The Middle East is full of beautiful hotels run by reputable, successful brands. Some are like hospitality institutions, and some are an extension of fashion brands and so on. Fascinating hardware, glamorous lobbies, fancy architecture, and so on.

When the guests walk in, instantly, they are impressed by the crystal chandeliers and the makrana marble or tall and centred water fountains creating a sense of everlasting grace. Then what?

What’s gonna happen the next 7 days?

We look out for what’s missing in the market rather than what’s already there. We bring guests experiences to thoroughly enjoy and memories to take away.

Have you felt improvements at the establishment post-pandemic?

Things have drastically changed in the post covid era. Starting with the booking trends and frames, it's a different game today.

Travellers' mindsets have shifted from simply booking a hotel and staying put to looking for cultural activities or memorable moments that will enhance their time away. We, as hoteliers, need to re-evaluate our offerings to meet this shift in consumer demand. Simply put, hotels need to incorporate experiences into their primary offering.

What does the future have in store for the Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island?

There is a growing demand for all-inclusive holidays, particularly in the post-covid era. Premium and luxury all-inclusive stays leverage the idea of worry-free vacations. Rixos Hotels has been a key figure in this segment since the early 2000s.

Our hotels have a variety of culinary options and experiences for all ages. Rixos Premium Saadiyat is the perfect spot to experience these privileges in Abu Dhabi. It will keep offering something unique that many other hotels do not. An all-inclusive luxury getaway is what every family needs more than ever.

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SWISSÔTEL AL MUROOJ

DUBAI, UAE SCAN ME TO SEE MORE

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Provided By Swissotel, Al Murooj

Provided By Mayan Secret Spa

Discover tranquil moments paired with our Swiss passion for hospitality at Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai, a Resort-style hotel cleverly combining hotel and apartment style accommodations at the heart of Dubai’s city center.

Directly opposite to The Dubai Mall, the iconic Burj Khalifa, 10 minutes’ walk to the Dubai Metro Station and within a few minutes’ drive to DIFC, World Trade Centre and just 15 minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport, Swissôtel Al Murooj is located in downtown Dubai, one of the city’s favoured destinations for business or leisure.

The hotel’s 251 contemporary rooms and suites are equipped with state-of-the-art technology; while six unparalleled dining options offer a wide range of cuisines and bars.

A temperature-controlled outdoor pool, modern gym, tennis and squash courts, steam and sauna, as well as a range of treatment rooms provide the perfect place to unwind If you are looking to host an event, a variety of meeting and event facilities can cater up to 1000 participants including a spacious ballroom with its private entrance, an elegant pre- function area and a Majlis room perfectly designed for social, weddings or business events.

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TRANQUIL MOMENTS

PAIRED WITH SWISS PASSION

DEVERANA DUSIT DOHA HOTEL

DOHA, QATAR 15

Provided By Deverana Spa

SPA

Located on the 29th floor of Dusit Doha Hotel, the exquisite Devarana spa is a haven of relaxation, boasting breath-taking views of West Bay, the city’s most vibrant district.

‘East meets West’ at Devarana Spa, offering Thai health and beauty practices that have been updated and enhanced using high-quality spa products and herbal preparations crafted from fresh and natural ingredients. A variety of Thai-inspired treatments with Arabian influences, and cuttingedge spa facilities, promise an ultimate relaxation offered by highly trained spa therapists dedicated to soothing and healing one’s body and soul.

With 17 luxuriously appointed treatment rooms, including 12 single rooms, 2 double rooms, 2 hammam rooms for men and women and 1 VIP suite, Devarana offers the utmost privacy and comfort for individuals and couples’ treatments.

Devarana Spa – ‘a garden in heaven’ in Thai Sanskrit – is a haven of peace in the middle of the city, offering heavenly scents, a nurturing environment, and top treatments, perfect to indulge during or after a stressful week, or to pamper your loved ones.

Devarana’s herbal preparations used for its luxurious soothing treatments, will leave you healed and energized. The spa’s gentle, and highly skilled and attentive therapists personalize each treatment, making Devarana Spa the perfect choice for a retreat.

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NUAGES SPA RITZ-CARLTON RIYADH SPA HOTE L DE LA CO UPOLE

LÀO CAI, VIETNAM RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

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Provided By Ritz-Carlton Riyadh Spa

The exclusive gentlemen's spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh provides a tranquil retreat in the heart of Saudi Arabia's bustling capital.

Ritz-Carlton Spa promises complete relaxation in luxurious surroundings. No expense or effort has been spared in the creation of a haven away from the hustle of daily life. Whether you wish to soothe tired muscles after exercise or simply enjoy a day of quiet reflection, the professionals at this luxury spa can assist you in selecting the perfect treatment.

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A GENTLEMEN’S PAMPERING

OF SOOTHING LUXURY 22

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TRANQUILITY IN THE

BUSTLING CAPITAL

HIBACHI

MÖVENPICK GRAND AL BUSTAN

DUBAI, UAE SCAN ME TO SEE MORE

“

Hibachi, located in Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai, is a Japanese style cuisine prepared with traditional cooking techniques. You don’t have to jet set Far East to experience the taste of authentic Japanese flavours.

Let Hibachi’s experienced chefs entertain you as they prepare your meal in front of you, right on the table. Watch as they create mouth-watering meals, flipping and juggling raw ingredients while theatrically flambéing each dish to perfection.

Guests can also enjoy creations such as sushi, sashimi and makimono rolls freshly prepared at the sushi bar.

“

THE BEAUTY OF JAPAN

IN THE HEARTBEAT OF THE GULF

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CHEF JOPHER OF HIBACHI RESTAURANT

EXECUTIVE CHEF New offerings and concepts for restuarants in the Gulf are deciding factors for any potential patron. However, a concept is just one part the rest comes down to an array of different aspects. We speak with Chef Jopher, Executive Chef at Hibachi, to gain some insight into the driving forces behind the food.

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Authentic Japanese flavors right in Dubai, could you tell us a bit more about how the concept for Hibachi came about?

The concept of Hibachi originates from the term of “teppanyaki” which the Japanese language loosely equates to “grilling over an iron plate” the first record of Hibachi style heating device are alluded to during the Heian period of Japanese history. Hibachi is seen as one of the most refined and skilled cooking techniques in Japanese fine dining venues and eateries. Its origins are actually quite humble and contrary to the way Hibachi is used today.

Speaking of origins, where did your love for food originate from?

My love for food started when I was young, I envisioned the characteristics of Japanese cuisine, common preparation methods such as sushi, tempura battering and frying, and sashimi come to mind.

From a personal perspective, what do you feel are the reasons for success at Hibachi?

From my personal perspective, the reason behind Hibachi’s success is that Hibachi style Japanese restaurants are popular, not only in Japan and the US, but also worldwide and it is the best method of food preparation and impressive diversion. The guests are happy and entertained by live chefs demonstrating knife skills, juggling ingredients and condiments even performing tricks with the flame circling the perimeter of a large grill iron plate.

As friends and strangers a like come together for a meal. This mythology of cooking as entertainment eventually became idealized not by native Japanese Citizens but instead by tourists.

Have you felt improvements at the restaurant post-pandemic?

Due to the pandemic, restaurant industries from around the world are now finding themselves in different stages of the recovery journey.

For me, I felt the biggest improvement of all was that the restaurant reputation is determined by not only the quality of the food or the service but also by other factors that have seen a rise in relevance in the past year; such as cleanliness, brand and so on.

What do you believe makes Hibachi a go-to destination for diners?

I believe that Hibachi is a go-to destination for diners purely because of our passion for cooking and our love for food. Our food is awesome, inventive, colorful, inspiring, and so much more.

A mutual love for food can bring different people together and can make the saddest person feel better without even meaning to. That is why I believe Hibachi passion and love will create and unforgettable dining experience.

Personally, who do you look up to in the industry?

Easy, I look up my mentor, a Japanese chef that has an incredible dedication to his craft. He has taught and is teaching me many things, I love his passion for cooking, love for food and creativity. He moulded me to be the chef I am today.

What goes into creating a successful menu?

A successful menu should have creativity, passion and ultimately love for each dish, reflect the talents of your kitchen, yet also be priced in a way that reflects quality and purchasing cost. It should exhibit style yet simplicity, ultimately tell the story of the restaurant.

What does the future hold for Hibachi?

The future will hold what Hibachi has always stood for. Traditional Japanese style cooking, passion and love for food to give every moment happiness.

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JAPANESE CUISINE

REIMAGINED

2022 LUXE GLOBAL AWARDS

ANNUAL GALA EVENT The inaugrual LUXE Global Awards Gala Event will be taking place on 12 November.

THE CHEDI LUŠTICA BAY, MONTENEGRO 12

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NOVEMBER 2022

The Chedi Lustica Bay is a luxury 5-star hotel located on the magnificent Montenegrin coast, 13km away from Tivat, within the Luštica Bay’s emerging residential and holiday resort.

SAVE THE

DATE.

IN THE NEXT EDITION...

Situated at the most privileged location of Fira, on the cliffs of the caldera with unlimited views of the famous volcano, the sunset and the whole island, only a few steps away from the centre of Fira, but still with a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, Athina Luxury Suites is the place to stay in Santorini.

IN THE NEXT EDITION...

L

ocated in the magical midlands in KwaZulu, Natal, guests can enjoy a signature journey in the privacy of one of the luxurious treatment rooms, where therapies inspired by nature meet modern luxury.

The treatment rooms are just ultra-relaxing with stunning views of roaming wildlife just metres away from you.

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A MASSIVE THANK YOU

OUR COLLABORATORS

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