GINGER STEPS INTO COIMBATORE WITH THE SIGNING OF A NEW HOTEL

GINGER STRENGTHENS ITS footprint in southern India with the signing of a new hotel in Coimbatore. Ginger Coimbatore will be located on Avinashi Road with convenient access to the Coimbatore International Airport and commercial centre of the city. e 72-key hotel will feature Ginger’s newly designed signature rooms, Café Etcetera – the all-day diner, a bar, tness centre, banquet facility, and a meeting room. Commenting on the signing, Deepika Rao, managing director and chief executive o cer, Ginger Hotels, said, “ is development is in line with the brand’s growth strategy of expanding its presence in metros and key commercial hubs across India. Coimbatore is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu and a major industrial centre.” gingerhotels.com

Accor Has Launched

Collections, which will include boutique hotels and luxurious resorts around the world.

e brand will debut in China’s Guizhou province in December 2022, and its portfolio is expected to grow to 60 properties worldwide by 2030.

As suggested by the name, the brand will feature hotels that are emblematic of their designers, demographics or destinations, with signature features including “luxurious surroundings, Instagramworthy pools and vibrant public spaces”.

THE BRAND WILL HAVE THREE CATEGORIES FOR HOTELS AND RESORTS: Emblems Collection Heritage – hotels that are landmarks of a destination, with buildings that contribute to the character of a location, and celebrate history and classic cultural traditions

 Emblems Collection Retreat – resort properties in beaches, countrysides or mountain destinations, with a focus on spa and wellness experiences

 Emblems Collection Signature – design-led hotels that pay homage to the style and signature of the designers or original residents all.accor.com

THE FULLERTON BAY HOTEL, SINGAPORE

A SLEEK AND CONTEMPORARY HOTEL, e Fullerton Bay Hotel, Singapore pays tribute to a long gone era. is 98-key hotel is a gem on the Singaporean waterfront and a brilliant addition to the destination’s phenomenal heritage precinct. Its accommodation features graceful interiors overlooking stunning views of the Marina Bay waterfront and the city skyline. Enjoy the Heritage Dim Sum Brunch at e Cli ord Pier; local and international specials at La Brasserie; sip on a ernoon tea at e Landing Point; and relish G&Ts at Gin Parlour. From oating event pods to other sophisticated meeting rooms, e Fullerton Bay Hotel, Singapore is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for a superior meetings’ experience. For a pampering spa treatment, head to the Fullerton Spa, located just a short walk away at e Fullerton Hotel Singapore. fullertonhotels.com

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, appeals to all kinds of travellers with its diverse tourism offerings

WORDS AKANKSHA MAKER

Towering skyscrapers, a turquoise sea, bustling markets and a ray of positivity — welcome to Abu Dhabi. The capital and second most populous city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi’s rapid urbanisation in the past few decades has given it the stature of one of the most powerful and futuristic metropolises of the world. Sitting in the centre of the globe, Abu Dhabi is easily accessible from almost all key hubs — European, Asian, African, American or Australian. And now that the UAE is open to all vaccinated travellers without quarantine, the emirate has become the “go to” destination for families, leisure and business travellers alike. Credit goes to Abu Dhabi’s Go Safe certification programme that was announced back in 2020. A strategy to revive the tourism sector post the pandemic, the Go Safe Certification enforces global standards of safety and cleanliness at hotels, attractions, and venues across the emirate.

“Abu Dhabi is setting a new standard for best practices in tourism, following the high praise that the UAE has received for the proactive approach through which the government has addressed the current situation. As we look forward to reviving tourism in the capital, we aim to not only meet, but to exceed all existing international benchmarks through a strategy that promotes consumer safety in every step of the way; from the moment they land at our airports to their eventual departure. The launch of Go Safe goes hand-in-hand with the efforts of the Abu Dhabi government to combat the spread of diseases, which include widespread testing, city-wide sanitation, social distancing, and enhancing healthcare services,” said Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, executive director of tourism and marketing, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, during the launch of the initiative.

W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island became the first hotel to be certified under the emirate’s Go Safe certification programme. Today, most of the city’s establishments including hotels, malls, museums, theme parks, entertainment spots, family attractions and restaurants have received this label. With 90 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s population being vaccinated and rigorous hygiene standards being followed across the city, the emirate is not only safe but also an exciting destination to visit right now.

Even though the city has metamorphosed into a modern hub, its ancient roots and history are well preserved in its character and tourism. Abu Dhabi will surely mesmerise you with its architecture and draw you in with its antiquity. Its entertainment venues, natureoriented destinations and luxurious beaches will spoil you for choice.

What To See

Whether you’re interested in history, looking for that adrenaline rush or just wanting to kick back and relax in a luxurious hotel, chances are that you’ll nd what you’re looking for in Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain

To delve into past, drive about an hour and a half away from the city and visit the ancient tombs in Al Ain which have been quali ed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. e capital's garden city and one of the world's oldest permanently inhabited settlements, Al Ain is sequestered with old-world forts, archaeological parks with artefacts, quaint camel markets, historic palaces, an equestrian, shooting and golf club, and bustling souks (markets) that retail traditional Emirati products. e Al Ain Oasis is a must-see for nature lovers. Families can also visit the Al Ain Zoo that’s home to 4,000 animals for a fun- lled day. Here you can enjoy gira e feeding, camel riding and also let your inner child out at an inviting petting zoo.

The National Aquarium

Opened in November, Abu Dhabi’s newest attraction — the National Aquarium — is home to 46,000 species of 300 di erent species across ten zones. e aquarium presents a range of dynamic experiences for the visitors, featuring awe-inspiring biodiversity. Vibrant and rare sh, along with hammerhead sharks, bull sharks, birds and reptiles entice visitors. e main attraction of the aquarium is the reticulated snake, which is considered to be the largest living snake in the world.

To satiate your love for art, visit the magni cent Louvre Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Spread across a magnanimous 30 acres, with the space to welcome over 40,000 people, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was built with design ideas inspired from parts of Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan and Egypt, among other Islamic countries. Entering the mosque, you are bedazzled by its 1,096 amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns, gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, re ective pools, 82 white marble domes and iconic prayer hall. A courtyard featuring one of the largest marble mosaic artworks in the world and a Guinness World Record for the largest handwoven carpet are its other highlights.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

To satiate your love for art, visit the magni cent Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island that has been designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. With a permanent gallery of local, regional, international artefacts and artwork on display, the Louvre is "France’s largest cultural project abroad”. e Louvre Abu Dhabi had already attracted two million visitors in 2019, making it the most visited museum in the Arab world.

Without a doubt, the country’s most nest sporting and business venue, Yas Marina Circuit upli s Abu Dhabi’s status as a global entertainment and sporting destination. is world-renowned circuit plays host to several host events throughout the year, including Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Yas Marina Circuit also prides itself on walking, running and cycling tracks as part of the TrainYAS programme.

Sir Bani Yas Island

Sir Bani Yas Island is one of eight islands that make up the desert islands of Al Dhafra. A nature oriented destination, this island is home to an array of wildlife and houses a range of family-friendly adventure based activities. Fivestar boutique hotels, luxury villas, purpose-built stables and historical sites encompass this gorgeous isle. Head to the Arabian Wildlife Park for safari-kind wildlife spotting where you can get up close with 7-000 free-roaming animals, including Arabian oryx, gazelles, hyenas and cheetahs.

Jubail Mangrove Park

If nature experiences are on your mind, bookmark Jubail Mangrove Park — the rst self-contained educational, nature and leisure destination of its kind in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Here, you can explore bird and marine species that call Abu Dhabi their home. But rstly, this is a mangrove sanctuary.

Hub Of Hospitality

Lined with the above touristic o erings, it is no surprise that Abu Dhabi is home to some of the globe’s nest hospitality names. Being a hub for business and leisure travel, international hotel brands nd the UAE capital as an obvious choice. Only recently, Abu Dhabi saw the opening of the 257-key Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. Making waves with its launch, the hotel welcomes families who want to live their big-screen dreams in reality. Spread over eight levels with modern decor, the property celebrates Warner Bros.’ extensive lm and television history. e W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is also in the pipeline. e 31-storey hotel will feature 318 guest rooms, including 26 suites and an Extreme Wow Suite (W’s take on a Presidential suite). Overlooking the Mina Seyahi bay area, a new poolside sunset experience will be a highlight. Next on the cards, Yas Bay will get another Hilton hotel. Branded as DoubleTree by Hilton, the 156-key hotel (including three bedroom apartments) is deemed to house multiple and undisclosed recreation facilities. e well known Marriott hotel Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort has also reopened with a fresh and modern look. With sleek, airy interiors and the latest technologies, Sheraton’s 279 rooms and suites have been refurbished with a contemporary design.

Where To Stay

Emirates Palace

An epitome of luxury, the Emirates Palace cost almost $3 billion to construct. e Palace rst opened its doors to guests in November 2005 and has 394 luxury rooms and suites. It is now operated by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. eir world-famous signature Le Café has a delicious variety of delicacies. Next on the list of known names is Hakkasan and the serene beach side restaurantBBQ Al Qasr. For guests that want to indulge in a decadent Indian meal, they can book a table at Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi. e hotel is home a luxury spa that is spread out over 1,500 sqm and has 7,000 sqm of meeting space. mandarinoriental.com

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers features landscaped pools and gardens. With a private beach and a spa, the property overlooks the Arabian Gulf and Corniche. All rooms o er views of the city skyline or the coast and are equipped with stylish furnishings and cutting-edge technology. Indulge in gastronomy at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers’ restaurants for their global cuisine. Guests can choose from various cuisines such as Latin American at Vakava and Japanese at Tori No Su. For a er-hours drinks, head to Ray’s Bar on level 62. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers has a full-service spa with 13 treatment rooms. Abu Dhabi International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. hilton.com

Intercontinental Abu Dhabi

With a private beach front and world-class facilities such as multiple swimming pools and premium wellness o erings, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi is a ten-minute drive from bustling downtown. Its copious guest rooms overlook a lush park and marina views. e hotel’s expansive F&B o erings include Cho Gao Marina Walk for pan Asian and Byblos Sur Mer for Lebanese. Situated in the hotel, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Bayshore Beach Club is a beach and health club boasting a 300-metre natural beachfront, in nity pool, separate children’s pool and play area, premium health and sports facilities, day spa and restaurant. ihg.com

THE ST. REGIS ABU DHABI

e St. Regis Abu Dhabi blends authentic Arabian hospitality with classic St. Regis sophistication. It is located at the vibrant heart of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche and features 283 rooms and suites. Each of the hotel’s accommodation overlooks beautiful vistas of the Abu Dhabi Corniche.

e Terrace on the Corniche is ideal for ne avours of the region and a modern perspective on international cuisine. e St. Regis Bar is perfect to relax at a er a busy day. Head to Villa Toscana for rustic and authentic Italian cuisine from Tuscany. e Nation Riviera Beach Club features a private beach, secluded cabanas, a spacious in nity pool complete with gardens and a swim-up pool bar as well as exclusive tness facilities.

stregisabudhabi.com

THE ST. REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT, ABU DHABI

Overlooking a pristine beach and the Arabian Gulf, this ve-star destination houses 376 rooms and suites which come with private balconies that o er stunning views. Mediterranean-inspired architecture amalgamates with contemporary interiors in the accommodation.

Rejuvenate at Iridium Spa, swim in its luxurious indoor lap pool or three outdoor pools, or soak in the sun on the private Abu Dhabi beach. Dine at one of six destination restaurants and bars. ese include Sontaya for southeast Asian fare complemented by signature cocktails and the Mediterranean-in uenced Olea restaurant. stregissaadiyat.com

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche

Located on the Corniche, this luxury 280-key hotel sits on the sea coast. Enjoy live music at chic Jazz & Fizz bar or relax by the pool at outdoor Grills@Chill’O restaurant. Head to So tel SPA for a treatment post meetings. Silk & Spice for ai avours and Corniche

All Day Dining for French, Arabic and international dishes are on o er as well. e hotel’s elegant rooms and suites have So tel MyBedTM and overlook views over the harbour. Art Deco–inspired rooms and suites are equipped with modern furnishings and amenities. so telabudhabicorniche.com

Jumeirah At Saadiyat Island Resort

Located at a distance of 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, this luxury beach resort is in close proximity to the cultural and artistic spots like Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Louvre Abu Dhabi. The 293-key hotel will feature eight villas with private pools, and 70 suites, offering a picturesque view of the sea. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort includes F&B outlets like White for buffets and live cooking stations, Mare Mare for Italian cuisines, Tean for meze and grills, and Al Majilis for refreshments. The Lounge, Offside, and the Pool Bar serve snacks and a fine range of spirits. jumeirah.com

GRAND HYATT ABU DHABI HOTEL & EMIRATES PEARL

The property is extremely well situated in the West Corniche area. With 428 rooms, including 332 spacious King and Twin rooms, 36 luxury suites including a Presidential suite and a Royal suite, its accommodation features private balconies and stunning furnishings. Make a stop at Luma Fitness Centre and Spa for a range of relaxing treatments as well as a dip in the infinity pool. Sundowners are best enjoyed at the retro-chic Lexx bar, which features a stellar inventory of high-end wines and cigars. Don’t forget to check out the humidors that are packed with cheese and charcuterie options for your gourmet indulgence. hyatt.com BTI