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UAE .................................AED 30SAUDI ARABIA .............. SAR 30

BAHRAIN ........................ BHD 3KUWAIT ...................... KWD 2.5

QATAR ........................... QAR 30OMAN ............................ OMR 3OTHERS ..................................$8

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The Middle East can boast of a wealth of hotels and resorts that leave the rest of the world speechless. Here we collect a stunning selection of some of the stand out properties for 2016.

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY KAREN OSMAN, FOUNDER OF HOSPITALITY WRITING COMPANY TRAVEL INK

Six Senses Zighy Bay, OmanSet between Oman’s dramatic mountains and almost two ki-lometres of beach, this resort is designed around special and memorable experiences and has several awards to its name, including Conde Nast Traveller—The Spa Awards 2014, World Travel Awards 2012 and 2013, and Middle East Hotel Awards 2013.

Ideal for the more adventurous traveller, the resort offers a host of experiences, from snorkeling and scuba diving to hiking and rock climbing. For those looking for something a little more serene, the mix of holistic treatments and wellness programmes at the spa will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Experience the luxury of privacy with traditional and wel-coming accommodation, choosing from a selection of spacious villas and suites, with features including private pools, patios, bal-conies and a range of amenities.

One & Only The Palm, DubaiBest described as an elegant beachfront oasis of luxuri-ant gardens and cascading fountains nestled peacefully on Palm Island, this resort exudes luxury—from its Michelin-starred Chef, Yannick Alléno, to the Guerlain Spa, a relaxing oasis set amongst fountains and gardens.

With a variety of rooms and suites starting from the Manor House, featuring Moorish and Andalusian archi-tecture, to the opulent two-bedroom beach-front villa, of which there are only four, accommodation at this resort is incomparable.

Relax on your balcony to enjoy incredible vistas of the ocean and the surrounding city skyline, sunbathe on oversized daybeds, or enjoy one of six private air-con-ditioned cabanas surrounding the pool. With a ‘private host’ (butler), in-room spa services, an over-sized free-standing marble bath and walk-in rain shower, every need is catered for.

Arabian Gems

GUIDE 2016 TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY HOTELS AND RESORTS

Luxury Hotels

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Four Seasons Resort, DubaiThe arrival of Four Seasons in Dubai has not disappointed. With rooms starting at 70 square meters, the resort features some of the largest accommodation in the city. 239 luxury hotel rooms offer a choice either over-looking the Arabian Gulf or the city, and feature private balconies and luxuri-ous marble-clad bathrooms. Exploring the resort you’ll discover three swimming pools, ten restaurants and bars, 5.6 hectares of beach-front sanctuary, and The Pearl Spa.

The Jean-Georges Dining Room presents the sig-nature menu of globally acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, renowned for his Michelin three-star restau-rant in New York, while Coya is an award-winning restau-rant from London, which focuses on traditional elements of Peruvian cooking with a modern spin.

For those looking to party after hours, guests can enjoy Provocateur, an American nighlife brand offering exclusive entertainment until the early hours.

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, DubaiSet in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha offers access to some of the U.A.E.’s most incredible wildlife in a beautiful, ex-clusive setting.

The resort is made up of individual villas styled in the tradi-tional Bedouin tents. Decorated with authentic and rare handcraft-ed Arabian furnishings, antiques and artifacts, thoughtful touches such as binoculars, an easel with art materials and a writing desk will appeal to the creative types. With private infinity pools sur-rounded by a wooden deck, the al fresco area makes the perfect setting to relax during the day and dine in the evening.

Guests can experience two complimentary activities per day including a wildlife safari, archery and camel riding. The Arabian Oryx and the Gazelles are just some of the indigenous Arabian wildlife that can be seen in their natural habitat.

Burj Al Arab, DubaiOne of the icons of Dubai, the Burj Al Arab needs no in-troduction. Its distinctive design, reflecting the maritime history of the region, is renowned the world over, enticing visitors to experience its luxury. From the all-suite rooms, serviced by a team of specially trained butlers to its range of gourmet cuisine served in the most stunning of loca-tions, a stay at this hotel is the epitome of indulgence.

Repeatedly voted the world’s most luxurious hotel, ev-ery step of your visit has been carefully thought out. With transfer options such as a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce, guests arrive in style and are welcomed and checked-in in the privacy of their duplex suite. Stunning views of the Arabian Gulf from every angle ensure a breath-taking vista while a dedicated butler attends to every need.

Even if you don’t stay, dining at one of the restaurants gives an intimate preview. Nine restaurants and bars pro-vide plenty of choice. Highlights include the Sky View Bar on th 27th floor where guests can see for miles across the azure waters, taking in birds-eye views of landmarks such as Palm Jumeirah, while enjoying a selection of cocktails or afternoon tea.

For an unforgettable evening meal, underwater din-ing at Al Mahara allows you to experience exquisite cui-sine in the surroundings of floor-to-ceiling aquariums. With new enhancements opening, such as The North Deck—a 10,000 square meter private luxury deck which will fan 100 meters out into the Arabian Gulf to accom-modate 32 cabanas, 400 sun loungers, two pools, one res-taurant and a bar—it’s easy to see why the Burj Al Arab was awarded Best All-Suite Hotel last year in the World Travel Awards.IM

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Sofitel Dubai Downtown, DubaiBleisure’—adding a few days of leisure time to a business trip—is one of the fast growing business travel trends and Sofitel Dubai Downtown is the ideal hotel to make the most of the emirate’s thriving scene.

This French-inspired hospitality concept is perfectly positioned to make the most of your stay. Guests can take advantage of the sunny climes as they explore the surrounding areas, before heading back into the comfort of five-star luxury. Starting from 49 square meters for a luxury room all the way up to 243 square meters for the Royal Suite, there’s a wide array of choice to suit all needs.

Eight restaurants and bars offering Peruvian, Asian, international, and Mediterranean cuisine ensure every palate is satisfied, while the So SPA indulges with beauty treatments, massages and reflexology.

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, DubaiImpressive from the start with its title of World’s Tallest Hotel, the JW Marriott Marquis may also be one of the largest. Its twin towers, reaching 72 floors, boast over 1,600 guest rooms and suites, as well as two ballrooms and 32 meeting rooms, making it the perfect venue for meetings, incen-tives, conferences and events.

With its prime location on Sheikh Zayed Road, this five-star destination offers easy acces-sibility to the city’s business hubs and leisure at-tractions, while also offering a selection of ideal meeting venues in the hotel. From the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere of French bistro and coffee shop La Farine, to the Rang Mahal by Michelin-star holder Atul Kochar, the choice of dining makes impressing clients easy.

Such choice is also reflected in the wide variety of room categories. Guests can pick from options such as sea views, corner suites, executive lounge access and more. However, all rooms are fitted with luxury touches such as 46-inch LCD TVs with USB connections, spa marble bathrooms outfitted with rain showers and separate over-sized bathtubs, and deluxe beds with plush down comforters, custom duvets, and crisp linens.

Cosmopolitan, buzzing and a true reflection of Dubai’s thriving economic market, the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is the ideal location for those business travellers looking to experience the highest levels of luxury in a central location.

The Oberoi, DubaiWith its central location overlooking the Burj Khalifa, butler ser-vice, spacious rooms and a choice of dining options, makes a stay at the award-winning Oberoi Dubai a home away from home.

Step inside the magnificent white marble lobby and en-joy the spectacular hand-crafted chandeliers while working. Alternatively, a delicious meal is the perfect addition to a work-filled day; choose from signature Indian restaurant Ananta or al fresco dining at Nine7One.

Close to industry destinations such as Business Bay and the World Trade Centre, this 252-room property makes doing busi-ness easy. If you’re the one hosting, a grand ballroom holding up to 450 guests and nine meetings rooms give a variety of options when it comes to creating an event with a difference.

Business Hotels

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Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu DhabiPart of a five-tower complex, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is home to 382 rooms and suites, 199 serviced residences for longer stays, and a state-of-the-art con-ference centre, seating up to 1,400 delegates.

Guests can expect a luxurious experience from their stay, with views overlooking the Arabian Gulf and impressive city skyline, which become even more im-pressive the higher you go.

The Observation Deck located on the 74th floor is the highest vantage point in the city at 300 meters, and guests can enjoy afternoon tea as they take in the impressive views. With 11 other award-winning res-taurants and bars to choose from, guests won’t need to leave to sample cuisine from around the world. With the added benefit of private dining rooms, the highest levels of privacy and service are guaranteed

The Ritz-Carlton, RiyadhPalatial in both size and design, this five-star retreat in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the ideal destination for exploring business, culture and history in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.

With its state-of-the-art conference space, including two ex-pansive ballrooms with auditorium-style theatres, a selection of meeting rooms, and elegant venues, the 62,000 square feet of event space can be adapted to your requirements. Added extras such as secretarial services and a fully-staffed business centre complete the experience.

All 493 guest rooms and suites provide a welcoming respite from the busy working day, with many of them overlooking the 52 acres of lavishly landscaped gardens.

With six distinct dining experiences, including the high-end modern Chinese restaurant Hong and gentlemen’s spa offering an array of treatments, this is an ideal location for business and pleasure.

Vida Downtown, Dubai Described as a playground to relax and invent, to fuel and connect, this centrally-located hotel will appeal to millennials looking to unplug and unwind.

The 32 square meter deluxe rooms use neutral col-ors to create a fresh and eclectic interior, providing a chic and calming ambience. With views overlooking the gardens or swimming pool, and an open plan bathroom with separate shower, Vida Downtown Dubai ensures every comfort.

Hotel dining is given a new twist with options such as the Vida Food Truck—a 1960s Airstream that is a ground-up restoration. Airstreams are synonymous with a carefree, laid-back lifestyle and it is this attitude that has been reflected in the menu. The Vida Food Truck offers meals served on the go or boutique cater-ing for up to 50 people.

Hotels for Millennials

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Media One Hotel, DubaiThere isn’t a more dynamic, creative hub than Dubai Media City and the Media One Hotel reflects this inspirational, invigorating vibe. The hotel caters to the savvy business traveller and local corporations in the area. It’s a social hub with stylish rooms, plus a great mix of modern outlets, perfect for everything from a quick coffee and networking drinks to lively brunches and de-licious dinners.

The hotel is also ideal for an urban leisure break as it is a world away from being ordinary; it boasts amazing views of the Arabian Gulf, the iconic Palm Jumeirah, or the Emirates Golf Club and is conveniently located minutes from Dubai Marina and Mina Seyahi’s sandy beaches, close to premier shopping malls, giving you easy access to the city and offering exceptional rates.

W Doha Hotel & Residences, QatarIn the West Bay of Doha, W Doha Hotel & Residences of-fers the perfect spot from which to enjoy the hottest shop-ping, buzzing nightlife and the best culinary experiences in Doha. A modern sanctuary above the city, peering out over the blue Arabian Gulf, the hotel’s signature style and vivid interiors set the scene for unforgettable days and nights.

The stylish 442 guest rooms and suites are distinctive, with names such as Spectacular Room, Marvelous Room, and Cool Corner Suite, all of which reflect their namesake perfectly.

The spacious one-bedroom W Suite, sleeps up to three people, where floor-to-ceiling windows reveal un-believable views of Doha’s West Bay. The living room and lounge area are designed for both entertainment and entertaining, and a separate work space makes emailing easy. With access to the Executive W-IP Lounge, guests can enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, snacks and beverages, including a daily happy hour.

You don’t have to step outside to amplify your nights at the most exclusive restaurants and lounges in the city. With three Michelin stars and international acclaim, the hottest culinary concepts in Doha are on offer here. Highlights include Market by Jean-Georges, a sleek and sophisticated contemporary European restaurant.

The menu features dishes that emphasize comfort and creativity, allowing guests to try new flavor combinations and explore spices from other regions, all while remaining close to home.

Park Inn by Radisson,Abu Dhabi Yas IslandThis offers trendy accommodation and surroundings as well as highly convenient leisure facilities, including a lagoon-style pool with pool bar and the lively Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant.

It is perfectly located for Yas Island’s many attractions including Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and the Formula 1 race circuit. It is also a short walk to the is-land’s relaxing beach and just 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Abu Dhabi with its world-class shopping.

An hour down the coast from Dubai, this Yas Island ho-tel lies within walking distance of the beautiful white sands of Yas Beach. On-site restaurants offer refreshing dishes from around the world, and the naturally-lit meeting space provides up-to-date AV equipment and room for 30 confer-ence attendees in an energizing atmosphere.

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Madinat Jumeirah, DubaiThe Madinat Jumeirah resort is an authentic recreation of ancient Arabia. Set across its own private beach, it is made up of Jumeirah Al Qasr and Jumeirah Mina A’ Salam, 29 traditional summer houses in Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, and seven Jumeirah Malakiya Villas. The overall feel is a city within a city and guests can explore over 40 res-taurants and bars.

Views of the Arabian Gulf can be enjoyed from every an-gle. Pierchic, a restaurant that sits out in the ocean at the end of the Pier, is a beautiful and romantic spot, while Shimmers on the beach offers a casual chic atmosphere during the day and outdoor elegance at night. The whole resort is con-nected by lantern-lit walkways and three kilometres of beauti-ful winding waterways, making every aspect of this destination a stunning journey.

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, DubaiThe internationally recognised landmark of Palm Jumeirah is a sight to behold and a stay on this man-made island is the highlight of luxury. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is perfect for those looking for an exclusive beach-side retreat.

Inspired by the imperial palaces of the Ottoman era, ev-ery detail in this five-star luxury hotel inspires awe and de-light. The resort is made up of 379 elegant guest rooms, with 26 lavish suites and 38 Royal Residences offering stunning ocean views.

Take in the views of the rest of the Palm and the enticing waters of the Arabian Gulf from the outdoor infinity pool, or take a walk along the private stretch of beach. When the sun sets, choose from a selection of ten lounges, restaurants and bars, offering every type of cuisine imaginable. Unique to the hotel is Music Hall—a modern and innovative take on the ‘dinner and dance cultural entertainment’ concept.

Enjoy unique live music acts every night ranging from Rock to Latino, Gypsy, Middle Eastern, Jazz and much more, while relishing a vast selection of gourmet food and premi-um beverages.

This beautiful resort also features one of the largest spas in the Middle East. The palatial Talise Ottoman Spa is home to 42 treatment rooms, eight hydrotherapy rooms, steam rooms, saunas, snow rooms and three Turkish hammams.

Beach Resorts

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St. Regis Saadiyat Island,Abu DhabiThis award-winning resort is one of the city’s beachfront leisure address-es located just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 10 minutes from the city’s bustling downtown. The hotel is framed by the prestigious Saadiyat Beach Golf Course designed by golfing legend Gary Player and a pristine white beach.

This location boasts lavish yet intimate spaces with superior rooms, St. Regis suites and a magnificent Royal Suite overlooking either Saadiyat’s pristine beach or the impressive Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. With rooms starting from 55 square meters, all with balconies, the rooms feature spacious double vanity bathrooms with Remède bath amenities. The 24-hour butler service is one of the highlights of this luxury prop-erty. The three Spa Suites offer guests the opportunity to indulge in a spa experience in the privacy of their own suite.

The Chedi Muscat, OmanThe Chedi Muscat rises amidst an elegantly landscaped 21 acre garden oasis, with 158 Omani-influenced guestrooms and villas. Set between the majestic Al Hajar Mountains and the serene waters of the Gulf of Oman, this sub-lime yet central location is an alluring, luxury beach-side locale.

Sparkling waters, vibrant gardens and dra-matic mountains, as seen through the grand win-dows in all 158 tasteful, well-appointed guest-rooms and suites heighten the calming effect of the natural and timeless environment at The Chedi Muscat.

Six restaurants and two lounges span the great cuisines and wines of the world, from the Mediterranean and the Middle East to Southeast Asia and India. Stylishly designed by renowned Japanese interior designer, Yasuhiro Koichi of Design Studio SPIN, The Restaurant blends clean Asian interiors with distinctive Omani architec-tural details.

For true relaxation, the 1,500-square-metre relaxation and fitness haven—the largest spa in Muscat—offers the personalized, discreet ser-vice of the region’s finest wellness professionals. Balinese therapies, Indian Ayurveda and indig-enous rituals are amongst the highlights on the spa’s comprehensive menu, delivered in 13 medi-tative spa suites that combine dramatic Omani architecture with calming Asian interiors.

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, OmanSet against the deep turquoise blue water of the Sea of Oman, three hotels make up this resort, all set against the stunning majestic mountains.

Al Waha welcomes you with date palms and tradi-tional Dhofari architecture. Al Bandar Hotel is akin to a town with a mélange of fine restaurants. And the pa-latial Al Husn is best described as an exclusive castle.

Foodies will enjoy the wide selection, including nine restaurants, three cafes, three pool bars, three lobby lounges, two bars and a private beach bar. The resort also offers guests the chance to discover the beautiful marine life, with dolphin watching and snor-keling trips offered daily and both novice and experi-enced divers can benefit from the dive excursions and scuba diving courses.

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