Hilton openings in the region

CURIO – A Collection by Hilton announced the opening of AlRayyan Hotel Doha. This is the first Curio Collection by Hilton in the Middle East to join the global portfolio of more than 30 hotels. Curio Collection hotels and resorts cater to travellers seeking local discovery and authentic experiences and AlRayyan Hotel Doha joins two other Hilton properties in the city.

Located in the upscale neighbourhood of Al Rayyan, and directly connected to the Mall of Qatar, the hotel offers 201 guest rooms and suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, oversized bathrooms and walk-in rain showers. The stylish and spacious Presidential Suite boasts two bedrooms, large living and dining areas, walk-in closet and a full-sized hammam in the marble bathroom.

Meanwhile, in Morocco, Hilton signed an agreement with Group Sadiki to open its first hotel in Casablanca. Hilton Garden Inn Casablanca Sidi Maarouf will consist of an initial 118 guest rooms with space available on site for further expansion. First guests in will be welcomed in 2021.

First M Hotel in Dubai

MILLENNIUM & Copthorne, Middle East and Africa launches the M Hotel Downtown by Millennium, the first M Hotel Brand in Dubai. The introduction of M Hotel marks the group’s continued strategic expansion across the region, on track to meet its target of 100 hotels by 2020. The M Hotel brand has been conceptualized to bring quality and accessibility to the mid-market business segment and as the largest business destination in the GCC, there are clear opportunities for the brand in Dubai. Travellers are increasingly looking for spacious accommodation that offers excellent value for money alongside a full range of business and recreational facilities. M Hotel Downtown will cater towards these needs of the frequent business traveller.

Argentinian flavours in Jeddah

THE newly-opened Pampas Restaurant in Assila Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel, located on Prince Mohamed Bin Abdulaziz Street (formerly known as Tahlia Street) in Jeddah, offers food lovers an exciting new culinary experience with the spectacle of chefs grilling meat and seafood in the Argentinian style in the lively open kitchen.

Dramatically different from the rest of the hotel, Pampas’ design reflects the South American country, with an aged oak herringbone floor, oak wall panelling, a hammered brass bar front and embossed leather banquettes which have been beaten to resemble worn leather riding saddles. In traditional Argentinean style, the large open kitchen allows guests to watch the bustling chefs preparing their chosen cuts of meat on the open grill. The menu for 'La Parilla' includes the Pampas Mixed Grill, the Lamb & Goat Mixed Grill, and the Sea Food Mixed Platter, all combining a delicious range of the finest ingredients, cooked to perfection on the grill.

St. Regis debuts first private island resort

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, announced the debut of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, the first of the St. Regis brand’s iconic resorts to take home on its own private island. Owned by Residency Resorts Malé Private Limited, the property unveils a new dimension of innovative design and tropical luxury in one of the world’s most coveted destinations. The opening in the Maldives marks the 15th St. Regis resort, following exquisite destinations from Bali to Bal Harbour.

Breathtaking aerial views of the 22-acre Vommuli Island, tucked into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, are first to greet guests of The St. Regis Maldives as they arrive from Malé by seaplane. The resort is surrounded by a large ‘House Reef’ and the island defined by several distinct ecological areas.