Accolades for Burj Al Arab chefs
Burj Al Arab welcomed home a team of four chefs recently after they beat 16 teams from the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions to win the Third Regional Final Meat and Livestock Australian (MLA) Culinary Challenge.
Burj Al Arab’s team was led by Christian Gradnitzer and included Tobias Pfister, Sous Chef Main Kitchen; Robbie Stokes, Chef de Cuisine Al Muntaha and Sascha Triemer, Chef de Cuisine main kitchen. The challenge was to create and deliver a four-course menu for 560 guests with only 24 hours notice. Given only one hour to design their menu plan, they were required to use only the ingredients supplied in the ‘black box’.
Grosvenor House landscaping complete
Planters, the largest interior landscaping company in the UAE, has completed interior landscaping of the Grosvenor House by Le Meridien in Dubai Marina. “The challenge for Planters was to create a British interior landscaping theme which mirrors the style and elegance of the Grosvenor House Hotel in London and yet have an Arabic touch to it,” said Jonathan Pardoe, general manager, Planters. “Our brief was to create an ambience which was complementary to the strong British theme existing throughout the hotel. We chose a selection of plants including replica trees, preserved conifers, kentia palms and peace lilies.”
New look for Radisson SAS hotels
Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts in Jordan has developed an ambitious renovation plan to upgrade the facilities of its two properties in the kingdom. The Radisson SAS Hotel Amman is currently undergoing a phased renovation programme, of which the first phase has seen the completion of the main entrance and new signage. “The second phase will start during Ramadan and includes the complete renovation of 72 guest bedrooms,” said Sami Ansari, general manager. The resort in Aqaba will also receive an extensive makeover, including an upgrade of the Patio Restaurant, hotel entrance, landscaping and 21 business slass guestrooms.”
Hyatt in host hotel deal with ATM
Hyatt International Hotels & Resorts, which includes three Dubai properties, has signed a three-year host hotel deal with Arabian Travel Market (ATM). The newly-opened Park Hyatt, the recently-renovated Hyatt Regency and the Grand Hyatt Dubai will host international MICE buyers for the next three years as part of the ATM Hosted Buyer Programme, as well as 20 media. ATM 2006 will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 2 to 6.
Sheraton launches Gulf destination website
Being one of the e-proactive hospitality chains, Sheraton hotels in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar have launched a Gulf destination website. Accessible at sheraton.com/gulf, the website offers comprehensive information and hotel booking support for guests travelling to the Gulf, be it for business or leisure. The site features key essentials, events calendars as well as shopping, wellness, dining and nightlife guides for each country. The website also offers the latest promotions and packages from the Sheraton Hotels in the Gulf.
Mafraq Hotel launches Eid specials
Mafraq Hotel in Abu Dhabi has released a series of special packages for those seeking a relaxing holiday during Eid or getaway breaks during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Rates during Ramadan are Dh185 single or Dh220 nett, inclusive of breakfast or Suhoor, while a daily Iftar buffet costs Dh60 per person. For Eid, two packages are available – single or double rooms with breakfast for Dh265/340 or half board rates at Dh330 single and Dh470 double.
Burj Dubai lays foundation for Armani hotels
Emaar Properties announced that Burj Dubai, its iconic ‘super’ tower, had reached a key construction stage which will see the developer move to the next phase and incorporate the signature first Armani Hotel into the building. Progress on the building has been rapid in recent weeks as it has climbed to its current five-storey height – the first level for the luxury Armani Hotel guest rooms. The joint venture between Giorgio Armani SpA and Emaar Hotels & Resorts is one of the defining phases of Burj Dubai. The Armani Hotel and 152 luxury residential apartments, whose interiors and furnishings will be designed and manufactured by fashion icon Giorgio Armani, will open in 2008.
New spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali
A never-seen-before spa destination in Bali has opened at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Resort & Spa with the luxurious Spa on the Rocks. Located below the resorts towering cliff face the incredible positioning of the villas perched on natural rocks stretching out from the Indian Ocean is as unique as it is indulgent for its lavish treatment and exclusive use of, Crème de La Mer. Ingeniously created to give an illusion of being suspended above the ocean, two stunningly appointed air-conditioned treatment villas surrounded by a majestic sea provide an oceanic odyssey of the senses. Spa on the Rocks is an addition to the resorts award-winning Thalasso Spa.