In Brief

Taj Dubai dates announced

Taj Group, one of Asia’s finest and most well-known luxury hotel groups, will open Taj Dubai in the fourth quarter of 2014. The property will be located in the prestigious Downtown Dubai neighbourhood and comprise of 296 guestrooms, including the Taj Club rooms with a host of benefits, 20 junior and 14 luxury suites.

The two lavishly appointed theme suites – The Tata Suite and The Maharaja Suite – will comprise of their own private dining, living areas and panoramic views overlooking the downtown area.

With the opening of Taj Dubai, the group will introduce its exclusive members’ only business club, ‘Chambers’, for the first time in the international market. Chambers at Taj Dubai will offer a unique world of facilities and privileges, both essential and extraordinary, for all its members.

Time Hotels goes green

Time Hotels has launched the Middle East’s first carbon-offset accommodation in Dubai. It is part of the company’s drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for a more sustainable future.

The two hotels initially chosen were Time Oak Hotel and Suites and Tine Grand Plaza Hotel, which together are aiming to save over 320 tonnes of carbon emissions by the year-end.

Each guest that checks-in at one of the participating Time hotels is offered a chance to contribute towards climate protection. For Dh15 ($4) per stay, the carbon emissions they generate by consuming energy and water during their stay can be offset. Their contribution is transferred to the myclimate Foundation, a Swiss non-profit organisation that helps companies around the world to offset their carbon emissions.

Al Basel announces partnership

‘THE new partnership agreement will give them the opportunity to promote Montage Beverly Hills Hotel across potential high-profile clients in the GCC-leveraging the hotel’s 201 well-appointed guestrooms, including 55 suites that have all been designed to pay tribute to both old Hollywood glamour and modern-day luxury. Located in Southern California’s most celebrated neighbourhood, Montage Beverly Hills Hotel features architecture inspired by the Spanish Colonial Revival times and Mediterranean styling prevalent in Beverly Hills. The luxury hotel captures the sophisticated residential ambiance of Southern California’s glamour estates of the 1920s and 1930s.

Four Seasons Westcliff reopens this fall

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg is at the heart of from major business centres and tourist attractions in the South African city. With stunning 240-degree views across the city’s famed green canopy and the Johannesburg Zoo right next door, the hotel is also less than 30 minutes from two major airports. Important game reserves are nearby, including Kruger National Park just five hours’ drive away, and 36 of South Africa’s top 100 golf courses are within an hour of the hotel – some just minutes away.

Four Seasons The Westcliff is offering a special introductory package that includes breakfast at a rate of $395 per night from December 1, 2014.

Hawar Resort scheduled for reopening

The Hawar Resort is all set to reopen this summer. Set in the midst of the ocean 20 kilometres southeast of mainland Bahrain, the resort hotel is a 45-minute boat ride from the Al dur Jetty Marina. Fun water activities, such as jet skis and paddle boats, will keep the entire family amused on the island during the day. The rooms at the Hawar Resort Hotel are spacious, with an unobstructed view of the sea from the balcony. The entire package includes boat transfers.

Guests are offered a delectable selection of Arabic and international cuisines, with a choice of beverages. The resort blends the authentic charms of a natural getaway with the comfort and efficiency of an international hospitality brand. The management has plans to buy a sea plane to the island in addition to two new luxury boats. An exclusive jetty will be created at the marina near the reservation office.