DUBAI is set to see the launch of sailing packages for incentives and leisure business, with Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Marina taking the lead, says the hotel’s general manger.
“It’s all to do with sailing,” says Michael Scully, who is currently hosting the Americas Cup defenders Alinghi (pictured) for a winter training session. He told TTN the hotel on Jumeirah Beach offers three different types of packages that can be teamed with the normal FIT rate for tour operators. All “priced very reasonably as against comparable products anywhere else in the world.”
The hotel shares its grounds with the Dubai International Marine Club, and is home to Dubai’s Victory powerboat team. It owns two Beneteau sailboats and will host eight more, as well as two Archambaults, he says. It was up in Cannes last month, promoting its sailing packages at the International Luxury Travel Market.
What the industry’s really interested in, at the moment, however, is in the new hotel being built on Scully’s property. With 300 rooms and banqueting facilities for 600 people, it stays with the resort feel, and is being readied for opening late 2007. While it will also be operated by Starwood, the actual brand is as yet unconfirmed – although word has it it’s going to be Dubai’s first Westin.
As for all the buildings going up on Dubai’s beaches, Scully says he’s thankfully situated just outside the construction zone. “And with the Palm Jumeirah being built offshore, we’ve now got beautiful calm waters for sailing but also have access to the open sea.” Reported by Keith J Fernandez