SPRING 2014 UAE: MEANINGFUL DEFINITION THE INNOVATIVE SHAPESHIFTER TRANSFORMS TO FASCINATE FAMILIES TURKEY: PERPETUAL MOTION A DESTINATION OF ALLURING MAGNETISM ttg mena WITH A POWERFUL LUXURY OFFERING WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS CRAFTING A BESPOKE AND EXPERTLY TAILORED UNION PLUS for premium travel professionals INDIAN OCEAN CRUISING WITH A REFINED AND CAPTIVATING FLOURISH, THE LUXURY TRAVEL SECTOR IS VIBRANTLY BLOSSOMING TO SHOWCASE ITS UNRIVALLED, CREATIVE MASTERY ttg mena for premium travel professionals Contributors Natalie Hami Naomi Leach Ana Mladenovic Tatiana Tsierkezou Stefanie Saghbini Panayiotis Markides Creative Director Edward Beales Designer Maggie Bdjian General Manager Publishing & Sales Tony Fields General Manager Events & Communications As winter gradually lifts its thick blanket, the earth eagerly looks up to Alexandra North the sun, soaking in its warmth and nutrients to produce the freshness of Sales Manager spring. Bursts of flowers take over fields and bright green leaves adorn the Adrian Exley once bare branches of trees. Account Management Inna Armeanu As nature responds to the call of the sun so does the world in beginning Kyriacos Kyriacou to emerge, refreshed and ready to experience all, either in a brand new Marianne Shokry Helen Moss destination or in an old favourite. Heavily dampened by winter’s darkness the discerning traveller’s senses are pleasingly awoken and stimulated in International Partner Manager Elaine Hockley captivating and novel ways. With the dawn of the most delightful spring upon us, ttgmena luxury E-Commerce Manager Panayiotis Philippou takes you far and wide to experience and also to explore. Exceptional E-Commerce possibilities await the premium traveller in places previously unexplored Constantinos Voniatis or simply in destinations that have just recently encouraged the growth of Natalie Hami Operations Manager Media Reporter a successful luxury segment. Chris Christou With just the click of a mouse, you can seamlessly scroll through our Chief Financial Officer latest issue where you’ll discover our debut feature on Turkey, whose Costas Miaoulis high-end segment has blossomed, and continues to be in bloom, blending Accounts Executive its many attributes with fresh and charming offerings to come. Vasilis Eracleous Stalo Antoniades An effortless click will take you to our lead feature on the UAE where the We shall not family segment is boundlessly being tended to, with each and every detail Headquarters being pre-empted. Nietzsche Street, For some though, their most significant and undoubtedly most exceptional Ria Court 9, cease from 1st Floor, Makenzi, life experience has to be their wedding and honeymoon, indicating the 6028 Larnaca, Cyprus exploration, and beginning of a new chapter. We share with you the paramount significance Tel: +357-24-803800 Fax: +357-24-803060 of an illustrious setting, with highlights of destinations and properties Email: [email protected] the end of all our offering the most captivating of these attributes. menaluxury.com Website: Alternatively, you can bask in the treasures of the Indian Ocean, with the TTG Luxury Worldwide Titles* most varied adventure opportunities for the more imaginative traveller. TTG Czech Republic exploring will be TTG Russia Or take to the land in our Cruising feature, with the rising prominence of on TTG UK & Ireland to arrive where shore experiences set to tantalise the senses of both virgin and seasoned TTG Asia cruisers. * For information on these publications, we started and The yearning for exploration and new experiences runs through the please contact us at: [email protected] veins in all of us; this is brought before the luxury traveller in the form of know the place encounters beyond the opulent walls of a property in our Trends report. Printed in Cyprus by Cassoulides Masterprinters Echoing the sentiments of TS Eliot, travel to a perpetually favoured spot for the first time... should continuously stimulate with new experiences and the craving to explore anew once more. TS Eliot I wish you an inspirational and invigorating start to the year and hope we can continue to discover the wonders of luxury travel together in our next issue... welcome letter3 menaluxury.com 4 CONTENTS ttgmena luxury issue 13 spring 2014 16 21 20 14 30 06 Spring Selection Ajman celebrates beauty and 25 Feature Indian Ocean There is more than meets the culture; historic accents inspire Qatar's latest eye across the dazzling shores of the Indian Ocean hospitality concept; and magic sparkles for the family 29 Profile David Edwards, executive vice president, in Egypt Qatar Executive 08 News Developments of exception unveiled 30 Weddings & Honeymoons A seamless fusion 12 Viewed and Reviewed The ttgmena luxury team of setting, skill and keen attention to detail are shares its distinctive experiences of the region's quintessential in crafting a tailored celebration elite stars 32 Feature Turkey With a fiery sense of competition, 14 Trends Report As the budding segment of Turkey's upscale tourism industry has propelled the experiential travel strengthens, travel specialists are destination into the very heart of the luxury arena cultivating new paths of discovery 36 Premium Picks Switzerland reveals its tantalising 16 Feature UAE Intelligent shape-shifter, the UAE, secrets; Zen the Spa at Rotana offers up the ultimate transforms to serve and fascinate all ages treatments for body and mind; and ttgmena luxury 20 Profile Mark Edleson, president, Alila Hotels & Resorts presents the must-have accessories for 2014 21 Cruising Coursing through the waves of change, the 38 Gallery Take a look through the lens at some of the cruising sector is enticing a new demographic with most vibrant happenings in the industry its experiential approach 40 Diary Details on the upcoming ILTM Japan contents5 menaluxury.com spring selection GET READY TO BE INSPIRED The ever exhilarating luxury travel segment is constantly evolving and offering up its distinct treasures, creating memorable moments for its guests forever ingrained in their experience. With brand new properties blossoming in the region and outside, ttgmena luxury has selected some of the most outstanding and exceptional freshly opened properties, set to gratify the indulgent needs of the discerning guest. ttgmena luxury Captivating Arabian welcome The warm embrace of authentic Arabian hospitality is welcoming elite clientele, with the debut of Ajman Saray, A Luxury Collection Resort, scheduled to open in February. The resort will mark the brand’s entry into the northern emirate of Ajman. Guido de Wilde, senior vice president, re- gional director – Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts noted: “Ajman has posi- tioned itself as a must-see destination in the UAE and this resort truly celebrates SERENE HAVEN the emirate’s beauty and culture through Gracing the already opulent and exceptional hotel The wide choice of well-appointed and capacious its spec- line up in Marrakech is Royal Palm Marrakech, accommodation at Royal Palm Marrakech moves tacular bringing its own unique brand of luxury into this from the central area of the hotel along a peaceful design and distinctive region. avenue of olive trees. All 135 lavish suites and villas Ajman has impeccable This is the first property away from the Indian Ocean have been furnished to the highest standard opening service. for Beachcomber Hotels, considered pioneers of the onto either a generous balcony or terrace. Suites positioned Ajman Indian Ocean hotel industry, owning and managing are set over three floors with captivating views over itself as a Saray will eight luxury hotels in Mauritius and Sainte Anne the gardens, the magnificent hotel golf course and provide an Resort & Spa in the Seychelles. across to the snow-capped Atlas mountains beyond. must-see enchant- Drawing largely on inspiration from the Berber cul- Royal Palm Marrakech has an exceptional choice of ing coastal ture, this luxurious five-star property, situated within family and group accommodation with 11 outstand- destination in sanctuary a vast 231-hectare estate amongst age-old olive ing villas, each with their own private pool and tradi- for inter- trees, is located just 12km from the bustling centre tional hammam, along with a fully fitted kitchen and the UAE. national of Marrakech. BBQ where guests may delight in al fresco dining. guests and the perfect weekend retreat for local residents.” A beachside retreat, Ajman Saray fea- FAMILIAL DELIGHTS tures 205 luxurious rooms, including 24 suites offering outstanding views of the ith perfect climes the year through, with individually adjustable air conditioning, satellite TV Arabian Gulf. Egypt is inviting and welcoming the and high-speed Internet access. Furthermore, the resort offers an ex- W lucrative family segment, with the new quisite variety of epicurean experiences Steigenberger Aqua Magic in Hurghada. including a specialty restaurant focused An exclusive water slide park, a generously on authentic Middle Eastern delicacies, a proportioned pool facility extending over an contemporary seafood restaurant, an all- area of 2,600m2 and a private beach all make day dining space serving Mediterranean Steigenberger Aqua Magic a singular experi- cuisine, a beach bar and grill, the eques- ence for the whole family. trian inspired lounge with Looking to perpetually gratify the needs of its a relaxing atmosphere clientele, Steigenberger Aqua Magic offers 707 and a lobby lounge. rooms and suites, including 294 specially de- The hotel also includes