Tag: hotels

A Boutique Escape in the Heart of Brussels

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Fresh from an extensive redesign, 9Hotel Chelton combines contemporary interiors, wellness facilities and an enviable location, making it an appealing base for both business and leisure travellers exploring the Belgian capital.

Brussels is often celebrated for its grand architecture, world-class museums and thriving European business district, yet tucked away just moments from the city’s political heart is a boutique hotel that offers a quieter, more relaxed way to experience the Belgian capital.

Reopened following an extensive redesign, 9Hotel Chelton presents a contemporary retreat where thoughtful design meets everyday comfort. Located near Brussels-Schuman station and the elegant Square Ambiorix, the four-star property enjoys easy access to both the city’s European institutions and many of its cultural attractions, making it equally suited to business travellers and weekend explorers.

The interiors, reimagined by renowned designer Bruno Borrione, embrace clean lines, warm textures and understated elegance. The hotel’s 49 guestrooms blend the welcoming atmosphere of a country residence with the convenience expected of a modern city hotel, creating spaces that feel both comfortable and refined.

One of the property’s standout features is its wellness offering. Guests can unwind in the indoor swimming pool, recharge in the fitness area or enjoy the sensory showers after a day spent discovering Brussels or attending meetings nearby. A 24-hour honesty bar adds to the relaxed atmosphere, while dedicated coworking spaces and business facilities cater to professionals looking for a productive yet comfortable environment.

Mornings begin with a generous continental breakfast featuring freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruit, eggs, juices and quality coffee, providing an ideal start before heading out to explore the city or attend appointments.

Behind the property is the family-owned 9Hotel Collection, whose hospitality heritage stretches back four generations. Today, the group operates a collection of boutique hotels across several European capitals, each distinguished by individual character, contemporary design and a welcoming approach to hospitality.

For travellers seeking a stylish boutique address that balances convenience with comfort, 9Hotel Chelton is one of those understated discoveries worth adding to the Brussels shortlist. Whether visiting for business, a cultural city break or simply passing through one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals, it offers a contemporary base from which to experience the city at a more relaxed pace.

The Perfect Dubai Staycation

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Celebrating life’s special moments at InterContinental Dubai Festival City

By Shereen Shabnam

Some hotels quietly become part of the memories you create there. My recent two-night stay at InterContinental Dubai Festival City was exactly that. It was for a birthday celebration for my husband the experience reminded me why some hotels continue to stand out, not through extravagance alone, but through genuine hospitality and thoughtful experiences.

Despite having visited the property countless times over the years for events and meetings, staying as a guest offered a completely different perspective. It allowed me to appreciate not only the hotel’s elegant surroundings but also the seamless way it blends luxury, convenience and warm service.

One of the first things that captures your attention is the setting. Overlooking Dubai Creek, the hotel enjoys one of the city’s most relaxing waterfront locations. During the day, the ever-changing views across the water create a welcome sense of calm, while evenings bring the spectacular IMAGINE light and laser show, transforming the creek into a vibrant canvas of colour and music. Watching the reflections dance across the water from the comfort of the hotel adds a memorable touch to the experience.

The rooms reflect the understated elegance that has long defined the InterContinental brand. Spacious, beautifully maintained and thoughtfully designed, they provide a comfortable retreat after a busy day. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the waterfront setting, allowing natural light to fill the room while framing the city skyline beyond.

For me, however, memorable hotel stays are often defined by the people rather than the facilities, and this was especially true at Anise, where breakfast became one of the highlights of our stay.

The extensive buffet offers an impressive journey through international cuisines, with freshly prepared dishes, vibrant fruit selections, artisan pastries and made-to-order favourites catering to every palate. The genuine warmth of the team wss what I loved most. Every interaction felt personal, attentive and sincere, creating an atmosphere that encouraged guests to slow down, enjoy another cup of coffee and savour the morning rather than simply rushing through breakfast.

Dinner at Karam Al Bahr proved equally memorable. Known for its seafood cuisine, the restaurant delivers beautifully prepared dishes that celebrate the freshness of the ingredients without unnecessary complexity. From perfectly grilled seafood to authentic flavours inspired by the Mediterranean coast, the meal offered a fitting centrepiece for our celebration. We also had dinner the next day at Vista which had great food, great views and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

One of the hotel’s greatest advantages is its direct connection to Dubai Festival City Mall. Without stepping outdoors, we had immediate access to an excellent mix of international retail brands, cafés and entertainment. I am a big fan of Marks and Spensers so enjoyed some retail therapy, had a leisurely afternoon stroll through the mall and loved the convenience of having everything within easy reach.

It is this combination of luxury accommodation, outstanding dining, genuine hospitality and effortless convenience that makes InterContinental Dubai Festival City so appealing. I found it perfect for a romantic celebration and a family staycation as my daughter was with us for the stay. It was a great weekend escape without leaving the city.

As someone fortunate enough to experience many hotels around the world, I have learned that true luxury is rarely defined solely by beautiful rooms or impressive architecture. It is found in the warmth of the welcome, the attentiveness of the staff and the moments that leave you smiling long after you have checked out and the InterContinental Dubai Festival City delivered all of those moments during our stay.

Collina Luxury Relais

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Where Alpine Serenity Meets Contemporary Italian Design

Shereen Shabnam

Set within the breathtaking landscape of Clusone in the high valley of Bergamo, Collina Luxury Relais is a striking example of how contemporary hospitality design can coexist harmoniously with nature, heritage, and sustainability. Conceived as a refined five-star retreat, the property blends architectural elegance, understated luxury, and immersive wellness experiences within an environment shaped by the textures and tones of the surrounding alpine landscape.

Originally a villa with a nightclub and outdoor swimming pool, the site has been completely reimagined through a low-impact redevelopment project led by architect Silverio Pezzoli of TecnoArreda Interior Design, with Concreta overseeing the execution of the interiors and common spaces. The result is not merely a hotel, but a carefully orchestrated sensory experience where materials, light, and craftsmanship work together to create a sense of calm sophistication.

The property takes its name from the hillside on which it sits, surrounded by generous green spaces that immediately establish a connection to nature. Guests arriving at the entrance are greeted by an almost seven-metre olive tree, an architectural gesture that introduces the project’s balance between grandeur and organic serenity.

The relais comprises six suites, five independent chalets, and an expansive penthouse featuring a private spa, panoramic terrace, direct lift access, and complete privacy. The chalets, crafted entirely from wood with corrugated aluminium roofs, mirror the earthy tones of the alpine environment while maintaining a contemporary architectural language.

What defines the interiors most profoundly is the material palette. Throughout the property, Concreta has created a dialogue between natural textures and precision craftsmanship. Locally sourced Gré stone from the Lake Iseo region appears extensively across the project, particularly within the spectacular 300-square-metre pool area where resin finishes create a fluid, reflective water effect. The seamless connection between indoor and outdoor pools reinforces the relationship between architecture and landscape, while Swedish fir wood treated in evaporated mocha tones introduces warmth and tactile richness across terraces, pergolas, and chalet exteriors.

Inside, the atmosphere shifts toward refined contemporary elegance. The Beides Restaurant forms the social heart of the property, where grey-stained timber, metal, and glass intersect in a dramatic yet restrained composition. Large glazed surfaces flood the interiors with natural light, while Canaletto walnut, moka-stained fir, aged oak flooring, and Fenix finishes introduce depth and softness to the space. The continuity between interior and exterior materials is particularly striking, with gré cobblestone surfaces extending the visual narrative throughout the property.

The private lounge, featuring a Canaletto walnut floor and visible wine cellar, reflects the project’s broader philosophy of understated exclusivity. Rather than relying on decorative excess, the design focuses on proportion, atmosphere, and the emotional quality of materials.

The wellness component of the property further elevates its luxury positioning. Located in the basement level, the Collina MyPurity SPA has been designed as a sanctuary inspired by the surrounding mountains. A relaxation lounge overlooking the valley creates an immediate sense of stillness, while saunas crafted from Swiss stone pine wood introduce both natural fragrance and wellness benefits associated with reducing heart rate and stress levels. Elsewhere, cave-inspired stone Turkish baths, sensory showers, Scottish showers, and treatment cabins create a multisensory spa journey rooted in elemental design.

Even the fitness centre embraces the property’s immersive approach to wellbeing, offering panoramic views of the iconic Clusone bell tower while integrating state-of-the-art equipment within a visually calming environment.

Sustainability remains central to the identity of Collina Luxury Relais. Beyond aesthetics, the property integrates eco-conscious infrastructure through photovoltaic systems, geothermal probes, and energy-efficient technologies that support both the building’s operational needs and heated wellness facilities year-round. The project demonstrates how luxury hospitality can evolve responsibly without compromising comfort, beauty, or technological sophistication.

For Concreta, whose expertise spans over three decades in bespoke hospitality interiors, the project represents a seamless fusion of craftsmanship, engineering, and contemporary Italian design culture. Together with architect Silverio Pezzoli, the collaboration has produced a destination that feels deeply connected to its environment while delivering the privacy, technology, and refinement expected from a modern luxury retreat.

Azimut’s New Grande 30M Brings Italian Superyacht Elegance to Asian Waters

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Natasha Dury

There are yachts designed to impress at first glance, and then there are yachts designed to completely redefine life at sea. The new Azimut Grande 30M belongs firmly to the latter category. Making its Asian debut in Hong Kong, the flagship model arrives not simply as another addition to the superyacht landscape, but as a statement of how contemporary luxury yachting is evolving toward more fluid, social and experience-driven living.

The Grande 30M has established itself as one of the most architecturally ambitious yachts in its segment. Designed externally by Alberto Mancini with interiors by acclaimed Italian studio m2atelier, the yacht balances sculptural Italian styling with a deeply lifestyle-oriented approach to onboard living.

What distinguishes the Grande 30M most is the way it reimagines space. Central to the design is the innovative “All-Day” upper deck, a fully walkaround social environment anchored by a panoramic lounge enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows that open on three sides. The result is an atmosphere that feels less confined than traditional yacht layouts and more akin to a luxury waterfront residence floating at sea.

Designed with multi-generational living and entertaining in mind, the layout allows guests to move effortlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining moments of privacy and intimacy. Whether hosting extended family gatherings, sunset dining or quiet retreats during long coastal journeys, the Grande 30M adapts fluidly to different rhythms of onboard life without ever sacrificing openness or connection to the sea.

Equally transformative is the yacht’s extraordinary Deck2Deck™ Terrace at the stern. By elevating the transom structure, Azimut has created a remarkable 25-square-metre overwater terrace that seamlessly extends the cockpit into the surrounding horizon. The architectural effect is dramatic yet elegant, blurring the boundary between yacht and ocean while creating one of the most immersive alfresco spaces currently available in this category.

Beyond aesthetics, the Grande 30M also reflects Azimut’s broader philosophy of merging technological innovation with refined Italian craftsmanship. Every detail feels considered, from the natural flow of circulation onboard to the careful interplay of materials, textures and light throughout the interiors.

The Hong Kong showcase also highlighted the wider strength of the Azimut range, with models including the Fly 78, Fly 62 and Magellano 60 reinforcing the brand’s ability to cater to vastly different owner lifestyles. Yet it was the Grande 30M that unquestionably commanded attention, particularly as the world’s first delivered unit officially arrived in Asia.

As luxury yachting increasingly shifts toward immersive lifestyle experiences rather than pure status symbolism, the Grande 30M feels perfectly aligned with the new generation of owners seeking design sophistication, versatility and emotional connection to the sea. More than simply a superyacht, it represents a floating expression of contemporary Italian living which is elegant, social and unapologetically experiential.

Bin Ham Travel Group Renews Partnership with Amadeus to Elevate Travel Experiences and Accelerate Growth

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Bin Ham Travel Group, one of the UAE’s leading travel management companies, has renewed its long-standing partnership with Amadeus, a global leader in travel technology, to further enhance travel booking experiences and drive sustainable growth across the region.

Through this continued collaboration, Bin Ham Travel Group will leverage Amadeus’ state-of-the-art solutionsto deliver seamless, real-time booking services. This partnership will continue to provide access to rich travel content, enabling more personalized offers, greater choice, and a seamless booking experience across flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel services.

In addition, Bin Ham Travel Group will benefit from Amadeus’ innovative portfolio of digital solutions, including Amadeus Online Suite Mobile App, which will enhance the mobile booking journey for customers. The Amadeus Value Hotels (AVH) will offer access to competitive hotel content worldwide while the NDC-X program will give access to next-generation airline retailing and personalized offers.

H.E. Ahmed Musallam Bin Ham, CEO of Bin Ham Travel Group, commented: “Our renewed partnership with Amadeus reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative travel solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. Together, we aim to elevate the travel experience by offering a wider range of choices, seamless booking, and greater convenience.”

Echoing this sentiment, Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Managing Director, Amadeus Gulf, said: “Bin Ham Travel Group has been a valued partner for many years. By renewing our collaboration, we are jointly advancing the travel ecosystem in the UAE with cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency and deliver exceptional value to travelers and partners alike.”

This renewed alliance underlines the shared vision of both companies to set new benchmarks in travel technology, strengthen the UAE’s position as a global travel hub, and deliver enriched experiences to both individual travelers and corporate clients.