Latest news with #Bedouin-inspired
Emirates Woman
3 days ago
- Emirates Woman
Dreamy UAE staycations you must visit before the summer ends
The UAE's luxury hospitality scene is no stranger to grandeur—from glittering skyscraper suites to private island villas. But beyond the expected glamour lies a trio of extraordinary escapes that redefine the art of the staycation. Whether it's the silent majesty of a desert dotted with gazelles, a mangrove-fringed island where turtles nest at your doorstep, or a sun-drenched Greek fantasy on the Abu Dhabi coast, these resorts don't just promise relaxation—they deliver transformative moments. Leave the city behind and discover three addresses where nature, design, and impeccable service conspire to make ordinary weekends feel like once-in-a-lifetime journeys. Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert has elevated the desert retreat experience to unprecedented levels, creating a sanctuary where luxury and nature coexist in perfect harmony. Spanning 500 hectares of protected desert wilderness, this resort isn't just a place to stay—it's an immersive journey into the heart of authentic Arabian culture and ecology. The property's thoughtful design ensures minimal environmental impact while maximizing guest connection to the stunning landscape, where free-roaming Arabian oryx and graceful gazelles become part of your daily vista. Accommodations here redefine desert luxury. The Al Rimal Pool Villas offer secluded romance with private infinity pools that appear to merge with the endless dunes, while the Signature Villas provide expansive living spaces with traditional Bedouin-inspired decor and panoramic desert views through floor-to-ceiling windows. For the ultimate indulgence, the Royal Villa spans two bedrooms with a 25-meter private pool, personal majlis, and dedicated butler service—perfect for families or those seeking extra space and privacy. Dining options showcase the region's culinary diversity at its finest. Farmhouse presents a revolutionary farm-to-table concept by Michelin-starred chef Syrco Basse, where ingredients are sourced from the resort's own organic garden and local producers. Zuma brings its globally acclaimed Japanese izakaya dining to the desert, while Albahar offers authentic Arabian flavors under the stars. Unique dining experiences include private sunset dinners in the dunes and traditional Bedouin feasts complete with live music and storytelling. The resort's activity program immerses guests in authentic Emirati culture. Morning falconry displays demonstrate this ancient hunting tradition, while guided nature walks reveal the desert's surprising biodiversity. Adventurous spirits can try dune bashing or sandboarding, while those seeking tranquility might prefer sunrise yoga sessions or an evening stargazing experience with the resort's resident astronomer. The Equestrian Center offers horseback and camel rides through the dunes, including special sunset excursions. Wellness takes center stage at the resort's Rainforest facility—one of only four such hydrothermal experiences in the Ritz-Carlton global portfolio. This innovative wellness journey features therapeutic showers, ice fountains, and various steam rooms designed to detoxify and rejuvenate. The adjacent spa offers treatments blending ancient Arabic remedies with modern techniques, including a signature sand therapy massage using warm desert sand. A state-of-the-art fitness center and outdoor yoga platform complete the wellness offering. What truly distinguishes this property is its commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation. The resort actively participates in the UAE's endangered species protection programs and employs a team of resident naturalists who lead conservation initiatives. Traditional Emirati architecture informs the design, with wind towers and natural cooling techniques reducing energy consumption. Even the landscaping uses only native, drought-resistant plants. Recent additions include a new observatory for enhanced stargazing experiences and an expanded selection of cultural workshops where guests can learn traditional Arabic calligraphy, coffee preparation, or perfume blending. The resort has also introduced electric desert buggies for more sustainable dune exploration. With its perfect marriage of luxury amenities and authentic desert experiences, The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert continues to set the benchmark for eco-conscious luxury in the region. Kingfisher Retreat by Sharjah Collection Kingfisher Retreat is a sanctuary where conservation meets understated luxury, nestled on a pristine island off the coast of Sharjah. Accessible only by private boat, this secluded escape immerses guests in an untouched landscape of mangroves, home to rare birds, gazelles, and sea turtles. The retreat's 40 luxurious tents blend traditional charm with modern elegance, each featuring a private pool, ocean views, and bespoke comforts. Families and couples alike will find solace in this serene setting, where the rhythms of nature dictate the pace of the day. Dining at Al Qurm is a celebration of organic, locally sourced flavors, with menus that honor both regional and international cuisine. Beyond the table, the island invites exploration—kayak through winding mangrove channels, witness turtle hatchings along the shore, or simply unwind on the untouched beach. With a spa, curated activities, and an ambiance of effortless tranquility, Kingfisher Retreat offers a rare harmony of luxury and wilderness—a true haven for those seeking refuge in nature's embrace. Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat distills the essence of the Aegean into a serene adults-only sanctuary along Ghantoot's coastline. Just 40 minutes from Dubai, this intimate 22-room escape blends Cycladic elegance with Arabian Gulf vistas—think whitewashed arches, infinity pools merging with seascapes, and private terraces bathed in golden sunsets. The Royal Santorini Duplex Suite sets the standard for romantic getaways, complete with private sauna and gym facilities. Dining options include Thalassa for authentic Greek seafood and Oia for Arabian-inspired cuisine, both leveraging their waterfront locations. The boutique spa's vaulted hammam provides authentic regional therapies with a Cycladic twist. The evolution of UAE staycations is perhaps most visible in these three distinct properties. No longer content with generic luxury, today's discerning travelers seek experiences that are both Instagram-worthy and deeply authentic. These resorts deliver precisely that – offering not just accommodation, but curated experiences that linger in memory long after checkout. In a market saturated with luxury options, they stand apart by honoring their unique environments while delivering uncompromising service and design. The question isn't whether to visit, but which to experience first. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: @mademoisellesoph
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jannah Hotels & Resorts showcases strategic growth and vision at Arabian Travel Market 2025
Dubai, UAE – Jannah Hotels & Resorts proudly marks its presence at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, reaffirming its position as one of the UAE's premier homegrown hospitality brands. With its corporate team on-site, Jannah is actively engaging with existing and potential partners while showcasing its recent milestones, growing portfolio, and ambitious vision for regional and international expansion. A highlight of this year's participation is the successful debut of Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments (JEHA) in Abu Dhabi. Launched earlier this year, JEHA has quickly established itself as a standout property in the capital, achieving occupancy rates of over 80% in its first month and exceeding 89% in March and April. This strong performance underscores the market's demand for high-quality serviced apartments and Jannah's proven ability to deliver successful launches. As part of its future-forward strategy, Jannah Hotels & Resorts is actively diversifying its audience by targeting key emerging markets such as Poland, Italy, Spain, South Korea, the Czech Republic, and China. These efforts aim to attract a broader spectrum of international travelers throughout the summer and winter 2025–2026 seasons. 'Our expansion into new markets reflects a broader shift in how global travelers are choosing destinations today,' said Julio Rafael, Director of Marketing and Communications at Jannah Hotels & Resorts. 'We're excited to tap into these emerging regions and are aligning our brand to meet evolving expectations, not just through geographic growth, but also by enhancing the overall guest experience through thoughtful design upgrades and modern hospitality solutions.' Building on this momentum, Jannah is exploring the addition of a new property in Abu Dhabi later this year and plans to enter the Saudi market in 2026 with two new hotel openings, further solidifying its regional footprint. Complementing these expansion plans is the development of a holiday home and short-term vacation rental division in the UAE, catering to the rising demand for flexible, experience-led accommodations. To ensure its current offerings continue to resonate with today's travelers, the brand is investing in the revamp and modernization of its Dubai Marina properties and Jannah RAK, introducing refreshed interiors and elevated aesthetics. These updates are designed to bring a contemporary global touch while preserving the brand's Bedouin-inspired roots and identity. 'Our presence at ATM 2025 reflects not only the momentum we've built over the past year but also our forward-thinking vision for the future,' said Ossama Charrouf – Head of Commercial and Development at Jannah Hotels & Resorts. 'We look forward to forming new partnerships, deepening existing collaborations, and continuing to deliver authentic, memorable experiences that celebrate the heritage and spirit of the region.' With an eye on innovation and a deep commitment to meaningful hospitality, Jannah Hotels & Resorts is poised to lead the next chapter of growth within the UAE and beyond.
Al-Ahram Weekly
26-03-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
A house from the heart of Dahab: Embracing the Bedouin Design
In the picturesque village of Dahab in South Sinai in Egypt, surrounded by the Red Sea and mountains, lies a unique home that blends modern design with Bedouin heritage. The home was created and redesigned by architect Noha Taha. In an exclusive interview with Ahram Online, Taha shared her experience and highlighted the design's Bedouin-inspired elements. Taha expressed her excitement about working in a Bedouin environment in Sinai: "I was thrilled to have the opportunity to design a home in Dahab, a small village in South Sinai, located near the Red Sea and surrounded by the stunning mountain horizon." This home, situated among the original inhabitants of Dahab—the Bedouins—was built on a 150-square-metre plot, originally constructed and owned by the Bedouins several years ago. The homes in Dahab are known for using nature-inspired colours, including shades of blue representing the sea and earthy browns reflecting the land. White walls enhance natural light. Local materials such as stone, wood, and tent fabrics reflect the Bedouin heritage. The design also incorporates handmade patterns and decorations inspired by the Bedouin lifestyle and the surrounding nature. Additionally, the architecture features irregular lines and arched windows—elements that reflect the simple, practical Bedouin style, which is well suited to the desert climate and provides comfort and shade. Taha further explained the modifications to the home's original structure: "The house begins with a courtyard that welcomes guests, a common feature in Bedouin homes. I added a wooden bench near the entrance, in line with the Bedouin style. Moreover, I preserved the tree in the middle of the courtyard to offer shade and relief from the sun." Embracing Bedouin heritage with modern touches Upon entering the house, visitors are greeted by a reception area that exudes Bedouin charm. The area prominently uses arches and wood, especially in the ceilings. Taha emphasised how she respected the house's Bedouin heritage by utilising local materials such as stone, wood, and tent fabrics. "I kept the wooden structures as they were," she noted. However, I added some decorative tiles on the built-in seating and walls to enhance the artisanal atmosphere of Dahab." She also used white walls to increase natural light and create a sense of spaciousness. Taha further designed a wooden bookshelf in front of the built-in seating, a feature part of the original layout, and opened a window in a wall where there hadn't been one before. From the reception area, the space flows into an open dining area connected to the kitchen, another key feature in Bedouin homes. The two bedrooms, designed with traditional Bedouin elements, feature wooden ceilings and windows. To adorn the spaces, Taha included paintings that reflect the local environment, particularly depictions of boats, the sea, and the natural landscape of Dahab. The bathroom was designed using mosaic tiles, wood, and wicker as the primary materials. The home's colour palette blends some of Dahab's natural hues, such as the sea's blue, the palm trees' green, and the mountains' earthy tones. She faced a challenge in that the house had no staircase, and there was no suitable place for one except in the back passage where the main entrance was. "I designed the staircase there and moved the entrance to the right side of the house," she explained. The rooftop was transformed into a seating area, offering views of the surrounding nature, including the mountains and greenery. Taha blended contemporary and Bedouin styles in the furniture and décor of the rooftop. Instead of laying tiles, she painted the existing waterproof layer in green, blue, and white, echoing the colour scheme used throughout the house. In designing this home, Taha aimed to preserve the irregular lines that were initially present, as they reflected the human touch of the Bedouin workers who built it. "I focused on enhancing the sense of warmth and hospitality inherent in Bedouin culture while adapting the space to a more settled way of life," Taha concluded. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
