Latest news with #DorchesterCollection
Forbes
11 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Inside The Business Of Luxury Dining At Hotel Bel-Air
Hotel Bel-Air has never been in the business of chasing the new. Its market position has always been about constancy: a place that can command the loyalty of high-net-worth regulars while still holding enough cultural cachet to attract the city's cyclical cast of celebrities. And boy, have they. Marilyn Monroe's final magazine shoot took place here. Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned here. Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Howard Hughes—the guest list reads like a condensed history of 20th-century glamour. But, as many-a-shuttered Old Hollywood institution can attest to, legacy alone isn't enough to keep a property at the top of Los Angeles' fiercely competitive luxury landscape. And the Dorchester Collection knows it. Since the operator took over management in 2008, the strategy has been to preserve the hotel's history while methodically modernising its most public-facing spaces. The latest example is The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air, its all-day dining room and terrace, which has just emerged from a targeted revamp under culinary director Joe Garcia. The design changes are subtle to the casual eye, but calculated. The hotel's signature pale pink palette (or, as they'd call it, 'blush') now extends across the terrace, connecting the indoor and outdoor areas. Alcove seating has also been reconfigured for privacy—a priceless commodity in La La Land—while a new marble bar draws guests in earlier, keeps them later and increases bar spend without needing to upsell a second entrée. With that said, the food has had a phenomenal little facelift of its own. For Garcia, who joined in 2022, the mission was to modernize carefully and slowly, as opposed to a scattergun embrace of trends. 'I take inspiration from the Spanish Colonial architecture and the hotel's legacy,' he says. 'I want to reinterpret classic dishes and flavor combinations with modern equipment, contemporary techniques, and locally-sourced ingredients.' That philosophy has translated into a menu that is smaller, more focused, and, in my personal opinion, faultless. The loup de mer is crisp-skinned over eggplant caviar, roasted sweet peppers, tomato confit, and basil, finished with a saffron bouillon poured to order. Elegant without tipping into impractical ceremony. The sweetcorn Agnolotti, with butter-poached Maine lobster, preserved lemon, and compressed French tarragon, has the richness to justify the price point but the acidity to keep guests coming back to repeat tastes. The Onion Dip, a play on the retro party food classic, is the very definition of culinary indulgence; a blend of sweet, caramelised Vidalia onions and crème fraîche, garnished with pickled pearl onions, crispy onions, chives, and caviar (of course). What Garcia doesn't do is create highly-orchestrated Instaplates designed to succeed in a single edited image, which can't survive a 50-cover dinner service. 'That's not how a real kitchen with real customers operates,' he says. 'I'd rather remain timeless and let the ingredients we spend so much time sourcing speak for themselves.' With that said, he knows looks are paramount—especially in Bel-Air. 'I'll never forget one of the first lessons I learned as a young cook when I heard that 'the eye eats first.' I always keep this in mind and make sure that there is plenty of color on the plate. It is very rare to go to a restaurant in LA these days and not see people at times spend more time taking pictures of the food than they do eating it, so it's my job to make sure that the food is being presented in an elegant but not overly opulent way.' His Pommes Lyonnaise is a perfect example. 'Knowing what the traditional Pommes Lyonnaise consists of, combined with an understanding of the traditional cooking method and how it is usually served, empowers you to take liberties such as deciding what type of fat you use to cook the potatoes. 'What kind of allium would you like to use? The dish is traditionally made with onions—but why can't shallots be used? Or Leeks? Would you like to use duck fat? What about clarified butter? Why not brown butter? What about dry-aged beef tallow? Can I add black truffles? The innovative possibilities are endless.' Beyond his core menu, Garcia and his team have also put a huge amount of effort into the pastry cart, appearing each morning carrying almond croissants, cream puffs, cinnamon rolls—all from The Patisserie. 'We are very proud of the work and research and development that was required to get our Viennoserie to the point where it is now,' Garcia says. 'It is really a showcase of the hard work and dedication that our bakery team puts in on a daily basis.' Like every tweak, the cart serves multiple purposes: it drives visibility for the pastry team, creates a secondary sales channel, and allows the kitchen to test items in front of a captive audience before committing to production-scale rollout. Programming has been recalibrated to encourage local loyalty. The Sunday Night Dinner series—held on the first Sunday of each month—offers family-style menus that change with the season, filling a gap in LA's luxury weekday-power-lunch dining calendar. September's End-of-Summer Barbecue will be the opposite: a one-day, $350-per-head event with chefs like Burt Bakman, Saw Naing, Jackson Kalb, Ray Garcia, Jeremy Fox, and Ashley James, backed by sponsors including Louis XIII and Telmont. Of course, the competitive set for The Restaurant isn't every high-end dining room in LA, but other hotel restaurants with comparable brand equity: The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel (thankfully, also a Dorchester Collection gem), Jean-Georges at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, The Belvedere at The Peninsula, et al. Each certainly has its draw, but Hotel Bel-Air's undeniable advantage is discretion, a guest list that doesn't leak, a property layout that lets dining feel genuinely separate from the rest of the city, and that all-important no-picture protocol. That's one of the many reason why the redesign works. The cosmetic updates are not just for aesthetis—they drive dwell time, boost beverage revenue, and improve the experience for both locals and in-house guests. The programming serves both audiences without cannibalising either. And the hotel's history only goes to bolster their five-star efforts. Though some may try to accuse them of it, The Restaurant isn't betting on nostalgia. It's betting that in a city addicted to it, there's still a market for precision, privacy, and a product that knows exactly what it is. The harder—and more valuable—way to secure a restaurant a legacy of its very own.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
A (bath)room with a view: Inside the Lana Dorchester Collection hotel which offers an understated elegance and breath-taking vistas for those in search of the 'anti-bling' Dubai
Dubai has long been synonymous with a flashy opulence that attracts a 'nouveau riche' crowd who want to holiday in the latest 'it' hotel and be seen dining in the newest restaurant. But for those who would rather shy away from that scene, The Lana Dorchester Collection offers different kind of luxury - sleek, refined, and purposefully restrained. In a city famed for pushing the boundaries of architectural spectacle and gilded extravagance, The Lana is something a little different. The 5-star hotel's 30-storey silhouette rises above the vibrant Business Bay district. Its clean lines and shimmering facade present a sharp contrast to the city's more ostentatious landmarks. Its rooftop infinity pool is a calm oasis with 180 degree views of Downtown Dubai, and flanked with white cushioned sunbeds. There are many signs of a good hotel: one is that your feet don't burn on its tiling in the afternoon sun. The Lana manages that with aplomb. Just don't ask me how! Just beside it is the popular High Society bar which attracts a crowd of couples and business travellers. From its vantage point overlooking Marasi Marina, the rooftop offers uninterrupted vistas of speedboats skimming the water and the Burj Khalifa looming in the distance. It's the perfect spot from which to sip on a cool cocktail, brought to you by the hotel's very cool staff Inside the hotel lies an expanse of cool creamy marble, walnut trimmings and elegant neutral furnishings topped off with huge floral displays, a theme that continues into the bedrooms. We stayed in a junior suite which came furnished with a vast bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, small lounge area and a private balcony. But the standout feature - which the hotel staff described as 'the influencer's favourite' - was the deep soak free-standing bathtub positioned directly in front of the window and with an uninterrupted view of the glittering marina. . Slipping into its bubbly warmth was heaven. I can't think of a better way to relax after an evening desert safari (highly recommended!). The hotel is also rightfully proud of its culinary credentials. Michelin-starred Martín Berasategui brings an inventive Basque tasting menu and we sampled an extensive array of it. For those seeking an oasis of calm amid Dubai's ceaseless energy, The Lana offers a rare combination: modern luxury with memories you will cherish - like a bath framed by the glittering skyline - that linger in memory long after checkout.
Zawya
16-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Omaniyat acquires ultra-luxury island in Burj Khalifa District
Leading Dubai developer Omaniyat has announced the acquisition of Marasi Bay Island in the Burj Khalifa District, further expanding its vision for an ultra-luxury waterfront ecosystem in Dubai. The reclaimed island will offer a curation of ultra-luxury lifestyle experiences by Omaniyat, including the first beach club in the Burj Khalifa District, said a statement from the developer. Complementing Marasi Bay Island, Omaniyat unveils a new array of resort-style amenities along the south side of Marasi Bay. These include the Marasi Bay Marina, operated by Omaniyat, with berths for super yachts, a tender boat service, an exclusive Yacht Club, and the Signature Pavilion offering 10,000 sq ft of floating retail and events space. The south promenade will also introduce wellness and lifestyle features such as padel courts, a children's play area, a running track, and an art trail. Residents will also have access to Sunset Park, a 30,000 sq ft private floating island with wellness spaces, chef's kitchen, yoga terraces and private jetty access, said the statement. This evolving ecosystem is anchored by Omaniyat's landmark developments, including The Lana Hotel and Residences, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, and VELA Viento, Dorchester Collection, Dubai. The ultra-premium commercial property, ENARA by Omaniyat, will further connect business, lifestyle and design excellence on the waterfront, it added. Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of Omaniyat, said: "In a re-imagined approach to urban living, we are reshaping Marasi Bay into Dubai's definitive ultra-luxury waterfront destination, and Marasi Bay Island is another jewel in its crown, complementing this luxurious ecosystem with exceptional waterfront experiences." Marasi Bay promises to be a hub of elevated lifestyle experiences orchestrated by the world's finest brands, artists and innovators, adding an exciting new dimension to Dubai's future.
Mid East Info
10-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
OMNIYAT Elevates Marasi Bay Vision with Island Acquisition in the Burj Khalifa District, Unveiling an Urban Beach Club and Curated Waterfront Experiences
OMNIYAT acquires Marasi Bay Island in the Burj Khalifa District, expanding its ultra-luxury ecosystem with plans for an exclusive beach club and curated waterfront experiences. The ecosystem is complimented by additional amenities along the south side of Marasi Bay, including private parks, Marina Yacht Club and a floating multi purpose pavilion. Marasi Bay, OMNIYAT's vision for an ultra-luxury waterfront destination, blends high-end living, premium workspaces, five-star hospitality, leisure, and wellness experiences. Dubai, United Arab Emirates,June 2025: OMNIYAT, the leading developer of Dubai's ultra-luxury real estate market, has acquired Marasi Bay Island, a reclamation project to be developed into a vibrant lifestyle destination with the first beach club in Burj Khalifa District. The island will complement OMNIYAT's ambitious ultra-luxury ecosystem for UHNWI now taking shape. Located in the Burj Khalifa District, Marasi Bay is an exciting waterfront destination that blends high-end living, premium workspaces, hospitality, leisure, and wellness experiences. It is seamlessly connected to Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, DIFC, D3 Design District, and Dubai International Airport. Resort-style offerings on the south side of Marasi Bay: Complementing Marasi Bay Island, OMNIYAT unveils additional amenities along the south side of Marasi Bay as a continuation of its vision to redefine waterfront living. Connecting urban living to the sea, Marasi Bay Marina, operated by OMNIYAT, offers berths for superyachts, an exclusive Yacht Club, tender boat service, jetty lounges for boat owners and The Lana Hotel guests, and the Signature Pavillion, a 10,000 square feet retail and events space set over the water. The south waterfront promenade will combine public and resident-only facilities, including a padel court, children's play area, running track and an art trail. Exclusive for OMNIYAT residents, Sunset Park, a 30,000-sq ft private floating island, will be the beating heart of Marasi Bay's green spaces, linked by the waterfront promenade. A place for wellness, leisure, and community, it features picnic lawns, private dining spaces with a chef's kitchen and BBQ, flexible indoor areas for work and events, and specialized spaces such as sensory and meditation gardens, a yoga terrace, and a dedicated dog park, alongside viewing platforms and event lawns. Residents can also avail a private jetty drop-off. Elevating waterfront living: Within this curated ecosystem lies a residential portfolio that complements the masterplan, including VELA Viento, Dorchester Collection, Dubai. Rising 180 metres above Marasi Bay, VELA Viento, Dorchester Collection, Dubai represents architectural excellence through globally renowned architects Foster + Partners' visionary design. A sister property to VELA, VELA Viento houses 95 exceptional residences where floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, and the waterfront below. Each residence features expansive terraces blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, while select units offer terrace pools, double-height spaces, and suspended dining rooms that seem to float above the cityscape. With interior design by Gilles & Boissier, these elegant, fully furnished homes offer exclusivity through private lift lobbies. Select residents may also opt for Banda Studio-designed interiors for the Horizon Residences. Positioned over 100 metres high, the Sky Amenities Deck features an infinity pool, double-height gym, yoga studio, and lounges — while ground-level amenities include indoor pools, spa, meeting spaces, and direct promenade access to The Lana Hotel and Marasi Bay. Under Dorchester Collection's renowned management, residents enjoy world-class hospitality that blends home ownership with legendary hotel service. OMNIYAT has reimagined Marasi Bay with signature properties such as The Lana Hotel and Residences, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, inaugurated in Q1 2024. Designed by Foster + Partners, The Lana is Dorchester Collection's first hotel in the Middle East, also boasting the region's first Dior Spa. The sale of The Lana Residences penthouse set new records as the most expensive property sold in the Burj Khalifa District in May 2024. Building on the uplifting legacy of The Lana, ENARA by OMNIYAT, an ultra-luxury office tower, is set for completion in 2027. ENARA by OMNIYAT, a standalone ultra-premium commercial building to cater to the global business elite, offers luxury office spaces with direct access to a vibrant promenade that gives owners access to outdoor wellness facilities for jogging, cycling and walking, complemented by an array of distinctive fine-dining concepts from world-renowned chefs. ENARA is seamlessly connected via promenade and jetty service to VELA, VELA Viento and The Lana.[AA1] Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT, said: 'In a re-imagined approach to urban living, we are reshaping Marasi Bay into Dubai's definitive ultra-luxury waterfront destination. Marasi Bay Island is another jewel in its crown, complementing this luxurious ecosystem with exceptional waterfront experiences. Alongside the island, the newly unveiled amenities on the south side of the bay, further enrich the lifestyle offering for OMNIYAT residents and guests. Designed to be an exclusive ecosystem for global citizens, Marasi Bay is transforming a former commercial district into a highly desirable, vibrant and extraordinary UNHW community. Commanding the most coveted and strategic position in the prestigious Burj Khalifa District, Marasi Bay is the ultimate celebration of waterfront living, powered by Dubai's relentless momentum and OMNIYAT's commitment to redefining luxury.' Marasi Bay promises to be a hub of elevated lifestyle experiences orchestrated by the world's finest brands, artists and innovators, adding an exciting new dimension to Dubai's future.
Hospitality Net
14-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Pascal Billard has been appointed General Manager at Le Meurice in Paris
Dorchester Collection announces the appointment of Pascal Billard as general manager of Paris's Le Meurice, effective from August 1, 2025. It will be a welcomed return to Dorchester Collection for Billard, who served as resident manager at Le Meurice's sister Parisian hotel, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, from 2009 to 2013. With more than 35 years' experience in the hospitality industry, Billard joins Le Meurice having held the position of general manager at Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona for the past 12 years. Born and educated in France, Billard has held food and beverage and management positions across an exceptional portfolio of luxury hotels in the Americas and Europe. He originally studied at the Jean Drouant Hospitality School of Paris, and his illustrious career has included roles for Novecento, China Grill Management and Morgans Hotel Group. His most recent position with the Majestic Hotel Group saw him reposition the brand's flagship Barcelona hotel on the Passeig de Gràcia. Open since 1835, Le Meurice was the first hotel awarded the official "Palace" distinction in France, and last year was awarded three Michelin Keys. The hotel is home to two Michelin-starred Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse, and a patisserie by world leading pastry chef, Cedric Grolet. Billard will be taking this position following the retirement of Franka Holtmann, who departed in February having served as general manager for more than 18 years.
