Latest news with #JeanMichelGathy


Times
12 hours ago
- Health
- Times
One&Only One Za'abeel hotel review: a towering but tranquil Dubai retreat
This striking stay may be One&Only's first city centre resort, but it feels surprisingly similar to the brand's more far-flung, beachy hotels that are dotted all over the globe (and on Dubai's coast) — no mean feat considering it's slap bang in the throbbing metropolis. It's located in one of the two glass-covered One Za'abeel towers (rising 59 and 68 storeys) that are linked by the world's longest cantilever (the length of almost five double-decker buses) with extraordinary views of Dubai's skyline. Inside the cantilever you'll find the Link, which features three storeys of acclaimed restaurants — plus a spacious infinity pool on its rooftop. The hotel is spread over 22 floors, which are accessed by 29 lifts: be warned, finding your way around can feel like a game of snakes and ladders. Wellness is high on the agenda, with the serene Garden Pool and the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, an immaculate three-storey spa. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 9/10There are 229 accommodations, ranging from spacious Za'abeel rooms to the palatial penthouse Villa One (with its own gym, cinema room and lap pool) — and all are luxurious. Za'abeel suites are the entry-level suite category, positioned in the corners of the tower with stunning city-wide views from their dual-aspect floor-to-ceiling windows. The interiors, conceived by the celebrated hotel designer Jean-Michel Gathy, focus on cool calming blues and greys, with marble floors, lavish rugs and vast sandstorm-style artworks adorning the walls. In the Za'abeel suites, a king-size bed smothered in soft linen takes centre stage in an expansive living area, which includes a comfy day bed, sofa and dining area. This leads to a large marble bathroom with double showers and a gigantic, deep rectangular bath positioned next to the window to take in the views while soaking. A walk-in wardrobe keeps belongings tucked away and there's a large drinks and snacks cabinet —more of a maxibar than a minibar. If you need ice and a slice, just call your dedicated host (ie butler): another perk included with each suite. Even the standard rooms have great views of the city and feature king-size beds, walk-in wardrobes and giant bathrooms. • Read our full guide to Dubai Score 10/10The hotel has six dining options, ranging from the informal Culinara social dining hall to fine-dining at the Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic. Breakfast in Aelia features a huge buffet counter and bakery, as well as an extensive à la carte menu and trolleys serving mimosas and special dishes. For laid-back lunches, Andaliman serves tasty Indonesian dishes: don't miss the dadar gulung, a dessert of pandan green pancakes stuffed with coconut, palm sugar and coconut ice cream. Elsewhere, the graffiti-covered StreetXO is the street food concept of the experimental Spanish chef Dabiz Muñoz. Standout dishes include brioche soaked in curry cream, with iced roasted pineapple, coconut kakigori and toasted coconut shavings. Order the rum-heady Blood XO cocktail, presented in a ceramic heart. For elevated poolside dining, Tapasake serves South American and Japanese dishes, such as heavenly wagyu tataki and shrimp gyozas. • The best hotels in Dubai for 2025• Best all-inclusive hotels in Dubai Score 8/10There's the glamorous cabana-lined infinity pool on top of the Link, and the more tranquil Garden Pool on the fourth floor with a swim-up bar and lustrous palm trees. The kids' club is also on this floor. As typical of Dubai, service is excellent throughout the hotel, but this is a large property, so it's not particularly personalised. The other special experience here is the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, a biohacking wellness centre whose treatments range from infrared facials to IV drips and cryotherapy (all at an extra charge). Hotel guests also have complimentary access to the gender-segregated steam rooms and saunas, and a whirlpool that features stunning views of the city. Score 8/10 If you're in town for a conference, the Dubai World Trade Centre is a few minutes' walk away. But if sightseeing is on the agenda this is also an excellent location: the Dubai Frame and Creek are only ten minutes away by taxi, as is Dubai International Airport. The Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountains are 15 minutes' drive in the opposite direction. If you want to feel the sand between your toes, the beach is about 20 minutes by car. Price B&B doubles from £375Restaurant mains from £24 (at StreetXO)Family-friendly YAccessible Y Alexandra Whiting was a guest of One&Only One Za'abeel ( • Best things to do in Dubai• Best family hotels in Dubai for 2025


Travel Daily News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Aman Rosa Alpina: Reservations now open in Italy's Dolomites
Aman Rosa Alpina reopens July 2025 in Italy's Dolomites, blending heritage, luxury, wellness, and exclusive alpine experiences for discerning travelers. Resting in the picturesque village of San Cassiano in Italy's UNESCO-protected Dolomites, the historic mountain retreat of Rosa Alpina will soon emerge anew, reimagined as a fully-fledged Aman sanctuary. Known for creating hotels and resorts that are sensitive and authentic to geography, design and cultural heritage – every Aman experience gently unfolds with simplicity and elegance providing an immediate sense of belonging. In anticipation of a 24 July opening, the pioneering ultra-luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand announce that reservations for Aman Rosa Alpina are now open, welcoming guests for the highly anticipated summer season and forthcoming winter season. Following an extensive refurbishment penned by internationally acclaimed architect and long-standing Aman collaborator, Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston, Aman Rosa Alpina has been meticulously re-envisioned to future-proof its iconic status. Celebrating the enduring legacy of the Pizzinini family while exemplifying Aman's DNA of privacy, serenity and unparalleled service, the design balances heritage with contemporary appeal, while speaking to a connection with the destination. Through considered use of timber, black metal accents and natural stone the hotel's alpine spirit has been preserved, while a reimagined double-height arrival space anchored by a bespoke bar (inspired by Rosa Alpina's original piano bar) creates a new, lofty sanctuary flanked by the surrounding peaks. The transformation also includes a complete remodelling of all guestrooms and suites, the introduction of two new 150-square-metre Aman Suites and reconfiguration of the 280-square-metre Chalet Zeno, now offering two larger suites as a private retreat for up to four guests. Honouring its culinary heritage, Aman Rosa Alpina will debut a range of new dining and socialising concepts on opening including an Italian grill, an all-day lounge for afternoon tea and cocktails, and a dedicated breakfast room complete with live cooking stations. In addition, there will be a separate lounge for evening indulgence with premium cigars accompanied by aged spirits. For those seeking a more private experience, expert-led tastings uncovering Italy's culinary and wine culture will take place in a private wine library. For the upcoming winter season, Aman Rosa Alpina will introduce an additional restaurant, serving Japanese cuisine, with more details to follow. With a newly built Aman Spa, the brand's distinct wellness philosophy is introduced to this unique mountain setting. Three swimming pools (two indoor and one outdoor), a Jacuzzi and a thoughtfully curated treatment menu, complete with signature therapies which draw on the Dolomites' restorative powers, are set to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. Aman Rosa Alpina will also introduce a range of expanded amenities, including dedicated games rooms for children, teens and adults alongside three private cinemas. Elsewhere, the Ski Lounge features heated boot racks and offers curated equipment rental, ensuring a seamless transition between indoors and out. Speaking about the forthcoming opening Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO, Aman Group, said, 'The reimagining of Rosa Alpina as Aman Rosa Alpina marks a meaningful chapter for our brand. I first discovered this extraordinary property as a guest many years ago and developed a long-standing friendship with the Pizzinini family. What began as admiration quickly turned into a shared dream – to preserve and elevate the spirit of this unique place for future generations of Aman guests. The decision to partner and invest in the hotel was not only inspired by its unmatched location in the heart of the Dolomites, but to create a sanctuary that reflects both the culture of the region and the essence of Aman, through intuitive service, ultimate privacy and exclusive experiences.' It follows that with Aman's deep-rooted philosophy of connecting with the location, Aman Rosa Alpina will serve as an experiential gateway to the Dolomites' year-round wonders through privileged access to over 1,200 kilometres of slopes in winter and endless outdoor adventures—from hiking and biking to climbing – during the warmer months. Exclusive to the property, is the Pizzinini family's two private mountain cabins which will offer wood-fired lunch prepared by a private chef – the perfect finale to a guided hike. Elsewhere, families will also be well catered for with a specially designed activity centre offering immersive experiences for multi-generations. As Aman Rosa Alpina begins this new chapter, the Pizzinini family – headed by Hugo and Ursula – remains at the helm. Speaking about the evolution of the property, they said 'Τhe transition of the hotel into Aman Rosa Alpina marks an important and considered step forward. Partnering with Aman allows us to honour the legacy of our family's ownership and three generations of hospitality, while joining a brand renowned for its uncompromising attention to detail and deep reverence for place. Our commitment remains steadfast: Aman Rosa Alpina will continue to embody the spirit of the region, with the authenticity and excellence our guests have come to expect. As we embrace this exciting era, we look forward to welcoming new guests and reconnecting with those who have been part of our story for generations.'