Latest news with #One&Only
Vogue Arabia
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
The Best Hotel Pools in Dubai For Staying Cool This Summer
This summer, Sun Vibe at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira offers a variety of pool experiences set beachside. The four cabana categories consist of the Royal Beach Cabana, which holds eight and is priced at 3,000 AED; First Flow Beach Cabana and Pool Cabana at 2,000 AED and with a four-person capacity; and Lounge Cabana, which holds four people and is 500 AED. Each cabana includes butler service, a fridge with non-alcoholic beverages, a fruit platter, and a welcome drink. All premium cabanas come with a redeemable 1,000 AED credit for food and beverages, while the Lounge Cabanas are fully redeemable. Guests who prefer a day pass can obtain one for 300 AED Monday through Thursday and 500 AED Friday through Sunday, inclusive of a food and beverage credit. Kids are 100 and 200 AED, respectively. To make a reservation, click here. One&Only Za'abeel Photo: Rupert Peace (One&Only Zabeel) One&Only Za'abeel's Garden Pool is a true tropical oasis tucked into a corner of the frenetic city. Although only accessible for hotel guests, lounging at the pool feels like an escape to the jungles of Bali. The lagoon pool has a swim-up Garden Pool Bar, a kids' pool, and a family-friendly pool. The tiki-style pavilion offers shade at the bar, while the palm trees and chic umbrellas offer a reprieve from the sun while on the loungers. One of the hotel's most delectable restaurants, Andaliman, is located at the Garden Pool and serves Indonesian cuisine, paying homage to the Balinese theme. On select dates in June, One&Only Za'abeel has partnered with Beyond Wellness to offer floating sound healing sessions at the Garden Pool. To make a reservation, click here. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab default Photo: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab One of the city's newer hotels, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, offers hotel guests four gorgeous pools, a kids' pool, and a private beach. The resort pool is open to all guests and has breathtaking views of the Burj Al Arab. Iliana Pool Club is a lush and stylish experience that is open to suite guests and limited access to other resort guests via a daily upgrade. Kinugawa Adults Pool offers poolgoers the best view of the incredible Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab hotel structure and is an adults-only pool. Though hidden from the summer sun, the indoor pool offers floor-to-ceiling views of the outdoors. To make a reservation, click here.
Business Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
One&Only Desaru exit casts shadow as Johor SEZ ambitions grow
[KUALA LUMPUR] The ultra-luxury tropical resort One&Only Desaru Coast – hailed as Johor's crown jewel in global tourism when it was unveiled five years ago – has quietly vanished from Malaysia's tourism map, dropping its branding without fanfare. The official One&Only website now states that the Desaru Coast resort is no longer under its management – a low-key move made without any announcement beyond the site update. The property is owned by a unit of Khazanah Nasional, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund. A favourite among well-heeled Singaporeans for its lush rainforest setting and easy weekend access, the resort featured suites with private plunge pools, a 50-metre infinity pool, and a destination beach club by Andrew Walsh, the chef behind Singapore's one-Michelin-starred Cure. One&Only's retreat could draw attention in hospitality circles, coming just as Johor steps up its ambitions through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Desaru Coast is owned by Desaru Peace Holdings, a subsidiary of Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels (TARH), which is wholly owned by Khazanah Nasional. Khazanah did not respond to BT queries. Kerzner International, the brand owner of One&Only, confirmed that its management contract with the resort ended on Apr 30. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up The One&Only website states that the Desaru Coast resort is no longer under its management. PHOTO: ONE&ONLY DESARU COAST Rebranding afoot As at mid-May 2025, Google lists One&Only Desaru Coast as 'Permanently closed.' 'A mutual agreement was reached to bring to a natural end One&Only Resorts' management contract with One&Only Desaru Coast, between Desaru Peace Holdings, the resort's owner, and One&Only Resorts, the management operator,' said Alice Issigonis, global director of communications and public relations at Kerzner International in response to BT queries. 'This change in management did not involve a closure of the resort, which remains open. Both Desaru Peace Holdings and One&Only Resorts are very proud of the resort's achievements. One&Only ceased operations on Apr 30,l 2025. Desaru Peace Holdings will announce a new operator once confirmed,' she added. Kerzner International manages some of the world's most exclusive ultra-luxury resorts under the label, with properties in Greece, Montenegro, Mexico, Mauritius, the Maldives, South Africa and Dubai. Tourism ambitions tested The luxury retreat's exit, however, comes just as Malaysia's federal government doubles down on tourism under the 'Malaysia Madani' framework, which aims to put good governance, sustainable development and racial harmony at the heart of government policies. When launching the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim set bold targets: 35.6 million tourist arrivals and RM147.1 billion (S$43.3 billion) in receipts. 'Tourism must not only drive national revenue,' he reportedly said earlier this year, adding that it should 'create sustainable livelihoods across every state – including Johor, which sits at the gateway to Singapore'. Launched in January, the Johor-Singapore SEZ is part of this broader economic push. The government-to-government initiative aims to facilitate trade, enhance mobility, and draw high-value investment and is being closely watched as a potential game changer for Johor's economic trajectory. Industry players are confident the high-end resort's departure is a one-off event. Ivan Teo, chairman of the Johor chapter of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, said One&Only's exit reflects a change in operator, not a deeper market issue. 'The rest of the services and facilities remain the same. Its exit will not impact long-term investors. A new operator will be announced by the end of this month,' he said. He reaffirmed confidence in Desaru's readiness to support luxury tourism. He pointed to growing connectivity, including direct ferry links from Singapore, and soon, Indonesia, as well as new hotel entrants such as Sheraton and Novotel in Johor Bahru. 'Desaru is definitely ready,' he stressed. SEZ – Johor's big reset He noted that Johor's strong demand for high-end experiences is evident from the popularity of Johor Premium Outlets, and that premium hotel brands would not struggle to thrive, given the current shortage of rooms. 'Johor Bahru has always been seen as a leisure zone. The SEZ could boost weekday occupancy, which is currently inconsistent,' he said, adding that corporate traffic from investors and business travellers will directly benefit the hospitality sector. 'With China's visa exemption, ferry and flight connectivity from Indonesia, and the upcoming Rapid Transit System in 2026, we can already foresee tangible spillover into Johor,' he added. However, he noted that infrastructure gaps remain, adding: 'Public transportation, pedestrian-friendly roads and paved walkways would make a big difference – especially for tourists who don't drive.' Yet, as Anwar's administration doubles down on its cross-border ambitions, observers are questioning whether Johor can avoid repeating past missteps such as the scrapped Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail and the mixed results of Iskandar Malaysia, the development corridor in southern Johor. Mohamad Isamuddin Isa, a Johor Bahru city council member and co-founder of Strategic Communications Solutions, described the SEZ as being more structured and committed than past initiatives. 'It's like a sandbox pilot. The whole southern region is involved now, not just select areas,' he said. Execution is everything Isamuddin cited efforts such as the Johor Talent Development Council, which links local youth to sectors such as data centres and advanced manufacturing, as part of the state's drive to localise SEZ benefits. Dr Carmelo Ferlito, an economist and chief executive officer of research consultancy Center for Market Education, offered a broader perspective, saying: 'Special Economic Zones present both opportunity and risk. 'They can incentivise investment, which is vital for long-term development – but incentives must be broad-based, not overly targeted, or the model collapses once they are withdrawn.' He urged Malaysia to look beyond isolated zones. 'The government shouldn't decide where development happens – the market should lead that discovery process,' he said. He also supported easing movement between borders. 'True free trade is enhanced by mobility of people and goods,' he added.
Hype Malaysia
07-05-2025
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
Luxury Resort One&Only Desaru Coast Permanently Closed Without Notice
Since opening in 2020, One&Only Desaru Coast quickly became one of Johor's top seaside resorts, thanks to its luxurious design and high-end services. Unfortunately, travellers will no longer get to enjoy the resort as it has permanently closed down. News outlets recently reported that One&Only Desaru Coast ceased operations on 1st May 2025 (Thursday). A notice on the official website writes, 'Thank you for your interest in One&Only Desaru Coast. Please note that as of 1 May 2025, the resort will no longer be managed by One&Only.'. A quick search also shows that the resort's official social media accounts have been deleted. The resort in Johor is the first resort in Southeast Asia under the One&Only brand. The company operates a collection of one-off resorts and private homes across the globe and has locations in the United States, the Maldives and more. One&Only Desaru Coast opened its doors in September 2020 and boasted 45 suites, each equipped with a private swimming pool. The resort was designed by the late Australian designer Chris Hill. The closure of the Desaru Coast resort is regrettable, especially for those who had the opportunity to visit while it was under One&Only's management. The brand is renowned for creating distinctive and memorable experiences through personalised services. It's worth noting that the physical resort remains and could continue to operate once the new management takes over. As of reporting, there is no official statement about the closure or if another management will soon take over the resort. In the meantime, One&Only encourages guests to check out their other exceptional resorts located around the globe. However, until its closure, One&Only Desaru Coast remained the brand's only location in Southeast Asia, and there are no plans for another location in the region. While there's no news on whether the resort will return to operations under new management, it's sad to see the One&Only brand leave its only Southeast Asia location. What are your thoughts on this? Sources: One&Only Resorts, Oriental Daily, Places & Food
Trade Arabia
23-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Kerzner to open One&Only resort in Hudson Valley
Kerzner International, a luxury hospitality and residential property developer, has signed a deal with Nolan Reynolds International to develop One&Only's second resort and community of Private Homes in the US. The resort, located in Hudson Valley, New York, will advance Kerzner and One&Only's strategic growth in the American market. The wellness-driven resort will be developed within the Culinary Institute of America campus in Hyde Park, New York, on a 21-acre site. The resort will feature 61 cabins, guest rooms, suites, two exceptional culinary experiences, and a Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie. The resort will also introduce the brand's second community of One&Only Private Homes in the US, which will combine the elevated comforts of home with the brand's unrivalled amenities and service. The Private Homes will be meticulously designed with fully equipped chef's kitchens, paying homage to the Culinary Institute of America and inspiring more culinary interests. The upcoming opening in Hudson River Valley will join the brand's highly anticipated opening of One&Only Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, in November 2025. 'Through our portfolio of One&Only resorts, Kerzner International continues unlocking destinations globally, redefining the ultraluxury experience in some of the world's most inspiring locations. We are thrilled to announce our second One& Only destination in the US –in Hyde Park, the soul of the Hudson River Valley,' says Philippe Zuber, Chief Executive Officer, Kerzner. 'One&Only offers guests meaningful, transformative experiences that are deeply connected to nature, culture and wellbeing. Hudson River Valley offers an incredible opportunity to create another truly unique and exceptional One&Only experience in North America.' 'We are excited to work together with Nolan Reynolds International and Culinary Institute of America to expand further into North America,' says Juan Aguilar, President of Real Estate, Kerzner. 'Built on shared values of sustainable design and community engagement, our partnership solidifies the foundation for continued success and legacy expansion in the US.' 'At NRI, we are honoured to be partners with Kerzner International on this unprecedented ultra-luxury destination resort in the US,' says Brent Reynolds, CEO & Managing Partner of NRI. 'This new One&Only resort embodies NRI's ethos of creating exceptional experiences around the globe, grounded in holistic wellness, immersive learning, and authentic hospitality. We see this new venture as the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership with Kerzner and its category-defining One&Only brand.' 'We are truly excited to bring One&Only to the Hudson Valley,' said CIA President Michiel Bakker. 'The property's proximity to the CIA will add to the already incredible suite of offerings available to its guests and residents alike. From the CIA's student-run fine-dining restaurants to the opportunity to enroll in our recreational classes and culinary boot camps and learn from the chefs who have trained some of the top chefs in the industry, this truly will be a one-of-a-kind collaboration, creating unforgettable experiences.
Mid East Info
19-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Arabian Travel Market to spotlight luxury travel as global demand rises - Middle East Business News and Information
Recent figures suggest the luxury tourism industry will reach USD391 billion by 2028 The Asia-Pacific region is a leading source market for GCC tourism, with ATM showcasing a 27% increase in exhibitors from Asia this year The international trade show will feature top luxury hospitality brands, including Mandarin Oriental, One&Only and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is set to highlight the thriving luxury tourism sector when it returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April to 1 May. Bringing together top-tier hospitality brands, influential industry figures, and innovative travel destinations, the event will showcase the latest trends and insights that are shaping the high-end travel segment. According to McKinsey and Company , demand for luxury tourism and hospitality is expected to grow faster than any other industry. This is predominantly due to the rising number of high-net-worth individuals globally and a growing segment of aspiring luxury travellers willing to allocate larger proportions of their income to premium experiences. The research suggests that luxury tourism and hospitality will reach USD391 billion by 2028, up from USD239 billion in 2023, with Asia gaining significant ground in the market segment. Supporting this trend, data recently issued by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf revealed that GCC states earned USD 110.4 billion in international tourism revenues in 2023. The largest share of tourists came from the Asia-Pacific region (38%), followed by the Middle East (25.1%), Europe (22.9%), Africa (8.8%), and the Americas (4.3%). Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Markets, said: ' The increase in inbound tourism from Asia and the growing wealth in this region create a major opportunity for Middle Eastern tourism, especially in the luxury sector. At ATM, Asia is among our fastest-growing markets for exhibitors, boasting a 27% increase in exhibitors from the region this year. National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) from destinations like Japan, Maldives, South Korea, India and Thailand are driving this growth, alongside regional tourist boards such as Rajasthan Tourism, Goa, Phuket, Hong Kong and Jakarta, all contributing to Asia's expanding presence at ATM 2025 and the growing focus on luxury travel.' The GCC region is ideally positioned to cater to high-net-worth travellers seeking leading hotels and exclusive experiences. To meet rising demand, GCC countries are on track to add 400,000 hotel rooms by 2030, following the addition of 35,000 rooms in the last decade. ATM 2025 will feature some of the world's top-rated luxury destinations, such as the Maldives and Mauritius, as well as Peru, which will return to ATM after ten years. Visitors will be able to discover the country's luxury offerings, including glamping in the Ica Desert and the Sacred Valley, luxury Amazon cruises, and train journeys across the Andes, where breathtaking landscapes meet world-class service. Several prestigious hospitality brands will also be showcased, including Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Jumeirah International, One & Only, Kempinski Hotels, The Address Hotels & Resorts and The Leading Hotels of the World. Luxury travel is transforming in terms of consumer preferences, with travellers increasingly prioritising luxury cultural, artistic, and adventure-driven experiences. Hospitality brands worldwide are adapting to meet this demand, while sustainability has become a key focus, particularly in the GCC, where hotels are implementing eco-friendly initiatives to align with the growing preference for responsible, high-end travel. Improved accessibility is also reshaping luxury travel, with emerging destinations benefitting from improved connectivity and the development of boutique hotels, eco resorts and exclusive retreats. This trend is reflected in the theme for ATM 2025: Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity, ' which focuses on how better connectivity enables a more sustainable, inclusive, and globally integrated travel industry. Last year at ATM, Mastercard unveiled its Affluent Travel Report, which highlighted the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as the leading market for luxury outbound travel, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE emerging as top source markets. Separate research from Mastercard in 2023 suggests that GCC travellers are among the world's highest spenders, with Kuwaiti travellers to Paris spending five times more than American tourists. Curtis commented: 'The MENA region continues to set the pace for luxury outbound travel, making it a priority market for high-end travel and tourism providers. ATM 2025 will offer in-depth insights into luxury travel preferences, networking opportunities with key stakeholders, and presentations on emerging destinations. For anyone looking to capitalise on this lucrative market, ATM 2025 is an unmissable event.' The ATM 2025 Conference Programme will bring together top hospitality executives and luxury travel experts, who will share insights into the industry's latest trends. Sessions include Generational Trends influencing Hyper-personalisation in Luxury led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Fairmont and Minor Hotels and Retaining High-Net-Worth Travellers by Redesigning Their Experience featuring speakers from Kempinski, Banyan Tree Holdings, GSIQ and Matter of Form. ATM is the leading global event for the inbound and outbound travel industry in the Middle East and is set to host over 47,000 attendees this year. Uniting an international community of travel professionals from Leisure, Luxury, Business Events and Corporate Travel, the event generates USD2.5billion in deals annually. For over 30 years, ATM has connected products and destinations from around the world with buyers and travel trade visitors at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025's strategic partners include Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner. Now in its 32nd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024 spanned 12 halls, making it the largest edition to date. With over 48,000 attendees and more than 35,000 visitors, including over 2,550 exhibitors and representatives from over 161 countries during last year's show, ATM remains a pivotal gathering for the global travel and tourism industry. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai Arabian Travel Week is a week-long festival of events from 28 April to 4 May, alongside Arabian Travel Market 2025. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East's travel and tourism sector, it includes the all-New Business Events @ATM focusing on MICE, Start-Up Competition, influencers' events, GBTA Business Travel Forums, and ATM Travel Tech. It also features ATM Buyer Networking and a series of country forums. About RX: RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. About RELX: RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are: WTM London is the world's most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes. WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thou About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week's digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology. WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub.
