Latest news with #TheRitz-Carlton
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
How Luxury Hospitality Is Transforming at The Ritz-Carlton
Tucked along the coastline in Manama's Seef district, this renowned property has become a go-to for more reasons than its unmissable staycations and fine Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain opens its doors for people wanting to gather with purpose – whether to strategise and set business targets, team-build meaningfully, celebrate milestones, or simply connect. A change of scenery inspires deeper thought. Corporate events here don't feel like a re run of last quarter's calendar. The numbers are impressive: 13 event rooms, over 3,700 square metres of event space, two expansive ballrooms, six breakout rooms, and a private island. However, what stands out more is how the hotel lets businesses break out of the usual format. Board meetings are conducted in waterfront villas, where terrace tables and ocean views replace air-conditioned anonymity. Smaller groups can host brainstorming sessions on private lawns. For something more dynamic, there's space for team-building activities on the sand or even the island just off shore. The logistics – from high-speed internet to lunch breaks – are taken care of. Not every couple wants the same wedding, and that's the starting point at the Hotel. Some go for a full-scale ballroom reception; others prefer something quieter – a dinner by the water, a villa gathering with close family, or vows exchanged on the beach. The hotel's approach is flexible. Wedding packages are tiered by size with optional extras like catering, spa treatments, and a suite for the couple. The culinary team can serve anything from traditional Bahraini dishes to international menus. There's also the option to take it all offsite – whether that's a private home, palace, or tucked-away garden. Anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, even corporate dinners – this is where the hotel's villa setup really shines. Each villa, sitting along the edge of the resort, comes with its own indoor and outdoor space, and a bit of breathing room from the next. For events under 30 guests, it's a solid alternative to a ballroom. Live cooking stations can be arranged. Think shawarma, crepes, or a chocolate fountain – whatever suits the tone of the gathering. There's space for seated lunches, cocktail-style parties, or even casual team huddles with sea views. Also worth noting: the hotel's catering team often works offsite too. They've done events in forts, deserts, private homes, and beyond. The team isused to adapting – and it shows. Behind the scenes, there's adeep awareness that hosting events shouldn't come at the cost of the planet. The hotel has its own environmental action team (REACT), which focuses on reducing waste, energy use, and sourcing food locally. Linen reuse, paperless billing, and eco-friendly cleaning products are already in place, and the staff often get involved in community sustainability projects like native planting or garden initiatives. Michael Mounir, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain's Director of Sales and Distribution, puts it simply: 'At The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, the focus is not only on hosting events and meetings, but on crafting timeless experiences. Every gathering is elevated by the impeccable service of the Ladies and Gentlemen, whose passion for excellence is matched by meticulous attention to detail. Whether it's a seaside ceremony or a high-level congress, we ensure seamless execution and peace of mind from start to finish. With curated menus and personalised planning that reflect each host's vision, the goal is to create moments that linger in memory long after the final toast. After all, it's all about enjoying The Ritz-Carlton experience.' The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is located in Bahrain's Seef district. To find out more about the Hotel's events spaces, contact +97317580000
Al Bawaba
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
6 Reasons The Ritz-Carlton, Amman's Outside Catering Perfectly Pairs with Your Celebrations
The Ritz-Carlton, Amman's outside catering service is meticulously designed to bring the hotel's renowned luxury and culinary excellence beyond its walls. From intimate celebrations to grand corporate affairs, discover how its bespoke approach ensures every detail resonates with sophistication and creates unforgettable moments. 1. Expertise on a Plate Each catering menu at The Ritz-Carlton, Amman tells an exceptional story, enriched by the worldly experience and refined instincts of the hotel's culinary team. The knowledge they bring to the table transforms expectations into sophisticated surprises. The award-winning chefs and venues pour their expertise to ensure every small detail serves the purpose and tone of the event. 2. A Menu for Every Moment The Ritz-Carlton, Amman has crafted 18 distinctive menus for outside catering to match a wide variety of occasions. This expansive selection allows hosts to pick from a spectrum of immersive experiences, including corporate receptions, birthday celebrations, romantic proposals, and graduation gatherings. 3. A Dish for the Occasion A natural extension of the hotel's diverse venues, each of the outside catering menus from The Ritz-Carlton, Amman brims with character. From the Mediterranean vibes of Kenz Lebanese Café to the contemporary elegance of Roberto's Amman and the relaxed charm of Legends Sports Lounge, every moment worth celebrating finds its perfect pairing in the endless possibilities from these high-end venues. 4. Catering that Elevates It is not only about the cuisine, but also the presentation and interaction with the catered selection. For an art gallery event, a canapé menu encourages movement and conversation without interrupting the flow. Meanwhile, a bachelorette party pairs perfectly with hearty sliders from Legends and hot mezzas from Kenz, capturing the energy of the evening through bold, shareable flavors. These thoughtful matches ensure that each menu enriches the experience, rather than interrupts it. 5. The Guest of Honor at Your Own Event Expertly designed to be balanced, each menu simplifies the planning process. Knowing every culinary detail has been curated with intention and flawlessly executed, the hotel ensures that hosts enjoy their celebrations with peace of mind, as if they are guests at their own events. 6. The Same Unparalleled Excellence, Wherever You Are The Ritz-Carlton, Amman's outside catering services brings the brand's excellence into homes, gardens, galleries, outdoor and private venues across the city. Each experience reflects the hotel's commitment to refinement, elegance, and unparalleled hospitality, making sure to craft unforgettable moments that linger beyond the final bite. The outside catering service at The Ritz-Carlton, Amman is rooted in the hotel's commitment to hospitality excellence, anticipating its guests' needs before even asking.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Expert: How to fix the condo crisis sweeping the South
With the turbulent real estate scene in Florida being described as the 'epicenter of housing market weakness', one developer is going against the grain. Billionaire real estate developer Isaac Toledano plans to completely alter the Miami skyline. While some developers have hit pause on Florida for the foreseeable future, Toledano is taking full advantage of the state's widespread 'condo crisis' and the ensuing buyout frenzy. He's got his eye on the thousands of older buildings along Florida's coastline and wants to turn them into luxury housing that is better equipped to withstand the area's natural disasters. Not everyone is happy with his plans. As Toledano bulldozes the prized coastline, the buyouts have become one of the few ways to secure prime real estate in the area. For some owners in these aging buildings, selling to a developer can be a welcome relief from finding a buyer in a sluggish market, especially when the cost of bringing the property up to code outweighs its current value. But some residents refuse to sell - no matter the price. It's an uphill battle as a once-necessary measure of unanimous resident approval becoming a thing of the past. These sales can leave many people displaced. Some are being forced onto families or into assisted living, while others have nowhere to go. Meanwhile, Florida's controversial Live Local Act - passed in 2023 and amended in May 2024 - is only assisting developers in their takeover, offering them the right to build at maximum capacity if 40 percent of the units are set aside as 'affordable,' but it's usually still more than retirees on a budget can afford. Still, with all the problems the older condos are having, Toledano's bet is paying off. His company has broken ground on a new build called The Residences on Six Fisher Island in Miami, which has already sold $650 million-worth of homes inside the $1 billion property. His other ultra luxury branded projects include The Ritz-Carlton West Palm Beach, W Pompano Beach and Viceroy Residences Aventura. Toledano, who owns BH Group - a major Miami-based real estate investment and development firm working exclusively in Florida - currently has over 1,100 residential units in his portfolio, with over 10,000 residential units in progress. 'We're seeing a very, very healthy demand and we still see buyers relocating here across our portfolio,' Toledano told the Daily Mail. 'We own office buildings, we own retail, and we're involved in a lot of residential projects, so we have the opportunity to speak to a lot of buyers.' He said more South Americans are flocking to South Florida now that the dollar is weaker, adding that more Europeans are also looking for properties. 'We see more foreign nationals coming and we think that will continue. 'We still see a lot of US based buyers - especially New Yorkers - in our Ritz-Carlton Residence up in West Palm Beach, at the Ritz-Carlton Residence in Palm Coast, the W in Pompano Beach and our project down in Miami or Fisher Island.' Toledano had been a quiet figure in the South Florida real estate scene until he founded BH Group in 2009. He runs the company with his wife, Liat Toledano. Florida saw a huge influx of new residents during the Covid-19 pandemic due to its affordability, weather and the possibility for Americans to work remotely. But the Sunshine State has since turned into a housing market nightmare - especially for sellers looking to get out. The area has been hit by a mix of high home prices, soaring insurance premiums, rising property taxes, natural disasters and the need for remote workers to return to offices. Still, Toledano says he's 'doubling down' on the state. He's betting on the luxury market for single family homes, too. He says he will buy outdated properties, tear them down and build new. He's currently developing an entire gated community of high-end homes for those who don't want to live in condos. 'You have people that are trying to sell their older homes - either they want to upgrade to a newer place, or families are growing and want to move from a smaller apartment or condo to a bigger unit. 'Then you see couples whose kids have left the house, and they don't have a reason to keep a big condo, so they want to downsize to a single-family home. This happens all the time.' The Greenview at Presidential Estates will total 103 luxury single-family homes. 'We're already under construction, and we see healthy demand as well,' he said. As for the area's natural disaster rate, Toledano said he predicts the high insurance rates will eventually come down with all the new builds because they are built to withstand hurricanes and storms much better than older condos. 'Obviously natural disasters is not something that we can predict,' he said. 'Look at the terrible fires in California; the huge storm that took place in Texas. 'I would say that Florida is still a great place, a safe place, and you cannot predict where the next natural disaster is coming. 'The good news is that we see insurance rates are going down with the luxury buildings. And I think this will continue.' Toledano said branded residences are also the future of South Florida. This is when a residential building will have its name attached to a brand, such as The Ritz-Carlton West Palm Beach, and the building will feature the same amenities as the brand's hotels - down to the saunas, gym and valet. The brand affiliation will attract buyers, and the brand will get a cut of sales. 'We have lot of new product coming, new projects, great architecture, a lot of buildings offering great services, great amenities and a great lifestyle, all tied to brands' he said. 'I think this momentum will get better and better, and stronger and stronger.' And the shock of the Champlain Towers South tragedy in 2021 still lingers. When the Surfside condo collapsed, killing 98 people, it exposed shocking design flaws, rotting concrete and decades of neglected maintenance. In its wake, Florida passed a tough new law requiring all condos over 30 years old to pass a structural inspection, with owners footing the bill for repairs. Developers began circling like vultures, eyeing buildings on the beach with surface-level parking lots and fewer than 100 units - translation: easy to demolish. Realtors will come knocking when a developer is interested, Toledano explained. The 80 percent ownership mark required by Florida law to dissolve a condo association and take over completely can be easily hit with the right dollar amount. As Toledano continues to snap up the aging condo buildings, he's offering big money to preexisting residents. But where are older Florida residents going? With skyrocketing costs, mandatory repairs, expensive HOAs and aggressive buyouts, these longtime residents who are being priced out of their homes are, in many cases, also being priced out of Florida entirely. After selling their condo, m any retirees are being forced to move out of the state unless they can find housing in another part of Florida with lower living costs. States like North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee also attract retirees due to lower costs and similar climates. Joseph M. Hernandez, partner at Bilzin Sumberg, which specializes in condo terminations and sales to developers, said the dramatic increase in assessments for a large number of unit owners across the state will incentivize them to sell their property to developers. 'They'll avoid the costly repair and retrofitting work that's now mandatory for older buildings,' Hernandez said. According to a report by Florida Realtors, which releases real estate data in South Florida, Gerard Yetming, executive manager of Colliers, said condo buyouts are a 'growing trend,' but that sellers need to consider one thing. 'The only time this makes sense is when the value of the underlying land is significantly more than what the collective units are currently selling for,' Yetming said. 'Why else would somebody want to sell their property unless they can make a significant profit?' As for Toledano, he's got a vision for a skyline that's entirely remade and that he says is 'going to get nicer and nicer'. He's now leading a demolition that's underway in Boca Raton for 500 residential units, 45,000 square feet of retail space, and 400,000 square feet of office space, much of it already pre-leased. 'I can tell you that overall we really believe in the growth of South Florida,' he told the Daily Mail. 'This market is going nowhere... There is really no crash,' he added.
What's On
3 days ago
- What's On
9 incredible staycations a one-hour-drive outside of Dubai
One might think you need to take a flight for a change of scenery, but we're here to tell you that that is not always the case. For us Dubai folk, stunning, luxurious staycations await just an hour's (or a bit more) drive away from the city, offering breathtaking beach views, mountain escapes, desert hideouts, overwater villas and heritage stays. Anantara Santorini It's in the name. Anantara Santorini is perched on the edge of the Arabian Gulf's pristine blue waters, and will take you away to Grecian lanes drenched in white, blue and stone. It's a stunning crossover between raw Aegean beauty and refined Emirati elegance, and is truly an escape – a secluded spot ideally situated halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in Ghantoot. This adults-only beachfront address features just 22 sumptuous rooms and suites, sun-drenched terraces, and each coming with their own 24/7 butler. Getting there: You can drive straight to Ghantoot in about an hour and a half @anantarasantorini Casa Mikoko Another one of African-inspired UAE staycations, this one brings a touch of Zanzibar. Part of the rustic, Zanzibar-inspired Kite Beach Centre is Casa Mikoko, a glamping experience of five chalets nestled within the Umm Al Quwain mangroves. Three of the five come with their own plunge pools, serving as a delightful spot to start the day. And all boast an African-inspired aesthetic and views over the calm waters that gives staycationers a tropical and instant on-holiday feel. Book one of the chalets with private pools and live like you're staying in the Maldives with an Instagrammable floating breakfast. Getting there: The drive to the resort takes about an hour and 10 minutes. @ Bab Al Shams Located in a bubble of silence out by the Al Qudra Lakes, Bab Al Shams is true escape. The Bab Al Shams experience has always been a blend of modern luxury and Bedouin simplicity. At the hotel. guest can experience all those aspects of traditional life. Inspired by the Bedouin way 0f life, the stay offers an incredible experience marked with adventure with the resort's range of thrilling nomadic desert experiences. Think camel riding and falconry, and some stargazing with your very own telescope if you book the pool villas. Getting there: The drive to the resort takes about an hour. @babalshamshotel The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Dessert One of two luxurious Ritz-Carlton staycations in RAK, this desert retreat blends Bedouin traditions with five-star luxuries to create an experience that feels worlds away from the city. Set amongst the beauty of a protected desert reserve, picturesque scenery and rich local heritage backdrop villas that come with private pools and gourmet dining. The desert activities range from horse riding and camel treks to wildlife drives, archery and stargazing. There's also the unique sensory Rainforest spa experience with 16 different hydrothermal stations Getting there: The drive to the resort takes about an hour. @ritzcarltonalwadidesert JA Hatta Fort Hotel Tucked into the rugged Hajar Mountains, JA Hatta Fort Hotel is a charming mountain escape just over an hour from Dubai, offering a refreshing change of pace from the city's buzz. One of the UAE's only mountain staycations, the property is surrounded by natural beauty and blends rustic charm with laidback luxury, with chalet-style rooms, private terraces, and lush gardens dotted with peacocks. Whether you're hiking, biking, or simply relaxing by the pool, it's the kind of place that invites you to slow down and soak it all in. Getting there: The drive to the hotel takes about an hour and 20 minutes. @jahattaforthotel The Chedi Al Bait The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah is a collection of five heritage houses that were once owned by local families and have now been transformed into 65 elegant guestrooms and suites while carefully preserving the historical former homes of distinguished local families have been enhanced with luxury touches befitting of a five-star hotel, while keeping the brand's historic design DNA. Inside the guestrooms and suites, you will find a perfect blend of Arabic and Asian design elements. Experiences include a majlis, spa, museum and library. Getting there: The drive to the hotel takes about half an hour. @thechedialbait Najd Al Meqsar Arguably one of the most unique staycations in the UAE, Sharjah Collection has transformed a former traditional mountain village into a beautiful heritage hotel of just seven 'Kareen Houses', each with a bedroom. Perched on a mountain top in scenic Khorfakkan on Sharjah's East Coast, you'll count rolling hills and dense forests among your neighbours. So, if peace and quiet are high on your staycation agenda, this is one spot to bookmark. Much of the original features remain at Najd Al Meqsar, in the lobby and communal areas, the restaurant, and the guest rooms. Hand-hewn wooden beams, stone walls, and a thatched roof all add to the traditional charm. Getting there: The drive to the hotel takes about an hour and 20 minutes. @najdalmeqsar Faya Retreat This is one boutique stay you can have to yourself entirely. Basically, privatise the whole space. The Mysk Al Fayah Desert Retreat allows you to have an exclusive space just for yourself, your family and friends. Amenities at this spot include a private pool, an all-day dining restaurant, barbecue facilities, a wellness centre and non-smoking rooms. There's much to do in the area of Mleiha, and 5 king-sized private bedrooms with terraces to fill out. Take part in stargazing, explore archaeological and World UNESCO Heritage sites, go biking and make incredible memories with your close group. Getting there: The drive to the resort takes about an hour. @staykuae Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat Villas Set along the shores of Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi, Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat Villas offers a barefoot luxury escape with front-row views of the sea. Designed for privacy and relaxation, each beachfront villa comes with its own private pool, sun loungers, and open-air living spaces that blur the line between indoors and out. Whether you're paddleboarding at sunrise or dining under the stars, this is coastal glamping reimagined with comfort in mind. Getting there: The drive to the resort takes about an hour and 30 minutes. @babalnojoum_hudayriyat Images: Socials
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain in collaboration with HIPO Ambassadors Club hosts "Art of Cake" workshop to empower young Bahraini talent
In collaboration with the HIPO Ambassadors Club and in strategic partnership with Muharraq Model Youth Centre, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain proudly hosted the 'Art of Cake' Workshop — a culinary experience designed to inspire and empower young Bahraini talent. Led by Bahraini talent Fatema Alghannemi, a graduate of the HIPO Ambassadors Club and Junior Sous Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, and supported by Executive Chef Joergen Sodemann, the workshop offered a unique opportunity for youth to develop their culinary skills through hands-on learning and creative expression. As part of its collaboration with the HIPO Ambassadors Club, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain continues to nurture local talent and foster meaningful connections. The event reflects the resort's dedication to fostering individual growth and creating a lasting, positive impact across the Kingdom of Bahrain. For additional information about The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, please call the hotel directly at (+973) 1758 0000, or visit the Ritz-Carlton website at Follow the hotel on Facebook and Instagram @ritzcarltonbahrain and join the conversation using #RCMemories.
