Turkey Looks to Gulf Nations to Support Tourism

In the lead up to the public holidays marking Eid Al Adha in September, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism is looking to visitors from Gulf countries to offset the recent slump in the nation’s tourist numbers. Tourism is a critical source of Turkey’s GDP – the sector generated USD 35.1 billion in revenues in 2015 – but recent events have taken a toll on the sector. The ministry is therefore turning to visitors from the Gulf region for support, in particular visitors from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, which have in the past represented the … Continue reading Turkey Looks to Gulf Nations to Support Tourism

Premium Location Premier Inn – Waterloo London

Exploring London can be a challenge especially when visiting popular attractions so it makes sense to get a hotel in a central location, next to the train station and walking distance to popular attractions. Adventurers and travellers who prefer to spend on popular attractions and shows and want a comfortable and affordable place to rest their heads after daily excursions will find the Premier Inn in Waterloo London a gem of a find. The Premier Inn London Waterloo is a 3-star property next to London Bridge, Houses of Parliament and The London Dungeon and a 10 minute walk to the … Continue reading Premium Location Premier Inn – Waterloo London

Genuine Healthcare Interview with Markus Giebel – CEO and Co-owner, Eternity Clinics

There is nothing as valuable as having good health. Last month we met with Markus Giebel, CEO and co-owner of Eternity who was previously the CEO of Deyaar, a publically traded company, and Vice President of Corning, a Fortune 500 technology company in the US. Markus is the brain behind Eternity clinic, which specialises in predictive and preventative healthcare. Rather than wait until we get sick before we start to cure late-stage diseases, Eternity has created specialised health screening software called SAM, or Software for Age Management which was fully developed with a team in Dubai. Working from Dubai, Markus Giebel recognised early that … Continue reading Genuine Healthcare Interview with Markus Giebel – CEO and Co-owner, Eternity Clinics

Ultimate Spa Destination Interview with Thomas Fehlbier – General Manager Banana Island Resort Doha

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, the luxury brand’s first resort in Qatar, developed by Al Rayyan Hospitality is the only and most talked about Balance Wellness Centre in a resort in the Middle East. We speak with Mr. Thomas Fehlbier, the General Manager who before joining Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, served as General Manager of Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa in Thailand. With a wealth of experience within the luxury hospitality business and over 25 years of experience in managing leisure resorts and global hotel chains across Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Thomas is an … Continue reading Ultimate Spa Destination Interview with Thomas Fehlbier – General Manager Banana Island Resort Doha

Argentina Excursions

Attracted by the vibrant colors of South America, I massaged my travel funds and ventured last month with a travel aficionado into Argentina, a destination rich in contrasts in landscapes, weather and culture and covered three different destinations, Iguazu, Buenos Aires and El Calafate, each place every different from another. From the abundance of wild life, flora and water at the Iguazú Falls and Jungle in the Northeast, to the vibrant feel of Buenos Aires as a city and breathtaking views of the Glaciers and marine life of Patagonia, Argentina thrills visitors of all temperaments. We enjoyed the exuberance of … Continue reading Argentina Excursions

Explore Shakespeare’s Country

A tour of the UK is not complete unless you spend a few days in Shakespeare country and nearby attractions. This Midlands area and its surroundings are a fascinating blend of history and myth, industry and culture. Naturally I loved Stratford-upon-Avon, the historic market town and birthplace of the world’s greatest playwright, William Shakespeare. After doing some extensive tours of Shakespeare’s birthplace and indulging in plays both at the Royal Shakespeare theatre and outdoor performances in the park, I chose to stay for a few days at the Macdonald Ansty Hall. Macdonald Ansty Hall is without doubt one of the finest 4-star … Continue reading Explore Shakespeare’s Country

A dose of Culture ME London

London has always been a great city break destination for shopping, culture, sightseeing and so much more but finding a strategic place to stay for both work and play is not easy. My second home in the city is the ME London, a design-led, lifestyle hotel located at the centre of the capital’s diverse art and culture district and the Melia Whitehouse, an iconic London hotel that is walking distance to some of the city’s main attractions. The ME London is situated in Marconi House, the original London home of BBC radio.  The property has rooms with sumptuous bedding, bathrooms … Continue reading A dose of Culture ME London

Hotel Cafe Royal

Hotel Café Royal is always one of the best places to stop at when in London. This summer, the property launches an exclusive pop-up in collaboration with London’s most famed department store, Harrods. The Pompadour Ballroom, a beautifully restored room in the gilded style of Louis XVI, will be transformed into an extension of the Mezzah Lounge at Harrods. Inspired by the food and culture of the Middle East, this sensational space opens as the Diwania Lounge for the summer in London. Reminiscent of French palaces belonging to the most prestigious royal families, this beautiful all-day lounge is adorned with … Continue reading Hotel Cafe Royal

Beautiful Belek – Turkey’s hidden gem

Last month I ventured into Turkey and for a change, it was not to Istanbul or a city where I would take a bus or ferry to. It was a seamless connecting flight to Antalya. I was in a group and we stayed in Belek which is one of the centres of Turkey’s tourism industry and home to more than thirty four-star and five-star hotel. It is increasingly in the spotlight for being a beautiful resort town on the Turkish Riviera of Antalya, which is well known for its white-sand beaches surrounded by pine forests. Exploring the old downtown area … Continue reading Beautiful Belek – Turkey’s hidden gem

Fun in the Alps

Zermatt is situated far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at an altitude of 1,600 metres above sea level. My favourite place in Zermatt is the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. Once you step into the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, hospitality and luxury takes on a whole new meaning. It is a hotel you want to spend time in, meet with other guests and enjoy a hot chocolate while gazing at the Matterhon. Zermatt, dominated by the Matterhorn is a rare place where everything is in synergy. The historic village has oodles of charm and the high street is lined with luxury … Continue reading Fun in the Alps