Author: Shereen Shabnam

Easy going laid back Fijian Chick...life is short so it is vital to only fraternise with the best!

Ghaya Grand Hotel Launches Festive Season Offer

On By Shereen ShabnamIn Travel - Destination, Hospitality & Airline featuresLeave a comment

The season of love, reunion and festivity is in full swing. Feel the true spirit of Christmas and New Year at Ghaya Grand Hotel Dubai, with a variety of delightful options to make your celebrations with family and friends extra special. Enjoy the season’s most delicious treats in dazzling settings surrounded by the best dishes on display. Those celebrating at home can take advantage of the hotel’s superb ‘Tom Turkey Promotion’, for less time spent on cooking and more time to entertain the guests!

The perfect festive selection at Ghaya Grand Hotel, in multiple restaurant options, has a cuisine to suit every taste, so come, join and celebrate this season with your family and friends!

24th December, 2018 (MONDAY)
Christmas Eve at Red Diamond – 6pm to 11pm
– Lavish International Buffet Dinner, including a live cooking station, starters and desserts
– AED 150 per person inclusive of beverages
– AED 75 per child ( aged between 6 – 12 years)

25th December, 2018 (TUESDAY)
Christmas Day Brunch at FUSION – 12:30 pm to 4 pm
–  Lavish Buffet Brunch with live cooking stations, including Seafood, Chinese, Italian, Sushi and Indian, starters and desserts
– AED 165 per person inclusive of beverages
– AED 75 per child (aged between 6 -12 years)

31st December, 2017 (MONDAY)
– NYE Gala Dinner at Red Diamond & Fusion -7 pm until 12 midnight
– Extravagant brunch held exclusively in Red Diamond and Fusion restaurants, offering guests a wide selection of dishes to choose from both restaurants, with a central desserts counter, offering enticing cakes and desserts
– Buffet dinner with live cooking stations, including Chinese, Italian, Sushi and Indian
– AED 299 per person inclusive of beverages
– AED 145 per child (aged between 6 -12 years)

Turkey Take Away
From 7th December 2018 until 7th January 2019
7kg Turkey –serving 5 to 6 person for AED 320, with trimmings and sauces AED 420
9kg  Turkey – serving 8 to 10 person for AED 440, with trimmings and sauces AED 540
**Orders to be placed 72 hours in advance**

7th January, 2018 (MONDAY)
Orthodox Christmas Red Diamond – 6pm – 11pm
– Lavish International Buffet Dinner, including a live cooking station, starters and desserts
– AED 125 per person inclusive of beverages
– AED 60 per child ( aged between 6 – 12 years)

REFERENCE: Ghaya Grand Hotel neighborhood districts
Jebel Ali District (Mena Jebel Ali, Jebel Ali 1-3, Jebel Ali Industrial 1-2, Me-aisem 1-2, Dubai Investment Park 1-2, International Media Production Zone)
Madinat Al Maktoum District (Madinat Al Mataar)
Dubai Land District (Al Hebiah 1-5, Al Yufrah 1-2, Al Yalayis 1-5, Umm Nahad 1-4, Wadi Al Safa 2, Wadi Al Safa 4-7, Dubai Sports City, Dubai Motor City)
Hadaeq Mohammad Bin Rashid District (Al Thaniya 1-5, Al Quoz 1-4, Al Barsha 1-3, Al Quoz Industrial 1-4, Al Merkadh, Al Barsha South 1-5, Hadaeq Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid, Nad Al Sheba 1, Sadi Al Safa 3, Jumeirah Village Circle)

NESTLÉ’S KITKAT RUBY DEBUTS IN DUBAI

On By Shereen ShabnamIn Food & Nutrition (Cuisine), Health & Fitness, Retail TherapyLeave a comment

KITKAT Chocolatory.jpg

  • KITKAT Ruby made with naturally pink chocolate derived from “Ruby” cocoa beans to be revealed at Sole DXB 2018
  • Chocolate connoisseurs also have the chance to make a customised KITKAT using a range of limited-edition flavours, fillings, and toppings

Nestlé Middle East has something special lined up for this year’s Sole DXB. In a regional exclusive, the company is giving UAE chocolate lovers the chance to try the new chocolate craze that’s sweeping the world, KITKAT Ruby chocolate.

Visitors to Dubai’s premier street culture festival will be able to try the chocolate at the

KITKAT “Chocolatory” pop up store on the 7thand 8thof December.

KITKAT Ruby chocolate, which gets it natural colour from Ruby cocoa beans, is the world’s “fourth” chocolate after, dark, milk and white. It has an intense berry flavour and is devoid of artificial additives.

The concept of Ruby chocolate was developed by Swiss chocolatier Barry Callebaut who spent over a decade developing the exciting new flavour. The chocolate is manufactured in Hamburg, Germany using UTZ-certified cocoa beans.

Festival goers who want to make their own customized KITKAT can head to the “KITKAT Chocolatory” pop up store to experiment with new flavours. The ‘Create Your Break’ activation at the pop-up store will give KITKAT fans the opportunity to choose from a range of limited-edition flavours, fillings, and toppings that have never been tried before. “Life’s A Party,” “Cake Cake Cake Cake,” “Got That Dough,” and “Smores” are some of the custom KITKAT creations available exclusively at Sole DXB, inspiring visitors to spark their imagination and to create their own break.

Commenting on the reveal of KITKAT Ruby at Sole DXB, Simone Touma, Business Executive Officer for KITKAT at Nestlé Middle East said: “After achieving more than 20 innovations in the region for confectionery products alone, including the recently launched KITKAT Mini Moments Desserts, we at Nestlé Middle East are very delighted to be able to give our UAE residents and visitors not only the first opportunity to try KITKAT Ruby in the region, but also have the fun of designing their own flavours at the KITKAT Chocolatory.”

 

Lap of Luxury – Gstaad

On By Shereen ShabnamIn Travel - Destination, Hospitality & Airline featuresLeave a comment

By Shereen Shabnam

Gstaad Winter Shooting Januar 2017
Gstaad Winter Shooting Januar 2017
Sessellift im Skigebiet Photo by Christof Sonderegger

After a few days of rest and relaxation in Zermatt, Switzerland, I was keen to introduce my teenager who loves snow and cold weather to Gstaad. After exploring numerous parts of the country using the Swiss Pass on the way to Gstaad, before venturing to Gstaad, we arrived to a quaint railway station where our driver was waiting to take us to Huus Gstaad, which is one of the most welcoming and homely hotels in the area.

Gstaas is a playground for holidaymakers who prefer a touch of exclusivity for their holiday experiences in a unique landscape that is full of tradition, sports, delectable cuisine and culture. A walk around the town is the perfect antidote to cheer oneself up while trying out hand made chocolates and local cheese platters.

To many, Gstaad is known as a major ski resort and a popular destination amongst high society and the international jet set but it is a perfect place for adventure tourism as well.

While my teenager enjoyed river rafting thanks to the wonderful staff of the Huus Gstaad Hotel, my favourite part of the visit was going up the mountains for tobogganing, watching my daughter try different games and inhaling the fresh crisp air that makes the lungs feel good.

The countryside in Gstaad offers a versatile and diverse sports programme with hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and golf. Gstaad is also a wellness destination and guarantees an unsurpassed variety of leisure activities, spas, healthy cuisine, sports centres and indoor swimming pools.

Set amongst soaring mountains and prestigious international boarding schools, Gstaad is a popular holiday destination for royalty and celebrities. Cable cars connect surrounding ski areas such as Wispile and Rinderberg, with hundreds of kilometers of all-level pistes and cross-country trails.

We started our journey at the centre of Gstaad, which is the most popular and fell in love with the shortest “shopping mile” in Switzerland. With luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, luxury chalets, the car-free resort was a delight as we walked along the picturesque promenade and tried some of the local delicacies.  explored the local galleriesand exclusive shops.

Retail therapy in Gstaad is a delight with designer stores that include Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chopard, Brunello Cucinelli, Prada, Moncler, Ralph Lauren, and Cartier as well as boutiques that stock labels such as Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana, Tod’s, Burberry, Dior, Oscar de la Renta, and Marc Jacobs.

Food lovers will be happy to note that Gstaad is also a paradise for fine diners, with more than 100 restaurants ranging from cosy raclette restaurants to acclaimed gourmet venues. Our most memorable meal was a five-course meal at Ultima Gstaad.

Leaving Gstaad is not easy as the wonderful views from cosy terraces, the picturesque mountains, fresh alpine air, gourmet cuisine, indoor games near warm fireplaces and outdoor adventures leaves an imprint on the heart and soul.

Each time I visualise a perfect holiday now, my mind wanders to the warmth of the staff and the cosy lobby area of Huus Gstaad and this ultimate hospitality is what makes it a destination that attracts visitors back to the beautiful alpine heaven more than once.

 

 

#travel #hospitality #TravelJunkie #TravelTheWorld #wanderlust #globalista #wanderer #explore #discover #traveladdict #destinations #adventure #GoingPlaces #ShereenShabnam #Tourist #LuxuryTravel #TravellingIslander #TravelDiary #Fijian #AmazingPlaces #TravellingFijian #Globetrotter #SeeTheWorld #flight #Traveller#OffTheBeatenTrack #Shereen_Shabnam

Natural Perfection – Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – Maldives

On By Shereen ShabnamIn Travel - Destination, Hospitality & Airline featuresLeave a comment

By Shereen Shabnam

There are very few countries in the world that come close to the beauty of my home country Fiji Islands and theRepublic of Maldives is one of few that does come close. Located in the Indian Ocean, Maldives has 1,192 coral islands grouped in a double chain of 26 atollswith almost 400,000 inhabitants.

We recently ventured into Maldives to visit the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, a paradise resort known for luxury, romance, water sports, picturesque clear blue sea and tropical bliss. Being an islander I love the sun, sand and sea when on holiday and the marine world in Maldives is known for its beauty, especially the coral reefs that are home to a variety of marine ecosystems.

During my first two days at the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, I explored the cool and contemporary spaces, stylish interiors, and beautiful gardens around the island. I was offered water based activities such as scuba diving, fishing, swimming, water skiing, wind surfing and snorkeling but I opted for a sting ray feeding experience and a boat ride to spot dolphins at play – both experiences were magical.

Guests at Iru Fushi can enjoy the unspoilt islands of Noonu Atoll, where Maldivian past life is reflected with boat builders working meticulously sanding wood to reveal a silken finish, children being educated about local marine species and farming of fruits and organic vegetables.

My room was a water villa on stilts with a small glass on the floor that gave me a view of the area below serving as personal coral garden and natural aquarium. The area felt like having a large natural swimming pool that protected me from the ocean waves and strong tidal currents beyond the villas. Close by, other guests enjoyed walking on the soft sand and sun bathing before jumping into the crystal clear waters.

Spas are my weakness and the resort offers a 20-room tropical spa with an enormous range of treatments, including massages, relaxation therapies and facials set in a tranquil environment. It is the perfect place for a beauty break.I enjoyed walking barefoot along the cobbled paths; the white sands and watched the palm trees as they gently leaned into the breeze after my massage session.

While waiting for my flight, I waited at the hotel’s private lounge near the airport where I tried a refreshing welcome drink, a quick snack and a short shoulder massage. Designed to be the one of the best airport lounges in the Maldives, the spacious private lounge can be used by guests arriving to The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi.  The lounge also has a children’s play room, outdoor balcony, free WiFi, computer stations as well as showers and changing facilities.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s Deluxe Beach has Villas with Pool, Pool Beach Villas, Sunset Horizon Water Villas or Infinity Water Villas. The resort features 221 luxury oceanfront villas, including 70 over-water bungalows, 14 restaurant and bar choices with a wide range of activities.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is 45 minutes seaplane journey from the capital, Malé, where Velana International Airport is located. Guests are met by a uniformed team member on arrival and then taken on a 10-minute drive by shuttle to the seaplane terminal to the designated seaplane lounge while waiting for the seaplane boarding call.

Visit Sun Siyam Iru Fushi and take in its vibrant local life, which has been influenced by various cultures and yet remains unique and a perfect holiday destination with relaxing days that are long and sun-filled and nights that are exciting and energetic. I just wish I could experience this mesmerizing award-winning resort for longer.

EXCEPTIONAL HOSPITALITY AND FAMILY TRADITIONS – WHITE STALLION RANCH

On By Shereen ShabnamIn Destinations, Travel - Destination, Hospitality & Airline featuresLeave a comment

By Shereen Shabnam

As the world gets more accessible to travellers, destinations sought are no longer just limited to beaches and cities. Highlands, cruises, ranches are becoming more popular and our current favourite is the White Stallion Ranch.

The personal touch and hospitality of this traditional dude ranch is carefully blended with the service and amenities of a fine resort where guests can reconnect with nature, family, friends and serenity. Adventure seekers can ride through the unspoiled desert and the rugged mountains.

With a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the ranch has been the Hollywood filmmakers for years as a backdrop in Western feature films and later, as the location for the television series High Chaparral.

The guest rooms at the ranch and The Hacienda, a lovely and private four-bedroom, three-bathroom home are spacious and charming, perfect for larger families or small groups. Every guest room has a private patio with views of the cactus gardens, mountains, or corrals.  Amenities include eco-friendly soaps, shampoos and lotions, hair dryers, mini-refrigerators and personal safes in all rooms.

A premium advantage of a vacation at White Stallion Ranch is that all the cooking is done for guests with a variety of meal options using the freshest, quality ingredients in home-style recipes.

The breakfast includes a cooked-to-order menu as well as an extensive continental buffet. Lunch and dinner buffets are also available with snacks all day including fresh fruit, chips and salsa, peanuts and a homemade trail mix.  For drinks, guests can have coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate, hot and cold teas and lemonade through the day.

Among activities at the ranch, the riding program is one of the focal points, with a large herd of hand picked horses and knowledgeable wranglers to guide the riding adventures.

Guests can also enjoy guided rock climbing, hiking, tennis, basketball, the game room, movie theater, swimming pool, hot tub, gift shop, spa, exercise room or just relaxing on one of the many charming patios with mountain views.

White Stallion Ranch was originally built in the 1900’s and began as a cattle ranch. The original property was constructed of Mexican adobe brick made of mud and straw. During renovation, wire and horseshoes were found in the walls. A small part of the original adobe is on display in the dining room, the original building on the ranch.

As a sought after destination that is also an attraction, the White Stallion Ranch has won many accolades and is recognised for service excellence and value. It is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and recognised among the fifteen best hotels in Tucson in 2017 by US News and World Report and holds the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence since 2015 to this year.

The current owners maintain the traditions of the West with many of the original buildings still in use. They have added sunken tennis courts, a movie theater, a new pool and hot tub area with a serenity patio, lighted sport courts a spa area and fitness center. They have also established one of the largest privately owned herds of horses in Arizona and a large herd of cattle.

New ranch holiday seekers should start with the best and the White Stallion Ranch is the perfect venue to get a glimpse into the ranch lifestyle.

 

#travel #hospitality #TravelJunkie #TravelTheWorld #wanderlust #globalista #wanderer #explore #discover #traveladdict #destinations #adventure #GoingPlaces #ShereenShabnam #Tourist #LuxuryTravel #TravellingIslander #TravelDiary #Fijian #AmazingPlaces #TravellingFijian #Globetrotter #SeeTheWorld #flight #Traveller#OffTheBeatenTrack #Shereen_Shabnam

 

Authentic Italian Experiences – Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

On By Shereen ShabnamIn Travel - Destination, Hospitality & Airline featuresLeave a comment

By Shereen Shabnam

 

Set in the Eternal City on the grounds of a 15 acre park, Rome, the spectacular Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Resort offers guests a home overlooking the best parts of the Vatican City. I spent a few days exploring the majestic hotel and its spa recently and left rested and relaxed for my next adventure.

Being a lover of art, I have been sponsoring the art perspective event every two months held in a five star hotel in Dubai over the year and hence, very familiar with the trend of merging the art world with the hospitality world but seeing the seeing the scale of art at Rome Cavalieri left me mesmerised. The hotel is home to over 1,200 beautiful artworks from well-known artists like Andy Warhol, Giovanni Battista and period pieces of artefacts, tapestries and furniture.

Recently, the hotel introduced a series of complimentary luxury experiences for guests who book to stay a number of days in one of the hotel’s suites this year. They can take part in a series of inimitable local activities focusing on art, culture and cuisine, with each experience offered to vary depending on the suite chosen and time of year.

Whether it’s learning to make authentic Italian sandals with an authentic, family-run Italian shoemaker, private tours of the Vatican Gardens, the Pope’s summer Residence or the gardens of Castel Gandolfo or culinary journeys in the city, Rome Cavalieri’s Suite Experiences promise a memorable stay.

Food lovers will enjoy a private culinary tour and two-way transfer to Mercato Trionfale in the Prati neighbourhood, a market frequented by locals. The tour features six venues with over 20 different food and wine tastings. Here, guests can sample local culinary delights including truffles and 30 year aged balsamic vinegar, artisanal gelateria from Fatamorgana, homemade pasta with D.O.C.G. Vermentino wine at an award-winning restaurant, caviar and foie gras topped pizzas at Pizzarium, Rome’s number one pizzeria. It also includes a visit to Paciotti, the number one gourmet food shop in Rome, offering over 200 types of cheeses and 100 types of meats. 

Guests staying in the top suites can enjoy the private use of a professional photographer to accompany them on their day around the Eternal City. Guests will receive a professional photoshoot in both Rome and the hotel, with a Mercedes at their disposal throughout the day. To cherish those memories, guests will receive an elegantly presented box with a USB drive and photo print outs, which will be directly delivered to them after their stay.

My favourite experience naturally would be staying in the Vista and Corner Suites and enjoy a luxury picnic in the hotel’s verdant parkland, accompanied with a butler as well as a private yoga session in the park and an 80-minute massage.

The spa experience in Rome Cavalieri was an amazing escape to a tranquil oasis with Roman baths, fitness centre and reputed products to indulge in. I opted for massage and once I saw the La Prairie products, I wished I had booked a facial too but had to catch my flight back to Dubai.

Overall, the Rome Cavalieri was a surreal experience. The building was designed by one of the most important architects of the period, Ugo Luccichenti, assisted by E. Pifferi and A. Ressa, with contribution from two superstar architects of the ‘60’s, Franco Albini and Pierluigi Nervi.

Ever since its opening in 1963, the hotel is known for the highest level of comfort attracting famous personalities and fifty years on, the Rome Cavalieri continues to move with the times, exceeding the expectations of the most demanding international travelers and living up to its name as an icon in the world of luxury hospitality. I certainly felt extremely special throughout my stay and would love to return with family one day to relive the experience and of course to make their spa my second home for at least a week.

 

 

 

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