Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas has fast established its leading place in UAE’s hospitality scene, as well as the wider Middle East region, given outstanding performance during its first year of service. Through seamless operation, unique amenities, art and the 360-resort experience, guests celebrated UAE heritage and nature in the stunning island surroundings.
With regards to guest flow, 2018 has seen a combination of European and Easterners staying at the resort. That being said, Saudi Arabia was identified as the key GCC based contributor, while UAE nationals and expatriates form 20% of guests. Looking further into the visitor demographic, 40% are German, while a combined 15% come from the UK, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria. The average length of stay of guests from European regions is 5-nights in total, highlighting the fact that guests are increasingly looking to fully experience the region, rather than merely transiting.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas was recognized on a global scale for its unparalleled experience, by both the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading New Resort and Villas 2018 and by Haute Gandeur Global Excellence Awards 2018, as Best New Resort.
Additionally, the property has made a name for itself through pioneering conservation and sustainability initiatives. The Rotana Group as a whole has adopted a more environmentally considerate mindset through the Rotana Earth Program. The latest introduction to the property, Drinkable Air Technology, set to launch in Q1, spearheads the movement. Trial units are expected to be installed in January 2019 and will be capable of turning air into drinkable water, through humidity and temperature driven mechanisms.
Commenting on the hotel’s future plans, General Manager Marc de Beer said, “We will continue our efforts to raise awareness of the property, both on a regional and global scale. This will be done through continued participation in international travel fairs, road shows, as well as joint activities with DCT and key stakeholders in Abu Dhabi. Another point of focus will be the study into our guests’ demographics, which will help us identify and explore new untapped markets.”
In addition to these efforts, Saadiyat Rotana Resorts and Villas shall endeavor to better serve its surrounding environment, through executing more mindful initiatives throughout 2019 with the support of all governmental and private entities that form part of the brand’s environmental agency.
About Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas The resort, is a one-of-a-kind, five-star property with modern Arabic architecture and a regal presence located in UAE’s capital. The award winning resort welcomes guests with effortless luxury across 327 rooms and suites, 13 Beach Villas and diverse dining options, including the signature Turtle Bay Bar and Grill restaurant, Sim Sim, Sama Lobby Lounge with stunning sea views, Si Ristorante Italiano and Bar, Hamilton’s Gastropub, The Roof Bar at Turtle Bay, Nasma Beach Bar and the refreshing Swim Up Pool Bar.
Nestled in the heart of Saadiyat Island, the resort’s location boasts a haven of abundant natural beachfront beauty and wildlife, whilst only a convenient 15-minute drive from the city. Some of its other facilities include, a large outdoor swimming pool, two tennis courts, Bodylines Fitness Club and a mini golf course. There is an array of event and meeting spaces, including an elegant ballroom and The Lawn, a spectacular outdoor event venue designed with memorable weddings and events in mind. The spa offers 10 luxuriously appointed treatment rooms, traditional Turkish and Moroccan hammam, as well as the ultimate clubhouse for youngsters, Aladdin’s Cave; an active and engaging experience where kids and teens can enjoy various water features, as well as a cinema zone.
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector.
Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC).
She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book.
She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter.
Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler.
It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
