Attributed to Ahmed Abdraboh, Director of Sales & Marketing at Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa

In the highly competitive hospitality sector, resorts are facing the growing challenge of serving two distinct, yet frequently overlapping, types of guests: business and leisure travellers. The rise of the “bleisure” traveller; a blend of business and leisure; highlights a wider trend in today’s travel landscape. These travellers merge work obligations with their desire for relaxation and adventure, compelling resorts to adjust their offerings to meet the needs of both demographics. Striking this balance can be complex, but the benefits of effectively catering to both segments can be substantial.

Understanding the Unique Needs

Before delving into strategies, it’s crucial to recognize the differing needs of business and leisure travellers. Business travellers often seek efficiency, connectivity, and amenities that facilitate work. High-speed internet, dedicated meeting spaces, and convenient location are paramount. They value streamlined services, express check-ins, and an atmosphere conducive to productivity.

On the other hand, leisure travellers prioritize relaxation, exploration, and experiences. They are looking for leisure activities, spa services, fine dining, and cultural experiences that allow them to unwind and immerse themselves in the local environment. The challenge for resorts lies in creating an environment that simultaneously serves the quick paced demands of the business traveller while providing the dreamlike experiences that leisure travellers seek.

Designing Dual-Purpose Spaces

Resorts are increasingly designing their spaces to accommodate both types of travellers. Flexible meeting spaces that can be easily converted into event venues during weekends or evenings are a great example of this dual-purpose approach. By utilizing movable partitions and adaptable furniture, resorts can create environments that can host a corporate seminar one day and an intimate wedding or social gathering the next.

Besides, resorts can incorporate leisure and relaxation features into areas that business travellers frequent. For example, comfortable lounges equipped with charging stations for devices allow guests to work while enjoying the ambiance. Poolside cabanas that double as meeting points or casual brainstorming areas cater to those who need a break from the traditional boardroom setting. Integrating these elements can enhance the guest experience for both business and leisure travellers.

Enhancing Connectivity

Strong and reliable connectivity is a must-have for business travellers, but leisure guests also benefit from staying connected. Offering robust Wi-Fi throughout the resort is essential. Beyond connectivity, resorts can create work-friendly environments, such as business centres equipped with printers and meeting rooms, where guests can hold casual meetings or work off-site without compromising on comfort.

Additionally, the rise of remote work has blurred the lines between personal and professional life. As a response, resorts are finding ways to make remote work more enjoyable by providing inspiring locations, private workspaces, and even outdoor areas that combine work with leisure. Setting up dedicated “workcation” packages that include accommodations with office amenities lets resorts cater to guests seeking to blend productivity with relaxation without boundaries.

Curating Unique Experiences

For leisure travellers, resorts have traditionally focused on creating unforgettable experiences. Nowadays, these experiences matter to business travellers as well. With “bleisure” travel on the rise, their desire for unique, local activities can significantly enhance their stay. Resorts can curate experiences that appeal to both demographics, such as offering guided tours of local attractions, cooking classes with local chefs, or wellness retreats.

In addition to traditional leisure activities, resorts can design workshops and networking events that facilitate connections among business travellers. By organizing guest speaker sessions, skill building workshops, and panel discussions, resorts can nurture an environment where business professionals can network and learn while on holiday.

Wellness and Relaxation

Both business and leisure travellers share an increasingly common interest in wellness and self-care. For business professionals, long hours of traveling can lead to stress and fatigue. Therefore, wellness facilities; such as spas, fitness centres, and meditation rooms; become attractive perks for this segment. By promoting relaxation and holistic well-being, resorts can cater to business travellers who want to rejuvenate during their stay.

Implementing wellness programs that combine fitness classes, mindfulness retreats, and spa treatments allows resorts to appeal to guests looking for self-care options. Additionally, some resorts are developing wellness retreats specifically aimed at the corporate sector, offering programs that promote teamwork, creativity, and mindfulness training often directly aligned with business goals.

Tailoring Packages and Promotions

Another effective strategy for resorts is to develop tailored packages that target specific groups within the business and leisure traveller spectrum. For example, offering promotions such as weekend corporate retreats, where businesses can host strategy sessions while their employees enjoy leisure opportunities, effectively blends both worlds. Creating promotional deals that include meeting space for companies alongside discounts for leisure activities can greatly enhance the appeal for business travellers looking to unwind after hours.

For leisure travellers, resorts can offer exclusive weekend packages that provide special bonuses for their business counterparts, turning a business trip into an inviting long weekend for the whole family. Childcare services, family friendly activities, and adult only zones create an atmosphere where everyone can enjoy their vacation, regardless of the reason for their stay.

The Role of Technology

In the digital age, leveraging technology is instrumental in balancing the needs of business and leisure travellers. From mobile apps that allow for easy check-in and room service to smart room controls that enhance the guest experience, technology can streamline processes, making them more efficient for business travellers. Meanwhile, technology also allows for leisure focused experiences, such as custom virtual tours or interactive activities that engage guests.

Moreover, resorts can utilize data and analytics to better understand and segment their guests. By analysing preferences, resorts can tailor their offerings and services to meet the expectations of both business and leisure travellers, ensuring no one feels overlooked.

Resorts are navigating the delicate balance between business and leisure travellers in an ever evolving landscape. By understanding the unique needs of each segment and adapting their offerings creatively, resorts can successfully cater to both groups. With strategic planning, innovative space design, and a focus on creating meaningful experiences, resorts not only enhance profitability but also enrich the overall guest experience.

The market for dual purpose travel continues to grow, presenting exciting possibilities for resorts willing to embrace change. As business and leisure become increasingly intertwined, the path ahead is one of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to exceptional hospitality that meets the needs of all travellers.

Acube Developments has marked a major milestone in its journey as one of Dubai’s fastest-emerging real estate developers with the official handover of Adhara Star, its debut project in Arjan. Completed in under two years since the company’s inception, the development reflects Acube’s rapid rise in Dubai’s competitive property landscape and its ability to deliver on promises of quality, lifestyle, and innovation. With the project fully sold out 3 months after launch. Adhara Star signals strong investor confidence and sets the tone for Acube’s ambitious pipeline of future launches.

The freehold mixed-use project brings together 113 residential units across 13 floors alongside ground-level retail and podium parking. Designed for modern urban living, Adhara Star offers a curated mix of one, 1, 1.5-, 2.5- and 3.5-bedroom apartments, complete with laundry rooms, branded European appliances, and luxury finishes. The project combines affordable luxury with a community-focused lifestyle, appealing to Dubai’s growing base of families and young professionals seeking both connectivity and comfort.

Residents of Adhara Star will benefit from a host of premium amenities, including a rooftop pool, Japanese Zen Garden, male and female health clubs with jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, Indoor Gym, a basketball court, padel court, outdoor yoga, and an open-air fitness zone. The development is also a certified Green Building, highlighting Acube’s commitment to sustainable construction and resource-efficient design.

Commenting on the handover, Ramjee Iyer, Chairman & CEO of Acube Group, said: “The handover of Adhara Star is not only a landmark achievement for Acube Developments but also a reflection of Dubai’s dynamic property market, where speed, precision, and quality make all the difference. By completing our first project in less than two years, we have demonstrated the strength of our fully integrated approach, which allows us to maintain world-class standards. We are proud to deliver Adhara Star as a symbol of luxury, lifestyle, and sustainability, and look forward to continuing this journey with our upcoming projects.”

As Acube’s debut project, Adhara Star represents more than just a building, it embodies the company’s philosophy of creating developments that serve as guiding stars for the communities they shape. With its brand promise, “Live on a Star,” Acube is poised to continue delivering projects that combine aspirational living with enduring value.

Sobha Furniture, the newest addition to the prestigious Sobha Group, has officially launched at Downtown Design, unveiling a new standard of large-scale, design-led furniture manufacturing, made in the UAE for the world.

Sobha Furniture is reimagining local furniture manufacturing. With over 73,000 sqm of fully integrated, Industry 4.0-enabled facilities across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including a 53,000 sqm flagship plant in Dubai Industrial City (the largest of its kind in the region), Sobha Furniture is combining production precision, material control, and delivery capability at a scale the UAE has not previously seen.

This manufacturing power is guided by a global design perspective. The brand’s Milan-based design studio leads design development, material direction, and product refinement, ensuring international design standards inform every detail produced in the UAE.

“We are not entering a market. We are redefining it,” said Anuj Jain, CEO of Sobha Furniture. “There has long been a gap between design ambition and furniture manufacturing capability in this region. We built Sobha Furniture to close that gap. This is a world-class furniture manufacturing ecosystem rooted in the UAE. It is designed to serve developers, interior designers, architects, and projects at a standard previously only accessible abroad.

From Bespoke Vision to Industrial Precision

The launch was inaugurated by Mr. PNC Menon, Founder of Sobha Group, whose entrepreneur journey as an interior decorator began nearly five decades ago.

“My journey began with bringing complete interior visions to life, where bespoke furniture played a central role in the process,” said Mr. Menon. “Sobha Furniture elevates that specific passion and commitment to the finest furniture detail, placing it once again at the forefront. We are applying the essence of that original, one-of-a-kind craftsmanship to a new, modern scale. This is our legacy of meticulous detail, now crafted for the world.”

The Booth: Built with Intention, Defined by Detail

The Sobha Furniture booth at Downtown Design is designed as a calm, structured environment, reflecting the brand’s approach to precision, balance, and design clarity. The space directs attention to the relationship between material, proportion, and use, allowing the products to be experienced with focus.

Sobha Furniture showcases one Kitchen and one Walk-In Closet, both illustrating material discipline and functional refinement. The Walk-In Closet integrates gunmetal aluminium framing with walnut accents and softly illuminated interiors. The Kitchen is anchored by a striking Taj Mahal Quartzite island, paired with walnut cabinetry and gunmetal detailing.  At the centre of the booth, an installation titled ‘The Elements’ brings together wood, metal, texture, and tone in deliberate balance, expressing the brand’s core belief that every detail is intentional.

The booth offers a focused first experience of the Sobha Furniture world, where design, material, and purpose work together to shape elevated living.

Design Talks: Thought Leadership in Practice

As part of the launch programme, Sobha Furniture will host Design Talks on November 6 and 7, featuring:

• Carlo Magistretti, Chief Strategic Advisor
• Vincenzo Vinci, Chief Design Officer

The sessions will explore design responsibility, material intention, and the evolving role of advanced furniture manufacturing in shaping interior environments.