Hospitality News
Homegrown UAE Hospitality Brand LEVA Hotels Announce Ambitious GCC, Africa Expansion Drive
LEVA Hotels is poised to make a meaningful contribution to the overall growth of the Middle East and Africa hospitality industry by transforming and scaling up the region’s hidden gems.
Anchoring its hospitality offering and service delivery on ‘fresh and innovative’ the new properties are part of an ongoing ambitious expansion exercise that will see the dynamic lifestyle hotel brand modernize and manage a total of eight properties spanning the Middle East and Africa by the end of 2023.
“We are thrilled to be announcing the opening of six new distinct properties across key regions that we not only consider to be strategic to the overall growth of the company but also crucial to a growing segment in the hospitality sector that’s increasingly demanding for affordable yet comfortable experiences,” said J.S. Anand, founder, and CEO, LEVA Hotels and Resorts.
Properties under LEVA’s management
In KSA, LEVA Hotels has inked two strategic Hotel Management Agreements with Jeddah-based EKONO by Leva Al Shati and three-star EKONO by Leva Jeddah Airport Hotel, respectively. As part of the deal, LEVA Hotels will be responsible for overseeing the two properties’ service offering transformation which is in line with KSA’s Vision 2030, which aims to attract 100 million visitors by 2030.
Besides, both these properties are located at less than an hour’s travel distance from Mecca, and therefore are perfect for UMRA travellers looking for comfortable and convenient hotel accommodations during their pilgrimage.
In Nigeria, which has mostly lacked luxury hotels, LEVA Hotels will be responsible for the transformation and management of Reiz Continental Hotel by Leva – a project under construction in partnership with Kostarget Projects LTD developers and owned by REIZ Continental Hotels LTD. As part of the partnership, the Lagos-based hotel will be positioned as an “Upscale Five-Star Luxury Lifestyle Hotel” with unique, contemporary, and cost-effective aesthetics including a total of five distinct food and beverage concepts and Leva’s F&B partner, Sven’s Baker’s Kitchen.
In Uganda, LEVA Hotels has taken over the management of the Kampala’s first boutique hotel, Emin Pasha Leva Hotel to ultimately position the property as a top choice for guests on vacation as well as business trips. Owned by The Emin Pasha Ltd., this property is now under renovation and will include LEVA’s design language infused with the region’s aesthetics, two important metrics that will further boost the hotel’s booking significantly.
LEVA Hotel’s foray into Africa’s hospitality industry will be crowned by its debut in Ethiopia with two strategic partnerships with LEVA Afrotsion Semera Resort and Harsade Harbour Resort by LEVA. As its first luxury resort in Ethiopia’s Semera region, LEVA Afrotsion Semera Resort is now poised to offer a refreshed and diverse hospitality experience. Ethiopia is globally known for its natural scenery including some of Africa’s lesser-known wildlife – an attribute that attracts scores of tourists to the region.
The 60-key Harsade Harbour Resort will incorporate LEVA Hotels’ key brand design elements and include five restaurants and three well-equipped conference halls. Set to launch this year, the property is set to offer a fresh, vibrant, and innovative service in the country.
Hospitality
AVANI+ LANEXANG VIENTIANE HOTEL OPENS IN THE HEART OF THE LAO CAPITAL

Avani Hotels & Resorts has opened Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel, introducing the brand’s premium lifestyle hospitality to the Lao capital. Set on Fa Ngum Road, overlooking Chao Anouvong Park and the Mekong River, the 197-key hotel offers a fresh base for business trips, city breaks and riverside stays in Vientiane.
The opening marks Avani’s second hotel in Laos, following Avani+ Luang Prabang, and brings the brand’s practical, upbeat approach to the country’s capital. Designed for travellers who want comfort, flexibility and a sense of place, Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel combines smart Page 1 of 5 guestrooms, connected social spaces, relaxed dining, wellness facilities and meetings and events spaces designed for both local and international guests.

Guestrooms and suites range from Deluxe Rooms to a Presidential Suite, with layouts that support both work and downtime. Clean lines, efficient space planning and warm contemporary details reflect Avani’s easy-going style, creating a stay that feels polished without being overcomplicated.
The hotel is opening in phases, with a curated selection of rooms, dining, leisure and meeting facilities available from launch. Additional venues and services will be introduced progressively in the months ahead.
Dining will play a central role in the hotel experience, with four venues launching in stages. Mekong Mosaic, opening on 1 July 2026, is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, serving international comfort cuisine alongside Lao-inspired dishes, live cooking stations, wellnessfocused options and flexible formats including in-room and poolside dining. Sabaidee Social will follow in Q3 2026, bringing a Mediterranean-inspired tapas and bar concept to Vientiane, with casual dining, drinks and live entertainment. The Pantry will offer a relaxed café and co-working space, serving specialty coffee, bakery items, desserts and grab-and-go options throughout the day. Salongxay, scheduled to open in Q4 2026, will present a refined Thai-Lao dining experience, with contemporary takes on traditional recipes, a strong wine programme and an intimate setting for dinners and special occasions.
Wellness facilities are also being introduced in phases. During the first stage of opening, guests can access the outdoor swimming pool and fitness facilities. AvaniSpa and expanded wellness experiences will be added as the hotel moves toward its full launch, bringing Avani’s balanced approach to wellbeing to the centre of Vientiane.
Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel is set to become a key address for meetings, events and celebrations in the capital. Lanexang Hall can accommodate up to 320 guests, supported by additional meeting rooms and outdoor event spaces. Select event facilities are available during the first phase of opening, with the full meetings and events offering to be introduced progressively.

Guests can also tap into curated local experiences and personalised concierge services, connecting them with Vientiane’s cultural heritage, riverside lifestyle and evolving urban scene. The hotel supports Avani’s sustainability ethos through the use of locally sourced ingredients, support for local producers and artisans, seasonal menus, the reduction of single-use plastics where possible and thoughtful operational practices.
Hospitality
SUSHI & BEYOND IS NOW FOUR NIGHTS A WEEK
Toshi, the Pan-Asian restaurant at Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai, has its popular Sushi & Beyond promotion on four nights a week. Running every Thursday through Sunday from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, the unlimited buffet is currently being offered at an exclusive limited-time price of AED 149 per person, making it one of the city’s most accessible evenings of quality Pan-Asian dining

Guests can expect the full Sushi & Beyond experience: the artistry of Sushi Master Chef Kot at the sushi and sashimi counter, alongside Mama Nata’s rotating menu of Pan-Asian appetisers, mains and desserts. The weekly schedule now makes it easier than ever to plan a visit, whether for a Thursday night dinner, a weekend outing, or a reason to end Sunday on a high.

Details at a glance:
- Days: Thursday to Sunday, weekly
- Timings: 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM
- Price: AED 149 per person — unlimited (Exclusive offer for a limited time)
- Venue: Toshi, Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 423 4100
- WhatsApp: +971 50 494 2390
- Email: fbreservations.gmhd@millenniumhotels.com
Hospitality
LOOP OPENS ITS DOORS IN BUSINESS BAY, INTRODUCING A 24-HOUR MEDITERRANEAN SOCIAL DINING CONCEPT
LOOP has officially opened its doors in Business Bay, bringing a fresh Mediterranean-inspired all-day dining and lounge concept to the heart of Dubai. Located at Trillionaire Residences by Binghatti overlooking the Dubai Canal, LOOP is designed as a destination that seamlessly evolves with the city’s 24-hour lifestyle.
From early morning breakfasts to late-night gatherings, LOOP offers a contemporary Mediterranean experience centred around quality cuisine, shisha, tea rituals, and meaningful social connections. Inspired by the rhythm of Dubai, the venue transforms throughout the day, creating an inviting atmosphere for every occasion.

Guests can begin their mornings with specialty coffee and traditional Turkish breakfast spreads, enjoy relaxed business lunches and afternoon meetings, gather over dinner with friends, or unwind with premium shisha and handcrafted beverages into the evening. The concept is built around familiarity, comfort, and the idea of becoming a daily destination guests naturally return to.
LOOP places relationships at the heart of the experience, with a hospitality philosophy focused on recognising returning guests and creating personalised moments that foster a true sense of community.


The interiors feature warm natural textures, contemporary finishes, soft ambient lighting, and floor cooling throughout the terrace, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming setting that transitions effortlessly from day to night.
Situated within one of Business Bay’s newest residential landmarks, LOOP offers both residents and visitors a convenient destination for dining, working remotely, socialising, or simply taking in the canal views. Complimentary valet parking further enhances the seamless guest experience.

With its blend of Mediterranean flavours, elevated hospitality, and dynamic all-day atmosphere, LOOP aims to become one of Business Bay’s new social hubs.
- For reservations and updates, follow @loop.dubai on Instagram or visit www.looprestaurant.ae. | For reservations and updates, follow @loop.dubai on Instagram. | Website: www.looprestaurant.ae
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