Hospitality

Shifting the focus from brick-and-mortar to service-driven hospitality

Published

2 years ago

July 9, 2024

Anand’s journey from a seasoned hotelier within the corporate world to the founder and CEO of LEVA Hotels is a testament to determination, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in hospitality. With over two decades of experience working for some of the world’s largest hotel chains, Anand gained invaluable insights into the industry’s intricacies and the evolving needs of travelers.

After spending more than two decades immersed in the hospitality industry, Anand began to notice a significant gap between the offerings of traditional hotel chains and the changing desires of modern travelers. Guests were no longer satisfied with cookie-cutter experiences; they craved authenticity, personalized service, and a deeper connection to the destinations they visited. Recognizing this shift in consumer behavior, Anand saw an opportunity to create a new kind of hotel experience—one that would prioritize meaningful interactions, local immersion, and genuine hospitality.

Thus, the idea for LEVA Hotels was born. Anand envisioned a brand that would cater to the needs of discerning travelers who sought more than just a place to stay—they wanted a personalised experience that would leave a lasting impression. LEVA positioned itself within the 3 and 4-star segment, offering a unique blend of comfort, style, and affordability. Unlike traditional hotel chains that focused solely on standardization and consistency, LEVA aimed to create properties that felt distinct, authentic, and welcoming.

But building a brand from scratch in a fiercely competitive market was akin to navigating a maze with blindfolds with securing funding, the lifeblood of any startup venture, proved to be one of the most daunting challenges. Anand found himself knocking on countless doors, pitching his vision to skeptical investors who were hesitant to bet on an unknown entrepreneur in an unfamiliar market.

Despite facing multiple rejections, Anand refused to succumb to despair. His unwavering belief in his vision and his relentless determination propelled him forward, driving him to explore every possible avenue to bring his dream to life. When traditional sources of funding dried up, Anand made the difficult decision to tap into his personal savings, a move that underscored his commitment to the cause.

With an initial investment of AED 10,000 and a strategic partnership with Ahmed Khalaf Ahmed Khalaf Al Otaiba from Siraj Holdings, along with the involvement of Co-Founder, Noni, Anand was able to kickstart operations and lay the groundwork for future growth. This modest funding, while meager in comparison to the monumental task at hand, served as a lifeline for LEVA Hotels in its infancy, providing the necessary resources to overcome initial hurdles and establish a foothold in the competitive hospitality market.

LEVA underwent a comprehensive branding exercise to refine its identity and positioning in the market. Collaborating with a renowned branding firm, Anand and his team worked tirelessly to craft a brand story that would resonate with their target audience. The result was a brand that stood out for its emphasis on art, design, technology, and human capital—a brand that promised a fresh perspective on hospitality and travel.

While starting the brand may have been a success, maintaining its momentum required a team of dedicated individuals committed to excellence. Central to LEVA’s success is its “People First, World Focused” philosophy, spearheaded by Anand himself. Recognizing that exceptional guest experiences are rooted in a motivated and skilled workforce, Anand prioritized employee well-being and career development. Through training programs, mentorship opportunities, and pathways for advancement, he cultivated a culture of excellence and innovation at LEVA, where every team member felt valued and empowered.

Looking ahead, Anand’s vision for LEVA Hotels is one of continued growth and expansion. In just five years, LEVA has grown to 10 hotels in key cities across the globe, including Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, and Ethiopia. Anticipating further growth, Anand has set his sights on entering new markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. By staying true to its core values of authenticity, innovation, and guest-centricity, LEVA is poised to redefine the hospitality landscape and set new standards for excellence in the industry.

Anand’s journey from a corporate hotelier to an entrepreneurial trailblazer is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to putting people first. By daring to dream big and refusing to settle for the status quo, Anand has not only built a successful business but has also created a brand that is redefining the future of hospitality—one unforgettable experience at a time.

Hospitality

ROHINI Celebrates Holi with Colourful, Contemporary Thandai Creations

Published

19 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

The festival of Holi is all about colour, music and good vibes, and Rohini at Mövenpick JLT is bringing that energy straight to your glass. From 2 to 8 March, the restaurant is serving Rang, Ras aur Thandai Holi, a limited-time beverage special inspired by the playful spirit of the festival, giving Dubai diners a fun way to celebrate through flavour.

Drawing on nostalgic flavours, the traditional thandai is deconstructed with a fresh, contemporary edge that fits naturally into Dubai’s modern dining scene. The seasonal drinks keep the familiarity guests love while introducing lighter, more current flavour combinations, giving guests the green energy this season calls for

The menu features two flavour profiles. One leans into classic Kesar Pista and Badam notes, while the other takes a more experimental direction with a Matcha Moringa twist for a clean, modern flavour. Served as cocktail and mocktail options, the drinks balance tradition with a playful upgrade, capturing the celebratory mood Holi is known for.

Rohini continues to stand out as a go-to destination for contemporary Indian dining in Dubai, with its Holi special bringing together familiar flavours and a nostalgic festive touch for guests to enjoy throughout the week.

Hospitality

EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN AT AL HABTOOR GRAND RESORT, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

As the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection invites guests to experience the Grand Starlit Iftar at the picturesque Grand Garden Lawn. This refined journey of flavor and reflection offers a beautiful setting to gather with loved ones beneath a starlit sky and twinkling lights.

As the sun sets and the city’s pace slows, guests are invited to escape into a serene, open-air sanctuary. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soft, golden glow of lanterns, the evening begins with the soulful, rhythmic hum of live Oud tunes, setting a peaceful stage for reflection and connection.

The journey starts with the traditional breaking of the fast, featuring refreshing glasses of Jallab, Kamar Al Dein, Tamer Hindi, and Laban. This leads into a lavish Iftar buffet that celebrates both local heritage and global flair. Guests can explore an abundant spread of mezze and salads from creamy Hummus and Tabbouleh to crisp Cheese Sambousek, Meat Kibbeh, and Spinach Fatayer.

The heart of the feast offers a rich tapestry of flavors, featuring aromatic classics like Lamb Kofta, Chicken Shish Taouk, and succulent Ouzi. For those seeking a more international palate, the menu transitions seamlessly into dishes such as Pan Seared Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce and a live pasta station serving fresh Penne Arrabbiata. The air is further filled with the scent of tradition at the live cooking stations, where freshly prepared Saj (Cheese and Zaatar) and expert carvings are made to order.

The experience reaches a sweet crescendo with a decadent dessert selection. Whether it’s the warmth of Cheese Kunafa and Umm Ali, the crunch of Baklawa, or the modern indulgence of Chocolate Fudge and Passion Fruit Delight, there is a flavor for every craving.

As the night matures, the energy shifts into a relaxed Suhoor. In a setting designed for late-night conversations, guests can enjoy a curated à la carte menu of local delights. To round out the evening, a nearby shisha area offers a quiet space to unwind and soak in the calm of the night under the stars.

Event Details

Iftar
Time: Sunset to 9:00 pm

Suhoor
Price: À la carte
Time: 9:00 pm to 1:00 am

Dates: Daily throughout Ramadan
Location: Grand Garden Lawn, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, JBR

Hospitality

RAMADAN AT MARRIOTT AL FORSAN, ABU DHABI

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Flavors of Ramadan: A Sensory Iftar to Remember

Step into the spirit of Ramadan with an unforgettable Iftar experience at Khayal, where tradition, passion, and togetherness come alive. Indulge in a lavish Iftar buffet featuring a carefully curated selection of traditional and international dishes, served in a warm and inviting ambiance inspired by the essence of the holy month.

Iftar Buffet:

Timing: From Sunset until 9:30 PM
Venue: Khayal, Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi

Early Bird Offer:

40% off for bookings made before 12th February 2026

Special Discounts:

30% off Iftar for in-house hotel guests
30% off for FAZAA cardholders
MoreCravings App: Buy One Get One Free

Serenity at Dawn: Suhoor & Group Ramadan Celebrations
A Peaceful Suhoor Indulgence & Memorable Group Gatherings

Enjoy a calm and comforting Suhoor experience at the Lobby Lounge, designed for those seeking nourishment and tranquility before dawn. Featuring a thoughtfully curated set menu, this Suhoor offering ensures a balanced and fulfilling start to your day.

Suhoor Set Menu:
Timing: 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Venue: Lobby Lounge, Marriott Al Forsan

For larger gatherings, celebrate the holy month together with Group Ramadan Packages, ideal for corporate Iftars and family reunions. Enjoy a delightful culinary journey paired with exceptional service in a festive atmosphere.

Group Ramadan Packages: