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

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Is Moving to Dubai Creek Harbour This Q4

Published

5 days ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is set to enter a new chapter this Q4, with the award-winning Japanese dining destination relocating to Dubai Creek Harbour. Opening in Q4 2026, the new venue will bring a premium fine-dining offering to the growing waterfront community, with a larger bar and lounge, a lifestyle-led terrace and views that will form part of the experience. While the new destination will introduce a fresh energy and more elevated approach, it will remain rooted in the contemporary Japanese cuisine and signature dishes that have defined 99 Sushi.

Founded in Madrid in 2005, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is renowned for its precision-led Japanese craftsmanship, ultra-premium ingredients and refined dining experience, with its Abu Dhabi flagship awarded a MICHELIN Star for three consecutive years. The brand has grown into an international dining name across Spain, the UAE, Monaco, Rabat and Budapest, with further global expansion underway. In Dubai, 99 Sushi was previously located in Downtown before embarking on this next chapter at Dubai Creek Harbour, alongside the launch of its highly anticipated London restaurant.

Hospitality

Turn Saudi National Day into a Private Island Escape with Sun Siyam

Published

5 days ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This year’s Saudi National Day offers more than a long weekend. With direct flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Maldives, Saudi travellers can exchange city life for spacious private villas, world-class dining and some of the Indian Ocean’s most memorable experiences in under a day. Across its Maldivian resorts, Sun Siyam brings together many of the things Saudi travellers look for in an island holiday – space, privacy, family-friendly experiences, premium all-inclusive halal dining and plenty to experience without leaving the island.

Across the Maldives, Sun Siyam’s three collections offer a different experience for every kind of National Day escape. The Luxury Collection, includes Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, focuses on elevated island living, privacy and spacious accommodation; the Lifestyle Collection, featuring Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, brings together entertainment, experiences and family fun; while the Privé Collection’s Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Pasikudah (in Sri Lanka) offers a more intimate barefoot island escape.

For Families Who Want Space, Privacy and More Choice

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi combines luxurious beach and overwater villas, including private-pool options, with plenty for every generation to enjoy. Families can spend their days between the beach, pools, water sports and kids’ activities, while parents can retreat to the award-winning Spa by Thalgo for a quieter side of island life.

Dining is also a major part of the experience, with 15 dining and drink venues offering plenty of choice throughout the stay. Premium all-inclusive options, halal food and in-villa dining and floating breakfasts make it easy to dine on your own schedule, while multilingual butler service, including Arabic-speaking assistance, adds another layer of convenience for Saudi guests. With kids staying free on selected offers, Iru Fushi is particularly suited to larger families looking to spend the their holiday together without compromising on privacy.

For Adventure from Morning to Night

Few resorts in the Maldives can promise horse riding in the morning, shipwreck diving in the afternoon and an evening of go-kart racing. Siyam World was designed for travellers who believe one holiday should contain many adventures, bringing an unexpected sense of energy to the traditional Maldives experience.

Families and groups can move from the island’s horse ranch and go-kart track to its floating water park, dive beneath the surface to discover its shipwreck, or simply spend the day enjoying the beach and their private pool. Spacious villas and multi-bedroom residences give larger families and groups room to stay together, while an extensive choice of restaurants and bars means there is always somwhere different to dine.

The resort’s 24-hour WOW! Premium All-Inclusive concept brings dining, drinks and a wide range of experiences together, making Siyam World particularly well suited to Saudi families and groups looking for a holiday where almost everything is taken care of from the moment they arrive.

For Couples Who Want the Island to Themselves

For couples looking to turn the National Day break into a romantic escape, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, offers a more intimate side of the Maldives. Spacious beach and overwater suites, private pools and a strong sense of seclusion give couples the space and privacy to enjoy the island at their own pace.

With its honeymoon appeal, romantic dining experiences and premium all-inclusive offering, Iru Veli is particularly suited to couples looking for a few uninterrupted days together, combining privacy and understated island luxury in an intimate Maldivian setting.

With the Maldives within easy reach of Saudi Arabia, National Day is a chance to make the long weekend feel considerably longer. So why wait? Pack your bags and turn this year’s celebration into an island escape with Sun Siyam. For the latest Sun Siyam packages, benefits and offers, visit sunsiyam.com/offers or book@sunsiyam.com

Hospitality

Sana Dubai Launches “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” a Sunday Ritual Rooted in Uzbek Comfort Food

Published

5 days ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Sana Dubai, the Uzbek dining destination at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, announced the launch of its new weekly Sunday Brunch, “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” beginning September 13, 2026. Running every Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the brunch reimagines the day after Saturday night as a ritual of recovery, “the Uzbek way.”

Guests will gather around a table designed for sharing, opening with fresh Uzbek vegetables before moving into Sana’s signature Hash: a steaming bowl finished with baked bone marrow and garlic, a dish generations swear by the morning after. From there, diners choose their “cure” — slow-cooked wagyu beef cheek with silky potato purée, carved tableside by the chef, or a whole river-caught Sazan fish in garlic ajika sauce. The feast closes with a plate of traditional Uzbek sweets.

“Hash has always held a special place in Uzbek cuisine — a dish generations have gathered around, made slowly and with care. We wanted to give it the spotlight it deserves, so we built our Sunday Brunch around it: a truly authentic Uzbek feast, unhurried and generous, the way it’s meant to be shared.” — Leonid Litvin, General Manager, Sana Dubai

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch is offered across three packages to suit every table:

Non-Alcoholic — AED 350 per person
House — AED 450 per person
Premium — AED 650 per person

The brunch is unhurried and indulgent by design, built for guests who want to slow down, gather with family and friends, and let a proper feast do the recovering.

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch Every Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, starting September 13, 2026 Sana Restaurant, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Dubai Reservations:https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/sanarestaurant/sunday-brunch-5109127899627520?tracking=marketing