Connect with us

Hospitality

The Secret to Happiness? It’s Called Party Time!

Published

on

secret parties

By Jay Wynne, Director of Secret Parties

There are many questions in life where the answer escapes us. We can spend our lives on a fruitless search for meaning where the result only yields more questions.  What is the meaning of life? To be or not to be? Why are we here? What is our purpose? Thankfully, my assignment isn’t to tackle those and it’s a rather more familiar subject that I find myself pondering today.

The Secret to Happiness

If you asked a group of ten, one hundred, one million people what their secret to happiness is, I can almost guarantee that each answer would be unique and different to all of the others. Happiness is deeply personal to each individual and is, more often than not, in context and specific to their unique situation in life. So, while the billionaire owner of Amazon, Jeff Bezos’, version of happiness might be finding an even bigger, more shinier mega yacht (to clarify – that would make me happy too), another person’s version may simply be that they were able to put food on the table for their family.

Human Connection

Something that became abundantly clear in 2020 when the pandemic hit was that the vast majority of us crave human connection and togetherness. Not only do we crave it, we need it to survive. For some, the various lockdowns were a lonely time filled with empty days and little to no human contact. It is no surprise that in the 12 month period from 2020-2021 Zoom’s revenue amounted to $2.65 billion, up more than 300 percent from just $623 million the year before.

Though many of us may have used Zoom for various work calls, it felt that connecting with friends and family was the overwhelming use for the software in this period. A number of us will have stories about “virtual” quizzes, parties, weddings, birthdays and more during lockdown, tales of dancing in your living room while loved ones on the screen were doing the same. Technology was specifically developed for the purpose of people being able to party together in a virtual setting, over the fence “gatherings” with socially distanced neighbours became the norm.

So, why would we jump through these hoops and do these things simply to connect with others? Because the secret to happiness is human connection.  And the greatest human connection is having fun together. Or in other words – partying.

Secret Parties

Our brand is parties. We exist for parties. What makes us happy…..is people, together, partying. And quite simply, we do what we do – because people love to party.

While I won’t go into the ins and outs with our own struggles of owning a party brand when partying was banned, we could not have been more certain of our purpose during that time.

So many of us can relate to the issues faced in this time, we remember going to bars with no music, sitting a metre apart, no dancing.  But we couldn’t help ourselves, could we? No dancing standing up? No problem – waist up, seated, upper body dance moves only (admit it, we all did it)!

Our events were busy, in spite of these restrictions, in spite of the unnerving time we found ourselves in. And why? People sought fun, people sought togetherness, people sought happiness. Thankfully, it transpired that the secret to that happiness was, and still is, partying!

The Party

.When we develop and concept a new event, our number one objective is delivering an excellent customer experience.  Of course, this is subjective and not everyone’s idea of the perfect day or night out is the same, but the formula remains the same. Our guests want a great party.  They want to wake up the next day still buzzing from The Party, the group chat blowing up with stories surfacing from what happened at The Party.  And then what happened at the After-Party.

Creating the perfect party is conducting an orchestra.  Everything is designed and composed to reach the crescendo. All the moves made, and elements brought in are carefully thought of to induce happiness.

To make a great party, you’ve got to think about a perfect marriage of the senses. Our senses are the gateway to a great party.

Taste = food = happiness

Sight = visuals / entertainment / venue aesthetic = happiness

Touch = dancing = happiness

Sound = music = happiness

On a weekly and almost daily basis we witness guests in what appears to be their happiest state of being. Chatting, dancing, laughing, singing, smiling, flirting are just a handful of actions occurring as we scan the room at any of our events.  Noise levels go through the roof with the sound of people having the time of their lives, laughing louder than they’ve ever laughed, creating memories with friends or loved ones they’ll remember forever.

While it would be impossible for me to generalise an entire world’s population and say we all have the same thoughts on what happiness is, I am fairly certain it is the minority that don’t enjoy a great party.

Dancing and singing are our global shared language of unity, togetherness and of course, happiness. Babies find their rhythm before they find their words. It is built within us to party.

To seek joy. To find happiness.

Hospitality

NOVIKOV MAYFAIR WELCOMES GCC TRAVELLERS FOR A SUMMER OF DINING, ENTERTAINMENT AND WORLD CUP VIEWING

Published

on

As GCC travellers descend to London for the summer season, Novikov Restaurant & Bar is inviting guests to discover one of Mayfair’s most iconic dining destinations.

Located on Berkeley Street in the heart of the capital, Novikov has played a defining role in London’s dining scene for over a decade, bringing together contemporary Italian cuisine, Pan-Asian specialities and a vibrant Lounge & Bar. With dedicated Italian and Asian restaurants, Novikov offers guests the opportunity to explore two distinct culinary concepts in a single setting, each shaped by specialist chefs and premium ingredients. A selection of halal dishes is also available across the menus, reflecting Novikov’s appeal to an international clientele.

This summer, guests can enjoy a range of offerings across the venue, from seasonal lunch menus and Aperitivo Time on the Terrace to live entertainment at Novikov Lounge & Bar and screenings of key FIFA World Cup fixtures. Together, the programme reflects Novikov’s position as a true day-to-night destination, spanning leisurely lunches, aperitivo, live entertainment and late-night cocktails in the heart of Mayfair.

Seasonal Dining & Aperitivo

Whether stopping by for a leisurely lunch or settling in for an afternoon in Mayfair, guests can explore a variety of dining options across Novikov’s Italian and Asian restaurants. Seasonal offerings include the Italian Set Lunch, as well as the popular Hikari and Dim Sum lunch menus. The Italian restaurant celebrates seasonal flavours through dishes such as Risotto with Purple Prawns, Amalfi Lemon & Fresh Basil and Chicken Supreme with Mushroom Sauce & Smoked Aubergine Caviar, while the Asian restaurant offers favourites including Wagyu Tacos, Scallop & Jalapeño Maki and Spicy Prawn Money Bags.

As the day unfolds, Aperitivo Time on the Terrace offers a sophisticated way to ease into the evening, pairing classic Italian serves including Aperol Spritz, Negroni and Bellini with a selection of sharing plates.

Live Entertainment After Dark

As the sun sets, Novikov’s Lounge & Bar comes to life with a dynamic programme of music and nightlife. Resident DJs take over from 9pm until late, while every Tuesday, Novikov Live transforms the space into an intimate stage for exceptional performances spanning blues, funk and soul. Paired with expertly crafted cocktails and a lively after-dark atmosphere, the programme offers guests another reason to linger long after dinner has ended.

World Cup Viewing in Mayfair

Adding to the summer line-up, Novikov will also screen key FIFA World Cup fixtures throughout the tournament. Offering a more relaxed alternative to traditional sports bars, the Lounge & Bar combines match-day viewing with Novikov’s signature hospitality, food and drinks.

For GCC travellers planning a summer in London, Novikov offers a complete day-to-night experience, from leisurely lunches and aperitivo to late-night cocktails, live music and world-class dining in the heart of Mayfair.

Continue Reading

Hospitality

KEETA EXPANDS RIDER WELFARE SUPPORT WITH DEDICATED COOLING, HYDRATION, AND REST FACILITIES ACROSS THE UAE

Published

on

Keeta, the on-demand delivery platform backed by global technology leader Meituan, has strengthened its rider welfare efforts through the introduction of a dedicated summer support network across the UAE, designed to support their well-being during the summer months.

The initiative includes cooling and rest facilities strategically deployed across the UAE, alongside dedicated rider support areas within Keeta’s operational facilities. Together, these spaces will provide riders with access to air-conditioned environments, complimentary cold drinks, seating areas, and essential amenities that enable them to rest, recharge and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Colin Xu, Head of Logistics Operations at Keeta UAE, said, “Delivery riders are central to Keeta’s operations and to the service we provide every day across the UAE. During the summer months, our support for riders must be practical, accessible, and responsive to their needs on the ground. By expanding access to cooled rest areas, hydration points, and dedicated support facilities, we are reinforcing our commitment to rider welfare and creating a safer, more supportive working environment for the people who keep our platform moving.”

The programme forms part of Keeta’s broader efforts to strengthen rider welfare and ensure delivery partners are supported with practical facilities that reflect the realities of working through the UAE summer.

Beyond providing practical support, the initiative aims to foster a stronger sense of community among riders by creating dedicated spaces where delivery partners can take a break, connect with colleagues and recharge throughout the working day.

Keeta will continue listening to riders throughout the summer, using their feedback to refine the support network and ensure facilities remain accessible, practical and aligned with their needs on the ground, while they carry out their essential role of serving communities across the UAE.

Continue Reading

Hospitality

ME BY MELIÁ DUBAI AND FUJIFILM INVITE CREATIVES TO CAPTURE THE WORLD’S ONLY HOTEL DESIGNED ENTIRELY BY ZAHA HADID

Published

on

This July, photographers, creatives and design enthusiasts are invited to step inside the world’s only hotel designed entirely by Zaha Hadid as ME by Meliá Dubai partners with Fujifilm Middle East for an exclusive architectural photography workshop within the iconic Opus building.

Taking place on Saturday, 4 July, the workshop will welcome a select group of participants for a rare opportunity to photograph one of the world’s most celebrated architectural landmarks from the inside. Guided by Fujifilm X-Photographer (brand ambassador) Beno Saradzic, a Dubai-based Emmy-nominated cinematographer and award-winning photographer renowned for his architectural imagery, attendees will discover how to translate architecture into compelling visual stories while exploring the sculptural forms, dramatic perspectives and visionary design that define the hotel.

Widely regarded as one of Dubai’s most architecturally significant landmarks, ME by Meliá Dubai is a striking expression of Zaha Hadid’s visionary design language, where fluid forms, dramatic geometry and sculptural interiors converge. From the sweeping curves of its atrium to the intricate interplay of light, reflection and space, every corner presents a unique photographic opportunity, making it the ideal setting for an immersive exploration of architectural storytelling.

The workshop will begin with an introductory briefing, where participants will gain insight into the fundamentals of architectural photography, composition, and visual storytelling. From there, attendees will embark on a guided photowalk through the hotel’s remarkable interiors, learning how to capture geometry, symmetry, reflections, textures, and the ever-changing interplay of light within Zaha Hadid’s visionary spaces.

As a brand that champions contemporary culture, creativity and self-expression, ME by Meliá Dubai has long served as a platform for artistic discovery, where architecture, art, fashion, gastronomy and culture converge. This collaboration with Fujifilm reflects the hotel’s ongoing commitment to nurturing creative communities and providing inspiring experiences that extend beyond traditional hospitality.

Designed for photographers and creatives of all skill levels, the workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s leading experts while gaining exclusive access to one of Dubai’s most photogenic destinations.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 | The Integrator