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Chic, cozy, and classy boutique accommodation

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Exclusive interview with Houssam Mansour, General Manager, FORM Hotel

What is the concept behind Design Hotels? Who is FORM Hotel?

Design Hotels is a hand-picked collection of boutique and design-driven luxury hotels across the globe.  FORM Hotel, a member of Marriott Bonvoy under the premium brand, boasts a remarkable portfolio of over 350 exquisitely designed hotels spanning the globe. More than a collection of hotels, the company is a collection of stories. Each property reflects the ideas of a visionary hotelier, an “Original,” someone with a passion for genuine hospitality, cultural authenticity, thought-provoking design, and architecture.

What are the policies that you have put in place that have made a big difference? What are the achievements you are most proud of?

Within a short period of time, FORM Hotel has succeeded in positioning and increasing visibility as a leading 4-star boutique hotel within Marriott in the Al Jaddaf area. FORM hotel has been carefully crafted as a design hotel and conceptualized as a boutique hotel, we have been able to increase the number of guests and retain customer retention through direct bookings at a high percentage.

Who is the General Manager of FORM Hotel, and can you share some insights you’re your background and contributions to the hotel’s success?

I am a seasoned 48-year-old Lebanese hotelier with over 25 years of experience in the Middle East and Africa. I began my career at 21 as a management trainee at Forte Grand in Abu Dhabi, now known as Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi.

Over the past two and a half decades, I have worked in diverse regions, including Bahrain, Tunisia, the Maldives, Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE, with major international chains like Le Royal Meridien, Hilton Hotels, and Marriott.

Last month, I marked the third anniversary of my journey with FORM Hotel, which has been a pinnacle of my career. I am deeply grateful for the support of the owners, whose commitment and care have been crucial to our success. Together with an exceptional, handpicked team, we have positioned FORM Hotel as the premier choice for chic, cozy, and classy boutique accommodations in the area. It has become a preferred destination for both Marriott members and VIP visitors. Here’s to many more years of continued successand excellence.

Why will guests choose to stay at FORM Hotel?

FORM Hotel Dubai offers a sublimely designed, boutique experience with seamless check-in and personalized touches to your stay. Guests enjoy personal parking spaces with direct, private access to rooms while all guest rooms feature acoustically sensitive windows offering stunning views over the Culture Village and the Creek.

This seamlessness extends through the boutique property with a carefully curated design experience by Paris-based Architecture Studio that is paired with a sense of continuousness and openness.  

A hop away from Dubai’s sights and sounds yet far enough to escape the bustle of urban life, guests can expect the best of two worlds at the property’s strategic location in Al Jaddaf.

How does Marriott Bonvoy’s affiliation and its focus on providing a premium brand experience within the luxury segment benefit its guests?

FORM Hotel, being part of Marriott Bonvoy under the premium brand, attracts many members throughout the year, particularly Elite Ambassadors and Elite Titanium members. These members earn 10 points for every $1 spent and enjoy numerous benefits, including late checkout, complimentary breakfast, and room upgrades. Additionally, we’ve observed that many Marriott Bonvoy members return to FORM Hotel for the personalized service, coziness, comfort, and enhanced privacy measures.

Can you tell us about the Al Jaddaf area? 

Al Jaddaf is still in its development phase, with numerous upcoming projects and ambitious plans aimed at further enhancing the area. It boasts an impressive array of hotels and residential buildings, making it a vibrant and bustling hub for accommodation and housing. This cultural village is well-connected to tourist attractions and entertainment venues such as Festival City and Old Dubai. Architectural practice URB has unveiled its plans to develop the world’s largest Urban Tech District along the Al Jaddaf Creekside in Dubai. Al Jaddaf’s vision of sustainable practices with the project’s plans to use a host of ‘green’ programs and practices to achieve net-zero carbon goals. 

The biggest development in the future of Al Jaddaf is the construction of UAE’s very first sustainable building and a fully solar-powered Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) headquarters. Located in Al Jaddaf, you’ll find the renowned Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, the vibrant hub of visual arts at Al Jaddaf, and the prestigious Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, the largest library in Dubai. Al Jaddaf, a vibrant location in Dubai, offers a rich blend of cultural attractions such as Dubai Culture Village, Zabeel Stadium, Dubai Creek, the Floating Bridge, Dhow Wharfage, and Al Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park, along with a range of luxurious hotels and resorts.

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Hospitality

CELEBRATE LOVE UNDER THE STARS WITH VILLAMORÉ’S SEASIDE VALENTINE’S EXPERIENCE

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Romantic seaside dinner setup at Villamoré with two guests toasting glasses of red wine under the night sky, flanked by outdoor heaters, with Dubai city skyline illuminated in the background.

Villamoré Restaurant invites couples to celebrate love in timeless elegance with an exclusive Valentine’s evening on Saturday, 14 February, from 19:00 – 23:00.

Set against the serene backdrop of Dubai’s coastline, the intimate affair begins with a welcome cocktail followed by a meticulously curated five-course dinner, artfully paired with seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired flair. Guests will dine beneath the stars on a private stretch of sand, surrounded by soft candlelight and the gentle rhythm of the sea.

The evening unfolds with live musical performances, adding a layer of sophistication and soulful ambience to the celebration. Upon arrival, each couple will be welcomed with a hand-arranged bouquet of fresh blooms, a poetic prelude to an unforgettable night.

As a final gesture of affection, guests will receive a selection of artisanal chocolates to carry the spirit of the evening beyond sunset.

Priced at AED 999 per couple, the Villamoré Valentine’s Package includes the full dining experience, live entertainment, a floral welcome, and a chocolate as a keepsake. Couples may further elevate their celebration with a special offer of 30% off on select bottles of premium bubbly.

For bookings and inquiries, please contact fbreservation.thepalm@kempinski.com / villamore.reservation@kempinski.com 04 444 2000

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Hospitality

A MEDITERRANEAN MOMENT BEGINS IN DUBAI AT ERGON AGORA

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Outdoor dining area at Ergon Agora Dubai featuring a table set with drinks, cutlery, and menus, surrounded by modern black chairs and greenery, with a staff member standing near the table and other guests seated in the background.

Ergon Agora Dubai hosted an intimate preview evening, following its opening in December, offering guests a first glimpse into its Mediterranean lifestyle destination, where gastronomy, culture, and community come together under one roof.

Set within a warm and vibrant atmosphere, the evening reflected Ergon Agora’s ethos, which is rooted in Greek heritage and expressed through contemporary dining. The event offered guests an opportunity to savour the venue’s unique flavours while enjoying leisurely conversation and meaningful shared moments.

A curated selection of signature dishes showcased Ergon Agora’s culinary philosophy, celebrating authentic Mediterranean flavours crafted with premium ingredients. Adding a personal dimension to the evening, the chef engaged with guests throughout the experience, sharing insights into the inspiration behind each dish and the traditions that shape the Ergon Agora table.

“Ergon Agora is our way of bringing the heart of the Mediterranean to Dubai, where authentic flavours, culture, and shared moments come together,” said Khaled Eldawakhly, Owner of Ergon Agora in Dubai.

All under one roof at Ergon Agora brings together a complete Mediterranean experience in one destination. Guests can savour soulful Mediterranean dishes, featuring an array of selected peinirli, fresh pasta, meat and fish, as well as meze dishes and breakfast delights at the Restaurant, indulge in bold street-food flavours at Balboa, enjoy slow-fermented sourdough breads at 72H Artisanal Bakery, delight in classic and modern Greek desserts at Tzeneral Pastry Shop, and explore premium Greek artisanal products at the Ergon Originals Store.

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Hospitality

A NEW YEAR OF INDULGENCE: ME BY MELIÁ DUBAI INTRODUCES JANUARY’S MUST-EXPERIENCE MOMENTS

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Modern indoor bar at Meliá Dubai featuring a sleek concrete counter, backlit shelving with bottles and plants, warm ambient lighting, and contemporary artwork on the walls

The New Year marks a time to reconnect, explore new experiences, and enjoy the region at its best during the winter season. This year, ME by Meliá Dubai invites guests to ease into the months ahead with a thoughtfully curated collection of seasonal experiences designed to be enjoyed at any pace.

Whether it’s discovering a brand-new daytime brunch, enjoying relaxed dining under the stars, stepping away from the workday for a leisurely business lunch, unwinding with indulgent spa rituals, or beginning to plan Iftar gatherings ahead of the holy month, there is something to suit every mood and moment as the year begins.

BRUNCH:ED

Just launched, BRUNCH:ED is ME by Meliá Dubai’s newest Saturday experience, an elevated daytime brunch set on the hotel’s terrace. Guests are invited to enjoy a carefully curated international buffet featuring hot and cold selections, interactive live cooking stations, and vibrant live entertainment, all set against stunning panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline.

The experience includes a generous spread of freshly prepared dishes, from vibrant seasonal salads and handmade pasta crafted at live stations to perfectly grilled favourites hot off the flame, all finished with an irresistible selection of decadent desserts designed to satisfy every sweet craving.

For those looking to extend the experience, the afternoon continues with an after-party, allowing guests to soak up the atmosphere and keep the energy going well beyond brunch.

After Dusk Ramadan Edition

Experience the spirit of Ramadan at ME by Meliá Dubai’s Level 1 terrace, where guests are invited to gather for a heartwarming Iftar served at sunset. Set within an elegant and refined setting, the experience features a thoughtfully curated selection of traditional and contemporary flavours, creating a calm, reflective atmosphere that makes each evening of the holy month truly special.

Wellness by ME – AWAKEN

After the busy festive period, it’s time to slow down, unwind, and truly rejuvenate. Wellness by ME, the hotel’s spa, invites guests to fully restore with a 60-minute Tailor-Made Royal Massage, a therapeutic treatment combining dry techniques and deep oil stretching to release muscular tension, improve flexibility, and respond to each body’s individual needs.

To elevate the experience further, guests may enjoy a complimentary add-on of either a 30-minute body scrub or an additional 30-minute massage. The wellness journey also includes full access to the pool and sauna, along with a refreshing beverage to complete this moment of relaxation.

Central Restaurant – Business Lunch

This January, Central Restaurant welcomes guests to step away from the hustle and enjoy a well-deserved pause with its Business Lunch, a thoughtfully crafted experience designed to inspire warmth, connection, and culinary delight. Curated by the Executive Chef, the seasonal menu highlights comforting flavours and refined touches, celebrating the very best of the season in every dish.

Guests can savour standout creations such as the Charming Broccoli, featuring smoky charred broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and crispy bacon; the luxuriously smooth Golden Velvet Soup; the refreshing Papaya Mist, with delicate smoked salmon and vibrant edamame; the Coral Catch, a warm, succulent grilled prawn and nutty bulgur salad; the aromatic Sun Souvlaki, with tender chicken, soft pita, and creamy tatziki; and the decadent Ricotta Fold, silky spinach and ricotta ravioli finished with butter and parmesan.

For a comforting finish, an assortment of desserts provides the perfect sweet ending. This midday experience is the ideal retreat from a busy day, offering both flavour and relaxation.

Whether dining solo, taking a well-earned break from the day or gathering colleagues for a networking lunch, this midday experience offers a deliciously memorable way to savour the season.

Grill by ME

January is the perfect season for al-fresco dining! Guests are encouraged to enjoy a relaxed yet elegant evening at ME by Meliá Dubai’s striking Pool Terrace with Grill by ME. Set inside the architectural icon that redefined the city’s skyline, this new open-air dining experience pairs contemporary style with effortless comfort –  the kind of place where chilled beats, live grill stations, and ME Dubai’s signature modern energy come together seamlessly. Guests can explore a thoughtfully curated buffet featuring fresh salads, handmade pasta crafted at interactive stations, sizzling grilled favourites, and decadent desserts, all designed to elevate simple flavours with finesse.

Perfect for intimate evenings or vibrant gatherings with family and friends, Grill by ME offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that captures the spirit of Dubai after dark.

The Cabana Experience

Soak up the winter sunshine in ultimate style with the Cabana Experience. Perfect for sunbathing, splashing in the pool, or simply lounging in comfort, each cabana is designed to be a private oasis. Standard room guests can enjoy a cabana for AED 250 (for two people), complete with two refreshing beverages of choice, mineral water, cooling towels and a hand fan, plus sun protection by Deeper Beauty to keep everyone perfectly pampered under the sun. Suite guests receive a complimentary cabana with the same indulgent inclusions. Whether it’s sipping a chilled drink poolside, cooling off in the pool, or simply basking in the rays, the Cabana Experience transforms an ordinary day into a sun-soaked escape full of relaxation, fun, and effortless luxury.

Deeper Beauty – Sun Care Elevated

ME by Meliá Dubai proudly continues it’s collaboration with Deeper Beauty, a UAE-born SPF brand that seamlessly blends inclusivity, sustainability, and high-performance skincare. Crafted to protect and celebrate every skin tone, Deeper Beauty’s lightweight, non-white cast formula delivers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without compromise, making it especially suited for darker complexions. Perfect for sun-soaked days by the pool or outdoor adventures, it ensures skin stays nourished, protected, and radiant.

Whether applied before a relaxing cabana day or on-the-go, Deeper Beauty makes sun protection effortless, effective, and suitable for every skin tone.

Whatever the experience, ME by Meliá Dubai is the perfect place to spend January – a destination to indulge, unwind, relax, and reconnect.

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