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Hospitality

True luxury = comfort + elegance + exceptional service

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Exclusive interview with Pantelis Leptos, Co-President Leptos Group of Companies

How does Leptos Calypso Hotels define luxury in the context of hospitality?

At Leptos Calypso Hotels, we define luxury not merely by the opulence of our surroundings but by the unique experiences we offer. Luxury, in our view, is about providing an environment where every detail has been meticulously curated to exceed guest expectations. It’s about personalizing every aspect of a guest’s stay, from the moment they walk through our doors to the time they leave. We believe true luxury is found in the seamless integration of comfort, elegance, and exceptional service that leaves a lasting impression.

How do you incorporate the essence of Mediterranean luxury into your hospitality offerings, and how might this appeal to discerning travelers from the UAE?

Mediterranean luxury is at the heart of everything we do at Leptos Calypso Hotels. It’s about capturing the region’s natural beauty, rich culture, and laid-back elegance. Our properties are designed to reflect the Mediterranean’s stunning landscapes, with architecture and interiors that evoke a sense of place. We use local materials, traditional craftsmanship, and regional flavors to create an authentic and immersive experience.

For travelers from the UAE, this approach resonates with their appreciation for both authenticity and refinement. The Mediterranean lifestyle is one of relaxation, indulgence, and understated sophistication, which aligns with the expectations of discerning guests from the UAE who seek not only comfort but a sense of connection to the destination.

Given your extensive experience in the hospitality industry, do you see any potential for Leptos Calypso Hotels to expand into the UAE market?

The UAE is a dynamic and growing market with a deep appreciation for luxury and hospitality. While our focus has traditionally been on the Mediterranean, we are always exploring opportunities to bring our unique approach to new markets. The UAE, with its cosmopolitan population and high standards for luxury, presents a compelling opportunity for us to extend the Leptos Calypso experience. We see potential in creating a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern elements, offering a distinct luxury experience that could appeal to both local and international travelers in the UAE.

Considering your deep appreciation for ancient Greek history and Cyprus’ rich heritage, how do you integrate cultural elements into the luxury experience at your hotels?

Cyprus has a rich cultural tapestry, and we see it as our responsibility to share this heritage with our guests. At Leptos Calypso Hotels, we integrate cultural elements into every aspect of the guest experience. This includes architecture inspired by ancient Greek and Cypriot design, art collections featuring local artists, and culinary offerings that celebrate traditional Cypriot and Greek flavors. We also offer curated experiences that allow guests to explore the history and culture of Cyprus, from guided tours of ancient sites to workshops on local crafts. By doing so, we provide our guests with a deeper connection to the destination, enriching their stay with meaningful and memorable experiences.

How do you see your leadership philosophy influencing the growth and success of Leptos Calypso Hotels?

My leadership philosophy is grounded in a commitment to excellence, innovation, and respect for our heritage. I believe in leading by example, inspiring our team to embrace these values in everything they do. At Leptos Calypso Hotels, we foster a culture of continuous improvement, where every team member is encouraged to contribute ideas and solutions. This collaborative approach has been key to our growth and success, allowing us to adapt to changing market conditions while staying true to our core principles. By nurturing talent and promoting a shared vision, I believe we can continue to elevate our brand and deliver exceptional experiences to our guests.

In an increasingly competitive market, how do you measure and maintain guest satisfaction at Leptos Calypso Hotels?

Guest satisfaction is at the core of our operations, and we take a proactive approach to ensuring it. We measure satisfaction through a combination of direct guest feedback, online reviews, and detailed surveys. This data is analyzed regularly to identify areas for improvement and to recognize what we are doing well. However, maintaining guest satisfaction goes beyond metrics. It’s about creating a culture where every team member is committed to going above and beyond for our guests. We empower our staff to anticipate needs, resolve issues swiftly, and deliver personalized service. In a competitive market, this focus on guest satisfaction is what sets us apart and ensures our guests return year after year.

Is luxury defined by price or by experience?

Luxury is unequivocally defined by experience. While price can be a factor, true luxury is about the value that guests derive from their experience. It’s about creating moments that are priceless—whether it’s a stunning view, a perfect meal, or a gesture of kindness from our staff. At Leptos Calypso Hotels, we strive to offer experiences that resonate on a deeper level, leaving our guests with memories that last a lifetime. Luxury is about how our guests feel when they stay with us, and that feeling is something that money alone cannot buy.

We also find that a select few fall in love with life on the beautiful island of Cyprus and desire a more permanent presence, which we are well-equipped to support them with through our residential development arm, Leptos Estates. As the largest and most successful developer in Cyprus we offer a wide range of prime luxury villas, apartments and houses on full-service resorts or developments that offer a wide range of amenities and excellent security in envious locations. We also have an entire team in place to support with and manage residency and visa applications for those looking to spend more time on the island or enjoy wider access across the EU.

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Hospitality

STEP ABOVE THE CITY: FIVE CURATED MOMENTS ON THE 122ND FLOOR ONLY AT AT.MOSPHERE BURJ KHALIFA

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Some experiences are defined by where they take place. At.mosphere, perched on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, is one of them. For a limited time, five distinct moments trace the day’s passage, from sunrise to midnight, each tied to the rhythm of the city below. Priced at AED 122, the experience follows its setting with intention, offering the city from a perspective reserved for the rarest of visits.

From first light to nightfall, At.mosphere invites you to rise above the city, where the skyline stretches endlessly and each dish draws your attention as much as the view. This isn’t just dining; it is an experience worth savouring. 

The Five Daily Experiences at At.mosphere Lounge

Sunrise in the Sky – Breakfast
Start your day above the city. Freshly baked pastries and signature coffee come with uninterrupted views of Dubai as it wakes, making mornings feel a little more special.
Time: 8:00 am – 11:30 am

Midday Pause – Lunch
Take a break from the rush. Lunch here is simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy days, with dishes that keep you going while the city moves below.
Time: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Twilight Indulgence – Afternoon Tea
As the afternoon softens, enjoy a sweet treat and a cup of tea. The city carries on below, while up here you can just take a moment for yourself.
Time: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Sunset Aperitivo – Cocktails & Bites
Golden hour glows over the skyline. Sip a signature cocktail, nibble on light bites, and watch the city shift as the sun sets.
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Midnight in the Sky – Drinks
When Dubai comes alive at night, two signature drinks and ambient sounds make for a quiet, memorable evening above it all.
Time: 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

Five moments. Five moods. One destination. At.mosphere Lounge gives you a view of Dubai you won’t forget.

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Hospitality

MÖVENPICK HOTEL APARTMENTS DOWNTOWN DUBAI INVITES GUESTS TO A RELAXED SUMMER ESCAPE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

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Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai welcomes guests to experience a seamless blend of comfort, space, and convenience with its thoughtfully designed rooms and apartments, ideal for a stress-free city escape.

Located moments away from iconic attractions, the property offers a tranquil retreat amidst the vibrancy of Downtown Dubai. Whether for a short staycation or an extended getaway, each apartment is designed to provide a sense of ease, combining modern interiors with practical living spaces.

Guests can unwind in spacious accommodations featuring fully equipped kitchens, dedicated living and dining areas, and serene bedrooms, creating a home-away-from-home experience tailored for both leisure and business travellers.

Perfect for the summer season, the hotel presents an inviting setting for those looking to slow down and recharge, while still staying connected to the energy of the city. From relaxing mornings in light-filled spaces to evenings spent exploring nearby landmarks, every stay is curated to offer both comfort and flexibility.

With warm, intuitive service and a focus on guest well-being, the property continues to deliver experiences that are both comfortable and memorable.

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Hospitality

THE AGILITY AND RESILIENCE OF THE UAE HOSPITALITY SECTOR

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Words by Professor Scott Richardson, PhD. Academic Dean, Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches

The UAE’s hospitality sector has, despite major unprecedented situations over the last few years, consistently demonstrated strong resilience, supported by strategic planning and long-term investment. This resilience is built on four key factors: continued government support and foreign capital investment in hospitality attractions and large-scale events, strong air connectivity and ease of travel, diversified guest and visitor experiences, and world-class infrastructure. These elements position the nation as one of the most adaptable markets in the world, where operational excellence is reinforced by a highly skilled workforce capable of responding to shifting global conditions with agility and empathy.

The Role of Education in Driving the UAE’s Hospitality Sector

The UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2031 outlines an ambitious vision to increase the sector’s contribution to AED 450 billion in GDP while attracting 40 million visitors annually. Tourism has a direct correlation to hospitality, and the sector is already performing strongly. Over the first nine months of 2025, hotels across the Emirates welcomed more than 23 million visitors, up nearly 5% on the same period in 2024. By late 2025, the UAE’s hotel inventory had reached approximately 1,260 properties with 216,900 rooms, and occupancy reached 79.5% between January and November. Looking ahead, the market is projected to add over 26,000 new hotel rooms across more than 100 projects through 2026, highlighting a substantial development pipeline that will shape the sector’s growth trajectory. As both capacity and demand rise, the focus inevitably shifts towards the people behind the experience, reinforcing the need for a workforce equipped to support this growth and deliver unparalleled visitor experiences.

Educational institutions are uniquely positioned to drive this growth. By embedding real-world training, critical thinking, and adaptability into academic frameworks, they ensure that graduates enter the industry prepared to navigate complexity without compromising on service standards. Through our curriculum here at Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, for example, students not only acquire world-class operational and management skills, but also embrace the Emirati Hospitality Identity in everything they do. They are prepared to deliver service grounded in the warmth of Emirati customs, guest etiquette, and cultural storytelling, while ensuring a modern guest experience. In this way, our graduates are prepared to respond to any operational challenges while meeting the nuanced expectations of a diverse and international guest base.

Industry Collaboration

Collaboration between tourism boards, private-sector operators, and education institutions helps hospitality professionals develop the skills required to navigate periods of uncertainty, while maintaining high service standards. At Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, our programmes are designed in close collaboration with public and private sector partners to support the UAE’s Emiratization goals and larger 2030 Tourism Strategy, empowering local talent with the tools and leadership capabilities needed to shape the future of the nation’s hospitality sector. Emiratis currently represent 41% of the student body, including 21% of BSc students and 59% of MSc students who are Emirati women, underscoring our commitment to advancing inclusive talent development, while supporting long-term workforce stability. As educators, it’s our responsibility to ensure that learning extends beyond the classroom, for our future leaders to grow alongside an industry that continues to evolve quickly.

Looking Ahead: Building a Workforce for a Resilient Hospitality Sector

Agility has become a defining feature of the UAE’s hospitality sector, evident in the way service is delivered, guest expectations are managed, and how teams maintain composure under pressure. The impact of recent regional airspace closures, which left many travelers unexpectedly stranded, highlights this. Hotels across the country worked closely with local authorities to provide extended accommodation and meals for affected travelers at no extra cost, with some properties opening additional rooms, ensuring all guests were looked after. It’s a testament to the sector’s high responsiveness and commitment to guest wellbeing, even in the most unexpected situations.

The UAE’s position as a leading global destination is the result of sustained investment, robust infrastructure, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, it is essential to nurture talent that is ready to strengthen that position, responding with agility, professionalism, and genuine care for every guest. By placing education at the center of this progression, we can reinforce the foundation of the sector, equipping our talent to maintain high service standards through periods of change and uncertainty, while supporting the UAE in rebuilding and delivering the world-class hospitality it’s renowned for.

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