Hospitality
We Are the Balance Between Professionalism and Comfort
In an exclusive interview with Giacomo Puntel, General Manager of voco Bonnington JLT, he shares his vision of blending professionalism and comfort to redefine corporate hospitality and elevate guest experiences in Dubai.
In your new role, what leadership values and experiences do you aim to bring to voco Bonnington JLT to elevate its reputation as a leading corporate hotel?
In my role at voco Bonnington JLT, I aim to bring a leadership approach centered on collaboration and service excellence. Understanding the unique needs of corporate travelers and exceeding their expectations will remain at the heart of everything we do.
voco Bonnington JLT has a distinctive style and identity. How do you see its design and ethos enhancing the overall guest experience, particularly for business travelers?
The versatile meeting and event spaces, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, provide the perfect setting for corporate engagements. Meanwhile, the well-appointed rooms and communal areas foster an atmosphere where guests can unwind and recharge, ensuring a balanced experience. The combination of style, functionality, and care creates a standout experience that supports both professional and personal well-being.
As a corporate hotel, voco Bonnington JLT embodies a balance of professionalism and comfort. How do you define this approach, and how do you ensure it resonates with business and leisure guests alike?
For business travelers, this means providing efficient service, modern facilities, and amenities designed to support productivity, such as high-speed Wi-Fi, well-equipped meeting spaces, and a strategic location in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, close to major business hubs.
For leisure guests, we focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, offering unique touches like comfortable rooms, personalized service, and access to leisure facilities. We emphasize a relaxed yet vibrant experience that reflects the voco brand’s hallmark charm.
With its diverse room offerings, how does voco Bonnington JLT cater to the unique needs of corporate travelers while maintaining a sense of premium hospitality?
We recognize that corporate travelers have specific needs, and we’ve designed our diverse room offerings to provide a balance of practicality and premium hospitality. Our rooms are thoughtfully equipped with amenities tailored to business guests, such as spacious work desks, high-speed Wi-Fi and easily accessible charging points, allowing them to work seamlessly from the comfort of their room. Corporate needs vary, which is why we offer a range of room types to suit different requirements. For instance, our standard rooms cater to solo travelers looking for efficiency and comfort, while our suites provide more expansive spaces, ideal for longer stays or informal meetings.
How do the hotel’s amenities, like the rooftop pool, signature dining, and meeting spaces, enhance the guest experience and attract business events?
Our array of amenities, including a rooftop pool, signature dining experiences, and state-of-the-art meeting rooms, elevates the guest experience and positions the hotel as an ideal choice for business and corporate events. The rooftop pool and fitness center provide guests with a chance to unwind after a busy day, while our diverse dining options offer both casual and fine dining settings perfect for networking or relaxation. Our versatile meeting and event spaces, equipped with cutting-edge technology and dedicated event support, ensure that corporate functions run seamlessly.
How will you leverage voco Bonnington JLT’s prime location in Jumeirah Lakes Towers to create memorable experiences for corporate and leisure travelers?
Situated in the heart of Jumeirah Lakes Towers, voco Bonnington JLT capitalizes on its prime location to offer a unique and dynamic experience for both corporate and leisure guests. the surrounding area offers an array of dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions that can be explored through personalized recommendations and curated experiences..
What are your key priorities for voco Bonnington JLT, and how do you see its role in Dubai’s competitive hospitality market?
As the General Manager of voco Bonnington JLT, my key priorities for the coming year are centered around enhancing the guest experience, expanding our market presence, and driving operational excellence. I envision voco Bonnington JLT playing a key role in Dubai’s competitive corporate and hospitality market by capitalizing on our strategic location in Jumeirah Lakes Towers. We will continue to attract business travelers through bespoke offerings tailored to their needs, including enhanced meeting solutions and proximity to key business hubs. Simultaneously, we aim to be a preferred choice for leisure guests by offering distinctive, immersive experiences that highlight the best of Dubai’s vibrant lifestyle.
Hospitality
CELEBRATE TOGETHERNESS THIS RAMADAN WITH AL HALLAB’S IFTAR OFFERINGS
This Ramadan, Al Hallab invites families and loved ones to come together over a generous and comforting Iftar experience inspired by time-honoured Lebanese traditions. Available across all three Al Hallab outlets and for delivery, the Ramadan offering is thoughtfully designed to celebrate togetherness with the flavours that define the holy month.
Guests can enjoy a full dine-in experience at any of Al Hallab’s three outlets, where tables are set with warm hospitality and a feast of Lebanese favorites. From comforting soups like Lentil, Chicken, or Mushroom, to cold appetizers including Hummus, Moutabal, Labneh, Fattoush, and Vine Leaves, every dish is prepared with care to celebrate the flavors of Lebanon. Hot appetizers, grilled skewers, daily mains, and fresh bread complete the spread, followed by a selection of premium Arabic sweets like Kunafa, Shaibeat, Othamlieh, Kunafa rolls, and fruits for dessert.
For those who prefer to break their fast at home, Al Hallab also offers Iftar meal boxes for delivery, making it easy to enjoy a complete Ramadan meal in the comfort of your own space. Available for one, two, or four people, each Iftar includes dates to break the fast, comforting soups, traditional juices like Kamaredine and Jallab, a selection of cold and hot appetizers, daily main dishes, and a taste of Ramadan’s sweetest delights, including Kataef Walnut and Shaibeyat Ashta.
Al Hallab’s Iftar is more than a meal; it is an invitation to gather, share, and celebrate the blessings of Ramadan with loved ones. Whether enjoying the cozy ambiance of the restaurant or the comfort of home, every Iftar is a moment of joy, flavor, and heritage.
Hospitality
LA VILLE HOTEL & SUITES ANNOUNCES THE REOPENING OF LOOKUP ROOFTOP BAR WITH A REFINED MEDITERRANEAN IDENTITY
La Ville Hotel & Suites CITY WALK Dubai, Autograph Collection announces the reopening of its rooftop destination, LookUp Rooftop Bar,on 22nd January 2026. Reintroduced with a refined Mediterranean identity and a fully refreshed look, LookUp now offers a complete day-to-night experience that feels genuinely new, even for long- standing guests of the hotel.
Overlooking City Walk with uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa and the downtown skyline, LookUp has been reshaped into a rooftop destination with greater depth and purpose. By day, the space centres around its infinity pool and open terraces, offering a relaxed setting for guests to unwind, swim and spend time outdoors. A strengthened food offering now plays a central role in the experience, with a full Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring wood fired pizzas and fresh sharable dishes, designed for casual dining and longer stays.
As the day moves into evening, LookUp naturally shifts in energy. Guests can enjoy crafted cocktails, a considered music programme and live DJs, alongside a calendar of curated experiences including fashion showcases, brand collaborations and pop ups. Morning wellness sessions such as yoga and pilates further extend the rooftop’s use beyond traditional bar hours, creating a space that works across different moments of the day.
The refreshed LookUp is designed as more than a rooftop bar. It is a lifestyle destination that brings together leisure, dining and social connection in one setting. With its updated design, stronger menu focus and varied programming, LookUp offers returning guests a new way to experience a familiar space, while welcoming new visitors into the heart of City Walk.
The reopening will welcome hotel owners, Marriott leaders, media, partners and influencers, marking the next chapter for one of City Walk’s most recognisable rooftops. With ongoing collaborations across wellness, fashion and lifestyle, LookUp Rooftop Bar is positioned as a key social destination within City Walk, offering experiences from sunrise through to late night.
Michel Nader, Regional Vice President, UAE & Levant – Premium & Select, Marriott International commented: “The return of LookUp is both timely and emblematic of Dubai’s ever-evolving social landscape. With its revitalised Mediterranean-inspired concept, the destination seamlessly combines refined charm with enhanced hospitality, embodying the city’s affinity for sophisticated and vibrant nightlife. We are confident the relaunch of this popular venue will be appreciated by local residents and international visitors.”
Roudi Soubra, Vice President – Asset Management, Dubai Holding, added: “LookUp has always been more than just a rooftop, it’s part of La Ville’s story and spirit. This reimagining represents our commitment to continuous evolution and to creating spaces that inspire connection, creativity, and joy. With its Mediterranean charm and breathtaking views, LookUp once again reflects the essence of Dubai: dynamic, sophisticated, and full of life.”
Hospitality
RAMADAN IFTAR AT OASIS TERRACE & GARDEN, MÖVENPICK DOWNTOWN
This Ramadan, Oasis Terrace & Garden at Mövenpick Hotel Apartments, Downtown Dubai invites guests to break their fast in a relaxed outdoor setting with a garden-style Iftar buffet designed for families, friends, and group gatherings.
The experience features authentic Arabian and regional favourites, complemented by interactive live cooking stations. Guests are welcomed with dates and water on arrival, followed by unlimited access to mezze, salads, hot mains, and signature Oasis desserts. Live stations include Shawarma, slow-cooked Ouzi, and BBQ specialities, alongside a dedicated dessert counter and mocktails with laban.
Set across the venue’s open-air terrace and garden, the Iftar offers a laid-back yet festive atmosphere ideal for both casual and corporate celebrations throughout the holy month.
With its combination of open-air seating, warm hospitality and thoughtfully curated buffet, Oasis Terrace & Garden offers a welcoming space to slow down and reconnect after sunset. The experience reflects the spirit of Ramadan, bringing together comforting flavours, shared plates and a setting designed for togetherness. Available throughout Ramadan 2026 (subject to official moon sighting, expected from 19 February 2026).
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