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Hospitality
CRAFTING EXPERIENCES THAT CELEBRATE PLACE, PEOPLE, AND PURPOSE
Exclusive interview with Sébastien Carre, Group Head of Hospitality at Red Sea Global Hospitality
With more than three decades in luxury hospitality, what continues to fuel your passion for creating world-class guest experiences?
What continues to drive me is the sense of discovery that comes with every new project. Saudi Arabia is incredibly disruptive at the moment, surprising the world and emerging as a completely new destination. For people like us who have spent our lives crafting experiences across the world, this is an extraordinary new playground.
The quality of the resorts, the pristine coastline and the heartfelt nature of Saudi hospitality make it an enormous canvas for professionals to create on. What excites me most is being part of something that feels authentically Saudi yet resonates with guests from everywhere. Red Sea Global Hospitality is the country’s first homegrown luxury operator. We are built on Hafawah, the Saudi spirit of generosity and intuitive care. Our focus is on creating places that connect people to nature, to culture and to one another.
You can see this philosophy come to life in our first resorts. Desert Rock is carved into the Hijaz mountains, while Shebara rises above a turquoise lagoon surrounded by coral, its mirrored villas appearing to float on water. Each property is entirely different, yet both share the same purpose to celebrate nature rather than compete with it. Together, they set a new benchmark for how luxury can look and feel when it grows out of its environment.
Every day brings new learning and new challenges, and that sense of constant evolution is what keeps me passionate. There is something special about seeing guests react with wonder, because it reminds us that we are part of something that is fundamentally redefining what luxury hospitality can be.
With such an expansive career behind you, what personal philosophies have kept you grounded through the shifts in global hospitality?
I believe hoteliers are humble by nature, because at the end of the day, our purpose is to serve and to create meaningful memories for others. The humanity of this profession is what gives it its purpose and keeps us grounded.
Of course, hospitality is also a business with commercial outcomes, but that is not what drives most of us. The difference between good and great hospitality always comes down to people. Genuine care for guests and for colleagues creates an environment where excellence happens naturally. When you lead with empathy and listen, everything else tends to follow.
Throughout my career, whether in the Indian Ocean, the Pacific or now here in Saudi Arabia, what has remained constant is the respect for people and the recognition that genuine hospitality stems from cultural values, family upbringing and the social codes that define a community. When people share values and feel proud of what they are building together, excellence comes naturally. Whether it’s connecting guests to new cultures or building teams with shared values, it always comes back to people who genuinely want to care for others.
What inspired your transition from Four Seasons’ legacy of luxury to Red Sea Global’s vision of regenerative luxury? Was there a defining moment that made you say, “This is where the future lies”?
After many years with an exceptional organisation that shaped much of my professional outlook, I wanted to be part of something different and The Red Sea offered that possibility. It combines extraordinary natural beauty with a commitment to rethinking how destinations are built and sustained.
When I first visited the region two years ago, the scale of its untouched landscapes left a lasting impression on me. I had travelled to Saudi Arabia many times for business in Riyadh and Jeddah, but I had never imagined that the coastline was so pristine. Flying over the region in seaplanes reminded me of the South Pacific. The lagoons, coral reefs and desert terrain were pristine, protected by a master plan that ensures ninety-nine percent of the area remains preserved, with only one percent designated for development. That level of stewardship is rare in our industry.
As hoteliers, we have spent the past decade focusing more on sustainability, but here it is part of the project’s DNA from the beginning. Seeing regeneration move from intention to measurable reality gives our work meaning. It also resonates with guests and with the new generation of employees who want to be part of something that matters.
This is what convinced me that the future of our industry lies here. We have the chance to redefine what luxury means for the next generation, where comfort and conservation coexist, and where travel truly becomes a force for good.
Having managed world-class resorts across Seychelles, Bora Bora, and Provence, how do you translate those refined operational standards into the DNA of The Red Sea and AMAALA?
Throughout my career, I have learned that local culture shapes how guests connect with a destination. Today’s travellers seek authenticity and moments that reveal a place’s true character. This comes from diversity, meeting people, understanding different ways of life, and connecting with their stories. This philosophy underpins everything we do at Red Sea Global Hospitality. Every property is rooted in its surroundings, whether it is Desert Rock, which sits in the mountains or Shebara that rises from the water, or Thuwal Private Retreat, which offers Saudi Arabia’s first private island for exclusive hire. Each expresses luxury differently, yet all share the same foundation of precision, genuine care, and deep respect for the environment and community.
In Saudi Arabia, guests are discovering a culture still largely unknown to them and are often surprised by the warmth and generosity of the people. Translating that authenticity into our operations is just as crucial as maintaining international standards. For us, service excellence and local pride go hand in hand.
In every property, we combine operational precision with emotional intelligence, ensuring that international service standards are met while honouring the warmth and authenticity of Saudi hospitality. Our expectations for service, sustainability and design are exacting, but we balance them with Hafawah, the Saudi spirit of warmth, sincerity and intuitive care. That is how we transform global excellence into a Saudi-born expression of luxury.
As hospitality becomes more purpose-driven, how do you inspire teams to align with RSG’s regenerative tourism vision, beyond the traditional guest-service mindset?
The key is aligning with the purpose of a generation rather than trying to convince them. We integrate regeneration and sustainability into our master planning and priorities, so people can see for themselves, without being pitched, that this is who we are.
Many of our team members join because they already share that sense of purpose. There is strong pride and belonging, especially among young Saudis who are deeply connected to their homeland and its progress. They understand that by joining the tourism sector they are contributing not only to an industry but also to a national vision.
That pride, combined with strong family and community bonds, is what makes Saudi hospitality so genuine. It comes from upbringing, from values that have been passed down through generations.. The kindness and generosity you experience here are not scripted, they are simply part of who people are. That authenticity is what makes this new era of hospitality so meaningful.
When team members believe so deeply in what they are doing, that authenticity becomes contagious. It shows in every guest interaction, and it travels organically through word-of-mouth and social channels. Many of our guests come from countries where we have done zero marketing, simply because the experience is disruptive and worth sharing.
Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai is extending a warm welcome to four-legged guests with the launch of ‘Pawfect Stay on the Palm’, a thoughtfully curated pet-friendly staycation package. The new offering coincides with the unveiling of the resort’s 14 newly added Palm Seaview Rooms with Terrace, boasting an expansive outdoor entertaining and sun basking area.
The resort has also announced exclusive collaborations with two prominent homegrown UAE pet brands, Furchild Pet Nutrition and Pet World UAE. These partnerships aim to enhance the stay for pet owners by providing them with exclusive access to offers and discounts on high-quality, locally trusted food and pet accessories throughout their visit.
Located on the second floor, these new rooms blend stylish design with outdoor access, making them the ideal base for guests travelling with pets. Their introduction enables the resort to officially become the first five-star property on Palm West Beach to welcome pets, reinforcing Marriott’s guest-first philosophy.
From the moment of arrival, pets are made to feel like VIPs. A special welcome at check-in includes tailored treats, a welcome letter, and an in-room pack featuring a pet bed along with food and water bowls and branded “Pet in Room” door hanger for use during their stay and take home goodies – chew toy and a walking map. The experience continues with a pet-inclusive breakfast, and a choice of lunch, or dinner that can be enjoyed either in-room or at MYAMI. Dining outlets Myami and Bal Harbour Beach now offer dedicated pet menus and shaded seating, while the Fountain Area provides a relaxed space for downtime.
A highlight of the stay for many guests is access to the Promenade along Palm West Beach, a scenic, pet-friendly stretch perfect for early morning walks, sunset strolls, or simply soaking in the beachfront atmosphere. Widely considered one of Dubai’s best walking spots for dogs, it’s just steps from the resort and easily accessible from the pet-friendly rooms.
“Guests told us what they wanted, and so we created it,” said Gerrit Schmitt, General Manager, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah. “The addition of pet-friendly stays reflects our commitment to evolving with our guests and delivering meaningful moments of connection. We’re proud to be the first five-star resort on Palm West Beach to open our doors to pets. It’s a natural next step in creating personalised experiences that we hope guests and their furry friends will treasure forever.”
To celebrate and champion this new chapter of hospitality within the local pet community, the resort has teamed up with two of the UAE’s foremost homegrown pet brands. This means every guest bringing their pets can enjoy special offers and discounts from Furchild Pet Nutrition, the UAE’s first and leading fresh and raw pet food company, and Pet World UAE, a premium retailer offering a wide variety of pet products and accessories. These partnerships ensure all pet parents can avail the highest quality, locally trusted food and supplies throughout their stay at the resort, while the canine and feline guests are truly treated like royalty, creating a true home-away-from-home experience, whether they choose the package or simply enjoy the resort’s pet-friendly amenities.
With pet-friendly stays still rare in the UAE’s premium hospitality space, this offering meets a growing demand among local residents for accessible, high-quality getaways that welcome every member of the pack.
Pet policy includes:
- Pet-friendly stays are available only in Palm Seaview Rooms with Terrace
- Up to two pets (dogs or cats only) per room, maximum 25kg each
- AED 300 non-refundable fee per room, per night applies
- Pets may transit through guest lifts, the second-floor hallway, and the lobby, but should not linger in these areas
- Designated pet-friendly areas include Myami, Bal Harbour Beach, the Fountain Area, and the Promenade (map provided in-room)
The ‘Pawfect Stay on the Palm’ package is available exclusively via marriottresortpalmjumeirah.com and includes premium pet amenities, curated in-room dining, and other exciting pet-friendly perks.
PizzaExpress UAE has officially opened its newest restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton Production City, Dubai, bringing its iconic pizzas, beloved Dough Balls, family-friendly setting, and signature social dining experience to one of Dubai’s most accessible and fast-growing neighbourhoods.
Perfectly located for residents of Jumeirah Golf Estates, Victory Heights, Motor City, Sports City, JVT, JVC, and nearby communities, the new PizzaExpress offers a convenient and welcoming dining destination right at their doorstep. Set away from the city’s high-traffic zones, the venue provides ample free parking and hassle-free access, making it an ideal go-to spot for relaxed dining without the stress of long drives or congestion.
The opening further strengthens PizzaExpress UAE’s growth across the Emirates, reinforcing its commitment to creating delicious dining experiences where guests can enjoy great food, great music, and great moments—together.
“We’re delighted to welcome PizzaExpress Live to Four Points by Sheraton Production City,” said Nitin Makhijani, General Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Production City, Dubai. “This new restaurant is more than just a dining spot—it’s designed to be a vibrant hub for the nearby communities.”
Guests can enjoy PizzaExpress’ elevated menu, featuring bold new dishes alongside timeless favourites—from the indulgent Queen Margherita topped with creamy burrata, to the hearty Beef Lasagne, and the always-popular Golden Caramel Dough Balls.
With its modern interiors, warm hospitality, and signature open-kitchen design, PizzaExpress Live at Four Points by Sheraton Production City is set to become the neighbourhood’s favourite hangout for hotel guests and local residents alike.
The opening also follows the launch of the PE Club, PizzaExpress’ new digital loyalty app that instantly rewards guests and unlocks exclusive benefits across all UAE locations.
Hidden behind its signature veil of intrigue, Himitsu introduces The Sake Series, a curated exploration of Japan’s most revered spirit. Available Thursday to Sunday, this new ritual invites guests to discover sake through a collection of tasting flights and pairings that celebrate the craft and character of sake.
The experience is presented in two chapters. The first, The Himitsu Sake Series, features four tasting flights (two sakes per flight, no food) priced from AED 40, and the second, The Four Seasonal Paths, offers seasonal pairings (two sakes + small plates) priced from AED 95, moving through Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
The Himitsu Sake Series
The Himitsu Sake Series introduces four curated tasting flights, priced from AED 40, each featuring two distinct sakes chosen to showcase a particular facet of Japanese brewing. Guests can explore The Earth’s Whisper, pairing two expressions that highlight clarity and umami depth; Blossoms in Balance, where floral and fruity notes create harmony; Wings of Elegance, a study in refinement and precision; and Clouds & Bubbles, a playful contrast between traditional craftsmanship and modern effervescence. Together, these flights offer a guided journey through Japan’s finest sake styles, one sip at a time.
The Four Seasonal Paths
For guests looking to explore further, The Four Seasonal Paths offers a tasting journey inspired by Japan’s four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each pairing combines two sakes with complementary small plates, designed to mirror the flavours and emotions of the season. Think hamachi carpaccio and spicy tuna handrolls for spring’s freshness, unagi nigiri and prawn tempura maki for the richness of summer, and so on. Prices start from AED 95, with each pairing designed to take guests through a progression of flavours that reflect the changing moods of the seasons.
Available from Thursday to Sunday, The Himitsu Sake Series invites guests to slow down, sip, and see sake through a new lens, quietly, behind closed doors.
MARRIOTT RESORT PALM JUMEIRAH LAUNCHES ‘PAWFECT STAY ON THE PALM’
PIZZAEXPRESS OPENS NEW RESTAURANT AT FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON PRODUCTION CITY, DUBAI
WHERE GIFTS LIVE ON: CHATTELS & MORE’S FESTIVE TWIST ON GIFTING
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