Hospitality

CRAFTING EXPERIENCES THAT CELEBRATE PLACE, PEOPLE, AND PURPOSE

Published

10 months ago

November 4, 2025

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.

Aerial view of luxury overwater villas with curved white roofs extending into turquoise lagoon waters at sunset, with palm tree-lined beach and jetty in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea destination

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.

Hospitality

voco Bonnington Dubai Targets UAE Staycation Seekers with Flexible 36-Hour Hotel Experience

Published

18 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

No Plans, No Problem: voco Bonnington Dubai Makes the Last-Minute Escape Easy

Voco Bonnington Dubai is proving that a proper break doesn’t need weeks of planning, a packed itinerary or even a flight. Tucked into Jumeirah Lake Towers, the hotel is positioning itself as the escape that’s ready whenever guests are, whether that’s a spur-of-the-moment staycation or an easy Friday night out.

At the centre of the offer is a new 36-hour staycation, designed for anyone who wants more than a rushed overnight stay without the effort of organising one. Guests check in from 9am and check out at 9pm the following day, unlocking a full day and a half at the hotel for the price of one night, with breakfast included on both mornings and children staying free with complimentary kids’ menu meals throughout. It’s a format built for whatever the moment calls for: a long lie-in, an afternoon by the pool, or simply a comfortable space to work from before heading back into the city. The offer is bookable for stays until 6 September 2026, part of a wider IHG Hotels & Resorts initiative across more than 190 properties in the Middle East, Africa, India and South Asia.

For guests looking for something shorter and closer to home, Author’s Lounge offers its own no-planning-required escape with Friday Plot Twist, a weekly evening offer running every Friday from 6pm to 10pm. For AED 99, guests can enjoy three drinks and their choice of bites in the lounge’s stylish surroundings, an easy way to unwind after the week without needing to book ahead or go far.

Location adds to the ease. voco Bonnington Dubai sits minutes from DMCC Metro, Dubai Marina and JBR, giving guests quick access to the beach, marina walk and the city’s business districts, while the hotel itself, complete with pool, gym and food and beverage outlets, offers enough to make staying in just as tempting. Whether it’s a full staycation or a Friday evening out, the hotel is there to be dropped into, no advance planning necessary.

Hospitality

A Waterfront Retreat Shaped by Abu Dhabi

Published

1 day ago

August 17, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

by Twinkle Aswani

In a destination defined by a distinctive blend of heritage, modernity and waterfront living, Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa presents a resort experience built around space, leisure and a strong sense of place. Located along the Abu Dhabi coastline, the property brings together accommodation, dining, wellness and recreation within an expansive setting designed for both relaxation and discovery.

The resort’s connection to the waterfront is central to its character. The sea has long been an integral part of Abu Dhabi’s identity, shaping the emirate’s communities, trade and cultural heritage, and the coastal setting at Al Raha provides a contemporary interpretation of that relationship. Open spaces, landscaped surroundings and views towards the water create an environment that contrasts naturally with the pace of the city.

Accommodation is designed to complement this resort setting, with a range of suites offering generous proportions, comfortable interiors and spaces suited to longer, more relaxed stays. The Gulf Junior Suite is among the options, combining additional space with a residential sense of comfort while maintaining the connection to the wider resort environment. Across the accommodation offering, the emphasis remains on privacy, convenience and creating a comfortable base between time spent exploring the property’s leisure and dining facilities.

Dining forms an important part of the resort’s offering, with different restaurants providing distinct culinary experiences. Sevilla Restaurant operates as the all-day dining destination, offering an extensive selection across breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its varied approach allows the restaurant to accommodate different tastes and dining occasions, while its relaxed atmosphere complements the resort’s informal daytime character.

Their restaurants are diverse such as Azur Restaurant provides a contrasting culinary setting, introducing a more intimate and refined dining experience. The distinction between Sevilla and Azur gives the resort’s dining programme greater variety, allowing guests to move between an expansive all-day dining concept and a more focused restaurant experience.

Together, the culinary venues reflect the broader evolution of Abu Dhabi’s hospitality landscape, where international dining concepts increasingly coexist with the flavours, traditions and hospitality values of the Emirates. The result is a dining offering that caters to an international resort audience while remaining part of the destination’s wider culinary identity.

Wellness adds another dimension to the property. The spa provides a dedicated environment for relaxation and rejuvenation, incorporating treatments that draw on established wellness traditions. Their spa such as Moroccan Bath particularly rooted in ritual, bringing together Moroccan black soap, steam, traditional exfoliation, purifying clay and nourishing hair treatments within one treatment sequence. The experience reflects the enduring appeal of traditional bathing rituals, where cleansing, warmth and relaxation form part of a wider approach to wellbeing. Complemented by a tranquil setting and considered finishing touches, including Peach Beauty White Tea and dates served beside the pool, extending the sense of calm beyond the treatment room.

Leisure remains central to the resort concept. Swimming pools, beachfront spaces and the waterfront environment provide multiple settings for relaxation, while the property’s scale allows different experiences to coexist without feeling confined to a single area. The combination creates a resort environment suited to families, couples and travellers seeking a more leisurely Abu Dhabi escape.

There is also a clear connection between the property’s hospitality approach and the broader traditions of Emirati welcome. Generosity, comfort and an emphasis on making guests feel at ease remain important characteristics of hospitality across the region, and these values are reflected through the resort’s combination of spacious surroundings, varied facilities and attentive service.

What distinguishes Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa is ultimately the breadth of the experience. Accommodation, dining, wellness, pools, beach and waterfront surroundings come together within one property, allowing the resort to function as a destination in itself rather than simply a base for exploring Abu Dhabi.

It represents a form of contemporary resort hospitality that balances international expectations with the character of its location, offering the comforts and variety of a modern luxury resort while remaining closely connected to Abu Dhabi’s coastal setting and cultural identity.

In a city celebrated for its remarkable pace of development, Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa offers a different perspective on Abu Dhabi, one shaped by the water, defined by space and centred on the enduring luxury of slowing down.

Hospitality

Celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Through Flavour, Identity and Tradition

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Sylvana Sari, Co- Founder and Managing Partner of Bobi Bowl

Where they want to know how Indonesian Independence Day is celebrated?

Independence Day for us is a celebration of being Indonesian. Food is one of the easiest ways to bring that feeling with you, wherever you are.

At Bobi Bowl, we don’t create a special Independence Day menu, because we celebrate Indonesian food every day. Every dish we serve is already a celebration of Indonesia — from our rendang and empal gepuk to nasi goreng, satay and soto. These are dishes that carry memories, culture and a sense of home.

On Independence Day, we simply wanted to share that celebration with everyone. So instead of creating a special menu, we’re giving our guests Klepon Merah Putih as a small gesture of sharing, which is such an important part of Indonesian culture.

What Independence Means for Indonesia’s Hospitality Industry?

I think independence in Indonesian hospitality industry is about having the confidence to say:

This is who we are, this is what we eat, this is what we celebrate, this is our culture — and we proudly share it to the world. How Indonesia’s hospitality sector has evolved from being destination-led to becoming a globally competitive, locally rooted industry?

Indonesia is no longer just the place people travel to for hospitality experiences; Indonesian identity itself is becoming something that can be exported.

Indonesian cuisine, design, wellness, craftsmanship and service culture are increasingly travelling beyond the country’s borders. Restaurants, chefs, hotels and lifestyle brands are introducing Indonesian experiences to international audiences.

How Indonesian hospitality brands are gaining international recognition?

International recognition doesn’t mean making Indonesian hospitality look international. It means making Indonesian hospitality understandable internationally. One of the simplest sign that we have been geining international recognition is when people who are not Indonesian actively choose Indonesian food and hospitality.

For us at Bobi Bowl, we see that every day in Dubai. Our customers aren’t only Indonesians looking for a taste of home. We have people from different nationalities who come in, discover Indonesian food, come back with their friends, recommend dishes to others, and gradually become familiar with flavours they may never have experienced before.

The importance of Indonesian identity in luxury hospitality?

I think we sometimes define luxury too much by price. Luxury hospitality doesn’t mean that it has to be expensive or in a 5-star hotel. For me, luxury is also about rarity, authenticity and emotional value. Something that is ordinary in Indonesia can become a luxury when you experience it abroad. For Indonesians living abroad, having food that genuinely tastes like home can feel like a luxury. At the same time, for someone who has never experienced Indonesian food, that same dish can be their first introduction to our culture.

How local talent, suppliers and operators are shaping the industry?

We don’t expect people to already understand Indonesian food. Part of our role is to make it approachable — while still keeping the Indonesian character of the food.

Local talent and operators are important because they are the ones who actually bring Indonesian hospitality to life. Indonesian hospitality is not just about the food itself. It is about the people who understand the food, the culture and the way we want people to experience it.

At Bobi Bowl, for example, Chef Bobby brings his knowledge of Indonesian cooking, but operating in Dubai means we also have to work with what is available here. We source locally where we can, find ways to get the ingredients we need, and sometimes adapt without compromising the character of the dish.

What “Made in Indonesia” means in modern hospitality?

“Made in Indonesia” doesn’t necessarily mean physically produced in Indonesia. Sometimes it means carrying something Indonesian with you and sharing it wherever you are. We are Indonesian. We live and work abroad. We bring a little bit of Indonesia with us, and we share it.

Culture naturally evolves when it travels. We can modernise a dish, present it differently or introduce it to a new audience while keeping its Indonesian character, that is what we are doing at Bobi Bowl.