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How Resorts Are Balancing Business and Leisure Travellers

Published

4 months ago

November 7, 2025

Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa beachfront property with swimming pool, sun loungers, palm trees, and resort facilities

Attributed to Ahmed Abdraboh, Director of Sales & Marketing at Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa

In the highly competitive hospitality sector, resorts are facing the growing challenge of serving two distinct, yet frequently overlapping, types of guests: business and leisure travellers. The rise of the “bleisure” traveller; a blend of business and leisure; highlights a wider trend in today’s travel landscape. These travellers merge work obligations with their desire for relaxation and adventure, compelling resorts to adjust their offerings to meet the needs of both demographics. Striking this balance can be complex, but the benefits of effectively catering to both segments can be substantial.

Understanding the Unique Needs

Before delving into strategies, it’s crucial to recognize the differing needs of business and leisure travellers. Business travellers often seek efficiency, connectivity, and amenities that facilitate work. High-speed internet, dedicated meeting spaces, and convenient location are paramount. They value streamlined services, express check-ins, and an atmosphere conducive to productivity.

On the other hand, leisure travellers prioritize relaxation, exploration, and experiences. They are looking for leisure activities, spa services, fine dining, and cultural experiences that allow them to unwind and immerse themselves in the local environment. The challenge for resorts lies in creating an environment that simultaneously serves the quick paced demands of the business traveller while providing the dreamlike experiences that leisure travellers seek.

Designing Dual-Purpose Spaces

Resorts are increasingly designing their spaces to accommodate both types of travellers. Flexible meeting spaces that can be easily converted into event venues during weekends or evenings are a great example of this dual-purpose approach. By utilizing movable partitions and adaptable furniture, resorts can create environments that can host a corporate seminar one day and an intimate wedding or social gathering the next.

Besides, resorts can incorporate leisure and relaxation features into areas that business travellers frequent. For example, comfortable lounges equipped with charging stations for devices allow guests to work while enjoying the ambiance. Poolside cabanas that double as meeting points or casual brainstorming areas cater to those who need a break from the traditional boardroom setting. Integrating these elements can enhance the guest experience for both business and leisure travellers.

Enhancing Connectivity

Strong and reliable connectivity is a must-have for business travellers, but leisure guests also benefit from staying connected. Offering robust Wi-Fi throughout the resort is essential. Beyond connectivity, resorts can create work-friendly environments, such as business centres equipped with printers and meeting rooms, where guests can hold casual meetings or work off-site without compromising on comfort.

Additionally, the rise of remote work has blurred the lines between personal and professional life. As a response, resorts are finding ways to make remote work more enjoyable by providing inspiring locations, private workspaces, and even outdoor areas that combine work with leisure. Setting up dedicated “workcation” packages that include accommodations with office amenities lets resorts cater to guests seeking to blend productivity with relaxation without boundaries.

Curating Unique Experiences

For leisure travellers, resorts have traditionally focused on creating unforgettable experiences. Nowadays, these experiences matter to business travellers as well. With “bleisure” travel on the rise, their desire for unique, local activities can significantly enhance their stay. Resorts can curate experiences that appeal to both demographics, such as offering guided tours of local attractions, cooking classes with local chefs, or wellness retreats.

In addition to traditional leisure activities, resorts can design workshops and networking events that facilitate connections among business travellers. By organizing guest speaker sessions, skill building workshops, and panel discussions, resorts can nurture an environment where business professionals can network and learn while on holiday.

Wellness and Relaxation

Both business and leisure travellers share an increasingly common interest in wellness and self-care. For business professionals, long hours of traveling can lead to stress and fatigue. Therefore, wellness facilities; such as spas, fitness centres, and meditation rooms; become attractive perks for this segment. By promoting relaxation and holistic well-being, resorts can cater to business travellers who want to rejuvenate during their stay.

Implementing wellness programs that combine fitness classes, mindfulness retreats, and spa treatments allows resorts to appeal to guests looking for self-care options. Additionally, some resorts are developing wellness retreats specifically aimed at the corporate sector, offering programs that promote teamwork, creativity, and mindfulness training often directly aligned with business goals.

Tailoring Packages and Promotions

Another effective strategy for resorts is to develop tailored packages that target specific groups within the business and leisure traveller spectrum. For example, offering promotions such as weekend corporate retreats, where businesses can host strategy sessions while their employees enjoy leisure opportunities, effectively blends both worlds. Creating promotional deals that include meeting space for companies alongside discounts for leisure activities can greatly enhance the appeal for business travellers looking to unwind after hours.

For leisure travellers, resorts can offer exclusive weekend packages that provide special bonuses for their business counterparts, turning a business trip into an inviting long weekend for the whole family. Childcare services, family friendly activities, and adult only zones create an atmosphere where everyone can enjoy their vacation, regardless of the reason for their stay.

The Role of Technology

In the digital age, leveraging technology is instrumental in balancing the needs of business and leisure travellers. From mobile apps that allow for easy check-in and room service to smart room controls that enhance the guest experience, technology can streamline processes, making them more efficient for business travellers. Meanwhile, technology also allows for leisure focused experiences, such as custom virtual tours or interactive activities that engage guests.

Moreover, resorts can utilize data and analytics to better understand and segment their guests. By analysing preferences, resorts can tailor their offerings and services to meet the expectations of both business and leisure travellers, ensuring no one feels overlooked.

Resorts are navigating the delicate balance between business and leisure travellers in an ever evolving landscape. By understanding the unique needs of each segment and adapting their offerings creatively, resorts can successfully cater to both groups. With strategic planning, innovative space design, and a focus on creating meaningful experiences, resorts not only enhance profitability but also enrich the overall guest experience.

The market for dual purpose travel continues to grow, presenting exciting possibilities for resorts willing to embrace change. As business and leisure become increasingly intertwined, the path ahead is one of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to exceptional hospitality that meets the needs of all travellers.

Home Integrator

SAGE Unveils Premium Eid Gifting Collection for Coffee Lovers

Published

1 week ago

March 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This Eid, Sage Appliances elevates gifting with high-performance coffee machines that combine precision, innovation, and refined design. Created for home hosts and coffee enthusiasts alike, each machine delivers barista-level results with ease, making it a gift that’s enjoyed well beyond the festive season.

Sage Oracle Dual Boiler

Engineered around true duality, this machine empowers coffee lovers to seamlessly switch between intelligent automation and full manual control. Whether you prefer the ease of an automated workflow or the satisfaction of hands-on espresso craftsmanship, the Dual Boiler adapts to your style, delivering uncompromising performance, precision and flexibility in every cup.

Sage Barista Touch Impress Brass

Available in a striking limited-edition brass colourway, with limited stock available, this statement machine brings refined design to the forefront of the home coffee experience. The Barista Touch Impress blends intuitive automation with the freedom of hands-on control, making it effortless to craft café-quality favourites like flat whites, cappuccinos, and lattes with confidence and style.

Sage Precision Luxe Brewer

This sleek, state-of-the-art machine delivers café-quality results with complete versatility from delicate pour-overs and bold filter coffee to smooth, flavour-rich cold brews. Featuring adjustable brew styles, temperature control and intuitive settings, it empowers users to take full control of their coffee, hot or cold.

Special Ramadan offer

Sage Appliance Accessories

For those who already own a Sage machine, accessories make a thoughtful gift this Eid, designed to enhance everyday use.

The Puck Sucker

An automatically activated suction cup creates a rapid vacuum which quietly releases the espresso coffee puck from the portafilter in one swift action.

The Force Gauge Tamper

Thespring-loaded mechanism delivers consistent pressure between 7 kg and 10 kg, ensuring an even tamp every time. A variableforce gauge with marked indicators allows you to select your preferred tamp pressure to suit the grind. Available in 54 mm and 58 mm sizes.

The Distribution Duo

The 2-in-1 distribution tool helps break up clumps and evenly spread coffee grounds. With three angled blades, it creates a level surface for consistent and precise tamping. Available in 54 mm and 58 mm.

The Naked Porterfilter

Visually diagnose and troubleshoot your extraction to achieve the perfect pour every time with The Naked Porterfilter. Crafted from stainless steel with a walnut handle, it adds an elegant touch to your espresso setup while allowing you to monitor flow and consistency with precision. Available in both 54mm and 58mm sizes.

The Pro Control Jug™

Handleless design and heat-resistant silicone sleeve gives full control, with a pro spout to create more precise latte art. Angled opening provides a better view when steaming milk.

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Majid Al Futtaim Malls Launch Ramadan Experiences Across the UAE

Published

1 week ago

March 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This Ramadan, Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia invites communities across the UAE to come together for a month filled with meaningful moments, exciting rewards, immersive activations and exclusive shopping offers all under one roof.

From grand prize draws and SHARE rewards to soulful Majlis evenings and community-led giving initiatives, here’s everything you won’t want to miss across Majid Al Futtaim malls this season.

SHARE the Rewards This Ramadan

Across all City Centre malls, customers using the SHARE App can enjoy generous points multipliers throughout the season. Whether you’re updating your wardrobe or gathering loved ones over iftar, every visit comes with more reasons to celebrate:

Ramadan Offer: 10X points on F&B (Until 18 March)
Eid Offer: 10X points on Fashion (12 to 22 March)

Letters of Giving (رسائل العطاء) at City Centre Mirdif and City and Mall of the Emirates

This Ramadan, Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif invite shoppers to take part in the Letters of Giving (رسائل العطاء) pop-up, a heartfelt initiative in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent dedicated to making children in need’s wishes come true.

Until 7 March at City Centre Mirdif and 9 March to 3 April at Mall of the Emirates, visitors are invited to pause, explore a display of children’s wishes, and choose one that speaks to them. They can then fulfil the wish by purchasing the item which will be gifted to the children in need. Each contribution will be accompanied by a personalized message typed on a traditional typewriter, turning every act of giving into a lasting gesture of kindness.

The Ramadan Experience at City Centre Mirdif and Mall of the Emirates

Until 7 March at City Centre Mirdif and 9 March to 3 April at Mall of the Emirates, the Majid Al Futtaim malls are blending art, generosity, and community, this pop-up offers an immersive and soulful experience. Guests can enjoy live harp, qanun, and cello performances featuring soft, Ramadan-inspired melodies, and visit interactive stations to personalize mirrors, bookmarks, or crafted coffee cups with a minimum mall spend of AED 150 (excluding Carrefour). Complementary juices, coffee, and mini bites invite visitors to connect and embrace the true spirit of Ramadan.

To elevate the experience, City Centre Mirdif is collaborating with Fatima Al Kaabi, an Emirati Entrepreneur to integrate AI‑powered displays showcasing traditional Emirati cultural quotes, adding a sense of heritage to the space.

Shop & Win: Ramadan at Mall of the Emirates (9 March to 3April)

This Ramadan, Mall of the Emirates introduces its very own “Shop & Win” reward. Guests who spend AED 300 or more at any of their favourite stores will automatically enter a special draw for a chance to win an exceptional grand prize of 500,000 SHARE points with one dedicated winner selected exclusively from Mall of the Emirates.

From exciting prizes and SHARE rewards to soulful gatherings and meaningful community initiatives, Ramadan at Majid Al Futtaim malls is all about creating moments that matter for everyone, every day.

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THE BIG CHILL CAFÉ INTRODUCES A COMFORT-DRIVEN IFTAR MENU THIS RAMADAN

Published

2 weeks ago

February 24, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This Ramadan, The Big Chill Café at Dubai Hills Mall invites guests to slow down, gather, and break their fast with a specially curated Iftar menu that blends comforting classics with generous portions and familiar flavours.

Designed for families, friends, and casual Ramadan catch-ups, the Iftar offering reflects The Big Chill Café’s signature style – wholesome, indulgent, and feel good – served in a relaxed café setting.

Guests can begin their meal with a selection of starters such as Minestrone Soup, Mediterranean Mezze with Hummus and Muhammara, Crispy Calamari, Chicken Tenders, or Panko-crumbed Prawns. The menu then moves into hearty mains, featuring crowd favourites including Penne Primavera, Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta, Saffron Risotto with Prawns, Hand-tossed Pizzas, and flavourful grill options.

For those looking to elevate their Iftar, the grill selection includes Grilled Chicken Breast, Slow-cooked Lamb Shank, Flame-grilled Steak with Cowboy Butter, and Tuscan-style Salmon, available with a small supplement.

To finish, The Big Chill Café turns up the indulgence with a dessert selection made for lingering over conversations. Guests can dive into the signature Molten Dubai Lava Cake with its rich and flowing centre, enjoy the comforting sweetness of Banoffee Pie, or opt for the fragrant Saffron Tres Leches Cake. Lighter yet nostalgic options like Date Ice Cream and crowd-favourite Biscoff Ice Cream round off the experience, offering something for every kind of sweet craving after Iftar.

Whether it’s a relaxed weekday Iftar or a long catch-up after prayers, The Big Chill Café’s Ramadan menu offers a warm and satisfying way to come together this holy month.