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How Resorts Are Balancing Business and Leisure Travellers

Published

9 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.

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BLUE OCEAN HEALTH SHOWCASES REGIONAL LEADERSHIP IN REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE AT ESHRE 2026

Published

4 days ago

July 16, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Blue Ocean Health, the integrated healthcare platform behind Fakih IVF Fertility Group, First Genomics, First Compounding Pharmacy, and Jumeirah American Clinic, and one of the Middle East’s leading providers of reproductive medicine, assisted reproductive technology (ART), and fertility research, presented its expanding academic, clinical and research programmes at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Annual Meeting 2026 in London, reinforcing its position as a global leader in reproductive healthcare and innovation.

As the only reproductive health platform from the GCC participating at ESHRE 2026, Blue Ocean Health showcased the region’s growing contribution to advancing reproductive medicine on the international stage, while strengthening collaborations with leading fertility centres, universities and healthcare institutions from around the world.

Represented through its flagship fertility brand, Fakih IVF Fertility Group, Blue Ocean Health highlighted its integrated healthcare ecosystem, bringing together world-class fertility care, genomics, personalised medicine, advanced pharmacy solutions, research, education and multidisciplinary patient care under one platform. The organisation continues to drive innovation across every stage of the fertility journey while setting new benchmarks for clinical excellence, scientific research and physician education.

The ESHRE Annual Meeting serves as one of the world’s most influential scientific congresses in reproductive medicine, bringing together leading clinicians, researchers and healthcare innovators to shape the future of fertility care through collaboration and knowledge exchange.

“Our participation at ESHRE reflects far more than sharing our clinical expertise,” said Dr Michael Fakih, founder and chairman of Blue Ocean Health and Fakih IVF Fertility Group. “It reflects our ambition to help shape the future of reproductive medicine. We believe the next generation of fertility care will be driven by precision medicine, genomics, AI, scientific collaboration, and integrated models of care that extend well beyond IVF. Through Blue Ocean Health, we are building an ecosystem that brings these disciplines together, positioning the UAE as a global hub for innovation, research, education, and advanced reproductive healthcare while expanding access to world-class care for patients across the globe.”

A cornerstone of Blue Ocean Health’s international strategy is its rapidly expanding Academic Programme, delivered through Fakih Institute by Fakih IVF Fertility Group. The programme offers structured education and fellowship training in reproductive medicine, assisted reproductive technologies and clinical embryology, creating the next generation of fertility specialists across the region and beyond.

Led by Dr Yasmin Sajjad, medical director, chair of academics and programme director at Fakih IVF Abu Dhabi, the Academy provides immersive clinical training, advanced laboratory experience, multidisciplinary education and research opportunities aligned with international best practices.

The institution currently offers structured fellowship programmes in reproductive medicine and clinical embryology alongside comprehensive training for junior doctors and obstetrics and gynaecology trainees. Participants gain hands-on experience throughout the complete IVF patient journey, including embryology, andrology, complex infertility management, research methodology and evidence-based clinical practice.

Blue Ocean Health continues to expand its international academic network through collaborations with leading institutions across Europe, North America and the Middle East, supporting educational exchange, faculty development, joint research initiatives and international scientific collaboration. Educational partnerships with leading UK institutions are already established, while recognition aligned with Royal College standards in Canada is nearing completion.

The organisation has also now achieved fellowship recognition by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, further strengthening its international academic credibility and training framework.

In addition, Blue Ocean Health will commence a new strategic academic and clinical collaboration with leading healthcare institutions in Manchester, UK, aimed at advancing joint research, specialist training programmes and knowledge exchange in reproductive medicine.

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STROLLZ. INTRODUCES A NEW GENERATION OF STROLLER WAGONS TO THE UAE, REDEFINING FAMILY MOBILITY

Published

5 days ago

July 15, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

A new mobility solution is entering the UAE market with the launch of STROLLZ. – a Dubai-based, family-owned e-commerce brand – introducing thoughtfully designed stroller wagons for modern families. Founded in 2025 by Nadine and Arne Bradshaw, a German family living in the UAE, the brand was born from a real family need and a clear gap in the local market for family mobility solutions that balance elevated design, comfort, practicality and long-term versatility.

Offering an alternative to traditional strollers, STROLLZ. is designed for the realities of everyday family life, from children and pets to travel, beach days, errands and daily outings. Created to adapt as families grow, STROLLZ. provides a considered mobility solution for modern parents seeking functionality without compromising on style.

Redefining Family Mobility

The idea for STROLLZ. began when the family moved from Germany to Dubai and brought their own stroller wagon with them. What started as a practical solution for their own family quickly attracted attention from other parents, who would frequently stop them to ask where they had purchased it, take photos, and even offer to buy it on the spot.

This response revealed a clear gap in the UAE market. While stroller wagons exist internationally, families in the UAE had limited access to elevated options that combined generous space, comfort, safety, refined design and everyday practicality. Traditional strollers can often feel restrictive as children grow, while conventional wagons may lack the quality and thoughtful design modern families are seeking.

“When I moved to Dubai, I brought a much simpler stroller wagon with me because it worked so well for our family,” says Nadine Bradshaw, Founder of STROLLZ. “What surprised me was how often other parents stopped me to ask about it. They wanted to know where they could buy the stroller wagon, and some even offered to purchase ours on the spot. That was the moment we knew, this was bigger than just our family’s needs. It revealed a real gap in the UAE market and it was clear that families here had been waiting for a solution like this.”

Carries What Matters Most

STROLLZ. brings a refined approach to the multi-child mobility category, combining design-led aesthetics with real-life functionality. The current 4-seater stroller wagon features individual seats with elegant detailing, 5-point harnesses, UVP50 canopy, storage solutions, high-quality materials, smooth all-terrain performance and a travel-friendly design that allows families to take it right up to the boarding gate.

Its removable seat system offers the flexibility to adapt the wagon to changing needs, whether accommodating up to four children or creating additional space for everyday essentials. Available in Desert Sand, Forest Green and Urban Black, the collection is designed for families who value both practicality and style.

Unlike a traditional stroller that may be quickly outgrown, STROLLZ. is built for long-term usability across different stages of childhood. Its generous capacity makes it suitable for families with up to four young children, while its pet-friendly entrance supports families who want to include their pets in daily walks and outings.

“Our goal was to create something that feels genuinely useful but also beautifully considered,” says Arne Bradshaw, Co-Founder of STROLLZ. “As parents living in Dubai, we understand how much families carry, plan and manage every time they leave the house. STROLLZ. was designed to make those moments easier, whether for daily routines, travel, beach days or weekends out together.”

At its core, STROLLZ. is built around quality, durability, multifunctionality, ease of use and thoughtful design. The brand reflects the realities of family life in the UAE, where parents are often moving between school runs, errands, shopping, travel, outdoor plans and community experiences. By offering a versatile stroller wagon that supports children, pets and everyday essentials, STROLLZ. helps families spend less time managing what they carry and more time enjoying shared moments.

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WHAT TO PACK: CIRCADIA’S SUMMER TRAVEL SKINCARE EDIT

Published

5 days ago

July 15, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Summer travel is good for the mood, but changing climates, long flights, sun exposure and disrupted routines can leave your skin tired and dull. Circadia’s travel-ready bundles bring together targeted routines for the five most common skin concerns, from oily and breakout-prone skin to pigmentation, sensitivity, and visible signs of ageing. Each kit comes in a zipped travel bag, so you get holiday and staycation-ready skincare without carrying a full bathroom shelf.

Rooted in chronobiology, the science of the body’s natural circadian rhythms, Circadia’s approach recognises that the skin has different needs throughout the day. Its formulas are designed to support daytime protection and nighttime repair, combining professional skincare science with routines tailored to individual concerns, and easy to follow at home or away.

For Oily and Breakout-Prone Skin – Acne Regimen Bundle — AED 475

The Acne Regimen Bundle offers a focused routine that gently exfoliates, helps reduce blemishes, fine lines & wrinkles and improves the appearance of uneven skin texture.

The routine begins with the Cleansing Gel with Mandelic Acid, followed by the White Willow & Juniper Clearing Mist, which can also be refreshed throughout the day to help reduce the appearance of oiliness and blemishes. Spot Stop is applied directly to blemishes to soothe and cool irritated areas, while Daytime Control helps manage sebum production, particularly around the T-zone.

The bundle includes:

Cleansing Gel with Mandelic Acid
White Willow & Juniper Clearing Mist
Spot Stop anti-blemish lotion
Daytime Control lotion

The Holiday Skincare Essentials for All Skin Types – Essential Regimen Bundle — AED 625

For travellers who want to keep their routine simple without leaving behind the essentials, this all-skin-types bundle covers cleansing, hydration, antioxidant support and daily sun protection.The Micro-Exfoliating Honey Cleanser removes dirt, make-up and impurities, while the Blueberry & White Tea Hydrating Mist offers hydration and antioxidant support after cleansing or throughout the day. The routine also includes Vitamin C Reversal Serum for morning and evening use and Light Day Sunscreen for UVA and UVB protection.

The bundle includes:

Micro-Exfoliating Honey Cleanser, 2oz
Blueberry & White Tea Hydrating Mist, 4oz
Vitamin C Reversal Serum, 0.5oz
Light Day Sunscreen, 2oz

For Pigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone – Pigmentation Regimen Bundle — AED 700

Sunny destinations can make pigmentation a greater concern, particularly for skin already showing visible sun damage or uneven tone. Circadia’s Pigmentation Regimen Bundle is designed to exfoliate, brighten, and visibly improve the appearance of pigmentation and sun damage. The Amandola Milk Cleanser is used morning and evening to cleanse while helping the skin retain moisture and appear naturally brighter. The Licorice & Bearberry Brightening Mist provides hydration and supports the appearance of a more even complexion. In the evening, Bright White Serum is applied to areas of pigmentation, followed by White Veil Brightener across the face.

The bundle includes:

Amandola Milk Cleanser, 2oz
Licorice & Bearberry Brightening Mist, 4oz
Bright White, serum face Brightener
White Veil Brightener, 2oz

For Sensitive and Easily Irritated Skin – Sensitive Regimen Bundle — AED 600

Long flights, unfamiliar weather, and constant movement between outdoor heat and indoor air conditioning can leave sensitive skin feeling increasingly reactive. This regimen focuses on calming visible irritation, strengthening the skin barrier, and maintaining hydration.

The routine begins with the Lipid Replacing Cleansing Gel, followed by the Aloe & Calendula Calming Mist, which can also be used throughout the day for a calming refresh. Chrono-Calm Serum is applied to inflamed areas, while Tranquili-Cream helps control visible redness and nourish the skin barrier.

The bundle includes:

Lipid Replacing Cleansing Gel, 2oz
Aloe & Calendula Calming Mist, 4oz
Chrono-Calm, facial serum
Tranquili-Cream, 2oz

For Mature Skin and Visible Signs of Ageing – Anti-Aging Regimen Bundle — AED 950

A more restorative option for mature skin, the Anti-Aging Regimen Bundle is designed to exfoliate, support cell turnover, brighten the complexion, and visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Amandola Milk Cleanser is used morning and evening to cleanse while helping retain moisture. In the evening, Serum 71 supports cell turnover, followed by Cyto-Comm, which helps support repair and collagen production. Revita-Cyte Complex completes the nighttime routine, helping improve firmness and support the skin’s repair processes.

The bundle includes:

Amandola Milk Cleanser
Serum 71 for the face and neck
Cyto-Comm facial serum
Revita-Cyte revitaizing lotion for the face

Whether the summer itinerary includes a long-haul holiday, a quick regional escape or a staycation closer to home, these targeted kits offer a smarter way to pack: one coordinated routine, one travel bag and products selected around what the skin actually needs.

Circadia products and protocols are now available exclusively in select premium skincare clinics and facial bars across Dubai, offering clients access to personalized, results-driven treatments. Locations include The Palace Spa Downtown, Florence Medical Centre, Aqua Face Facial Bar, Ivory Aesthetic, Florentia Clinic, Skin UAE, The Luxe Lift, Biolite, and Blended Wellness, among others. Each location provides advanced consultations and protocols backed by Circadia’s internationally trusted formulas and clinical education, elevating the standard of professional skincare in the UAE to new levels.