Hospitality

SUN SIYAM PASIKUDAH WINS BEST GLOBAL HOTEL DESIGN AT HOMES & GARDENS’ DESIGN AWARDS 2025 FOR STUDIO SIXTY7’S TRANSFORMATIVE REDESIGN

Published

4 months ago

November 17, 2025

Elegant dining room at Sun Siyam Pasikudah with tiered woven chandelier, wicker chairs, and wine cellar wall

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of Sun Siyam Resorts’ Privé Collection, has won the coveted Best Global Hotel Design award at the Homes & Gardens Design Awards 2025. The accolade recognises Studio Sixty7, led by founders Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, for a transformative redesign that blended artisanal craftsmanship, cultural authenticity, and sustainability to set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Sri Lanka.

The Homes & Gardens Design Awards celebrate the best in design and decorating, spotlighting inspiring projects and innovations shaping the way we live now and into the future. Within the Best Global Hotel Design category, the judges recognised the transformation of Sun Siyam Pasikudah for its blend of refined hospitality, artisanal craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility.

The 34-room boutique resort on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast was reimagined as a sanctuary of understated luxury, completed within an ambitious four-month timeline and re-opened in November 2023. To reduce waste, much of the original furniture was refurbished and reupholstered, while all new materials were sourced locally and installed by Sri Lankan craftspeople. The team commissioned handwoven textiles, bespoke lighting, and custom joinery, using natural materials such as bamboo, linen, terracotta, and reclaimed wood to create a tactile, grounded experience.

Arshed Refai, General Manager of Sun Siyam Pasikudah, commented: “We are incredibly proud to see Sun Siyam Pasikudah recognised on the global stage. This award is a tribute not only to the vision of Studio Sixty7 but also to the extraordinary craftsmanship of Sri Lankan artisans who brought the design to life. Our resort now reflects the spirit of the island in a way that is both authentic and forward-thinking, offering our guests a truly unique sense of place.”

Traditional construction techniques were seamlessly blended with contemporary interior methods, producing a holistic environment where architectural integrity meets artisanal detail. The result is a collection of immersive spaces, from a restaurant and spa to a boutique and beach shack, each reflecting a strong sense of place and purpose.

The innovation lay in Studio Sixty7’s ability to redefine luxury with locality. Instead of importing generic finishes, the studio partnered with Sri Lankan artisans to create site-specific elements including handwoven ceilings, linen-draped interiors, ochre-hued plaster finishes, and custom lighting. This approach elevated vernacular design into a contemporary hospitality context, proving that innovation is not always about technology but about intentionality and integrity.

Sustainability was at the heart of the project. The design embraced low-impact principles, reusing original furnishings, sourcing locally made materials, and minimising imports, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of both construction and transport. Natural ventilation, open-plan layouts, and tactile finishes reduced operational energy consumption, demonstrating how luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously.

Crucially, the project also championed social sustainability in a region historically impacted by civil conflict. By engaging local artisans, potters, weavers, and joiners, the redesign became a vehicle for economic revitalisation, offering meaningful employment and celebrating traditional skills. The on-site boutique, The Edit, continues this legacy, providing guests with an opportunity to connect directly with Sri Lanka’s craft heritage and support regional makers.

Studio Sixty7 has built a reputation for thoughtful, collaborative design that balances refinement with authenticity. Their ongoing partnership with Sun Siyam Resorts includes projects across the Maldives, further cementing their role as valued creative partners.

Hospitality

ROHINI Celebrates Holi with Colourful, Contemporary Thandai Creations

Published

7 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

The festival of Holi is all about colour, music and good vibes, and Rohini at Mövenpick JLT is bringing that energy straight to your glass. From 2 to 8 March, the restaurant is serving Rang, Ras aur Thandai Holi, a limited-time beverage special inspired by the playful spirit of the festival, giving Dubai diners a fun way to celebrate through flavour.

Drawing on nostalgic flavours, the traditional thandai is deconstructed with a fresh, contemporary edge that fits naturally into Dubai’s modern dining scene. The seasonal drinks keep the familiarity guests love while introducing lighter, more current flavour combinations, giving guests the green energy this season calls for

The menu features two flavour profiles. One leans into classic Kesar Pista and Badam notes, while the other takes a more experimental direction with a Matcha Moringa twist for a clean, modern flavour. Served as cocktail and mocktail options, the drinks balance tradition with a playful upgrade, capturing the celebratory mood Holi is known for.

Rohini continues to stand out as a go-to destination for contemporary Indian dining in Dubai, with its Holi special bringing together familiar flavours and a nostalgic festive touch for guests to enjoy throughout the week.

Hospitality

EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN AT AL HABTOOR GRAND RESORT, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

Published

3 days ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

As the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection invites guests to experience the Grand Starlit Iftar at the picturesque Grand Garden Lawn. This refined journey of flavor and reflection offers a beautiful setting to gather with loved ones beneath a starlit sky and twinkling lights.

As the sun sets and the city’s pace slows, guests are invited to escape into a serene, open-air sanctuary. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soft, golden glow of lanterns, the evening begins with the soulful, rhythmic hum of live Oud tunes, setting a peaceful stage for reflection and connection.

The journey starts with the traditional breaking of the fast, featuring refreshing glasses of Jallab, Kamar Al Dein, Tamer Hindi, and Laban. This leads into a lavish Iftar buffet that celebrates both local heritage and global flair. Guests can explore an abundant spread of mezze and salads from creamy Hummus and Tabbouleh to crisp Cheese Sambousek, Meat Kibbeh, and Spinach Fatayer.

The heart of the feast offers a rich tapestry of flavors, featuring aromatic classics like Lamb Kofta, Chicken Shish Taouk, and succulent Ouzi. For those seeking a more international palate, the menu transitions seamlessly into dishes such as Pan Seared Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce and a live pasta station serving fresh Penne Arrabbiata. The air is further filled with the scent of tradition at the live cooking stations, where freshly prepared Saj (Cheese and Zaatar) and expert carvings are made to order.

The experience reaches a sweet crescendo with a decadent dessert selection. Whether it’s the warmth of Cheese Kunafa and Umm Ali, the crunch of Baklawa, or the modern indulgence of Chocolate Fudge and Passion Fruit Delight, there is a flavor for every craving.

As the night matures, the energy shifts into a relaxed Suhoor. In a setting designed for late-night conversations, guests can enjoy a curated à la carte menu of local delights. To round out the evening, a nearby shisha area offers a quiet space to unwind and soak in the calm of the night under the stars.

Event Details

Iftar
Time: Sunset to 9:00 pm

Suhoor
Price: À la carte
Time: 9:00 pm to 1:00 am

Dates: Daily throughout Ramadan
Location: Grand Garden Lawn, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, JBR

Hospitality

RAMADAN AT MARRIOTT AL FORSAN, ABU DHABI

Published

3 days ago

February 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Flavors of Ramadan: A Sensory Iftar to Remember

Step into the spirit of Ramadan with an unforgettable Iftar experience at Khayal, where tradition, passion, and togetherness come alive. Indulge in a lavish Iftar buffet featuring a carefully curated selection of traditional and international dishes, served in a warm and inviting ambiance inspired by the essence of the holy month.

Iftar Buffet:

Timing: From Sunset until 9:30 PM
Venue: Khayal, Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi

Early Bird Offer:

40% off for bookings made before 12th February 2026

Special Discounts:

30% off Iftar for in-house hotel guests
30% off for FAZAA cardholders
MoreCravings App: Buy One Get One Free

Serenity at Dawn: Suhoor & Group Ramadan Celebrations
A Peaceful Suhoor Indulgence & Memorable Group Gatherings

Enjoy a calm and comforting Suhoor experience at the Lobby Lounge, designed for those seeking nourishment and tranquility before dawn. Featuring a thoughtfully curated set menu, this Suhoor offering ensures a balanced and fulfilling start to your day.

Suhoor Set Menu:
Timing: 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Venue: Lobby Lounge, Marriott Al Forsan

For larger gatherings, celebrate the holy month together with Group Ramadan Packages, ideal for corporate Iftars and family reunions. Enjoy a delightful culinary journey paired with exceptional service in a festive atmosphere.

Group Ramadan Packages: