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REDEFINING AFFORDABLE LIFESTYLE HOSPITALITY IN DUBAI

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Exclusive interview with Thomas Kurian, General Manager, LEVA Hotels

  1. LEVA operates in a space where lifestyle, affordability, and design intersect, what is the brand really trying to solve for modern travellers?

LEVA is fundamentally focused on addressing the growing gap between affordability and quality-driven hospitality experiences. Today’s travellers are increasingly looking for hotels that offer thoughtful design, comfort, flexibility, and strong locations without the premium pricing typically associated with lifestyle hospitality.

The objective is not simply to provide accommodation, but to create spaces that feel practical, contemporary, and experience-oriented for both short and extended stays. This includes offering functional living spaces, flexible stay formats, and an environment that balances convenience with a more relaxed, lifestyle-led atmosphere suited to the evolving expectations of modern travellers.

  • As the General Manager of LEVA Hotels, what does success look like for LEVA beyond occupancy and revenue metrics?

Beyond occupancy and revenue, success for LEVA is measured by consistency in guest experience, operational adaptability, and long-term brand relevance within a highly competitive hospitality market.

Guest retention, positive sentiment, and the ability to create a seamless experience across different traveller segments are equally important indicators of performance. Internally, success also means maintaining operational efficiency while building a culture that allows teams to remain agile, service-oriented, and aligned with the brand’s long-term growth strategy.

  • You often speak about transforming business complexity into structured growth, what does that look like inside a real hotel operation?

In a hotel environment, structured growth comes from creating operational clarity across multiple moving parts, from revenue management and staffing to guest services and procurement. Hospitality operations are inherently dynamic, particularly in a market like Dubai where demand patterns can shift quickly between corporate, leisure, and event-driven travel.

Transforming complexity into growth means building systems that allow teams to respond efficiently to these fluctuations while maintaining consistency in service delivery. It also involves using data more effectively to guide pricing, resource allocation, and operational planning, ensuring that growth remains sustainable rather than reactive.

  • When guests choose LEVA over other Dubai hotels, what “specific experience promise” are they actually buying into?

Guests choosing LEVA are typically buying into a hospitality experience that combines accessibility, comfort, and lifestyle-driven design in a way that feels both practical and contemporary.

The promise is centred around delivering well-located, thoughtfully designed spaces that offer flexibility and ease without unnecessary complexity. Whether travelling for business, leisure, or extended stays, guests are looking for an experience that feels efficient, comfortable, and approachable while still maintaining the quality and atmosphere associated with lifestyle hospitality.

  • How has Dubai’s shift toward experience-driven tourism impacted LEVA’s business model?

Dubai’s shift toward experience-driven tourism has reinforced the importance of flexibility and lifestyle positioning within the hospitality sector. Travellers are increasingly placing greater value on convenience, personalised experiences, and hotels that integrate seamlessly into their broader travel plans rather than functioning purely as accommodation providers.

For LEVA, this has strengthened the focus on curated stay experiences, flexible offerings, and value-added services that support both short leisure stays and longer-term guests. It has also increased the importance of location, design, and operational agility in meeting evolving traveller expectations across different demand segments.

  • What is the biggest operational challenge in running a lifestyle hotel brand like LEVA in Dubai?

One of the biggest operational challenges is balancing guest expectations for premium, lifestyle-led experiences while maintaining efficiency and accessibility within a highly competitive market. Dubai’s hospitality sector moves at a very fast pace, with constant shifts in traveller behaviour, pricing dynamics, and service expectations.

For lifestyle hotel brands, this requires maintaining consistency in design, service quality, and guest engagement while also remaining operationally agile enough to adapt to changing market conditions. Managing this balance effectively is critical to sustaining both guest satisfaction and long-term operational performance.

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Hospitality

GODIVA CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF CHOCOLATE ARTISTRY WITH A NEW ERA 

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GODIVA, the iconic Belgian chocolatier, proudly announces the next chapter in its century-long journey of chocolate artistry. Since 1926, GODIVA has been reimagining chocolate with innovation, Belgian mastery and craftsmanship, elevating it from a simple indulgence into a multisensory experience that stirs the soul, lifts the spirit, and creates moments of pure joy.

As GODIVA turns 100, the brand enters a new era – reimagining its iconic collections with new designs, new flavours, new recipes, and storytelling that celebrate its Belgian heritage and elevate its craftsmanship. Each element is a tribute to a century of chocolate artistry and creativity, and a renewed commitment to creating irresistible experiences for chocolate lovers worldwide.

From the moment founders Pierre and Eugénie Draps chose Lady Godiva as their muse, the brand has embodied elegance, creativity, and courage. She has symbolized strength and the power of breaking boundaries – values that continue to inspire GODIVA as it steps into its second century. For 100 years, GODIVA has blended tradition with creativity to craft collections that delight every sense.

THE CENTENNIAL PRALINE COLLECTION

The collection features ten chocolates – nine iconic creations that have stood the test of time, each representing a defining moment in GODIVA’s rich legacy and one brand‑new masterpiece crafted to mark the beginning of the next century. Many of these beloved pralines have been lovingly recreated from their original recipes, preserving the craftsmanship and character that defined their era. At once nostalgic and innovative, the collection celebrates GODIVA’s Belgian roots while showcasing the evolution of chocolate and design across the decades.

  • Dark & White Chocolate Lady Godiva (1926) – The smooth embrace of fine white chocolate ganache, gently infused with vanilla and wrapped in a dark chocolate shell. Finished with the iconic Lady Godiva imprint, this piece reflects the elegance and craftsmanship that began with the Draps family in 1926. 
  • Mirror (1939) – The enchanting allure of fruity apple ganache, perfectly balanced within a 50% cacao dark chocolate shell, inspired by classic fairytales.  A blend of flavours that transports you to a world of magic and wonder.
  • Vintage Heart (1945) – Marking the year GODIVA opened its first boutique in Brussels. A white chocolate shell with hazelnut praliné in the shape of a heart – a sweet symbol of love, tradition and Belgian artistry. 
  • GODIVA Vacances Élégantes (1959) – Creamy milk and dark chocolate hazelnut praliné, inspired by the Draps family’s cherished holidays to Italy. Skillfully crafted with aromatic hazelnuts, this elegant creation captures unforgettable flavour in every bite. 
  • Fabiola (1960) – Smooth almond praliné, delicately coated in silky milk chocolate. This refined piece honors Queen Fabiola of Belgium, celebrating timeless elegance and regal tradition. 
  • Salted Caramel Lion of Belgium (1968) – Commemorating a proud chapter in GODIVA’s story with velvety salted caramel enrobed in milk chocolate. Finished with Belgium’s heraldic lion, it pays tribute to GODIVA’snoble roots and royal recognition. 
  • Nippon (1972) – Celebrating GODIVA’s arrival in Japan with a blend of hazelnut praliné and crisp puffed rice. Covered in dark chocolate and topped with milk chocolate and glitter sprinkles, it’s a joyful nod to cultural harmony. 
  • Heritage (2026) – Newly developed for the Centennial to mark a century of excellence, an exquisite expression of GODIVA’s legacy and future. Crafted in honour of Pierre Draps, this pistachio and almond praliné with crisped rice and caramelised cocoa nibs blends timeless tradition with modern artistry to celebrate 100 years of chocolate excellence. 
  • Seashell Nordic Charm (2008) – Capturing the nostalgic delight of Belgian summers with almond biscuit praliné cloaked in bold dark chocolate. Inspired by the Draps family’s seaside holidays at the Mer du Nord, this piece captures the sweet spirit of coastal escapes. 

Raspberry Rose Delight (2016) – Created for GODIVA’s 90th anniversary in 2016 –   lush raspberry ganache accented with a hint of rose, enclosed in dark chocolate. A refined celebration of nine decades of passion and innovation. 

The collection is a celebration of GODIVA’s legacy, a century of chocolate artistry and creativity brought to life.

As GODIVA steps into its second century, the brand remains anchored in its Belgian heritage while embracing renewed imagination and cultural connection, continuing to delight chocolate lovers around the world.

The Centennial Praline Collection will be available at all GODIVA boutiques across the UAE and KSA.

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Hospitality

Radisson Hotel Group expands French Riviera footprint with Cannes Seaside opening

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Set against the sparkling backdrop of the Mediterranean coastline, Radisson Hotel Cannes Seaside welcomes guests to one of the French Riviera’s most iconic destinations. The contemporary 100-room hotel marks the latest addition to Radisson Hotel Group’s growing portfolio in France, combining Radisson’s signature hospitality with relaxed Riviera charm and offering effortless access to Cannes’ celebrated beaches, cultural landmarks and year-round events.

Location

Located on Avenue du Docteur Raymond Picaud, just minutes from La Croisette, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and the historic quarter of Le Suquet, the hotel is equally suited to business travelers attending international congresses as it is to leisure guests discovering one of Europe’s most glamorous seaside destinations.

“France remains one of Radisson Hotel Group’s most important strategic markets, and Cannes is one of Europe’s most recognised leisure and events destinations. The opening of Radisson Hotel Cannes Seaside further strengthens our presence on the French Riviera while offering guests a contemporary hotel in an exceptional seaside setting. We are delighted to continue growing our portfolio in destinations that combine international appeal with authentic local experiences,” said Yilmaz Yildirimlar, COO Managed Hotels, Europe, Radisson Hotel Group

Accommodation

Inspired by the Riviera lifestyle, Radisson Hotel Cannes Seaside has been designed to create a welcoming atmosphere where contemporary comfort meets Mediterranean refinement. Bright interiors, calming coastal tones and thoughtfully designed social spaces are complemented by sea views and landscaped surroundings, creating an inviting destination throughout the year.

The hotel features 100 guestrooms across four room categories, including Standard, Superior and Premium Rooms, together with Junior Suites. Many rooms include private balconies overlooking the Mediterranean Sea or the hotel’s gardens, allowing guests to fully embrace the relaxed rhythm of the destination.

Dining and Bars

Dining takes center stage at La Palma Restaurant & Bar, where Mediterranean flavors are served throughout the day in a bright and welcoming setting. Guests can enjoy generous breakfast buffets, seasonal dishes inspired by regional ingredients and handcrafted cocktails while taking in panoramic sea views from the outdoor terrace.

Whether gathering with family, meeting colleagues over lunch or unwinding after a day exploring Cannes, La Palma Restaurant & Bar provides a vibrant social hub overlooking the Mediterranean.

Meetings & Events

In addition to its leisure offering, Radisson Hotel Cannes Seaside provides flexible spaces for meetings, conferences and private events. Two naturally lit meeting rooms can accommodate up to 150 guests and are equipped with modern audiovisual technology, flexible layouts and tailored catering options.

The hotel also offers distinctive outdoor venues, including its terraces and seasonal swimming pool with sunbeds, creating memorable settings for receptions, celebrations and special occasions by the sea.

The Destination

From the hotel, guests are perfectly positioned to discover everything Cannes has to offer. Wander along the iconic palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette, browse luxury boutiques, explore the charming cobbled streets of Le Suquet or visit the renowned Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, home of the world-famous Cannes Film Festival.

Just offshore, the tranquil Lérins Islands provide a peaceful contrast to the city’s vibrant atmosphere, while museums, local markets and waterfront cafés showcase the authentic character of the French Riviera throughout the year.

“We are delighted to welcome guests to Radisson Hotel Cannes Seaside. Every aspect of the hotel has been designed to reflect the warmth and relaxed elegance of Mediterranean hospitality. Whether guests are visiting for business, leisure or a special celebration, we look forward to creating memorable experiences in one of France’s most iconic destinations,” said Samia Briki, General Manager, Radisson Hotel Cannes Seaside

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Hospitality

MAJESTIC HOTELS INVITES FAMILIES TO ENJOY A SUMMER GETAWAY WITH THE “KIDS GO FREE” PROMOTION

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Majestic Hotels is welcoming families this summer with the launch of its “Kids Go Free” promotion, offering guests the chance to enjoy a memorable getaway without the added cost of accommodating young travelers.

Under the promotion, one (1) child aged 12 years and below can stay free of charge with the addition of an extra bed at the following participating properties:

  • Majestic City Retreat Hotel, Mankhool
  • Majestic Premier Hotel, Bur Dubai
  • Majestic Cove Hotel, Garhoud

What’s Included

  • Bed & Breakfast bookings: Guests will receive a complimentary extra bed and breakfast for the child.
  • Room Only bookings: Guests will receive a complimentary extra bed for the child.

Promotion Details

  • Stay Period: Until 31 August 2026
  • Booking Period: Reservations must be made by 31 July 2026

The offer is applicable across all room categories, with the exception of Economy Rooms at Majestic City Retreat Hotel, and is subject to availability.

Families are encouraged to book early, as the offer is subject to availability and rooms are expected to fill quickly during the summer season. Website- https://majestichotels.com/central-hotel/

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