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WHY TRUE LUXURY IS FOUND IN CONNECTION: ANDREA ORRÚ ON ANANTARA, SALALAH AND SENSE OF PLACE

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3 months ago

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Exclusive interview with Andrea Orrú, General Manager, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

  1. Your journey has taken you from Sardinia to some of the world’s most celebrated luxury destinations. Looking back, what first inspired you to pursue hospitality, and what continues to excite you about the industry today?

What first drew me to hospitality was the human side of it. It is an industry built around people, stories and experiences, and no two days are ever quite the same. Since beginning my career in 1999, I have had the privilege of working in many different parts of the world, and that has given me a real sense of being a citizen of the world. Every destination, culture and team has shaped me in some way. What still excites me is seeing an idea come to life and witnessing the effect it has on a guest or a colleague. It could be a new experience, a thoughtful detail in the guest journey or an opportunity for someone in the team to grow.

Having worked across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Maldives, what has each region taught you about the true meaning of luxury hospitality?

Every region has shaped my understanding of luxury in a different way. Europe taught me to appreciate heritage, craftsmanship and the discipline behind consistently high standards. Asia showed me the beauty of intuitive service, where the smallest details are often noticed without the guest needing to ask. The Maldives reinforced the importance of privacy, personalisation and caring for a fragile natural environment. The Middle East has taught me a great deal about generosity, warmth and creating experiences that speak to couples, families and multigenerational travellers alike. Australia also holds a very special place in my heart. It was an important chapter both professionally and personally, as it is where I met my wife, Jana. Today, we have two beautiful children together, so my time there will always remain especially meaningful to me. What I have learnt across all of these destinations is that luxury is not necessarily about having more. It is about making every element feel considered. Guests remember how smoothly everything flowed, how well the team understood them and whether they felt a genuine connection to the place. The setting is important, of course, but the people bring it to life. That is where true luxury is found.

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has consistently strengthened its position as one of Oman’s leading luxury destinations. What has been the biggest contributor to that success?

Without question, it is our people. A beautiful resort gives you a strong foundation, but it is the team who create the experience guests remember. Our success has come from having a clear direction and a team that understands what we are trying to achieve together. We have continued to strengthen the resort around what makes both Anantara and Salalah special: a strong sense of place, meaningful wellness, memorable dining and a genuine commitment to sustainability. You can see this in many areas, from the personalised service offered by our villa hosts to our locally inspired wellness experiences and the annual culinary festival, which brings international chefs from Michelin-starred backgrounds alongside Omani talent.

Luxury hotels often tell their own stories. Al Baleed Resort seems to tell Salalah’s story instead. Was that always the vision?

Yes, absolutely. Anantara is at its best when the hotel becomes a gateway to the destination rather than a world separated from it. Al Baleed sits beside the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Land of Frankincense and is surrounded by an extraordinary combination of coastline, mountains and Dhofari culture, so it would be a missed opportunity for the resort to focus only on itself. We aim to showcase Salalah through the guest journey: locally inspired design, frankincense rituals, regional ingredients, Omani culinary experiences, cultural excursions with our Salalah Insider and collaborations that place local creativity alongside international expertise. Even contemporary concepts, such as the Anantara Khareef Chocolate, are developed with ingredients and stories rooted in Dhofar. Ideally, the resort should give visitors the confidence and curiosity to explore beyond its gates.

The frankincense tree-planting ceremony is a distinctive addition to your 25th anniversary experience. How does this initiative reflect Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara’s broader approach to sustainability and responsible tourism?

Frankincense is deeply woven into Dhofar’s identity, so the tree-planting experience felt like a meaningful way to mark Anantara’s 25th anniversary. It allows guests to contribute to the destination, rather than simply experience it from the outside. Each tree is marked with a bespoke engraved plaque, and guests receive a keepsake pouch of frankincense to take home. They also receive quarterly updates from our Farm Guru, so the connection continues long after their stay and they can follow the progress of the tree they planted. The experience reflects our wider approach to sustainability, which is not centred on one initiative alone, but on the choices we make every day. Our on-site farm supports farm-to-table dining and gives guests the opportunity to understand more about local cultivation. Our in-house water-bottling operation helps reduce reliance on single-use plastic, and we were the first resort in Dhofar to introduce electric-vehicle charging. We also support beach clean-ups and work with organisations including the Environment Society of Oman to help protect local wildlife. For us, responsible tourism should leave something positive behind. The frankincense tree is a lasting symbol of that commitment and gives guests a personal connection to the heritage and future of Dhofar.

Rapid Round

What is one hidden gem in Salalah that every first-time visitor should experience?

It’s difficult to choose just one. I would recommend the Sugar Dunes in Fushi, around two hours from Salalah, where powder-white dunes meet the coastline, as well as Al Hawta, with its dramatic waves, green landscapes and its seasonal waterfall. Al Hawta is especially beautiful during Khareef, when the microclimate brings the scenery to life, while the Sugar Dunes remain striking throughout the year.

Coming from Sardinia, is there anything that reminds you of home when you are in Salalah?

There are several similarities. Both Sardinia and Salalah have areas of unspoilt, almost untouched scenery, with dramatic coastlines, mountains and landscapes that still feel wonderfully undiscovered.

They also share a long history and a very strong sense of heritage. What perhaps reminds me most of home, however, is the warmth of the people. Much like Omanis, Sardinians are proud of where they come from and genuinely want visitors to experience the beauty, traditions and character of their land.

What hospitality trend do you think is currently overhyped?

I think the industry sometimes becomes too focused on adding more, more concepts, more technology and more touchpoints, when what guests often value most is simplicity. They want things to feel effortless, personal and well considered.

Luxury should not feel complicated or overproduced. The most memorable experiences are often the quietest ones: being recognised, having a preference remembered or receiving thoughtful service at exactly the right moment.

If guests leave Al Baleed remembering just one feeling rather than one facility, what would you want that feeling to be?

I would want them to feel that Al Baleed was not simply a place where they stayed, but a destination they came to experience.

That means feeling genuinely cared for, having the small details noticed and being encouraged to discover Salalah in a way that feels personal. Ideally, they leave with beautiful memories of the resort, but also with a deeper connection to Dhofar and a desire to return. 

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Hospitality

Terrace Dining, Oktoberfest, and Beach Days Return to InterContinental Abu Dhabi This October

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11 hours ago

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October 23, 2026

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With cooler days and balmy evenings returning to the capital, October brings a welcome change of pace at InterContinental Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences. From leisurely afternoons by the water to al fresco dining and relaxing staycations, the waterfront destination offers plenty of reasons to make the most of Abu Dhabi’s beautiful autumn weather.

At Bayshore Beach Club, sun-filled days are best spent between the pool and private beach, with day passes, private cabanas and spa treatments offering different ways to unwind. As evening falls, the terrace at Byblos Sur Mer welcomes guests back for Lebanese dining, marina views, and live entertainment. Elsewhere, the new Chamas Series brings Brazilian flavours, churrasco, and lively entertainment to the weekly calendar, while Belgian Café joins the Oktoberfest festivities with ten days of hearty food, beers, and live music. Adding to the line-up, Porto Gina reopens on 15 October, welcoming guests back for Italian favourites and relaxed dining by the marina.

For those looking to extend their time by the water, a family-friendly staycation offers comfortable accommodation, dining, and beach club access, making InterContinental Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences an inviting address for a leisurely October break.

Belgian Café
A little Bavarian cheer is coming to Belgian Café at InterContinental Abu Dhabi as the popular Oktoberfest celebrations return from 16 to 25 October. For ten days, the much-loved venue will embrace the festivities with hearty food, flowing beers, and live entertainment, bringing a taste of Munich’s famous celebration to the capital.

A special Oktoberfest menu will feature hearty favourites and generous sharing dishes, best enjoyed alongside Belgian Café’s extensive beer selection. Live entertainment on selected evenings will add to the festive atmosphere, making it a lively spot to gather with friends and raise a glass.

The celebrations run alongside Belgian Café’s popular weekly offers, from All-day Mussels on Tuesdays to Burger & Brew on Thursdays and a traditional Sunday Roast, giving regulars and newcomers plenty of reasons to pull up a chair throughout October.

All-Day Mussels
Date: Every Tuesday, all day.
Price: AED 95 for two pots of mussels.

Burger & Brew
Date: Every Thursday, all day.
Price: AED 95 per person for a burger and a pint of Stella.

Sunday Roast
Date: Every Sunday, 1pm to 5pm.
Price: From AED 95 per person for a traditional Sunday Roast served with Yorkshire pudding, mashed potato, and sautéed vegetables.

Oktoberfest
Date: 16 to 25 October, with live entertainment in the evenings.
Price: À la carte.

Bistro 81 at InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi
A new addition to Abu Dhabi’s dining scene, Bistro 81 at InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi brings the charm of a Mediterranean brasserie to the capital. Relaxed yet refined, the restaurant celebrates seasonal flavours, sharing-style dishes and the pleasure of good food enjoyed in equally good company.

From leisurely breakfasts and morning coffee to Mediterranean-inspired lunches and elegant dinners, Bistro 81 moves naturally through the day. With contemporary interiors, warm hospitality, and an inviting atmosphere, it’s a welcome new address for residents and visitors looking to settle in over a meal, catch up with friends, or enjoy an unhurried evening.

Byblos Sur Mer
Overlooking the private marina at InterContinental Abu Dhabi, the four-time MICHELIN-selected Lebanese restaurant brings together authentic Lebanese cuisine, warm hospitality, and live entertainment in a beautiful waterfront setting.

The weekly line-up offers plenty of reasons to visit, from a three-course Business Lunch and daily Happy Hour with 50% off beverages to Layali Byblos on Friday and Saturday evenings, where live singers, music and belly dancing accompany a four-course menu. Sundays bring Brunch Al Lubnani, a leisurely four-course Lebanese feast with live entertainment.

Adding to the October calendar, celebrated singer Sobih Tawfiq takes to the stage on 31 October for a special performance, promising an evening of Lebanese food, music and marina views.

Business Lunch

Date: Monday to Friday, 12.30pm to 4.30pm.

Happy Hour

Date: Daily, 4pm to 7pm.

Brunch Al Lebnani

Date: Every Sunday from 1pm, with live entertainment from 2pm to 6pm.

Sobhi Tawfiq Live Performance

Date: Saturday, 31 October, 10.30pm to 2.30am.

For reservations or further information, call 050 721 1079.

Chamas
The unmistakable energy of Brazil takes centre stage at Chamas Churrascaria, where flame-grilled meats, handcrafted cocktails, and live entertainment set the tone for lively evenings. At the heart of it all is the traditional churrasco ritual: Passadores carve 12 premium cuts tableside, paired with a generous gourmet salad selection.

The newly introduced Chamas Series gives each evening its own character. Wednesdays bring Churrasco & Caipirinha Night, pairing flame-grilled cuts with refreshing Brazilian cocktails, while Thursdays take a more leisurely turn with Vinho & Churrasco, celebrating the pairing of grilled meats and wine. Fridays turn up the energy with a Carnival-inspired evening of samba dancers, live percussion, and Latin rhythms, bringing the excitement of Brazil’s famous celebrations to the restaurant alongside its signature churras co dining.

The entertainment continues throughout the week, with live singers from Wednesday to Saturday, 7.30pm to 10pm, and Chamas After Dark DJs every Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 1 am.

12-Cut Churrasco Experience
Date: Tuesday to Sunday, from 6pm.
Price: AED 260 per person for 12 premium cuts and a gourmet salad selection.

Evening Bites
Date: Daily, from 5pm.
Price: From AED 65 per dish.

Churrasco & Caipirinha Night
Date: Every Wednesday, 6pm to 11pm, with live entertainment from 7pm to 10pm.
Price: AED 260 per person, including 12 premium cuts, a gourmet salad selection, and one carafe of Caipirinha.

Vinho & Churrasco
Date: Every Thursday, 6pm to 11pm, with live entertainment from 7pm to 10pm.
Price: AED 260 per person for 12 premium cuts and a gourmet salad selection, and 50% off bottled wines.

Friday Samba

Date: Every Friday, 6pm to 11pm, with live entertainment from 7pm to 10pm.
Price: AED 260 per person for 12 premium cuts and a gourmet salad selection.

Chamas After Dark

Date: Every Friday and Saturday, 10pm to 1am, with DJ

Price: À la carte

Fishmarket
An Abu Dhabi institution since 1989, Fishmarket at InterContinental Abu Dhabi has welcomed generations of diners with its distinctive market-to-table approach to seafood. This October, rediscover the charm of this much-loved waterfront restaurant, where there is no set menu, and every meal is a matter of personal taste. Browse the impressive display of fresh fish, seafood and vegetables, choose your favourites and leave Chef Sawai and his team to prepare them just the way you like. A new selection of rice and noodle dishes adds further variety to a dining tradition that has stood the test of time.

Fresh Seafood Selection

Date: Daily, noon to 11pm.

Price: À la carte

Porto Gina
A little slice of Italy returns to the Abu Dhabi waterfront as Porto Gina reopens on 15 October, welcoming guests back with a refreshed menu, familiar Italian hospitality and a relaxed setting overlooking the marina at InterContinental Abu Dhabi.

The new menu brings together Italian favourites, beautifully prepared classics and new dishes worth discovering, setting the scene for leisurely dinners by the water. For those who enjoy the Italian tradition of aperitivo, L’Ora Italiana offers another reason to settle in, pairing an aperitivo board with two glasses of Spritz for a relaxed start to the evening.

L’Ora Italiana
Date: Daily, 5pm to 8pm.

Bayshore Beach Club
With October bringing the return of beautiful weather to Abu Dhabi, Bayshore Beach Club at InterContinental Abu Dhabi is an inviting place to spend a day by the water. Set along a private stretch of beach, the club offers the choice of a refreshing dip in the pool, a leisurely afternoon by the sea, or a long lunch with drinks in the sunshine. The Bayshore Day Pass makes it all the more appealing, with food and beverage credit included to enjoy throughout the day. On Saturdays, DJ Mary adds to the atmosphere with poolside music from 2pm to 5pm.

For those who prefer a little more privacy, the cabanas provide a dedicated space to settle in for the day, while a two-hour spa treatment offers another way to unwind, combining a 90-minute massage with a choice of a 30-minute facial or body scrub.

Day Pass
Date: Daily, from 8am to 8pm

Private Cabana

Date: Daily, from 8am to 8pm

Massage Offer

Date: Daily, 10am to 10pm.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi Staycation Offers
With its private beach, waterfront dining and inviting pools, InterContinental Abu Dhabi offers plenty of reasons to turn a day out into a relaxing staycation this October. Whether planning a family break, a weekend with friends, or a few days enjoying the capital’s beautiful autumn weather, two stay offers make it even more appealing.

The Family Getaway offers 50% off a second room when booking any room category, giving families and friends more space to enjoy their time together, with access to Bayshore Beach Club included. For those who prefer everything taken care of, the All-Inclusive Staycation combines an overnight stay with dining and selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages across participating venues, plus full access to Bayshore. Designed for two adults and two children, the package also includes complimentary accommodation and dining for children under 12.

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Hospitality

Form Room welcomes new JVC residents with a complimentary coffee and exclusive discounts

Published

13 hours ago

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October 23, 2026

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Moving into a new neighbourhood is all about discovering the places that soon become a part of your everyday routine. From finding your go-to coffee order to choosing a favourite spot for a casual catch-up, these little discoveries help a new place feel like home. To welcome new residents to Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Form Room is introducing a special offer designed to make those first neighbourhood moments even better.

The playful pet-friendly Aussie café and neighbourhood eatery is offering eligible new JVC residents a complimentary coffee from its espresso menu on their first visit, followed by 15% off the espresso menu on their second and third visits. Available to residents across JVC, the initiative reflects Form Room’s community-focused approach – encouraging newcomers to stop by, get acquainted with the café and make it part of their local routine.

To redeem the offer, residents must present a valid tenancy contract confirming their JVC address, alongside a valid Emirates ID for verification. Once their complimentary coffee has been redeemed, they will receive a Form Room loyalty card, which can be used to claim 15% off the espresso menu on their next two visits. Both subsequent visits must take place within 15 days of the first visit, and the loyalty card must be presented each time.

Form Room brings Australian café culture to JVC, combining specialty coffee with all-day dining in a welcoming neighbourhood setting. Inspired by the nostalgia of a school lunch table, the café centres its menu around hearty sandwiches, alongside a selection of food and drinks designed for everything from a quick coffee stop to a relaxed meal with friends.

With its pet-friendly indoor and outdoor spaces, Form Room offers a laid-back setting for residents to connect, unwind and enjoy good food and good company. The new resident offer builds on this neighbourhood spirit, giving those who have recently moved to JVC a reason to discover a local favourite while settling into their new surroundings.

Whether stopping in for a morning coffee, a quick break during the day or meeting someone new in the neighbourhood, Form Room invites JVC’s newest residents to pull up a seat and feel at home.

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Hospitality

Cambridge Health Group partners with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches to embed hospitality excellence across its regional healthcare network

Published

13 hours ago

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October 23, 2026

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Cambridge Health Group (CHG), the GCC’s leading post-acute care provider and a subsidiary of Amanat Holdings PJSC (“Amanat”), announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches (“the Academy”) at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026. The collaboration aims to bring hospitality expertise into healthcare delivery through tailored workforce training and service standards designed to improve the experience of patients, families and visitors across CHG’s facilities in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The partnership brings together CHG’s experience in post-acute care, rehabilitation and long-term care with the expertise of Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, which is part of Les Roches Global Hospitality Education – ranked second in the world for Hospitality & Leisure Management in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject. By applying hospitality principles to healthcare environments, the collaboration will explore how to strengthen the skills, processes, and service practices that shape everyday interactions with patients and their families while supporting a consistent, personalised experience of care as CHG expands its regional network.

The collaboration will begin with on-site assessments of hospitality-related service standards and practices across CHG’s hospitals in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This will guide the development of bespoke training streams: a Leadership Development Programme for management and leadership teams; a Frontline Hospitality Excellence Programme for employees in patient experience, customer service, call centres and other relevant functions; and a Train-the-Trainer (TOT) Programme to develop internal champions who can deliver training and reinforce standards across the wider workforce. The Academy will design and deliver the programmes, drawing on its faculty and industry experts.

Through a phased rollout, the initiative aims to extend hospitality training to full-time employees and outsourced staff, while integrating service excellence standards into the onboarding of new team members. The approach is designed to build sustainable internal capabilities and promote consistent, compassionate and responsive experiences for patients and their families across CHG’s facilities.

Wael Abdallah, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge Health Group, said: “At Cambridge Health Group, we have built a regional healthcare network recognised for both the quality of our clinical care and our commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for patients and their families. Maintaining and advancing these standards requires continued investment in our people and a strong culture of service excellence. Our partnership with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches builds on this foundation, bringing hospitality expertise into our healthcare environment to further elevate the standards of care, compassion and service across our expanding network.”

Georgette Davey, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, said: “We are delighted to formalise our partnership with Cambridge Health Group, marking an important step in extending the Academy’s reach beyond traditional hospitality and building closer ties with the healthcare sector. Hospitality and healthcare may serve different purposes, but both place people at the centre of the experience. Through knowledge exchange and practical collaboration, we look forward to applying hospitality expertise in a new context and supporting a more personalised, compassionate patient experience.”

Beyond training and service development, the MoU also establishes a framework for thought leadership, applied industry engagement and knowledge sharing between the two organisations. This includes opportunities for senior leaders and subject-matter experts to participate in guest lectures, joint industry projects, case studies, industry discussions, selected events and forums, encouraging the exchange of expertise and best practices between the healthcare and hospitality sectors. Specific initiatives under the collaboration will be developed and implemented subject to separate written agreements between the two organisations.

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