Best Western Plus Atlantic Hotel is a modern 200-bedroom hotel, located in the prestigious Beach Road area of Takoradi, Ghana. This newly opened property is perfect for business and leisure travellers alike.
Rooms and suites
With a choice of six different room types, there is enough to please everyone. All rooms have a perfect view of the Atlantic Ocean, which is less than one kilometre away. Queen-size beds, iPod docking stations, 39-inch LED TVs with 20 channels, and free high-speed wireless and wired internet are standard in all rooms.
The hotel offers the largest conference facility outside Ghana’s capital
There are eight suites, including two presidential suites, designed for the modern traveller. The large bathrooms come with both a jacuzzi and shower. You can actually see the Atlantic Ocean from your bathroom by activating the window’s smart glass feature while relaxing in your jacuzzi.
Three penthouses located on the rooftop are out-of-this world and accessible via a private glass lift. Once up there, panoramic views of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean mesmerise guests. Each penthouse apartment has its own balcony and a private terrace, where you will have total privacy. Long-stay guests may choose a two-bedroom modern chalet, furnished with a living area and kitchenette.
Lunching and leisure
The Ocean View Restaurant and Bar offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean as you wine and dine in a spacious and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy one of the buffet offerings where over 40 different items are served, or take your pick from a number of menus that offer a choice of salads, sandwiches or main meals to satisfy every palate. Step out to the terrace area, which overlooks three swimming pools, a golf course, and the Atlantic Ocean’s deep blue waters and treat yourself to a coffee and dessert.
The Canoe Restaurant and Bar, located by the pool, offers a choice of local and West African meals and grills. Spend the day swimming in the leisure pool or enjoy active laps of the 25 metre infinity pool. To add to the value of your stay, there is a well-equipped gym and a spa with sauna, massage parlour, beauty salon, and a tennis court to help you wind down. A nightclub, pub and casino will be added for your pleasure, in the very near future.
As a business destination, the hotel offers the largest conference facility outside Ghana’s capital, Accra. There are six conference rooms that seat a combined 1,500 people and a vast pool area that can seat 1,000 people. No matter how grand or small your functions are, the experienced and friendly staff will be delighted to host you.
Located on the Arabian Gulf coast, Ajman is the smallest of the UAE emirates. Three diverse cities dominate Ajman’s cultural and business offerings – the capital, Ajman, and the smaller cities of Masfout and Al Manama. With historic forts, intriguing museums and rich equestrian heritage, Ajman is deservedly Business Destinations’ Best Destination for Cultural Tourism, Middle East, 2014.
Ajman is extremely proud of its equestrian heritage, and visitors are invited to saddle up at the Ajman Equestrian Club
Escape to Masfout
Less than two hours away from the centre of the capital is the tiny Ajman enclave of Masfout. Taking the Dubai-Hatta Road will involve a couple of checkpoints as it passes through an Oman outpost, so take your passport with you – alternatively use the Sharjah-Kalba Road. Both routes pass fantastic rolling dunes before reaching the peaceful foothills of the Hajar Mountains. They are a hiker’s dream and a refreshing escape from the city heat.
Masfout is a summer retreat for residents of Ajman city. Its elevated altitude and distance from the city offer cooler climes and a fresh breeze, making it a welcome escape from the oppressive heat of the warmer months. Human activity in the area has been traced back more than 5,000 years thanks to archaeological finds, including an ancient rock carving – a depiction of which is at Ajman Museum.
The rocky countryside surrounding the town is ideal for walking, mountain biking, picnics and wadi exploration. The landscape hides resilient flora and fauna and was once home to a menagerie that includes leopards, gazelles and foxes. There are plans to attract more visitors to Masfout’s beautiful natural surroundings with the development of hotels and parks.
The stretch of road running past the outskirts of Masfout is lined with roadside pottery vendors, selling traditional pots of all sizes. Arabian Pottery, on the right as you head back towards Ajman on the Dubai-Hatta Road, has a lovely garden displaying its various wares. There are some well-stocked grocery stores in the town for picking up water and snacks before exploring the surrounding mountains, and the Holiday Arabian Resort.
Masfout Castle lies at the top of the mountains on the northern borders of Masfout. Built in the nineteenth century, the castle consists of two rooms and a gate. When late Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi became ruler in 1947, he renovated the building. At that time the castle was used to protect the area from bandits heading to the Sultanate of Oman.
The late Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi built Masfout Gate in 1961. As guests enter the city the gate greets them with a positive message: “Arrivals are welcome”. Meanwhile, those who go out read: “Goodbye”.
Al Manama
The Al Manama museum is housed within a fort, built at the time of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, and features a yard overlooking seven large rooms. The fort is surrounded by palm trees, which are irrigated by the old Al Manama falaj (man-made water channels) that flow down from the mountains.
Based on His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman and Member of the UAE Supreme Council, instructions, Al Maerre fort officially became Al Manama museum on December 2, 2012.
The Hassa Buweid castle represents another legacy in the historical heritage of the Emirate of Ajman. Built by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi in 1976, on top of a gravel and stone hill, it was named Hassa Buweid in reference to its white stones. The castle’s main purpose was to provide protection.
Also in the area is the Red Fort, built during the time of Sheikh Humaid bin Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi, which consists of four rooms and two towers. In 1986, following instructions from HH Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, a complete restoration of the fort was carried out and a third tower joined the two older ones. Gravel and red plaster were used in the construction of the walls of the fort, earning its name. The fort is completely surrounded by trees, while a picturesque well close to the building provides drinking water.
A natural area, currently under development in the Al Manama area, Al Naseem Nature Reserve will showcase the beauty of the region’s natural landscape while protecting its rarest flora and fauna. When completed, the nature reserve will feature a number of natural parks, a nursery for plants, and an education centre for students, biologists and others interested in the Ajman landscape.
Back in the capital
Unsurprisingly, Ajman is extremely proud of its equestrian heritage, and visitors are invited to saddle up at the Ajman Equestrian Club. It houses more than 100 well-trained Arabian horses and offers a range of lessons and riding activities. Expert trainers are on hand to offer instruction in a number of languages, and even total beginners can try their hand at the sport and rent the necessary livery on site.
Both group and private lessons are available, costing between Dhs40 and Dhs100, and for advanced riders there are courses in show jumping and dressage. It is the perfect way to stay active in the sun.
Horse lovers will also appreciate the Ajman Arabian Horse Stud Farm, owned by HH Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, which is home to some of the finest Arabian horses in the world.
The capital also boasts an exciting museum. First established as Ajman Fort, it is one of the main historical attractions in the UAE. Over the years it has shown visitors the reality of UAE life in different eras. This fort was the stronghold of the emirate’s leadership, representing the political authority here, and the first line of its defence. This historical landmark stands tall as a record of the exploits of ancestors, and thanks to a generous gesture from HH Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, this fort has been gifted to the people of the UAE through its conversion into a fully fledged museum. Visitors will find antiquities, traditional industries and artifacts, as well as sections portraying the way of life in the past.
Located on the Ajman Corniche, Al-Murabaa Watchtower is one of the most important tourist attractions in the emirate. It was built in the 1930s on the orders of late Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi (1982-1981), the then ruler of Ajman, to provide security for residents. It was rehabilitated in 2000 upon directives from His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al-Nuaimi.
Much of the activity in Ajman is concentrated along the Corniche and its attractive 16km stretch of beach overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The Corniche boasts a wide variety of shopping options, including souks, markets and malls, both traditional and fast food restaurants, as well as cafes and shops.
Al Zorah Nature Reserve has a seven km waterfront, embracing the changing shades of the Arabian Gulf Sea and a two km silky sand beach. Al Zorah lets guests discover Ajman’s natural wonders: translucent lagoons, creeks and an inviting mangrove forest, swarming with 58 bird species. Highest priority is given to the management and preservation of Ajman’s coastal treasure: the mangrove forest. Extending over two sq km of biologically and ecologically rich wetland, the mangrove area is also the first nursery on the coast. By contemplating the Al Zorah coastline, nature lovers will get to discover many species, including the emblematic pink flamingo. Native and migratory birds inhabit the marine zones, turquoise lagoons, mangrove and dunes areas.
Located at Sheikh Zayed Street in Al Helio district, Helio Park is an outdoor attraction on the outskirts of Ajman. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are family days, when it is open to men as well as women and children. Much of the park is geared towards keeping active, including its basketball courts, football area, and outdoor gym equipment. There are pedal go-karts for hire, as well as a dedicated go-kart track. Food-wise, there are a few stalls to choose from, but a better option is the public barbecue area, where you can create a picnic of your own. Plenty of shaded tables make for comfortable, al fresco dining.
Discover the new airberlin business class: even more exclusive service, even more solitude, even more entertainment, even more relaxation, and even more comfort. Whether you’re travelling on business or taking off on holiday, flying becomes a dream, and with so many extras for business class guests it’s easy to see why airberlin is Business Destinations’ Best Business Class Airline, Europe, 2014.
Priority service
Even before your journey begins, as a guest of airberlin’s business class you’ll enjoy a range of special services. These put you ahead from the moment you arrive at the airport, with dedicated priority check-in counters, fast lanes and priority boarding.
At the airport, airberlin will check in your bags at a desk reserved exclusively for business class customers. You can check in two items of baggage, each weighing up to 32kg, on all routes. Your bags will be given a priority label and will be unloaded first upon arrival. Guests in airberlin business class can also carry a second item of hand baggage, weighing up to 8kg, free of charge.
Spend the time before departure in exclusive lounges, which are available at German and international airports, and include more than 550 oneworld premium lounges around the world. Make the time waiting for departure as pleasant as possible, with services including free wi-fi, refreshing beverages, magazines and newspapers and, in some cases, shower and spa facilities.
Opulent extras
Guests flying with airberlin who are members of the topbonus programme will be credited for double the actual miles flown for each flight in business class. A whole array of attractive rewards are available for just a few miles. The benefits include: free registration with free miles as a welcome gift; collecting miles even on the ground from any of 120 partners; award flights from just 3,000 miles with topbonus Topdeal tickets. And there is even more on offer in 2014, airberlin’s anniversary year.
Airberlin customers who are members of its topbonus programme will credited for double the miles flown for each flight in business class
When you fly you don’t just collect award miles for free flights, but also status miles to cash in on exclusive benefits. The more of these you collect, the higher your topbonus status.
The perfect start or the opulent conclusion to your trip, on flights to, from or via Abu Dhabi, as a guest in airberlin business class you can enjoy a luxurious chaffeur service, free of charge.
Individual service
The staff at airberlin waste no time welcoming you to business class by taking your coat and stowing your hand baggage, before offering you a glass of champagne to enjoy in your multifunctional seat. The seat offers a high level of comfort. Besides the upright position and a semi-reclining pose for relaxing, the seat can be adjusted to a flat position for sleeping – on a long-haul flight it’s important to vary the position you are sitting in frequently. At the touch of a button your seat turns into a fully horizontal bed of a generous length, allowing you to sleep comfortably. In addition, there is an adjustable massage function to help you feel more at ease.
Airberlin guests enjoy total privacy through their entire journey: there are only 19 seats in the business class section, and the seat next to you is kept free, subject to availability, on any feeder or connecting flights you take. In airberlin’s business class you always enjoy attentive and personal service in a private atmosphere. The on-board bar offers a wide selection of soft and alcoholic drinks as well as speciality coffee from Nespresso. Staff are happy to serve snacks and fresh fruit if you feel a little hungry at any point.
The menu, consisting of several courses and inspired by the renowned Sansibar restaurant on the German island of Sylt, offers you a real culinary experience – haute cuisine in the most literal sense. The wine to accompany your meal has been selected by the expert sommeliers from Sansibar, which, incidentally, has one of the best wine cellars in Germany.
Work and unwind
The name ‘business class’ says it all: not only does your seat have plenty of legroom, but there is also a spacious multi-functional table and shelves for your documents. Next to the monitor there is a USB socket to connect any electronic devices, such as smartphones or tablets. You can plug in and charge your laptop using the power socket provided.
Airberlin’s business class seating can be tipped back into a horizontal position, allowing you to sleep comfortably on flights
The 19 seats in airberlin’s exclusive business class are arranged so you either sit alone at a window, or at the aisle. Guests travelling together may sit in one of the two adjoining seats in the centre of the cabin Wherever you sit, your privacy is guaranteed. Every seat has direct access to the aisle and to baggage lockers above. Numerous shelves and storage compartments are provided to stow away your belongings, including the free amenity kit, which are partly bags by Tumi containing high-quality care products from luxury brands such as Rituals and L’Occitane.
With airberlin’s business class you’re in a multimedia entertainment centre. Your seat is equipped with a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system with a 15-inch LED monitor, remote control and noise-cancelling headphones. It offers a diverse programme of entertainment including blockbuster movies, classic films, and a selection of music channels, audiobooks and videogames. Connections for your electronic devices ensure the individual nature of the entertainment. In addition, you have a choice of national and international newspapers and magazines.
Business class guests leave the aircraft before all other passengers and their bags are already waiting – thanks to the priority labels they are the first to be unloaded.
Founded in 1888 by Gardiner Greene Hubbard, the National Geographic Society has now become one of the largest scientific and educational institutions in the world. Its mission, ‘to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge’, has resulted in one of the world’s most successful magazines. The magazine is now circulated worldwide in over 30 languages and had a peak global reach of 8.3 million people in 2011. Known for its glossy composition and high-quality photographs, the magazine is universally acclaimed.
Now, a new release by Taschen in partnership with National Geographic celebrates an enormous collection of photographs – 1,404 pages of them to be precise – in three volumes. The collection was produced to commemorate the society and magazine’s 125th anniversary – a huge milestone for such a prestigious publication.
Entitled National Geographic – Around the World in 125 Years, Taschen gained unprecedented access to the magazine’s archives to complete the collection. Only a limited 125,000 copies have been made, creating an exclusive collector’s item and giving a unique insight into the magazine’s history. Carefully edited by Reuel Golden, former editor of the British Journal of Photography, who also worked on Taschen’s famous Portrait of a City collections of London and New York, the compilation is certainly comprehensive.
California, 1965 by B. Anthony Stewart. Tourists stretch their legs and take in the wonders of the Yosemite Valley
Global picture The three volumes are separated by location – volume one covers the Americas and Antarctica, while the second reveals historical photographs from Europe and Africa. Finally, volume three addresses Asia and Oceania. All three volumes include some pictures that have never been published before, and explore how National Geographic came to define the idea of a photo essay. The pictures are not purely contemporary – some date back a hundred years or more, giving a unique historical and cultural insight into these moments.
Originally a text-based publication akin to a scientific journal, things changed in 1905 when pictures from Tibet were included in an issue and the distinctive yellow border design was introduced. Today, gracing the cover of National Geographic has become a prestigious achievement for any photojournalist. Many of the world’s most iconic images first found their home on the cover of the magazine.
Perhaps the most famous photograph of all is the picture of 13-year-old Sharbat Gula. A refugee of the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, this picture graced the cover of the magazine in June 1985. Her haunting eyes have now been reprinted the whole world over. Taken by Steve McCurry, it’s been named the magazine’s most recognised photograph. McCurry, speaking about the new publication, called it “the best book that has ever been published on the National Geographic archives”.
A cultural investment Some of the photographs in National Geographic’s archives are the earliest colour photographs ever taken, and certainly the earliest ever published. Reproduced for the first time in a century, we can see the historical importance of the publication. The price point and prestige of the collection, coupled with its sheer scope, create what the company call a “cultural investment to be cherished, shared, and passed down to future generations”.
Arizona, 2005 by John Burcham. Photographer Michael Nichols sets up his tripod on a precarious ledge overlooking the Grand Canyon
The position of editor is a highly coveted role, especially for a photojournalist. Chris Johns, who has held the position since 2005, is one of the world’s leading photographers. He had the rare honour of shooting two cover articles for the magazine during his time as a reporter. Speaking on this new collection, Johns called it a “dream come true”. He said it is a “perfect marriage for Taschen and National Geographic to be working together. Taschen’s attention to detail and level of perfection pay homage to each photographer’s vision, unlike any other book we have ever done”.
The history of National Geographic is a tale of evolution. Originally a magazine that conjured up ideas of romantic exploration and far-off locales, it slowly transformed as the world changed. The outbreak of two world wars and then the Cold War prompted the magazine to rethink. Perhaps the defining moment for National Geographic was its coverage of the Cold War – the magazine provided a balanced view of nations beyond the Iron Curtain and showed the struggle, beauty and landscapes of the USSR and its satellite states.
It was dedication to impartiality that earned the magazine praise during this difficult period. In particular, its coverage of the Space Race focused on the scientific advancements while mostly ignoring the backdrop of nuclear proliferation, and therefore managed to educate people without instilling the fear of nuclear war.
Humanity’s story National Geographic soon began to incorporate world-class nature and underwater photography. Taschen’s collection includes several sections of nature photography. The inclusion of nature images was an important moment for the magazine, as it started to become outspoken about the world’s problems, trying to raise awareness of key issues facing the planet. These included environmental issues, pollution, global warming, and endangered species, and the magazine began experiment with different formats.
Perhaps the most famous of these are the occasional issues produced about a specific country. Often giving a comprehensive profile of a country, these special features form some of the most enduring and memorable editions of the magazine. Coupled with a map of the area, these issues are now collector’s items in their own right. Early in its history they provided an exclusive photographic insight into a country. Perhaps most surprising is the magazine’s survival in the digital age, where photographs are no longer the sole domain of photojournalists.
Iraq, 1984 by Steve McCurry. An Iraqi family are framed against the split dome of Baghdad’s al-Shaheed Monument
Douglas Brinkley, American author and history commentator for CBS news, said the collection was “an epic book, a true testament to the size and complexity of our world. For the first time, these photographs are being produced large, at a scale never seen before in book form… to tell a vivid and transformative story about what the planet looked like and what it has become”.
Taschen’s new collection proves how revered National Geographic is as an informative institution – with a long history and immense tradition. It has told the story of humanity – how we’ve changed and evolved – over 125 years. Doubtless, there will be many more to come.
Welcome to Hotel Havnekontoret, an oasis of calm in the heart of historic Bergen. The hotel is centrally located at the city’s wharf. Here you can stay in one of the Bergen’s beautiful historic buildings, characterised by their long history and neo-baroque architecture.
The hotel is situated on Bryggen, also known as the German Wharf, which dates back to the fourteenth century and has been an UNESCO heritage site since 1979. This means the Hotel Havnekontoret guarantees lovely harbour views. You’ll be close to an array of shops and restaurants, as well as the famous fish market, the Fløibanan funicular, and the city’s stunning aquarium.
You’ll be close to an array of shops and restaurants, as well as the famous fish market
Included in the room rate is a breakfast buffet and the hotel offers complimentary coffee and tea, pancakes in the afternoon, fruit, and a light evening meal – buffet style. Guests can also use the compact gym, sauna and steam bath, free of charge. The Hotel Havnekontoret recommends guests take a trip from its historic hall to the tower, with a 360-degree view of Bergen and the mountains surrounding the city. For added convenience, the bus from the airport stops right outside the hotel.
Hotel Havnekontoret offers fashionable elegance in an informal setting, with the best location in town. In one of the city’s most imposing buildings, the hotel is Bergen’s newest and most fashionable place to stay. Inside Slottsgaten 1 you will be greeted by a friendly atmosphere, stylish surroundings, and staff who do their utmost to make you feel at home. Hotel Havnekontoret may have the finest surroundings Bergen has to offer, but it is the attentive, highly skilled employees who will make your stay a truly memorable experience.
Room to relax
Hotel Havnekontoret has 116 large, well-appointed rooms, each with its own distinctive character. You can choose between standard rooms, superior rooms, deluxe rooms or mini suites. All rooms have a flatscreen TV, DVD player, minibar, iron and ironing board. Each room also has a selection of books, which you are welcome to borrow during your stay. It goes without saying that if you have any specific needs or special requests, the hotel’s staff will do all they can to meet them.
Hotel Havnekontoret is the perfect choice if you are a frequent traveller. Each morning, the hotel serves a breakfast buffet, and coffee and tea are always available in the dining room. In the afternoons, you can help yourself to freshly made waffles or a selection of cakes and biscuits, and in the evening you can order a light supper if you wish. If you need to check your email, the hotel has both PCs and internet access. And, of course, it is all included in the price. Lean back and enjoy a good book in front of the fire, or in the library. Have a drink in the lounge. Loosen up with a workout on the fitness machines, or unwind with a sauna or steam bath. Here at Hotel Havnekontoret, you are invited to relax and enjoy life.
Discover royal lifestyle this summer with Royal Rose Abu Dhabi, perched majestically in Abu Dhabi’s Al Markaziyah business district, and built for people who enjoy the finer things in life. The five-star property is the epitome of class, featuring a luxurious exterior and an opulent interior designed by James Cubitt & Partners, known for their experience in the design and supervision of impressive building projects. Inspired by seventeenth-century French palaces, the exterior of the hotel is rich and visually stunning. Adorned with gold overlay and illuminated with over 2,000 LED lights, its splendour is even greater in the evening.
Extravagant detail
Expect to be overwhelmed when you walk into Royal Rose, with its grandiose lobby highlighted by a huge chandelier of Swarovski crystals. Guests are greeted by lavish interiors with hand-painted gold-leaf pillars, intricate wall detailing, and art pieces from France. A special kind of clear marble was carved with flowers, leaves and a tree to decorate the lift journey to the rooms.
The five-star property is the epitome of class, featuring a luxurious exterior and an opulent interior
The 355 well-appointed rooms are adorned with colours that invoke royalty – red, gold and emerald green. Each room has upscale furniture, plush custom-made linens, high-quality beds and a selection of pillows to ensure a comfortable sleep. French tapestries hang on the wall, depicting gardens, blooms and landscapes. For utmost luxury, the rose suite and royal suite, located on the sixteenth and seventeenth floors, are the perfect choice.
Guests travelling to Abu Dhabi on business will find the meeting and conference rooms elegant and stylish. The Al Ain and Yas ballrooms can accommodate up to 150 guests, and each boasts a rich baroque interior complete with state-of-the-art technology for successful events, such as product launches, exhibitions, seminars and training, and intimate celebrations like weddings, anniversaries and parties.
Hotel experts
Gianni Malerba, General Manager of Royal Rose, said: “Abu Dhabi spoils for choice in terms of luxury accommodation and we are proud to invite guests to stay at Royal Rose Abu Dhabi to experience the absolute best. The hotel took over four years to build because we want to make sure that when we open our doors to our guests, they will experience exceptional hospitality. We share the passion and knowledge of our owners and operators who have a deep love and knowledge of the travel industry – this mark of distinction is evident in our luxurious property.”
Be amazed by the hotel’s dining selection. The Printania is an all-day restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet, while restaurant Barocco, with an elegant French baroque ambience, serves Mediterranean cuisine. For informal meetings, Brasserie Café is the place to be.
Health-conscious guests don’t have to miss their daily exercise regime because Royal Rose has a fully equipped health club and gym where they can work out or stretch after a busy day. For complete relaxation and rejuvenation, the spa has separate female and male rooms with treatment rooms, jacuzzi, both steam and dry saunas, lockers and changing rooms. Royal Rose Abu Dhabi is your perfectly regal holiday experience.
Elite Hotel Marina Tower is a part of Elite Hotels of Sweden, a hotel group that is privately owned by business mogul Bicky Chakraborty and today consists of 27 quality four- and five-star hotels in Sweden. Each hotel has its unique history and many are located in carefully restored buildings where the ambition has been to unite classical style with modern trends. Elite Hotels offers an experience beyond the ordinary, with superb service.
Swedish sea tower
Elite Hotel Marina Tower is located in a historical building dating back to 1890. Originally it was the largest steam-driven mill in Scandinavia. In 2007 the careful restoration of the building commenced. The original exterior was kept, while the old mill’s interior was given a brand new look.
[Y]ou will always feel like a guest of honour at Elite Hotel Marina Tower
The hotel was inaugurated in 2010 and became the flagship of the Elite Hotels of Sweden group. The property offers 186 tastefully decorated rooms and suites, many of them with sea views. The rooms are spacious, charming and warmly decorated with carefully selected materials and colours, offering a perfect harmony for work and rest.
The possibilities for meetings and events are immense at Elite Hotel Marina Tower. It has 13 meeting rooms, the largest one accommodating up to 400 guests. You can arrange anything from a board meeting, to a grand gala dinner for up to 380 people. At the top of the tower building is the exclusive tower suite, a perfect place for smaller events and special occasions. From the suite’s private roof terrace you can enjoy a spectacular view of the stunning city and the boats passing by. For smaller groups the hotel’s private boat, Marina Tower II, is available for charter.
Just a few minutes from the hotel is the archipelago – a landscape of more than 30,000 islands. Adrenaline-pumping teambuilding activities such as speed boating, regattas and seal safari are all easily accessible. If there is no time for teambuilding activities, you could indulge in a pre-dinner drink at the ABBA Museum, or dinner next to a seventeenth-century warship in the Vasa Museum.
Marina luxury
The hotel’s restaurant Marina Tower offers a gastronomic experience with influences from France and Italy. People gather on the weekends to enjoy the fantastic brunch, and at Christmas time to experience the traditional Swedish Christmas buffet. Every morning a generous complimentary breakfast buffet is served here. In summer, the restaurant opens its popular outdoor terrace, offering a relaxing and sunny spot.
As if this were not enough, inside you’ll find Sturebadet – the most exclusive and renowned spa and health club in Sweden. Its philosophy is to bring every guest renewed vitality through a combination of exercise, relaxation, spa treatments and nutritional counselling. Sturebadet offers a relaxing atmosphere with gym, pool, jacuzzi, sauna and a Turkish hamam.
Whether your goal is a relaxing weekend, an important business meeting or a memorable family vacation, you will always feel like a guest of honour at Elite Hotel Marina Tower. The staff strives to offer you a warm and comfortable environment where you always feel at home.
EIBTM is a global hub for business with some 15,000 travel industry professionals attending every year, over three days. It is a business imperative if your company is a hotel, a destination, a convention bureau, venue, an event management company, or a business travel, technology or event services provider.
Attending EIBTM is also proven to be a financially rewarding experience, with a real return on investment. You’ll be in good company – last year 3,000 organisations from over 150 countries showcased their products and services. They were there as exhibitors to meet with over 9,000 visitors and buyers from more than 90 countries, many of whom participate in the top level Hosted Buyer Programme or choose to attend independently, planning their own business agenda.
EIBTM provides the best platform to grow your business, be inspired and build powerful relationships
As an exhibitor you will be face-to-face with over 4,000 international decision-makers, corporate travel managers, event and meeting planners, and others involved in the planning or management of meetings, events and business travel. All will have proven budgets to spend internationally, because they are pre-qualified by EIBTM’s Hosted Buyer teams worldwide.
Pass to success
At EIBTM 2013 over 95 percent of exhibitors said they maintained their status as a key industry player as a result of their attendance. Maxim Arganatov, Business Developer of Wine Passport summed up his experience: “EIBTM is the place where the most important deals in the MICE business are signed. It is a key event in our strategy.”
Last year, Hosted Buyers came from 68 different countries and represented corporates, incentive houses, professional conference organisers, travel agencies, event and travel management companies, venue-finding services, associations and destination management companies. The programme offers the Hosted Buyers a powerful, cost-effective and dynamic environment to research and source suppliers who they want to place business with in the immediate, mid and long-term. They will also discover new destinations, literally meet the world, be inspired, network, and build relationships. As VIPs at the event they receive complimentary flights, transfers and four or five-star accommodation.
Exhibitors and Hosted Buyers are put together for pre-scheduled meetings, confirmed in advance of the event, giving a personalised diary of one-to-one appointments that can be planned for and researched to maximise the value of a face-to-face meeting.
Based in Barcelona
But it’s not only about the art of business, it’s also about enjoying the city of Barcelona with great social events to connect with colleagues and make new friends. Famous for avant-garde architecture, history, culture and of course its football team, Barcelona is the perfect place to meet.
If you’re in the meetings, events and business travel industry, as a buyer or supplier, EIBTM provides the best platform to grow your business, be inspired and build powerful relationships. EIBTM 2014 will take place from November 18-20 in Barcelona.
The halo of smoke that settled over Dubai on January 1 2014 – after a world-record breaking fireworks display of over 450,000 pyrotechnics – marked the end of a remarkable 2013 for the emirate. The growth-filled year most notably saw the adoption of the Tourism Vision 2020 strategy, a bold and ambitious plan to increase visitor numbers and double tourism revenue in seven short years, as well as Dubai’s victorious bid to host World Expo in 2020 – the world’s largest and most prestigious exhibition.
Long known internationally for its compelling lifestyle offer, iconic landmarks, and penchant for record-breaking initiatives, Dubai is often seen as an exciting, if not pricey, holiday destination. The city’s pristine beaches, skyscraper-lined streets and glitzy social scene are known to people the world over. As a destination, headline attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building; the Burj Al Arab, the world’s only seven-star hotel; and Ski Dubai, the world’s largest indoor snow park, characterise the emirate in the world’s collective consciousness.
Dubai is an increasingly accessible tourism destination, offering visitors both luxury
and value
The city, however, is ever evolving, and moving beyond the superlatives to establish itself as a vibrant destination with a quality and diverse tourism offer and a range of attractions to suit every type of traveller. By doing so, Dubai is maturing into its role as a global city that is as welcoming as it is accessible, for both leisure and business tourists.
From hotels to meetings venues and transport options, the emirate is keen to show it maintains world-class standards in every category it caters to, from seven-star luxury to affordable three-star value. Dubai aims to become a truly international city by attracting more and more visitors of all budgets.
Tourism Vision 2020
As part of the Tourism Vision 2020, Dubai aims to double its visitor numbers and tourism revenue from 10 million people and almost £12bn in 2012, to 20 million people and almost £36bn in 2020. This ambitious plan focuses on maintaining market share, tapping high-potential markets, and increasing repeat visitors to Dubai through the leisure and business events sectors.
Dubai’s year-on-year visitor growth rate in 2012 was 9.3 percent and averaged eight percent over the previous five years. In 2013, the growth rate hit 11 percent and to reach 20 million tourists by 2020, a nine percent annual growth rate is required.
The emirate is working hard to promote its year-round calendar of leisure events and grow its business and incentive tourism offer by capitalising on its location and infrastructure.
Conveniently connected
One look at a world map and it becomes apparent why Dubai is the ideal place for a meeting of global delegates. Its location between east and west makes it the perfect gateway to emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. As it stands, one third of the world’s population is within a four-hour flight and two thirds are within an eight-hour flight.
Dubai has many splendid hotels with stunning rooms and conference facilities
For business travellers, this strategic location is backed up with first-class accessibility thanks to state-of-the-art Dubai International Airport (DXB). Served by more than 145 airlines flying to more than 260 destinations across six continents, DXB is ranked the second-busiest airport in the world in terms of international passengers, according to Airports Council International’s latest figures.
Annual passenger traffic in 2013 reached 66,431,533, up 15.2 percent compared to the 57,684,550 passengers recorded during 2012. It is projected that passenger numbers will keep climbing, reaching 78 million in 2015 and 98 million by 2020.
The October 2013 opening of Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central (DWC) supports this growth. Currently, Dubai’s second airport, Al Maktoum International will eventually become the world’s largest airport with a capacity of 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo per year.
Business events
Dubai won the right to host World Expo 2020, the world’s largest and most prestigious exhibition, in a landslide victory in November 2013 under the theme ‘connecting minds, creating the future’. Dubai expects around 25 million visitors over the Expo’s six-month period and that development in the run-up to the event will also play a decisive role in helping achieve Tourism Vision 2020.
The Dubai World Central (DWC) area near Jebel Ali will be central to Dubai’s hosting of World Expo 2020, and is currently the focal point of development plans in the emirate.
At present Dubai’s infrastructure means doing business in and from the city is easy. There are more than 600 hotels in the emirate, constituting over 84,000 hotel rooms.
By 2016, according to current plans, over 100 new hotels will provide an additional 29,000 rooms. While more five-star properties are in the pipeline, Dubai will also see an increase in the number of four and three-star properties as the city looks to enhance its mid-market appeal.
With breathtaking views and activities galore, the city is a modern haven for business delegates
For business travellers, Dubai’s hotels offer a plethora of flexible business facilities – whether you need a meeting room for 10 people or a convention for tens of thousands. And this is all supported by the expansive facilities offered at the impressive Dubai World Trade Centre – the host for over 50 percent of all exhibitions in the Middle East region. Understandably then, the city has been named Best Destination for MICE, Middle East, 2014 in the Business Destinations Travel Awards.
Backed up by professional service and a ‘can do’ attitude, corporate travellers appreciate the business opportunities on offer in this city, which is why Dubai has been named among the top three most vibrant cities in the world in the latest City Momentum Index released by the realtor Jones Lang LaSalle in January 2014.
Describing the yardsticks for the index, LaSalle reported that highly dynamic cities are characterised by their speed of innovation and creation of cutting-edge businesses. The index clubs Dubai, and its hosting of Expo 2020, with Tokyo, which will stage the Olympics in the same year, calling them resurgent cities gearing up for their respective events with vigour.
Leisure events
But of course, Dubai is more than just business. It’s one of the world’s safest, fastest-growing tourist destinations. For incentive delegates it offers an array of truly memorable experiences, with itineraries that capture the essence of Arabia with desert safaris, dune bashing, falconry and camel riding, while adrenaline junkies can go sky-diving over Palm Jumeirah or dive with sharks at the Dubai Aquarium. VIP groups can take a seaplane or helicopter ride over the city and indulge in afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab.
Dubai is an increasingly accessible tourism destination, offering visitors both luxury and value. Whether witnessing The Dubai Fountain in full force, looking down on the city from the observation floor of the Burj Khalifa, visiting the amazing aquariums, the swathes of golden beaches, world-class shops, restaurants and nightlife are all on par with comparable top-flight global cities. What’s more, thanks to perpetual sunshine, it’s available all year round.
The possibilities in Dubai are endless – where else can a visitor spend the morning on the beach, the afternoon skiing and the evening riding a camel in the desert?
A strong pound, escalating UK house prices, steep taxes and flexible pension rules – for Brits approaching retirement age, the case for a move abroad would appear to be getting stronger.
Conditions in 2014 mean, when downsizing, your money goes a lot further in Europe, thanks largely to house prices in the UK rising while foreign property markets remain depressed, with the added benefit of the exchange rate continuing to favour British buyers.
Conditions in 2014 mean, when downsizing, your money goes a lot further in Europe
The Overseas Guides Company recently encountered a British owner of a property in Portugal’s eastern Algarve who would need to sell up in order to buy a house back in the UK with his wife.
The couple currently rent their home in the UK – having moved back from Portugal some years ago – but the combination of Portugal’s flat market and the UK’s booming prices means they’d struggle to afford what they wanted in the UK.
For them, a luxury, four-bedroom villa in Portugal with pool, gym and garden would equate to a semi-detached house or flat in their preferred town on the Hampshire coast.
Meanwhile, the couple’s mounting reservations about selling their home in Portugal will be intensified by the OECD’s recent report that said UK houses were 30 percent overvalued but Portugal’s were undervalued.
Elsewhere, for anyone looking for a way to subsidise an overseas retirement and at the same time keep hold of a sterling asset, investing in a buy-to-let property before leaving the UK could make perfect sense.
Reassuringly, a hike in rental demand in the UK is expected now that new regulations governing the granting of mortgages have been introduced.
The Mortgage Market Review, which came into effect on April 26, made the conditions for securing a mortgage tougher, meaning more people could be forced to rent their home in the UK, until they are able to satisfy the new conditions for a mortgage.
Then there are changes to the pension rules that will come into play in April 2015, giving retirees the freedom to spend their pension pots, albeit with tax levied, on whatever they wish, including a home abroad or buy-to-let.
And it’s not just the sunshine that makes living abroad an attractive proposition to British retirees. Considering that council tax and taxes on life’s little luxuries are considerably less in typical European expat hot spots, such as Spain, France and Portugal, than in the UK, relocating could have financial benefits for many retiring Brits.
Careful pension planning, including making use of off-shore pension vehicles, could bring down an expat’s income tax too, putting more money in their pockets to enjoy their life in the sun.
And what of the exchange rate? After steadily climbing since the start of 2014, the value of the pound against the euro is back to levels not seen for around 18 months. This is great news for anyone on the verge of buying a property in the Eurozone who has their funds in pounds still.
To put that in real terms, rewind a year, and a €200,000 property in Spain or France would have cost approximately £7,000 more to a UK buyer than it would today. Why? Back in mid-May 2013, the interbank exchange rate was around £1/€1.18, while this week the rate is hovering around £1/€1.23.
For companies conducting business around the world, always staying connected is a big priority. Being able to keep in contact with fellow employees through email or video-conference calling, with easy access to files or databases, is an important aspect of any business trip. Yet staying connected can be a struggle.
Relying on a secure wi-fi connection when travelling around a foreign city is impossible, and the exorbitant cost of mobile data roaming, especially outside of the EU, is a major reason why businesses avoid using the mobile internet for connectivity.
At Uros we have heard of businesses instructing travelling employees to turn off data roaming altogether to avoid the high charges. In this age of mobile technology this seems like a ludicrous scenario, but with some networks in the UK, for example, charging between £3 and £8 per MB of data outside of the EU, you can see their concern. But being disconnected means impaired productivity and lost business opportunities; staying connected is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
No nasty surprises
Another big issue for businesses is the confusion surrounding data roaming charges and the lack of transparency. People accessing the mobile internet abroad live in fear of receiving a large bill at the end of their visit. Most people don’t know how much data they are consuming in each session and why should they? Constantly ‘data watching’ isn’t conducive to good business or an effective working environment.
Staying connected is not a luxury, it’s a necessity
At Uros, we strive to deliver truly global mobile internet access for busy travellers. At the centre of this service is Goodspeed, a mobile wi-fi hotspot device that delivers low-cost, secure wireless internet connection. But what is special about Goodspeed is that it can accommodate up to nine SIM cards. This unique design means frequent business travellers don’t have to keep swapping SIM cards each time they visit a new country.
To address the issue of expensive data roaming charges and offer reassurance to businesses monitoring budgets, we charge a transparent daily flat rate of €5.90 for between 500MB and 1GB of data. The average internet user consumes 250MB of data per day so you can see we offer generous amounts of data, allowing users to carry out a day’s work without the worry of going over a daily quota. But what do these amounts equate to? 500MB of data is the equivalent of 100 emails, two hours of web browsing, 20 minutes of video streaming and 30 minutes of Skype calls.
Always secure
There is an argument that public or hotel wi-fi is a more cost-effective
way of staying connected outside of the office environment. While wi-fi connectivity is often free in coffee shops and hotels, in some cases, especially in countries such as the US, it can cost upwards of £8.50 per hour or £20 per day.
There is also security to consider. Recent research by Europol suggests people need to be more wary of using free wi-fi hotspots, especially when sending sensitive data. These networks are open to cybercrime and data theft – a major issue for businesses. Our network is highly secure so organisations don’t have the extra worry of having information intercepted.
For businesses dealing in international trade, mobile data roaming is an issue that needs to be addressed, but the confusion surrounding prices and services means it remains a problem. At Uros we believe we have solved this issue and made connectivity abroad transparent, low-cost and manageable.
Producing every perfect drop of mezcal takes many a hot desert day – close to 2,600 of them in fact – until the agave plants are ready for harvesting. When you consider that six million litres of the Mexican spirit is produced every year, that’s a lot of potential siesta time.
Mezcal is a move away from the tequila-slammer culture to hit UK bars in recent years: this fiery drink is one to be sipped and savoured. This is a beverage that manages to offer something new to the most adventurous drinkers, and at 44-54 percent ABV, it’s not for the feint of heart.
Eduardo Gomez Resendiz is head of international spirit importation company Amathus Drinks, and a self-proclaimed mezcal connoisseur. “It is a very delicate process,” he says. “The way in which every farmer crafts his mezcal is unique – and he will never tell you the secrets behind his personal recipe.”
“It is only recently that agave farmers have realised the potential for trading. While most will remain true to their traditions, some larger companies have experimented with ageing and flavouring the spirits. Because people are used to their aged tequila or aged rums, they expect a variety of aged mezcal. That’s fine, it adds to the trade possibilities. But you will never see a local drink anything but the traditional blend. No way!”
Careful cultivation
Mezcal is made from the agave plant, which lives for around 30 years and looks similar to a cactus. The mystical blue agave was considered sacred in pre-hispanic Mexico and its cultivation is thought to date back to the Spanish Conquest, when conquistadors experimentally distilled the fruit.
The agave used to make the spirit is harvested when it is seven or eight years old. The heart of the fruit, known as the piña, is roasted for four days and then crushed – traditionally by a donkey-powered grinding mill. It is placed in wooden barrels with water and left to ferment for several days. The mash is the distilled for the first time, yielding a low-grade alcohol, before the fibres are removed and the alcohol is distilled again. After the second distillation, the mezcal is blended, creating a consistent grade of alcohol, before being bottled or left to age in oak barrels.
Mezcal is sold in various formats. Mezcal blanco, the traditional form of the spirit, is aged for no more than two months. Mezcal reposado is left in barrels for between six months and one years, whereas mezcal añejo is aged for at least a year and is mostly exported. True Mezcal is made from 100 percent agave and therefore supposedly never results in a hangover. Mezcales mixtas are a more recent creation, which only require 51 percent agave and are often used in cocktails, mixed with tequila and lime juice.
While there are more than 170 varieties of mezcal made in Mexico, not all are recognised by traditional distillers. States that have certified agave-growing areas and production facilities include Durango, Guanajuato and Oaxaca, where the highest volume of the spirit is produced. Mezcal produced anywhere else is not considered authentic, especially as many mezcalerias sell their poorer-quality alcohol under the mezcal name, latching on to its growing status.
Mezcal distilleries are still fiercely traditional and small, unlike the tequila industry, which now produces great volumes of drink in large factories. It is difficult to trade with small village farms, who often can’t afford the trademark and branding required for exportation. According to Gomez Resendiz, it is often because the farmers just don’t care: “They are from small communities with fiercely guarded traditions – it takes someone with a business knowledge, from outside the community to say, ‘Hey, you could make money from this!’”
Travelling spirit
Made across 300,000 hectares of land owned by 9,000 producers, under more than 150 different brand names, mezcal has been increasing in popularity in its home country, and over the past five years has gradually moved from its traditional countryside roots to the hip, cosmopolitan bars of Mexico City. But due to complicated and expensive trading laws, mezcal, unlike its cousin tequila, has only recently begun to penetrate the European market.
Now, however, international traders are picking up on the opportunities available. In 2011, Mexico exported more than 163 million litres of the spirit, mostly to the US. This figure is more than three times that exported in 1995, indicating a huge growth in popularity. Interest is growing in Spain, France and the UK especially.
London is embacing the trend, with an increasing number of bars in central areas beginning to stock the spirit. Kane Brooks is the Beverage Operations manager for ETM Group, which runs a series of popular bars and pubs across London. According to Brooks, mezcal is most frequently requested at Canary Wharf, Covent Garden and Chiswell Street Dining Rooms, where it is often used in cocktails.
“A couple of years ago you would never have heard the question: ‘Do you have any mezcal?’, but now it is becoming more and more common,” says Brooks. “We stock a brand called Quiquiriqui for their role in the revival of mezcals – their success has definitely put the mezcal category on trend.”
“Mezcals were traditionally the domain of fellow industry professionals. Now we have seen a huge spike in requests and consumer knowledge of the drink.”
The concept of mezcal as a staple house spirit is infiltrating London and settling in as the city’s cocktail base del dia. So much so, Mexico’s tourist board is picking up on the potential.
Anna Bruce is a freelance photographer from Oxford. Last summer, she was commissioned by the Mexican embassy in London to produce a body of work illustrating newly exportable mezcal. “I spent a month in Oaxaca and ultimately came back with a photographic study on the artisanal identity of Mezcal to promote in the UK,” she says.
Bruce became interested in the mezcal trade after working with alcohol distributors in the UK. “There’s a growing trend here towards drinks like ale and organic cider, and similarly I think people are becoming more interested in specialised spirits with more flavour – as a change from vodka-based drinks in city bars.”
She adds: “The fact that the Mexican embassy are so keen to fund projects like mine shows that the business opportunities are there.”
There is a growing bias towards organic produce among young professionals in London, reaching them by way of microbreweries and farmers’markets. Consumers want to enjoy natural drinks that are either locally or responsibly sourced and have an interesting background.
“Mezcal fits into that idea,” says Bruce, “and because it has only just become feasibly importable, it has also carried that mystery factor. I think it will go far.”
QuiQuiriQui owner Melanie Symonds shares three of her favourite recipes
Mezcal Old Fashioned
35ml QQRQ Matatlan
15ml Ocho resposado tequila
Dash of Angostura bitters
Three dashes chocolate mole bitters
15ml agave nectar
Stir and strain on ice. Garnish with an orange twist
Mezcal Negroni
25ml QQRQ Matatlan
25ml Campari
25ml Punt e Mes
Dash of orange bitters
Stir with ice until well chilled. Serve over ice garnished with an orange twist
QuiQui Margarita
35ml QQRQ San Juan del Rio
10ml triple sec
10ml Kamm and Sons ginseng liqueur
10ml agave syrup
20ml fresh lime juice
A pinch of worm salt or sea salt
Shake and pour over ice or blend until smooth, garnish with a salt rim and lime slice
Symonds recommends that unlike tequila, mezcal should served with ice and chilled orange slices.
Around the world in six million litres
Oaxaca
Birthplace of the drink, the Mexican state of Oaxaca produces 80 percent of mezcal spirits. The land is mountainous and lies 5-8,000 feet above sea level, the perfect climate for natural airborne yeasts to ferment the agave fruits. Mezcal is distilled in small quantities across several villages – each with slightly different methods and traditions, so no two blends are the same. Locals drink mezcal long and straight. Farmers often distill unique batches in preparation for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries and religious festivals.
Mexico City
Over the past five years, mezcal has penetrated the capital’s bars and club; any good bar now has a blend to offer. More recently, mezcalerias are opening in fashionable areas of the city such as the artisanal Zona Rosa neighbourhood. These venues offer taste menus for a range of bottles and flavours.
United States
The taste for mezcal crossed the US-Mexico border and set up shop in Los Angeles. The city has several fine mezcal bars including La Descarga on North Western Avenue and Las Perlas on East Sixth Street. Since 2008, mezcalerias have opened in other, primarily Hispanic, areas, but more recently have become a part of the New York City nightlife.
Europe
The Mezcal trade in Europe is very new and has grown quickly, especially in the UK. Gomez Resendiz said: “The consumption in the UK is close to double that of the rest of Europe now.” Paris is home to popular bars such as La Mexcaleria on Rue des Tournelles, and the more recently opened Little Red Door, which offers 10 mezcals and two cocktails. The first mezcaleria in London, QuiQuiriQui, opened as a pop-up shop in Hackney, east London, a year ago and offering 30 varieties. Now a mobile store, the company operate a ‘mescal ambulance’, available for hire, and plan to open a new premises later this year. Popular Mexican food chain Wahaca have followed the trend and now offer a menu of 27 pure agave mezcals at their restaurant on London’s Charlotte Street.
