Latest news with #Sofitel
Hospitality Net
3 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Sasindu Don has been promoted Director of Finance at Sofitel Dubai Downtown
In the ever-evolving symphony of Sofitel Dubai Downtown, a new crescendo has been reached. With quiet determination and a mind sharpened by precision, Sasindu Don has journeyed from Financial Controller to Director of Finance, orchestrating success with the kind of clarity and calm that defines true leadership. Since joining the luxury property in the heart of Downtown Dubai 7 years past, Sasindu has been the silent force behind its financial finesse. Under his stewardship, the hotel has seen record-breaking gross operating profit, a streamlined procurement process that trimmed costs without compromising luxury, and the implementation of a real-time forecasting model that transformed the decision-making landscape across departments. But numbers alone don't capture Sasindu's legacy. A respected collaborator and mentor, he introduced dynamic reporting tools that empowered department heads with greater financial autonomy, building bridges between finance and operations in a way that felt both modern and human. His ability to balance bottom-line focus with top-tier guest experience made him not just a financial steward, but a true custodian of the brand's soul. In his new role, Sasindu will continue to chart the financial future of Sofitel Dubai Downtown, aligning commercial strategy with the hotel's audacious spirit and refined elegance. He will oversee forecasting, budgeting, compliance, and investment strategy, with an eye on long-term growth and resilience. With this new chapter, Sofitel Dubai Downtown reaffirms its belief in cultivating talent from within, honouring those who don't just manage luxury, but who live it.
What's On
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Here's what went down at the What's On Dubai Lock-In, Sofitel Al Hamra Ras Al Khaimah
The What's On Dubai Lock-In made a triumphant return this past weekend — and it did not disappoint. Taking over the stunning Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort in sunny Ras Al Khaimah, the all-inclusive weekender brought the vibes, the crowds, and a whole lot of unforgettable moments. From Saturday, June 14 to Sunday, June 15, guests showed up in their freshest whites for two jam-packed days of epic eats, drinks, beats, and beachside bliss — making it one of our biggest bashes yet. You know how we do – it's always a good time at the What's On Lock-In, and this one was no different. We kicked off the weekend with a whole roster of welcome activations for our guests to get stuck into. Before the brunch… A fitness class by Reset Fitness got tour VIP guests pumping for the fun coming up ahead, and elsewhere in the property, a series of pop-ups kept them busy as they checked-in. A pop-up by custom denim brand Serge De Nimes brought the style quotient while a stall by Lush decked out the guests with skincare to get brunch-ready. The in-house salon, Artilla, gave the ladies some TLC and pre-brunch beauty rituals with blow-dry services, and the Sofitel Spa by Clarins helped guests relax with foot massages and cucumber eye masks. For those looking for a bit more action, game installations by Adventure Island and TEP Factor offered just that. The brunch… As the pre-brunch activations wound up, guests dressed up in their white best and showed up to Reunion, the property's stunning French restaurant for a brunch to remember. Delicious French food in sharing platters, along with buffets of cheese platters, desserts, starters and salads fuelled the guests as they had a good time, socialising and sipping on champagne. Live entertainment included a DJ and a live saxist that brought all the groove and vibes. Stalls outside the brunch offered guests a chance to take some souvenirs home. The Charm Bar was a massive hit – many flocked to the stall, picking out bracelets, necklaces and brooches customised with beautiful charms of their choice. Right beside it, a live sketch artist, Fatima Raza, put her brush to work and brought the guests to life on paper, creating beautiful memorabilia for them to take away. After the brunch… After the classy sit-down brunch, the party moved on to Waka for cocktails and high-energy fun. The music turned up, thanks to DJ Timo, and so did the people, dancing the afternoon away while sipping on drinks and and taking in the beautiful sunset. A Cuban live singing-duo also took to the stage towards the end of the evening and kept the party going. The night came to a close with a whiskey masterclass hosted by Peter. This Johnny Walker tasting experience also included a world winning bartender, Cameron, former UAE & Oman World Class Winner 2022. The next morning… After a day of insane fun and memories, the next morning was all about relaxation, rejuvenation and recharging. A hearty breakfast spread at East Restaurant kicked-off the slow morning, providing guests with much-needed fuel, and a restorative poolside Hatha yoga session by Sofitel Spa by Clarins helped regain balance. Guests spent the afternoon lounging by the pool, taking refreshing dips and making the most of their time before heading back to the bustle of the city. Take a look at the highlights here… (Images go in a gallery here) See more images here. Take a look at our past lock-in here. Images: What's On > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
The National
11-06-2025
- The National
Checking into overwater villas and azure blue seas doesn't necessarily require a flight to the Maldives
If I told you I was writing these words from a small island with the sun shining on to the deck of my overwater villa, fresh from my floating breakfast served in a private pool, you'd likely assume I was in the Maldives. It's a good guess, as the image is almost synonymous with vacations in the archipelago. In reality, I'm much closer to home, in neighbouring Bahrain, checking into Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa. The small Gulf island is perhaps not the first destination to show up in search results for 'wellness retreat' or 'island getaway', but the country's scenic landscapes – with 33 islands – teamed with Sofitel's upgrade in early 2025, are making a serious case for it. The National checks in to see how it compares on all things relaxation and wellness. First impressions I almost walk past the chauffeur holding a board with my name on it at Bahrain Airport, but it's a welcome surprise. It's an early indication of the level of service that's to come. 'How long to the hotel?' I ask. 'Maximum 45 minutes,' Isa, my driver, tells me. 'This is Bahrain, everything is 45 minutes … And everywhere, beaches.' Dreamy. Walking through the hotel's lobby less than 45 minutes later, it's clear that showcasing Arabian hospitality – always ready to host scheduled or unexpected guests – is in good practice here. Arabic coffee and dates are ready to serve; heavyweight, low-level chairs invite guests to take a seat. As my friend and I arrive shortly after 10am, our room isn't ready, so we are shown to the club lounge, where we grab a bite to eat and attend to some emails before our wellness weekend officially begins. The villa Luxury rooms aside, there are only four overwater villas at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa: Topaz, Pearl, Ruby and Emerald. They are almost identical, apart from colour details that align with their names and tiny decor tweaks. Topaz being the last in the row, has clear water views; and Pearl, where we stay, doesn't have a ladder directly connected to the sea due to its rocky terrain. Each an expansive 360 square metres, the villas have space enough for up to nine people. The gorgeous three-bedroom Pearl has a primary bedroom and twin room upstairs, and a double room downstairs. Every bedroom has an en suite, plus a bathtub in the room downstairs, which overlooks the sea. A spacious living room has double-height ceilings thanks to the open-plan design, with the rooms tucked away to one side. There's space to have a formal dinner, play games on the sofa or watch TV, plus a spacious decking area with further seating options, ideal for secluded sundowners. From the kitchen to the lounge, every part of the villa is equipped with everything you'd need for a long weekend break. If your intention is to make the most of the hotel's amenities while also having a peaceful, luxurious nook to yourself, this is it. Find moments of Zen by enjoying golden hour on the decking, and waking up early to dip in the private pool while there is stillness in the air. The spa We dedicated an entire day to using the Spa at Sofitel and popping in to use the fitness and well-being facilities throughout our stay, such as enrolling in an outdoor yoga class one morning and paying the salon a visit for a manicure another afternoon. Both of which are pleasant, peaceful experiences. But the main show is, of course, the spa, which specialises in seawater treatments, claiming one-of-a-kind status in this region. On offer are marine body treatments, which use active marine ingredients to deliver a contouring and firming massage (75 Bahraini dinars or Dh731 for 80 minutes); a series of marine body wraps (40 Bahraini dinars each for 60 minutes); and a seawater hydrotherapy bath experience (25 Bahraini dinars for 30 minutes), which involves lying in a jet bath with a heated seat to relax and rejuvenate. I opt for a 90-minute made-to-measure body massage and facial combo, and my skin glows for days after being infused with Anne Semonin products. The highlight? The heated indoor seawater pool. Here, everyone can benefit from the healing benefits of salted water, from its muscle-easing to skin-clearing properties. The service When your villa comes complete with a 24-hour butler, it's hard to fault the service. Head butler Mohamed, villa butler Saif and the rest of the team's efforts are exceptional, and each member of staff has a warm, open disposition. We certainly didn't overuse this lovely perk, but it was appreciated when the team went out of their way to source off-menu dishes, assist with spa bookings, and deliver early morning coffees to our door. This level of service and friendliness follows us throughout the hotels and its restaurants. In-hotel dining There are numerous restaurants on site, and we visit Fiamma Italian, Rivaaj for Indian cuisine, and the Greek-Mediterranean restaurant Yamaz. At Fiamma, we admire the colourful decor, especially the artistic plates hanging from the walls, as we rip apart fresh bread and tuck into green salad and homemade pasta over lunch. Recently renovated Rivaaj cooks up delights from Rajasthan, and some veggie highlights include chatpata dahi vada (lentil fritters; 5.5 Bahraini dinars) and dal al Rivaaj (black lentils; 6.40 Bahraini dinars) complemented with rice, bread and poppadoms. Yamaz gets its name from the Greek toast to health and happiness, and we're more than happy tucking into its fresh fare as we listen to live music, from singers to oud players, and watch the sun set over the sea. Highlights include the sticky filo pastry filled with tofu (which wasn't on the menu but the chef brought it over upon hearing we're after vegan delights) and Yamaz salad, with mesclun leaves, pomegranate seeds, radish, dates with an orange balsamic vinaigrette, and chargrilled manuri cheese served on the side. Each restaurant satisfied the taste buds while also boasting wholesome, healthy menu options. Although we spot an error with the listed allergens on some of the menu items, which wrongly highlight some vegetarian and vegan options, once pointed out, this is gracefully received and I'm promised it will be corrected within days. The neighbourhood Just as Isa told me when I arrived, Bahrain is easy enough to navigate from one side to the other, with plenty to explore along the hour-long journey. Nearby the hotel is the F1 circuit, Al Areen Wildlife Park, The Caves (a historical and geological site) and the Tree of Life, which is at least 400 years old, and still shows off green leaves despite the country's limited rainfall. A little farther afield is Bahrain's capital, Manama, which is the spot for an evening on the town, and Muharraq, where you can walk along the Pearl Path, stepping into dozens of small museums delving into the country's pearl diving history and traditions. The verdict Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa's new overwater villas are nothing short of stunning, offering the best of both worlds – feeling both secluded yet just minutes away from all the resort's amenities. It is perfect for travellers who want to build a wellness day or two into a trip, with plenty more to do. Bottom line Prices start from 75 Bahraini dinars (Dh730) for a Luxury Room in the hotel, and from 900 Bahraini dinars (Dh8,767) for the villas. Check in is from 3pm and check out is at noon.
Trade Arabia
10-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Sofitel teams up with Cordelia de Castellane for chic new uniforms
Sofitel, a pioneer of French luxury hotels since 1964, said it has teamed up with leading fashion designer Cordelia de Castellane to create a new closet for all employees at its 120-plus hotels worldwide. With her experience of the most prestigious French luxury houses, Cordelia brings a touch of modernity and sophistication to this collection, while preserving the finest standards of French craftsmanship. Conceived as a celebration of the brand's hotel teams - 25,000 employees worldwide - and the culture of personalized service inherited from the French art of hospitality, this collaboration embodies the very essence of French elegance. The inspiration underpinning this new collection draws directly from the unique creative world of Cordelia de Castellane, a designer whose work is marked by a fusion of tradition and modernity. Her vision of luxury combines timeless elegance with creative audacity, subtly blending classic and contemporary elements. With its flowing, resolutely Parisian cuts, accessories and unostentatious elegance, it breaks with the monotony often associated with traditional uniforms, offering instead a bold and authentic expression of French chic. The partnership marks a key milestone in Sofitel's ongoing renaissance, as the brand continues its global expansion with 32 new openings planned over the next three years. All of these properties embody the Sofitel spirit, blending French zest with local cultural richness, a commitment symbolized by the 'Cultural Link', the iconic logo creating a bridge between world's cultures, said the statement. The new Vestiaire features the graphic Sofitel logo in a collection of exclusive prints, transforming Sofitel's visual signature into a luxurious monogram, it stated. Designed with flexibility in mind, the Sofitel wardrobe introduces a fresh fashion-forward approach tailored to every role and destination. Under the artistic direction of Cordelia de Castellane, the collection seamlessly blends timeless silhouettes with practical needs, offering a variety of noble fabrics, textures, and color palettes suitable for both city hotels and resorts, said the top French hotel brand. Each piece has been crafted using flexible and durable materials - internationally tested across pilot hotels - to meet the everyday needs of hotel staff. The wardrobe adapts to all body types, roles, and climates, ensuring both comfort and elegance. In line with Sofitel's CSR commitments, each uniform is made from quality materials built to withstand daily demands while remaining effortlessly elegant, thanks to refined details and impeccable finishes, it stated. This wardrobe also reflects Sofitel's dedication to responsible luxury. Developed in partnership with Paris Good Fashion, the initiative ensures every step of production respects principles of sustainability, repairability, and recyclability — reducing environmental impact and contributing to more responsible resource management. "The Sofitel Vestiaire is much more than a uniform: it's a manifesto. It's a tribute to our teams, who are the first to embody the renaissance of Sofitel. It reflects the joy of embracing a brand, the pride of being its ambassador, and the desire to wear our values in silk, knit, or cotton," remarked Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems. "We want this wardrobe to be emotionally resonant, exacting and refined, but also effortlessly chic. That's why we needed a visionary. This partnership with Cordelia de Castellane is the meeting of two visions of luxury, united by a shared passion for exceptional design," he added. On the key partnership, Cordelia de Castellane said: "For me, Sofitel is a madeleine de Proust. It brings back childhood memories, iconic hotels, and a very specific vision of French luxury. Sofitel is more than a hotel brand - it's a way of life, a natural elegance paired with a deep openness to the world." "Paris was a major inspiration for this collection - because Paris means effortless chic, cultural richness, precision tailoring, and that uniquely bold creativity," she stated.
The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Dublin Airport reveal how new hotel will look when finished with ‘great airfield views' and top floor bar
DUBLIN Airport has revealed how a new on-site hotel will look when it's finished with "great airfield views" and a top floor bar. Sofitel is a luxury hotel brand that is set to open on-site in the next two years' time. 2 Dublin Airport will be opening a new hotel by 2026 Credit: Facebook Known for its blend of These hotels can be found in major cities around the world such as New York, Paris and The Facebook post said: "It's not just the planes flying up around here. "Work on the new 11-storey Read more in Travel "The hotel will offer 412 rooms when it's finished… not to mention great views of the airfield from the bar on the top floor!" So far, The Sofitel will have 412 bedrooms, an all-day restaurant and be directly linked to Terminal 2. And it will be opening on site by late 2026. Most read in News Travel The hotel will also feature a tea salon and a sky bar on the 11th floor that offers airfield views. Dublin Airport reveal the do's and don'ts of security, including what you can bring on holiday - and it may shock you And the developer for this project is the Arora Group, a franchise partner of Accor in the UK and the owner of both the Sofitel London Heathrow Airport and the Sofitel London Gatwick Airport. Arora was awarded the opportunity to develop this over €100million hotel in 2018 as part of a competitive bidding process conducted by daa, the operator of Sofitel will also feature an executive lounge, a fitness centre, and extensive meeting and event spaces, which will include a ballroom and eight flexible meeting rooms. Holidaymakers took to the comments section of the post to share their thoughts. One person said: "Great to see this, it's badly needed." Another said: "Another spotters area!" Someone else wrote: "Good meeting hall." Meanwhile, over 121,000 passengers per day are This The destinations cover up to 130 top destinations in Due to the greater demands, the officials stated that they aim for at least 90 per cent of passengers to get through security screening in under 20 minutes, similar to last summer. This came after DAA announced that the security staff had increased by more than 1,000. However, Terminal 1 requires tech and liquids to be taken out, while Terminal 2 requires passengers to keep their tech in luggage but take out liquids for scanning at security. DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs revealed that the new ruling by the 2 Sofitel is a luxury French hotel brand with proprieties across the world Credit: Facebook
