Travel Agent - April 14, 2008 - (Page 26)

DESTINATIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 priced items, and there are live music performances and demonstrations. The best restaurants are in the hotels, the only locations where liquor, wines and beers can be served. Our personal favorites include Al Nafoorah (www.jumeirahemiratestowers. com/dining/al_nafoorah) in the Emirates Tower (don’t be surprised to see Sheikh Mohammed at the next table) for its spectacular Lebanese cuisine; Spectrum on One (www.fairmont. com/dubai/guestservices/restaurants/spectrumonone.htm) at the Fairmont Dubai, particularly for brunch on Friday (considered the first day of Dubai’s weekend); and Nina (www. oneandonlyresorts.com) for fabulous Indian food at One&Only’s Royal Mirage. Park Hyatt We recently checked into the Park Hyatt Dubai (www.dubai.park.hyatt.com), adjacent to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. This hotel is the only property in town with the distinction of having a golf course in its backyard—and not just any green but one of the top must-play courses in the world. The Park Hyatt’s guest rooms are generous in size (the smallest are just under 600 square feet), and all have terraces or patios overlooking the marina (rooms on the fifth floor have the absolute best views). All suites include Nespresso coffee machines and iPod docking stations. Guests staying in suites receive complimentary transportation to and from the airport; Executive, Presidential and Royal Suites also get VIP airport expediting. For any other ground transportation needs, contact Chief Concierge Florian Wagner (florian.wagner@hyatt.com). Incidentally, we had the concierge arrange a day of sightseeing via a luxury sedan with the knowledgeable English-speaking Abdul as our guide. One of the most requested rooms is the one-bedroom Park Executive Suite (1,150 to 1,270 square feet), particularly one at garden level, because of its large patio set amid the hotel’s landscaped areas. Also, this is the only accommodation that provides butler service (by request). Living and working areas are sizable, and open-plan bathrooms come with freestanding soaking tubs and huge walk-in rain showers. Another good bet is the one-bedroom Park Terrace Suite (1,130 square feet). These corner suites offer stunning views of the marina and Dubai Creek—and, like the Park Executives, they feature separate work and living areas, open-plan bathrooms and lovely terraces that are perfect for cocktails at sunset. Both suite types easily convert to two bedrooms via connectors. For clients seeking solace and pampering, book a Spa room (592 square feet). Close to the pool and spa, they come with massage tables, beauty-treatment chairs and steam rooms. The crème de la crème of suites is the 2,368-square-foot, two-bedroom Royal Suite on the hotel’s top floor. Graced with plenty of views (including Dubai’s iconic skyline), it features a large living room, a study, a dining room with a table big enough for eight guests, a kitchenette and an enormous terrace. Butler service is also provided. All rooms and suites can be booked over the GDS. For special clients, contact General Manager Stuart Deeson THIS PHOTO: Palm Jumeirah, one of three man-made islands, will welcome its first visitors in September RIGHT: Palm Trump International Hotel & Tower, Dubai will be a five-star hotel offering 500 condo hotel units, including one-, two- and three-bedroom suites and penthouses 26 | TravelAgent April 14, 2008 http://www.jumeirahemiratestowers.com/dining/al_nafoorah http://www.jumeirahemiratestowers.com/dining/al_nafoorah http://www.fairmont.com/dubai/guestservices/restaurants/spectrumonone.htm http://www.fairmont.com/dubai/guestservices/restaurants/spectrumonone.htm http://www.fairmont.com/dubai/guestservices/restaurants/spectrumonone.htm http://www.oneandonlyresorts.com http://www.oneandonlyresorts.com http://www.dubai.park.hyatt.com

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Travel Agent - April 14, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Europe: The châteaux-hotels of the Dordogne and Quercy in France Middle East: Although Dubai is Expanding, it is not Bursting at the Seams Pacific/Asia: Pattaya is Southeast Asia’s Sunny Paradise Pacific/Asia Briefs Las Vegas: New York City Dining Comes to Sin City Hawaii: Accommodations in Hawaii for the Entire Family Central & South America: Cayo Espanto is the Private Island Resort for Clients to Get Away from it All Caribbean: Iberostar Property Opens in Rose Hall, Jamaica Running El Casino at the Sheraton Old San Juan Africa: Africa Travel Association’s 11th Annual Symposium Spotlight on the Djibouti Palace Kempinski Cruises: Experts Share Views on the Direction Cruise Pricing is Heading Cover Story: Home Counsel Car Rental: Vacation.com Joins with Hertz to Grow Car-Rental Sales Transportation Briefs Northeast USA: Brooklyn’s Hotel Le Bleu Agent Profile: Gary Mansour of Mansour Travel Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Violent Protests Halt Travel to Tibet Celebrating Company and Agency Innovations Sheraton Upgrades Brand through Renovations and Redesign Earning Opportunities and Agent Recognition In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - April 14, 2008

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