World Luxury Expo, Abu Dhabi, the third edition of the World Luxury Expo series, will be hosted at the magnificent Emirates Palace from September 27th-29th 2013, and is set to become an annual fixture for the UAE capital city.

The World Luxury Expo series has been gaining momentum and traction among many of the world’s leading luxury brands.

World Luxury Group has recently concluded two successful World Luxury Expos, the inaugural event was held at Burj Al Arab, Dubai in January and the second in February at the palatial Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh earlier this year.

World Luxury Expo showcases a selection of the world’s leading luxury brands to an invitation-only three-day event to high-net worth private clientele from across the GCC region.

Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a city which is positioning itself as one of the luxury retail capitals of the world, and the luxury market in Abu Dhabi is one of the most strategically important, and indeed lucrative.

Most of the premium brand retailers are planning rapid expansion into Abu Dhabi, and this trend is set to continue with a multitude of luxury retail developments in the pipe-line and developments underway in the city.

According to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2013, the number of high net worth individuals in the UAE, having a fortune of US$30 million, is set rise by 53 per cent over the next decade.

World Luxury Expo will feature a broad selection of carefully selected categories including fine art, high-end jewellery and fashion, hand-crafted time pieces, designer furniture and exquisite table settings, automobiles, fine dining, private aviation, and luxury travel.

All participating exhibitors are leaders in their respective fields, executing superior design qualities and constantly striving for the ultimate in quality and perfection.

Following the Abu Dhabi edition, World Luxury Expo will continue to Doha from November 14th-16th 2013.

Then the Expo travels to Kuwait in December and returns to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2014, creating an annual signature series of events in the GCC region. Source - breakingtravelnews.com

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Between the trading routes of the Indian Ocean, lies the island-clustered country, Maldives — a destination, which with time has turned out to be one of the world’s finest for leisure and luxury. This spectacular archipelago offers something unique and impossible to replicate elsewhere.

The small Maldivian islands are surrounded by beautiful lights reflecting white sands fringed by coconut palms. The almost fluorescent whilst turquoise blue water of the shallow reef lagoons encircles the islands and slowly merges with the dark indigo blue of the Indian Ocean.

There are about 1190 islands, spread across 26 naturally formed coral atolls. Of these islands, about 200 are inhabited by Maldivians and the rest are either private resorts or just left to nature.

The key to enjoying Maldives is staying in a splurge island resort. Located on small coral islands, the resorts are absolute slices of paradise. Each resort has its own island. Three-course buffets, Kobe beef, corn-fed chicken and candlelight dinners are the aristocracies of pure five star luxuries being offered.

MaldivesFor the adventure lovers, there are trips such as Dolphin Discovery, Snorkeling on the Bay and also Deep Sea Diving. Nearly everything that is needed is just a call away. For those looking to stay connected to the world, there are high speed wi-fi networks present, which work even on the beach.

The resorts host quite a few different types of restaurants and bars. Every night there are shows and dances. A blend of numerous cultures defines Maldives since Maldivian genes were passed on by South and Southeast Asians, Africans and Arabs, preserving rituals from each.

One of the most famous of these traditions is ‘bodu-beruis’, a form of drum music. Bodu-berui music is often played in the night shows creating a very festive environment. A mix of dance and soft rock is also popularly played for the couples.

Maldives is one of the most ideal locations for a honeymoon. Every resort has facilities designed for couples to enjoy. From uniquely designed dining plans to breathtaking spa facilities, there are a lot for pairs to enjoy. Moreover, the islands are completely isolated and private with no distractions of the world present.

International visitors to Maldives land at the Malé International Airport, located on a separate island lying adjacent to Malé City which is the main island.

To get to the city, the easiest way is to use the local ferry, which costs just one dollar a person. The access to resorts is via speed-boats or sea-planes depending on the distance. Most resorts are less than thirty minutes away. The boat and sea-plane rides are quite entertaining with the view of the vast Indian Ocean all around.

A daylong stop-over in Malé City should not be missed. The city has shopping streets selling a variety of items like corals, pebbles and souvenirs. One such souvenir is shell money, an interesting pre-historic form of money.

Shell money is also sold in these shops for collectors from different parts of the world. The city also hosts the national museum of Maldives which hosts numerous items including three moon rocks and a Maldivian flag which went to the moon and back. The Maldivian palate too is diverse, with numerous cuisines available.

Located just a few flight hours away, the Maldivian islands are the place to be during summer. After all, Maldives is on the list of the very selective world’s exclusive places to be. Source- daily star

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Marriott International has announced the opening of the 155-unit The OCT Harbour, Shenzhen Marriott Executive Apartments.

This is Marriott International’s first extended stay property in South China, showing its continued growth and commitment to China.

Simon Cooper, president and managing director, Marriott International Asia Pacific, said: “We are delighted to be opening South China’s very first Marriott Executive Apartments and pleased that the popularity of the Marriott Executive Apartments brand in China continues to grow.

“Designed with extended stay travellers in mind, the apartments are located in an iconic location with the convenience of a five-star, full-service hotel.

“Offering space, ambience and privacy of residential living the Marriott Executive Apartments enables a comfortable stay while living away from home.”

The OCT Harbour, Shenzhen – Marriott Executive Apartments cover a total area of over 27,000sqm.

The property has accommodation of 155 units encompassing studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites.

Each spacious apartment allows guests to feel the authentic experience of living in the city.

With separated warm-coloured bedroom, contemporary living room and office area and a fully equipped, state-of-the-art kitchen – Marriott Executive Apartments are the perfect home-away-from-home with tranquil ambience and all the benefits of a hotel. Concierge desk, foreign exchange, limousine service, and even a grocery shopping service are only a phone call away.

The Resident Lounge, 24-hour gym, outdoor pool, kids’ pool, children’s playroom, and valet dry cleaning are among the services on offer. Source - breakingtravelnews.com Learn more »

The fifth in Abu Dhabi’s annual Tourism Youth Summer Camp series has got underway with over 60 Emirati students, all aged between 15 and 17, in the programme organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority in conjunction with the European International College.

Coming up over the next three weeks, the students, a mix of both boys and girls, will take part in workshops designed to boost their awareness of the tourism industry and its economic, social and environmental impacts; embark on field trips to better acquaint them with Abu Dhabi’s expanding tourism offering and participate in team building exercises to develop their interpersonal skills.

“You are the next generation of tourism ambassadors for Abu Dhabi,” the youngsters were told by TCA Abu Dhabi’s Fatima Al Mehli, industry awareness executive.

“During the coming weeks you’ll discover the breadth and outreach of the tourism industry and the future career paths open to you. Please make the most of this opportunity to learn and to also have fun in what should be an unforgettable and enriching summer.”

Among the field trips scheduled are fact-finding visits to Yas Island’s assets, tours of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Zayed Centre, Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey, the St. Regis Saadiyat Island and the Manarat Al Saadiyat exhibition centre.

“A number of key stakeholders including Rotana, Etihad, Yas Island, the St. Regis, EIC and the Khalifa Fund are delivering the workshops while other stakeholders have weighed in with prizes for high performers,” explained Al Melhi. Source- breakingtravelnews.com

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British Airways prepares for Dreamliner launch DJ Lisa Showdon enjoys BA's 787

With just a week to go until British Airways’ first Boeing 787 Dreamliner heads on its inaugural long-haul flight to Toronto, DJ and model Lisa Snowdon has been testing out the comfort on board the near aircraft.

The 787 will leave Heathrow on its maiden long-haul flight, the BA093 on September 1st.

Snowdon, said: “As a breakfast DJ, I know the importance of a good night’s sleep - so when British Airways invited me to ‘road test’ its new Dreamliner aircraft, I couldn’t resist. Any aircraft that promises reduced jetlag, less dehydration and a smoother journey is a winner, especially as you arrive feeling refreshed and ready for action.

“I was really impressed with how spacious and airy it felt, with mood lighting and super comfortable seating to snuggle up in.”

Twenty-four 787s will join the British Airways fleet over the next four years as part of the airline’s £5bn investment in products and services for customers.

British Airways customers will also be able to enjoy flying on the world’s largest passenger aircraft from September when the first of twelve A380s the airline has ordered begins flights to Los Angeles.

The 787 offers huge benefits to British Airways customers – including a whisper-quiet cabin pressurised 2,000ft lower than other aircraft, allowing customers to arrive at their destination feeling more refreshed and less jet-lagged.

The aircraft’s smooth ride technology also provides extra comfort during any turbulence.

Bespoke mood lighting in every cabin can be set to reflect the time of day, helping to lull travellers to sleep at night and to wake them gently in the morning.

Customers can also enjoy the largest windows of any commercial aircraft, offering views of the horizon from every seat, or relax watching British Airways’ new in-flight entertainment system, which features more than 1,600 hours of programming. Source- breakingtravelnews.com Learn more »