< Previous40 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / JULY 2024 Millennium Hotels & Resorts and development opportunities designed to equip local talent with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles, both at the operational and leadership levels. “We also emphasise reward and recognition, ensuring that the contributions of our colleagues are acknowledged and celebrated. By fostering a culture of appreciation, we strive to create an environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to continue delivering exceptional service.” How does Millennium integrate sustainabil- ity into its business practices and property operations? Kazim: “Millennium’s Green Path Brand Play- book embodies our dedication to sustainability and corporate social responsibility by establish- ing ambitious targets, including a 27 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. “Through local SME partnerships, we prioritise sourcing goods and services sustainably, fostering community relationships, and minimising our environmental footprint. As travellers become increasingly environmentally conscious, we integrate eco-friendly practices into our operations, such as employing energy-effi cient technolo- gies and sourcing locally. By prioritis- ing environmental stewardship and forging partnerships with local green initiatives, we off er guests incredible accommodation options while reducing their carbon footprint. “This commitment ensures we continue to meet the evolving pref- erences of eco-conscious travellers, contributing to a greener future for Saudi’s hospitality industry.” Are you doing anything to provide authentic experiences for guests in Saudi? Michail: “We aim to integrate regional design elements and artwork into our properties, showcasing local talent, and creating an atmosphere that refl ects the destination’s unique character. “Our restaurants off er menus featur- ing international cuisine and fl avourful Saudi Arabian dishes created using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, supporting the community while providing guests with a taste of the region. “We also curate cultural experiences for guests by partnering with local artisans and businesses to include traditional craft demonstrations, music performances, or even excursions to historical sites.” The opening of Millennium Place Doha and the Biltmore Villas Dubai are milestones for the group. What does it mean for the future? Kazim: “The unveiling of Millennium Place Doha and the Bilt- more Hotel Villas Dubai represent signifi cant milestones for Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA, showcasing the brand’s commitment to excellence across diverse markets. “Millennium Place Doha epitomises the brand’s dedication to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences tailored to the unique demands of each market. With its prime loca- tion in the heart of Doha, the property serves as a cultural hub, immersing guests in the Qatari heritage and hospitality.” Millennium Place Doha “Similarly, the launch of Biltmore Hotel Villas Dubai underscores Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ ability to cater to the discerning tastes of luxury travellers in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The Biltmore Hotel Villas epitomise opulence and exclusivity, redefi ning Saffron “By fostering a culture of appreciation we create an environment of value”JULY 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 41 Millennium Hotels & Resorts the concept of luxury living with unparalleled amenities and personalised service. “These achievements refl ect our holistic approach to hospi- tality, where each property is meticulously crafted to exceed guest expectations while staying true to the ethos of the local culture and surroundings.” What makes Millennium stand out from other players in Saudi? Michail: “We distinguish from other players in the hospital- ity industry within the Saudi region through a combination of unique approaches. Central to our strategy is a profound cultural sensitivity, evident in tailored services that align with the customs and preferences of each locale. “The diversity of the brand portfolio also sets it apart, off er- ing a range of accommodations from luxurious fi ve-star hotels like The Biltmore Hotels Villas to stylish and aff ordable options like Millennium Place. This breadth allows the brand to serve diff erent guests, from discerning business travellers to families and budget-conscious tourists. “Integral to our operations is a strong commitment to sustaina- bility, with Millennium integrating environmentally responsible practices into its daily activities. Whether through energy-ef- fi cient initiatives, waste reduction programs, or community engagement eff orts, the brand prioritises sustainability while positively impacting the local environment and community.” What does the future hold for Millennium globally? “Our vision is to emerge as a global leader in the hospitality industry. We aspire to redefi ne luxury and guest experiences, setting new benchmarks for innovation and sustainability. Our goal is to be synonymous with unparalleled hospitality, where each stay becomes a memorable experience for our guests. “Our growth story is a testament to our unwavering dedica- tion to expansion, diversifi cation, and embracing technological advancements. We have strategically expanded our footprint across the Middle East and Africa, recognising the importance of key markets. Our focus on identifying strategic locations and forming valuable partnerships has been instrumental in establishing our global presence. “As aggressive expansion remains a cornerstone of our strategy, we actively seek opportunities to enter new markets, form alliances, and secure acquisitions aligned with our vision and values. Notable projects like Millennium Place Doha, The Biltmore Villas in Dubai and Millennium Al Jeddah in KSA exemplify our commitment to strategic growth. “With sustainability at the core of our operations, we go beyond regular practices that extend to the design and construction of eco-friendly properties. Our active pursuit of reducing environmental impact, eliminating single-use plas- tics, and obtaining certifi cations such as ISO14001 refl ects our commitment to a sustainable future.”Perfect pastry World Pastry Champion Angelo Musa lets us in on his new concepts at The Lana in Dubai44 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / JULY 2024 F&B Focus Critically-acclaimed pastry chef Angelo Musa has opened two venues in Dubai. Bonbon Café Angelo Musa and The Gallery can be found at The Lana, A Dorchester Collection Hotel. With accolades that include titles such as World Pastry Champion and Best Craftsman of France, Musa brings a wealth of culinary expertise and innovation to Dubai’s food scene. The renowned pastry chef tells Caterer Middle East about the new openings and what drives him to push the boundaries of French pastry. Bringing French pastry art to Dubai Musa’s journey to Dubai, marked by numerous visits over the decades, has deeply infl uenced his understanding and appre- ciation of the city’s dynamic culture. “My early visits, starting 25 to 35 years ago, left a profound impact. I had little idea then that Dubai would evolve into such a global powerhouse, from its expansive airport to its modern skyline,” he refl ects. “The initial idea was to provide Dubai with French pastry that speaks of the French art de vivre but resonates with local tastes. It’s about crafting an experience that transcends just eating and taps into emotions.” The concepts Bonbon Café Angelo Musa aims to encapsulate the essence of a Parisian café, providing a relaxed environment where guests can enjoy exquisite pastries and coff ee. The café is designed to be a place of comfort, where the decor and off erings refl ect Musa’s philosophy of simplicity and quality. “It’s more of a café vibe we are going for this venue, basically something that off ers a slice of Paris in Dubai and blends simplicity with elegance,” he explains. The Gallery, on the other hand, off ers a more refi ned expe- rience, focusing on the art of French pastry within the context of an English tea time. This concept is unique in that it merges the elegance of French desserts with the tradition of English afternoon tea to create an opulent culinary experience. “It’s a unique blend: French pastries served during a traditional English tea time, creating a luxurious culinary experience that’s both familiar and novel,” he describes.JULY 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 45 F&B FocusSpotlight 46 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / JULY 2024JULY 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 47 F&B Focus Ingredients and innovation In Dubai, Musa fi nds the diversity and quality of available ingre- dients in Dubai inspiring. “What’s fantastic here is the access to top-notch ingredients,” he said. “I found a special fl our that I couldn’t even fi nd in France. Oh, we are lucky to work in this region. We can have top-notch ingredients to make the best cakes here. To weave magic with pastry-making, the role of stellar ingredients is paramount.” Musa is passionate about and inspired by continuous innova- tion and always pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in pastry art. “Pastry evolves every year, and with it, so do we. Each year brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate, whether revisiting old recipes or creating something entirely new,” he notes. Looking ahead Looking to the future, Musa is enthusiastic about further integrating local culinary elements into his off erings. “Our future plans involve continuing to blend local fl avours with classic French techniques. The aim is to innovate while staying true to our roots, ensuring each creation is both authentic and surprising,” he shares. The pastry chef ’s commitment also extends to the human connections he nurtures through his culinary ventures. “The human connections at the heart of my work enrich the experience. These connections, fostered by love and passion for the craft, are what I treasure most,” he muses, acknowledg- ing the infl uence of his family on his values. “My goal is to nurture and grow these concepts so that they live up to the reputation we’ve built and continue to set bench- marks in Dubai’s culinary scene.”48 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / JULY 2024 Tribute Portfolio – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s growing collection of more than 30 independent hotels has opened Labtwentytwo Barcelona. The fi rst Tribute portfolio hotel in the city fuses tech with nature The property The hotel features 185 rooms, three F&B destinations, a swim- ming pool, gym, alongside a strong focus on sustainability with an LEED & Well certifi cation. Located in 22@district of Poble Nou, the hotel is inspired by the future in a broad sense and grounded in the future of the district specifi cally. Once the industrial heart of Barcelona, Poble Nou has become one of the city’s most popular and creative areas for street art. Today, it is an up-coming area, and a host of artists, designers, and creatives are helping to regenerate Poble Nou through their art – putting their unique stamp on the evolving district. Colourful murals, on Carrer de la Selva de Mar in particular, display work by some of the most talented artists in the city. “The Tribute Portfolio Hotel BCN is part of an architectural project in which knowledge, ambition, entrepreneurship, and business will form a symbiosis with creativity, relaxation, and leisure,” says Jennifer Connell, global brand leader, Tribute Portfolio, and vice president, Distinctive Premium Brands, Marriott International. Design and off erings The design of the hotel is inspired by wind and sea. The organic shapes and fl owing lines are reminiscent of waves, and the edges of the building are smoothed as if created by the wind. Technological innovation and sustainability is at the heart of the hotel’s design. It provides a space that fosters creativity, discovery, and exchange, off ering everything from uniquely designed rooms and co-working spaces to cultural and tech- nological activities. The hotel features three F&B outlets. The signature one is rooftop and bar Za´atar which off ers a fusion of Middle Eastern & Mediterranean traditions with locally produced ingredients. There is also Alcachofa resto, an international seafood restau- rant the focuses on clean and healthy fare and bar 22 that off ers morning coff ees and juice takeaways. The hotel is designed and created with several green spaces such as vertical gardens aimed at creating a sustainable envi- ronment for guests. These artistically planted indoor walls can be found in the restaurants, bar, swimming pool, gym, and lobby areas to improve indoor air quality by increasing oxygen levels and providing natural humidity. Local herbs, used by the chef in his dishes, are also cultivated in these vertical gardens. Potted plants and cacti, found throughout the hotel, create green spaces and add to the feeling of nature. Checking out Labtwentytwo Barcelona The fi rst Tribute Portfolio hotel in Barcelona fuses tech with natureChecking Out JULY 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 49Next >