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NEOM has revealed its next hotel as YOTEL, the airport sleeper brand turned city-centre fuss-free hotel room provider. The YOTEL will be located in the giga-site’s OXAGON project, envisioned as the business and logisitical hub of the super-city.The 300-key hotel will open in 2025, which means, as current plans stand, it will be the first hotel to open at OXAGON. According to YOTEL’s development team, it costs around US$148,000 per key to build a Yotel. This would mean the OXAGON hotel would cost around US$44 million to build.
Hotel facilitiesOriginally conceived as a pit-stop airport brand for layovers, that original YOTEL concept has since become YOTEL Air. There is also YOTEL Pad for longer stays and the newer YOTEL brand, which is what will be at NEOM.
A YOTEL room is typically 30 sq m and are usually more environmentally friendly than larger, more amenity-packed properties.
Almost half of YOTEL’s guests are are between 30 to 49, while 28 percent are 50 to 64. A combined 44 percent of those staying in YOTELS do so for business or a combination of business and leisure.
“OXAGON’s ambition to house hospitality assets where innovative design, sustainability and technologies converge, echoes our core values at YOTEL,” said Hubert Viriot, CEO of Yotel. “We understand that the non-stop traveller craves destinations that won’t slow them down, and OXAGON promises to be a unique destination where new tech-enabled hospitality experiences can be live-tested. It is an honour to be one of the first hotels to open within a city redefining industries through sustainable innovation.”ADVERTISEMENTThe hotel’s location is at the heart of the integrated live-work-play Research and Innovation (R&I) district of OXAGON with a dedicated R&I campus.
“OXAGON’s hotel strategy is built around several pillars including technology, which is key for integration within a wider smart-city infrastructure,” said Vishal Wanchoo, CEO of OXAGON. “After a competitive selection process, YOTEL was the clear hotel brand of choice for the district, given our shared ambitions to focus on people-centric design, circularity and digital advancements.”
YOTEL OXAGON made for the modern age
“YOTEL’s decision to open their property in NEOM’s OXAGON is a powerful endorsement of our ambition to redefine how people travel, stay and live. When complete, it will serve as the ideal home for modern travellers in search of thoughtfully curated and designed spaces, and we look forward to welcoming them,” added Chris Newman, executive director, Hotel Development at NEOM.
Source: Hotelier Middle east

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It’s hard to get any closer: with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, the IntercityHotel Berlin Airport BER opened directly on Willy-Brandt-Platz at Berlin Brandenburg Airport on 19 January 2023.The six-storey 3-star hotel offers guests from all over the world around 360 rooms, five meeting and conference rooms, a sauna and fitness area as well as a restaurant and hotel bar. Terminals 1 and 2 of BER Airport are within walking distance.
Christian Hentschel, mayor of the municipality of Schönefeld in Brandenburg, said on the occasion of the opening: “We are very pleased to welcome another Deutsche Hospitality property directly at the airport with the IntercityHotel. The owner, Dietz AG, and the operator, Deutsche Hospitality, are thus ensuring sustainable growth in the region and creating jobs in the immediate vicinity.”
Dr Wolfgang Dietz, Managing Director of Dietz AG, adds: “For Dietz AG, the IntercityHotel is a sustainable investment in the region. For us, the Berlin-Brandenburg location and BER Airport are beacon projects for sustainable, regional construction with international appeal.”
The new IntercityHotel with a gross floor area of around 14,000 square metres is the second hotel in the direct vicinity of the terminals, alongside the Steigenberger Hotel, and adds the 3-star category to the hotel offering at BER. Like the Steigenberger Airport Hotel, it is part of the Deutsche Hospitality portfolio. Another IntercityHotel, the IntercityHotel Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, is also located near the airport. It is located not far from the station at BER Airport – Terminal 5 (Schönefeld).Josef Dolp, Chief Operations Officer Deutsche Hospitality: “Berlin-Brandenburg and the airport are immensely important locations for Deutsche Hospitality. With a total of six hotels and further projects in the pipeline, we have a team in Berlin that is looking forward to welcoming business travellers and tourists from all over the world to the German capital. The IntercityHotel is ideal for pre- and post-travel overnight stays and stopovers for business travellers, as well as families.”
Aletta von Massenbach, Chairwoman of the Management Board of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH: “The new Intercityhotel is an asset for our airport. It means that our passengers can now choose from a range of accommodation options directly at BER. Willy-Brandt-Platz will also gain in urbanity and flair when more guests from all over the world stay there.”ADVERTISEMENTMathias Rusch, General Manager IntercityHotel Berlin Brandenburg BER: “Berlin Brandenburg Airport is the beginning and the end of unforgettable journeys. With the new IntercityHotel, you are not only in the middle of the action, but also part of a community of international travellers. The whole team at the hotel is looking forward to welcoming guests to our hotel.”
The IntercityHotel Berlin Airport BER joins the extensive portfolio of IntercityHotel: with over 40 hotels in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, China and the Middle East.
If you want to become part of the IntercityHotel family: Deutsche Hospitality offers a wide range of career opportunities on three continents and within a brand family of five operating brands – from Steigenberger Icons, IntercityHotel to Zleep Hotels. Career opportunities also include the Steigenberger Academy, Deutsche Hospitality’s own and renowned academy for the next generation of hospitality executives.

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Sheybarah Resort, one of the most futuristic hotels on the planet, is due to open in 2024. One of the flagship properties at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea gigaproject, it is set apart by its metal orb villas and entirely renewable energy usageMaster developer Red Sea Global says it is ‘targeting’ to open the super resort in 2024. Earlier this month, the first batch of the eventual 73 overwater villas arrived at the archipelago tourism spot, a feat celebrated across the industry.
Upon the delivery, CEO John Pagano said: “Welcoming the future of tourism to Saudi Arabia. These space age orbs are the first batch of 73 overwater villas for our iconic Sheybarah Resort at The Red Sea.”The upcoming resort has been designed by Killa Design, the same firm behind Dubai’s Museum of the Future. Sheybarah Resort is an LEED Platinum off-grid, zero-energy, zero-water development that widely promotes sustainable design in every aspect of its environment to ultimately create a hospitality benchmark for regenerative developments.

It’s powered by a centralised solar farm and fresh water is supplied from a solar-powered desalination plant. The recycling of waste material takes place on the island which minimises the need to bring or remove materials from the island. The solar plant supports over 140 guests and 260 staff for all needs including transportation from the mainland.
It is expected the Sheybarah Resort will be among the most luxurious of all 50 hotels planned for the destination, which include St. Regis, Six Senses, Jumeirah, Raffles, SLS, and other big-name brands.ADVERTISEMENT
In an interview in September 2021, Pagano said Red Sea Global could well develop its own resort brand for its top-most luxurious properties.
He revealed: “There are elements of the project, however, that don’t necessarily fit into any one hotel brand. Brands have their own standards, but since we are designing something that has never been designed before, it’s needed in some instances for us to create our own separate one-offs than to try and force a brand into something.”

These one-off projects will make up a very small portion of the destination – just 10 percent said Pagano.
Source: Hotelier Middle east

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As demand for branded luxury real estate continues to grow worldwide, Kempinski Group has signed management agreements for two new luxury residential and hospitality projects in Turkey. Developed by Turkish real estate pioneer Nef, the projects in Sapanca and Gölköy Bodrum promise ultra-luxury living with a hybrid residential and hospitality offering that provides bespoke homeowners with all the services of a luxury resort.
“Kempinski has been an active player in the development of Turkey’s hospitality landscape since the opening of Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul 32 years ago,” says Bernold Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer of Kempinski Group and Chairman of the Management Board of Kempinski AG. “These prestigious new projects reflect the increasing appetite from owners and investors for branded residences managed by well-established operators in the luxury space. We are humbled to have been selected by one of Turkey’s foremost luxury developers to manage these extraordinary properties.”
Erden Timur, Chairman of the Board of Nef, adds: “At this point, we continue our investments in cooperation with prestigious local brands in America, London, Dubai, Kazakhstan and Germany. Today, we are delighted to announce our cooperation with Kempinski, the world’s oldest luxury hotel company.”
Nestled among 19 acres of pine and olive tree-covered hillside overlooking the deep blue waters of the Aegean, Kempinski Residences Nef Reserve Gölköy Bodrum will be home to 106 private villas when it opens in 2026. Ranging from two to six bedrooms with spacious gardens, pools, verandas and indoor-outdoor living spaces, the villas feature large glass windows and open-plan interiors that blur the lines between inside and out, affording spectacular views of Demirbükü Bay for discerning owners and residents. In addition, a luxury boutique hotel will allow guests to enjoy the exclusive facilities of the resort.
Turkish architect Boran Ekinci has adopted a design aesthetic that complements the forest setting, using wood, stone and other natural materials to create homes that blend into the landscape. Colours and textures will echo the surroundings: myriad greens in shades of olive, thyme and sage; vibrant blues that reflect sea and sky; and earthy neutral tones. Dotted across terrain thoughtfully sculpted by well-known landscape architects, the villas merge into the natural contours of the land, connected by a network of low-impact roads and trails accessed by electric buggies.ADVERTISEMENT
Beyond their bespoke homes, owners have a raft of amenities on the doorstep, including an Italian restaurant, yoga and pilates decks, massage cabanas, outdoor swimming pool and separate kids’ pool, and a 270-metre private beach, plus fitness facilities and kids’ playground. Three jetties provide space to moor private craft, while on-demand yacht charters can whisk residents to the luxury shopping and nightlife of Yalikavak Marina, 20 minutes along the coast. Owners will also benefit from 24/7 concierge services, security, gardening and maintenance, as well as optional extras including private chefs, wellness therapists and transfers to Bodrum international airport 40 minutes away.
US $130 million Kempinski Residences Sapanca will open its doors in 2026
Developed with an investment of US $130 million, Kempinski Hotel & Residences Sapanca, Türkiye will bring luxury living to the green surrounds of Sapanca Lake, 140 kilometres from Istanbul. Designed for discerning owners that value outdoor space, natural scenery and easy access to Istanbul, the 200 hotel rooms and suites as well as the 50 villas and 138 townhouse apartments are surrounded by ponds, streams and lush woodland ribboned with walking, running and cycling trails. Various restaurants and bars, an exquisite spa as well as fitness facilities cater to the highest demands of guests.
“Sapanca is one of the regions closest to Istanbul with the highest premium potential. The combination of natural setting, proximity to Istanbul, Nef architectural approach and Kempinski services bestow the project with incredible value,” says Erden Timur. “We planned the villas in five different styles and worked meticulously on architectural details, including large verandas and terraces. We took care to design a luxurious living space seen in very few projects, with high ceilings and integrated kitchen design. Here residents will be able to experience the four seasons intertwined with nature. We are planning the first deliveries in 2026.”

In addition to a lakeside restaurant, owners at Kempinski Hotel & Residences Sapanca, Türkiye will have access to a community market square with shops selling locally grown produce, a hybrid power boat for excursions on the lake and three piers for fishing and mooring. The project will also include a fitness centre with hammam and sauna, mini football and basketball courts, and outdoor yoga and BBQ areas. Other services include private chefs and personal trainers, 24/7 concierge, airport transfers and packing, gardening and maintenance services.
“These projects reflect the evolving lifestyles of High-Net-Worth investors and growing demand for homes that provide access to outdoor spaces and natural environments as well as personalised luxury lifestyle services,” says Bernold Schroeder. “Like our other recently announced Residences in Çeşme, Istanbul and Dubai, we are targeting a new breed of discerning owners for whom quality of life and family time is paramount.”
Complementing the recently announced Kempinski residences in Istanbul and Çeşme, the two new projects make Turkey the fastest-growing destination in the Kempinski portfolio. Kempinski currently manages luxury hotel and residence properties in Istanbul, Bodrum and Belek, as well as three standalone Residences in Istanbul.

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Nestled in the UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve Baa Atoll, Seaside Finolhu is a barefoot chic getaway that brings a playful twist on luxury. Kick start the festive season, grab your chance to enjoy a spectacular holiday and maximise your benefits with Finolhu’s 25 percent discount. This offer is valid from now until 10 January 2023Giving off a truly tropical vibe, Finolhu’s villas offer the perfect blend of freshness, luxury, and privacy. Grand sundecks, indulgent infinity pools, and luxe amenities truly delight the senses. However, Finolhu is best known for its Beach Bubble, the first of its kind in all of the Maldives. Located in a secluded spot on Finolhu’s signature powdery sandbanks, the Beach Bubble offers the perfect romantic stay and a once-in-a-lifetime ‘Dream Eclipse’ experience under the stars.
The Dream Eclipse Experience starts with a romantic dinner at sunset served by the personal Bubble Butler who will pick up the couple from their villa, and escort them to the Beach Bubble.  He is also available on call until checkout the following morning.
After the indulgent romantic dinner enjoyed with a selection of fine wine, continue the evening by gazing at the moon on the telescope and the highlight of the Dream Eclipse Experience – an unforgettable night under the stars in your private Beach Bubble, a truly magical experience that will take you to the edge of infinity. Upon waking from this dreamlike reverie, a beautiful Maldivian sunrise provides the fantastical backdrop for breakfast right at the water’s edge, after which guests will be personally greeted by and escorted back to the villa by the Bubble Butler.
For fairy-tale honeymoons, surprise proposals or unforgettable anniversary celebrations, Finolhu’s Dream Eclipse is an unforgettable experience like no other.
To experience this one-night only adventure, a minimum booking of 3 nights at Finolhu is required. For more information about the Dream Eclipse Experience at Finolhu or to make a booking, go to https://www.finolhu.com or email [email protected]ADVERTISEMENT

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Announced at the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes France (ILTM), the Dubai based DAMAC Group, under its property development arm DAMAC Properties — one of the region’s foremost luxury real estate developers, has signed a contract with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to operate a new resort on a group of private islands in The Maldives.The 34-hectare luxury resort, which is currently under development and is scheduled to open in 2025, will be DAMAC Group’s first foray in the tourist islands, known for its premium five-star offerings.The Indian Ocean resort stretches across three private islands on Bolidhuffaru Reef in South Male Atoll, accessed by an easy 20-minute speedboat ride from Male’s Velana international airport.
Surrounded by white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs for which The Maldives is renowned, the resort will provide a picturesque backdrop from where guests can enjoy a variety of activities including culinary experiences through various specialty restaurants around the island in addition to wellness retreats and water sports.
The Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru Reef’s accommodation comprises 130 stand-alone villas, made up of 61 overwater villas and 66 beachfront villas, including 10 branded residences. Ranging in size from 100 to 600 square metres (internal), the villas will be some of the largest in the market, each providing exclusivity and seclusion, with private pools and beautiful ocean views. The Group is working with a number of international consultants to ensure sustainability best practises are followed in all stages of the development.
Seven dining outlets, including three speciality restaurants and an exclusive dining venue along with a pool bar will ensure that guests have a varied choice of cuisines during their stay.
In addition, creative indoor and outdoor event spaces will provide unique locations for meetings, social gatherings and weddings. ADVERTISEMENTSpacious wellness facilities will be located in the resort’s tropical gardens, and will include 12 treatment suites, vitality pools, sauna and steam rooms as well as a beauty salon. Mandarin Oriental’s expert team of wellness practitioners will offer tailored experiences and the Group’s signature treatments.
Additional leisure activities will include a water sports and a dive centre, tennis courts, a world class kids and teens club designed by international consultants, a swimming pool and numerous private coves and beaches to explore.

“The DAMAC brand is synonymous with luxury products and service, and we felt The Maldives was a perfect location for us. DAMAC has extended its global footprint outside of the Middle East, from the UK to Canada, and we are thrilled to have now reached The Maldives as well. We look forward to working with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to manage our new resort on this beautiful island,” Hussain Sajwani, Chairman and founder of the DAMAC Group said.
‘‘We are continuously entering into partnerships with established world class brands that mirror DAMAC’s reputation and standards for luxury offerings and are confident that Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will excel in its mandate,” Sajwani added.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from its Asian roots into a global brand, the Group now operates 36 hotels and seven residences in 24 countries and territories, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage and unique sense of place.
Mandarin Oriental has a strong pipeline of hotels and residences under development and is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.
“Mandarin Oriental is focused on developing its resort portfolio and has been looking to enter The Maldives for some time. This project represents the right opportunity for the Group” said James Riley, Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

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