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Qasr Al Sarab Scoops Two International Awards At New York’s Hospitality Design Awards For Creative Achievement |
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Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, developed by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of tourism, cultural, and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi, was awarded ‘Best Hotel Spa’ and ‘Best for Luxury Public Spaces’ at the prestigious Hospitality Design Awards for Creative Achievement in New York. The luxury resort in Abu Dhabi’s enchanting Liwa Desert was the only winner from the Middle East and North Africa. Now in its sixth year, the high profile Hospitality Design Awards for Creative Achievement – run by Hospitality Design magazine, the New York-based premier trade magazine serving the field of hospitality design – celebrate hospitality developments that use new materials and creative designs. Qasr Al Sarab, interior was designed by US-based HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates and South African architectural firm Northpoint, beat stiff competition from 360 worldwide submissions to win the two awards and was commended for the way that its design remained true to the heritage of the area. This is the sixth accolade for Qasr Al Sarab since it opened eight months ago. Commenting on the award, Ahmed Hussein COO of TDIC, said: “These awards celebrate the very best in the hotel interior design industry and we are extremely proud, that less than a year from opening, Qasr Al Sarab’s unique design and Emirati architecture has been recognised by such an esteemed awards programme in two categories. Since its October 2009 opening, Qasr Al Sarab has gone from strength to strength, winning a host of awards, and is now an established name on the international hospitality circuit.” During the blueprint process of the hotel, TDIC design department worked closely with Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH), Al Ain National Museum, HBA and Northpoint to ensure that the overall architecture, interior design, works of art and artefacts reflect the traditions and history of the region, which were considered and embraced as a core value of the development. The result is a resort that is an authentic echo of the traditional forts of the Liwa desert, offering an eclectic fusion of true Arabian culture and sheer comfort. Since its opening, Qasr Al Sarab has been recognised with top accolades from around the world for its exceptional features and tourism offering. Some of these include: Middle East’s Leading Desert Resort in the World Travel Awards 2010 in May; named in Condé Nast Traveller UK’s 2010 Hot List; Condé Nast Traveller USA’s Hot List and Spa Hot List; and taking second runner up for Spa Design Awards at The Middle East Spa Awards in May this year. Situated in the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), the world’s largest stretch of uninterrupted desert, Qasr Al Sarab has quickly earned a reputation for being a regional landmark with architecture reflecting a truly authentic Arabian culture and heritage. Perched atop a crescent-shaped dune, the true splendour of this fort-inspired design smoothly blends into its pristine surrounding environment and in a destination rich in history with settlements dating back to 7,000 years ago. Offering 154 rooms, 42 villas and 10 royal villas resembling majestic palaces with spacious living and dining areas, private pools and outdoor terraces, Qasr Al Sarab is a haven of exceptional comfort and pure extravagance. The Hospitality Design Awards, judged by an expert panel of judges from the hospitality industry, were held at a glittering ceremony at the Millenium Broadway Hotel in New York City that showcased the most innovative example of new construction and renovation in the industry, and was attended by the elite of the interior design industry. |
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