DUBAI (eTN) – The Ritz-Carlton always impressed me, and I have had the chance to stay at different Ritz-Carlton hotels in Sharm El Sheikh, Istanbul, and Doha. At each and every one of them, I was really satisfied with the luxury of the hotels, together with the best services from their ladies and gentlemen. Ritz-Carlton hotels has its own philosophy, credo, and gold standards to explain the hospitality that they offer for their guests, and these the words are “ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.” These words are what creates the Ritz-Carlton mystique.
During Arabian Travel Market, I had the chance to meet with Mr. Mark Neukomm, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa, who welcomed me at the Ritz-Carlton stand for an exclusive interview.
MOTAZ OTHMAN: Thank you Mr. Mark for giving us the time for this interview; I know you have a busy schedule during ATM. Let me ask you first about Ritz-Carlton hotels in the Middle East.
MARK NEUKOMM: Ritz-Carlton hotels have a long history in [the] Middle East, starting with The Ritz-Carlton resort in Bahrain over ten years ago, and other properties in Doha, Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. We also have plans under progress for more Ritz-Carlton hotels in the region.
MO: At Ritz-Carlton Hotels, you are always looking for the best of luxury for your guests. Can you tell us more about your hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa?
MN: Reputedly, Ritz-Carlton hotels worldwide form one of the most luxurious brands in the hotel industry. The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa is known as a leading destination in the entire Kingdom of Bahrain and in the Middle East region. It is a spectacular resort, like an oasis, with green gardens, landscapes of palm trees, flowers, wonderful colors, birds, flamingos. With 11 restaurants offering different concepts of Italian, Indian, and Mediterranean food, the hotel caters to all kinds of clientele occupying its 245 rooms and suites; then we have also 23 villas spread on their own beachfront, while hotel guests can enjoy a 5-kilometer beach walk.
MO: Tell me more please about the 23 villas. Are they private villas?
MN: The villas are totally private, they have a private beach and private pool, with three bedrooms and sea and lagoon views with beautiful landscape and palm trees and flowers around each villa which enhances even further the sense of privacy.
MO: What about meeting facilities and MICE functions at Ritz-Carlton Bahrain?
MN: The resort s four buildings, the main building has 245 rooms, then the villas area is like a hotel within a hotel, and the Sports Club and Royal Spa area offer over 20 treatment rooms for massage, hammam for ladies and gentlemen, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and whirlpools, excellent sports and fitness facilities acclaimed by over 1500 members, which makes it the biggest center in Bahrain. Then the fourth part of the equation is our MICE facilities and catering services as we receive all the functions from government and corporations to the most majestic weddings. Our two ballrooms provide the luxury setting for high-end functions, including international and city-wide events. The foyer area or pre-function between ballrooms is the biggest in Bahrain and conveniently offers a separate entrance.
MO: What were the latest and most important conventions that took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa?
MN: One of the most important conventions, was the IISS. This is an International Security Function attended by heads of states, military people, and very high-end [people] with over 500 delegates and a lot of international events. We also have local social events and exhibitions as well. We did provide in many events over 2,000 meals for delegates, and we do also outside catering through our well-established and reputed facilities.
MO: From which part and nationalities are your guests are coming from?
MN: In Bahrain, we see the main stream of travelers coming from Saudi Arabia, while UAE is also a steady source for all GCC countries. Internationally, we have seen the recent visit of guests coming from Germany and British, linked with the medical sector and other related government functions.
MO: Are you working with local tour operators to sell rooms or through Internet booking websites?
MN: In fact, we have our own booking system in our website, and guests can book directly through the hotel website, and this is much better since they can enjoy direct access to the hotel managers instead of doing booking through different channels, but we also work with travel agencies. Mobility and the possibility to book in a minute are key in our guests’ booking habits nowadays.
MO: What about occupancy during the last few years?
N: The occupancy has increased in the past two years, and in general Bahrain has indicated very positive business, and it is picking up. Our role is to work hand in hand with the tourism board and local authorities and continue to spearhead the value of our gem – the destination of Bahrain.
MO: My last question, Mr. Mark, is about your experience with Ritz-Carlton and in the hotel Industry.
MN: I have been with Ritz-Carlton for the past 14 years, and another 14 years before with different hotel companies or still in the tourism business. It is a very fast-paced industry, and always very exciting. It is the excitement that keeps you challenging yourself every minute, and we are lucky to work in a smiling, dynamic, and positive environment such as the hospitality industry and the Ritz-Carlton offers.
MO: What message do you have to say for Saudi families, as you mentioned they are mostly your main customers?
MN: I invite our friends in Saudi Arabia to come to Bahrain, because it is so close to Saudi Arabia, and because The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa is your preferred destination in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Our private villas is also an excellent place and a unique product catered for Saudi families, and our suites have separate bedrooms as well and spacious living areas for families to enjoy staying in our main building with all the surrounding leisure facilities. In fact, I invite our guests and friends to make their own opinion and visit our website ritzcarlton.com/Bahrain, until we bid a warm welcome to all.
MO: Thank you, Mr. Mark Neukomm.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- The resort s four buildings, the main building has 245 rooms, then the villas area is like a hotel within a hotel, and the Sports Club and Royal Spa area offer over 20 treatment rooms for massage, hammam for ladies and gentlemen, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and whirlpools, excellent sports and fitness facilities acclaimed by over 1500 members, which makes it the biggest center in Bahrain.
- The villas are totally private, they have a private beach and private pool, with three bedrooms and sea and lagoon views with beautiful landscape and palm trees and flowers around each villa which enhances even further the sense of privacy.
- Ritz-Carlton hotels have a long history in [the] Middle East, starting with The Ritz-Carlton resort in Bahrain over ten years ago, and other properties in Doha, Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh.
