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RITIKA SHARMA / Emirates Business
If you are looking for something that is not too formal as hotel room and not too informal as an apartment, try La Verda Suites and Villas the next time you visit Dubai. For a revitalising break that makes you feel more at home, La Verda has crafted a property that is nothing less than a ‘fantasy of a luxury traveller’. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that La Verda has premiered an ultra-modern concept in luxury-stays, which is a benchmark for properties looking at creating inventive ways to enhance customer experience.
Each of the penthouses and villas at this property feature private balcony or large deck with a Jacuzzi that sets the mood for a refreshing journey. The villas offer an unforgettable retreat with stunning views, a unique modern layout and exotic design
accents.
A large sun deck in each of these homes allows for a scenic and impressive venue for a gathering of up to 25 guests. Equally unique are the expansive penthouses that evoke an ambiance of luxury with sensational Marina views from the soaring La Verda heights. If you are looking for an opulent home that is more than a temporary getaway, these rooms are exactly where you want to be!
We speak to Siddharth Mehra, General Manager of La Verda Suites & Villas, Dubai Marina, about the innovative concept of the property and the Dubai Expo effect.
Please tell us more about La Verda.
La Verda has opened on 1st January 2016 and I have been with ARJ Holding since October 2015. La Verda Suites & Villas, Dubai Marina is a fabulous addition to Dubai’s luxury hospitality landscape and is equipped with the finest facilities providing uncompromising experiences, signature butler service, exceptional culinary venues, superb swimming pool, state-of-the-art gymnasium and a fun outdoor play area for children.
La Verda will also become a destination in coming 6months, we plan to offer unique accommodations along with specialty restaurants (like a contemporary fine dining Persian restaurant, Korean BBQ restaurant, Patiserie&Gelataria, an organic food café); a Wellness Centre and Health Clinic offering alternate medicine therapies and physical fitness functional training, a Banqueting facility supported by 200 car bays on Dubai Marina and a Children’s activity and education centre.
Presently, our Guests have a choice of 150 individually designed opulent living spaces ranging from spacious one to two and three-bedroom apartments as well as sprawling 4-bedroom villas and duplex penthouses. Each accommodation is fitted to the highest standards with ultramodern furnishings, deluxe bathrooms and fully-equipped kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances. Every possible need, from an on-site washer, up-to-date technology including high speed Internet and complete entertainment with IPTV to daily necessities such as a hair dryer, iron board, safe box and IP telephone and video intercom system are provided in all residences.
To further enhance the guest experience La Verda Suites & Villas, Dubai Marina also offers personalised butler service for villas and penthouses 24-hours a day customizing each guest’s stay to their specific needs, tastes and preferences.
You have ventured into a comparatively new trend in hospitality looking away from regular hotel rooms.
How was the ‘only villas and suites’ concept decided for La Verda?
ARJ Holding has developed this unique brand & service philosophy, ‘La Verda Be Home’ with the promise to create a Guest experience which is warm and caring, personalised and engaging as well as informal andfriendly. The accommodation products are keeping in mind needs and expectations of high-end leisure families traveling on vacation.
La Verda Suites & Villas, Dubai Marina has been designed to be the finest address in Dubai for those who desire a unique experience. It elevates luxury to new heights with a world-class ‘Be Home’ concept that offers a diversified and unforgettable experience to new generation of luxury travellers. This lifestyle and hospitality complex with direct access to the Marina walkway offers variety of accommodations ranging from one, two and three bedroom suites, villas & penthouses, two restaurants.
We have been doing well since our launch and our property has been consistently ranked among the top five properties by travellers on TripAdvisor in specialty lodgings in Dubai. While 85 per cent of the guest reviews rated the hotel as ‘excellent’, the remaining found it ‘very good’.
What is the latest trend in UAE’s hospitality industry?
Entertainment will remain the focal point of the hotel rooms with the way new technology connects personal devices to the in-room smart TV. With internet based services, guests can stream content from tablet to TV, which requires additional investment but can also lead to new revenue streams. Ultra high-definition videos, seamless connectivity to internet are all making TVs more necessary. Intuitive technology is another emerging favourite and the new-age hotels are all moving fast in that direction.
What are your views about
automation and technology in your industry?
Automation is no doubt a growing trend in our industry. While it has its advantages, it cannot completely replace human aspect. We see a more ‘Blended Workforce’. Personalized service is extremely important in the luxury sector.
For technology, basically, we live in an era where no matter which age group you belong to, you need everything in the palm of your hand.
At times hotels go overboard with smart technology fixing ultra-sophisticated and complex systems that may be impressive for tech geeks but bewildering and intimidating for others.
Technology must complement the service and enhance the guest experience. It should not totally replace the human touch. At La Verda we are in step with the latest technology that our guests desire and combine it with the most personalized service.
What is the newest project you are working on and what do you
expect out of it?
We are definitely working on various new facilities. In near future the La Verda complex is developing a very unique wellness centre&health clinic with separate ladies sections, choice of restaurants with gourmet and fresh food retail and a Children’s daycare and education based activity centre with focus on learning and knowledge-based
activities.
What do you have to say about Expo 2020 and its impact?
Expo 2020 is a massive event and will no doubt shake up the entire dynamics of travel and tourism sector in the Middle East region.
It will help us gain exposure in new markets with over 20 million visitors expected during the 6-month period.
We are very excited about the prospects and will do our very best to meet and support the demand generated by this mega event.
How did innovation and creativity make a difference in your
business?
Creativity is the key behind the success of any business and more so in hospitality. It is all about providing guests with something distinctive and memorable.
That is what has appealed to people in our case. A customer is looking for exclusivity especially when he is coming to a place like La Verda. To keep up our style and comfort quotient, creativity becomes very necessary in everything from food to services.
What is your opinion on the growth of luxury tourism in UAE ?
The booming travel and tourism industry, coupled with changing lifestyle, is contributing to the growing popularity of luxury hotels.
The next wave of luxury hotels around the world are expected to deliver Service and Privacy through intuitive technology. It’s time for our industry to evolve and adapt luxuries according to the changing needs and desires of guests.
What do you have to say about
sustainability in your industry?
Wetake pride in fulfilling our commitments as a good corporate citizen by managing our hotel in a responsible manner and protecting the environment.
As part of our CSR initiatives we are enthusiastically engaging in varied recycling and preservation projects designed to benefit the community and reduce our carbon footprint.
Are there any special offers you have worked out for customers for summers?
At La Verda we always have something exciting lined up for our guests. This month guests can take advantage of our special Ramadan Package and enjoy a relaxing and indulgent stay for AED604 ++ for a superior one bedroom suite with marina views. This package includes breakfast or suhoor plus iftar buffet. To avail it they need to book directly with the hotel as this rate is valid for only direct hotel bookings via phone, email, or walk-ins.
How important is personal touch in hospitality? Would you say you still like the old charm of personal touch in services in this industry?
Personal touch is what guests expect when it comes to luxury.
There is no replacing that personal factor. With the aid of technology today hotels can know more about their customers. And concierge services have advanced to new levels, delivering on the demands of guests long
before they
arrive.
