Preferred Hotels & Resorts has reported robust global and regional growth thus far in 2017, including the addition of 84 distinctive properties since January 1.

This growth is set amongst a context of enhanced luxury travel activity, with an increase of inbound travel within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio of 18 per cent into the Middle East and more concentrated growth of 34 per cent into Dubai.
 
Seven new hotels across six markets in the Middle East have joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts over the past year, including two new markets for the brand; The Domain Hotel & Spa, representing the company’s first presence in Bahrain: Vivienda Granada and Vivienda Residence, marking the brand’s debut in Saudi Arabia; Simaisma, a Murwab Resort in Al Khor, Qatar; Dukes Dubai, located on the Palm Jumeirah; Le Bristol Beirut in Lebanon; and The Bodrum by Paramount Hotels & Resorts in Turkey. The brand’s current total portfolio in the Middle East consists of 23 hotels.
 
Saurabh Rai, executive vice president of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are making great strides in the region’s dynamic hospitality market, and are committed to growing our brand presence to even more destinations across the Middle East, while consolidating business to our existing member hotels. Expansion of our portfolio is executed in a deliberate, cognizant fashion, with a goal to provide full destination solutions to our consumer and travel trade partners, ensuring they can access the Preferred Hotels & Resorts experience across key leisure and business cities and at multiple price points.”  
 
To support these development goals, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has endorsed its presence in the Middle East by relocating its regional headquarters to Dubai as of January 2016 and expanding its team to add even more value and provide better service to its member hotels and loyal customers across the region.
 
Currently offering 650 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries, Preferred Hotels & Resorts is renowned as a world-leader when it comes to offering bucket-list-worthy independent travel experiences around the world. Some of the most noteworthy international hotels to join the brand’s portfolio over the past year include:
 
Best for ultra luxury:
Coco Privé: The most exclusive way to experience the luxury of the Maldives, placing guests in the midst of its tropical wonders, completely undisturbed by fellow travellers with the intimacy of a private island. Here, travellers can recline on their own stretch of pristine powdery-soft sand, skip at leisure along the waves gently lapping the shore and have front row seats to every sunset display. A holiday like no other.
 
Best for fashionistas:
Baccarat Hotel New York: This buzzing property is located in the heart of Manhattan, and is offered from one of the world’s finest luxury names. New York City visitors can explore the Big Apple to their heart’s content, shopping in one of the world’s best retail destinations and taking in all the iconic sights from popular culture. At the end of a busy day, guests can relax at the renowned Spa de La Mer or enjoy a specialty cocktail at The Bar.
 
Best for off the beaten track:
The Thief in Oslo: A modern and truly different, audacious and timelessly elegant hotel situated at the water’s edge in Tjuvholmen, Oslo, surrounded by gleaming buildings, art galleries, and chic restaurants. With a mission to “steal you away from everyday life,” complemented by exclusive amenities such as unlimited access to the acclaimed Astrup Fearnley Museum and a rooftop bar and terrace with views for miles, this is a destination that will thrill even the most jaded jet-setter.
 
Best for adults:
Iberostar Grand Hotel Portals Nous in Palma de Mallorca, Spain: Recently opened as of July 2017, this is the place where anything can happen in one of the most stylish destinations in the Mediterranean. With hotel staff trained by the British Butlers Guild to offer every imaginable service, whitewashed guestrooms featuring avant-garde décor by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, and themed suites, this resort presents a world of sensations, experiences and unforgettable memories where guests are the real - and only - star.
 
Best for spa:
The Lancaster Bangkok: Set to open in December 2017, the beautiful Lancaster Bangkok is the embodiment of Thai warmth and hospitality. Here guests can embrace themselves in the heartfelt generosity and intuitive service for which Thailand is famed. As the newest member of the renowned Landmark Lancaster Hotel Group, with properties in Bangkok and London, this welcoming haven will be the crowning attraction of Bangkok’s blossoming Makkasan District.
 
Best for sporting escapes:
The Old Course Hotel in Scotland: St. Andrews is synonymous with golf (the sport was born in the historic city), and a five-star stay at Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa puts guests right on the 17th hole of the world-famous Old Course. Experiences are enhanced with views of the links, together with a Kohler spa experience, signature Scottish dining, and a surreal backdrop of the coastline and city. - TradeArabia News Service