Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Sofitel Luxury Hotels celebrated the inauguration of Sofitel The Palm Dubai as its flagship Dubai property in a lavish opening ceremony on Thursday, 14th November. More than 1,500 guests attended the exclusive soirée at Sofitel The Palm Dubai, which is located on the east crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the eighth wonder of the world. An array of local and international dignitaries and celebrities were in attendance along with Gregory Maliassas, Senior Vice President Sofitel Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean and world renowned French botanist, Patrick Blanc, the inspirational creator behind the unique vertical gardens prevalent throughout the property.
Radiating an evening of sophistication and elegance, guests were invited to experience a French-Polynesian themed affair, keeping true to the resort's overall design aesthetic and taking guests on a journey to the tropical and lesser known islands.
Attendees at the glamorous evening included local dignitaries, government officials, fashionistas, as well as local and international celebrities.
Throughout the chic and elegant event, guests were treated to artistic and musical happenings, including Polynesian welcome dancers and surprise musical act Anggun, who hails from the islands of Indonesia. Now living and working in France, Anggun has been awarded for her humanitarian work by being appointed as a global ambassador for the United Nations twice, while also receiving numerous accolades for her achievements, including the prestigious Chevalier des Arts et Lettres from the French Minister of Culture. Guests were also amazed by the magnifique light and firework show that galvanized the night sky and concluded the evening's activities.
Nestled within the tranquil groves of the Palm Jumeirah, the resort is encapsulated by a private 500m stretch of pearlescent beach, enabling guests to indulge in breathtaking sea views overlooking the shores of the East Crescent.
Totalling more than 100,000 square metres, Sofitel The Palm Dubai's distinct French luxury offering is embraced by rich and iconic elements of Polynesian culture and civilisation.
With an abundance of stunning organic architecture and lush vertical gardens, the resort reflects a timeless spirit and tropical allure.
"Sofitel The Palm Dubai is well set to cater to the UAE's ever growing luxury leisure tourist market, as well as business travellers seeking refreshing locations beyond the mainstream downtown addresses," said Senior Vice President Sofitel Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean, Gregory Maliassas. "The rare design elements conceptualised by Mirk Architecture and Patrick Blanc allow guests a total sense of escapism from the bustle of the city of Dubai."
"We wanted to create an alternative to the standard resort-like hotels in the city and by combining traditional Sofitel hospitality with the Polynesian theme, and from the feedback we have received thus far, we feel we have fulfilled this aim," said General Manager Christophe Schnyder. "The property's one-of-a-kind design transports guests on a sensory discovery, driven by the indoor green walls, the lush outdoor gardens and the 500m long private beach."
The hotel offers 361 guest rooms and suites, as well as 182 serviced residences, ideal for lengthier stays and boasts a multitude of food and beverage outlets, namely Studio du Chef, offering a modern take on traditional French cuisine; Porterhouse, the property's signature steak restaurant; Manava, the all-day dining restaurant; Hong Loong, offering authentic Chinese cuisine; Moana, where delectable seafood is prepared with fresh local ingredients, while Maui Beach Bar and Restaurant allows guests to relax while enjoying the aromas and treats from the BBQ. Spread over 3 levels, 2LIV Nightclub provides party goers unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf and the ultimate in nighttime fun. Encompassing 2,500 square metres and 28 treatment rooms, So Spa offers guests the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.
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Sofitel, World Class Hotels & French Elegance
Sofitel is the only French luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents with 120 addresses, in almost 40 countries (more than 30,000 rooms). Sofitel offers contemporary hotels and resorts adapted to today's more demanding and more versatile consumers who expect and appreciate beauty, quality and excellence. Whether situated in the heart of a major city like Paris, London, New York, Shanghai or Beijing, or nestled away in a country landscape in Morocco, Egypt, French Polynesia or Thailand, each Sofitel property offers a genuine experience of the French "art de vivre".
Sofitel Legend and & Sofitel So are two labels that come to enrich Sofitel Luxury hotels.
Sofitel Legend hotels are iconic and mythical; they are often centuries-old listed heritage buildings: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam and Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan.
Sofitel So hotels are new « boutique hotels » characterized by a stylish focus on contemporary design by famous architects and/or embellished by international celebrities from the world of fashion, design or art: Sofitel So Mauritius Bel Ombre, Sofitel So Bangkok and Sofitel So Singapore (2013).
Discover Sofitel The Palm Dubai on www.sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com
Follow Sofitel The Palm Dubai on Facebook www.facebook.com/SofitelDubaiThePalmResortSpa
Discover Le Club Accor hotels at Sofitel, the worldwide Accor loyalty program on www.accorhotels.com
Director of Communication and Press Relation Sofitel EMEA
Sofitel Hotels and Resorts
Regine Le Brun
Tel: + 33 1 45 38 86 0
Regine.lebrun@sofitel.com
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Maria El Mniai
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© Press Release 2013
