BlueBay Hotels is the eleventh Spanish hotel company regarding international presence and the twelfth largest group in terms of hotel rooms, strengthens its leading role in the Middle East with the opening of Blue Diamond AlSalam Resort***** GL in Fujairah (United Arab Emirates).
The resort, located right on the beachfront, has 379 rooms, apartments and luxurious suites and a wide-range of dining options with theme restaurants, cafés and a beach club. The leisure offer is complemented by a spa, gym, swimming pool area, private beach, kids’ club and function rooms.
This new opening makes BlueBay Hotels the Spanish hotel company with the largest presence in the region, where it has been operating since 2012. This month Look Pro had the chance to interview the regional commercial director (MENA) of the chain, Shadi Karameh, and find out more about this new property and destination which add to the company’s portfolio.
LOOKOUT PRO: Blue Diamond AlSalam Resort*****GL has just opened for business in Fujairah, what does this new hotel represent for the area?
SHADI KARAMEH: Blue Diamond Al Salam resort will be the icon of Fujairah as well as providing tremendous added value for the destination with all its facilities and high-end service offerings.
LOOKOUT PRO: What are the competitive advantages of Blue Diamond AlSalam Resort*****GL compared to other hotels in Fujairah?
SHADI KARAMEH: In addition to the great location, as the only Beach Resort 5-star hotel within the city of Fujairah, within an hours’ drive of Dubai, the hotel has the largest rooms in the city, the smallest being 50m2, and all have a balcony with sea views. We are the only beach resort in the destination offering rooms and hotel apartments (1& 2 bedrooms).
The hotel can cater to different market segments from corporate business to MICE, as we are located within the city, close to all government institutes and Fujairah port. We have three meeting rooms and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 750 people. Our vast beach with two swimming pool plus a children’s pool and 6 F&B outlets make it the perfect getaway for all leisure guests.
LOOKOUT PRO: What about the competitive advantages of the BlueBay Hotels group over other international chains in the United Arab Emirates?
SHADI KARAMEH: BlueBay Hotels & Resort is a well-known group with a wealth of experience and a proven track record, especially in resort styled hotels, from Mexico to the Caribbean, I’m sure will have our own special touch, adding to the hospitality in Fujairah.
LOOKOUT PRO: What are the main challenges Blue Diamond AlSalam Resort*****GL is facing?
SHADI KARAMEH: Our main challenge is the stiff competition, as we are not just competing with other Fujairah hotels, but with other emirates, which have been way more active in promoting their destinations, like Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and even Dubai after the rate fluctuations. We need to invest more in promoting the destination and all we can offer, also, as the hotel is a dry property, this puts more pressure on us especially for leisure guests.
LOOKOUT PRO: What are your objectives during the first year?
SHADI KARAMEH: Our main objective is to introduce BlueBay Hotels & Resorts and our luxury brand Blue Diamond to the destination as the best Five Star Beach Resort and provide a good return on investment to our owner and company.
LOOKOUT PRO: What does Fujairah have to offer as a tourist destination?
SHADI KARAMEH: Unique location to experience an ‘Authentic Arabia’, with mountains and miles of excellent beaches close to the Bays of Oman Close proximity to major cultural attractions in Fujairah; including the local fishing port, Fujairah Fort, the breath-taking Fujairah Corniche and the historic city area of Fujairah. A short drive away from cultural arts, theatre and nightclubs. 8-minute drive from Fujairah airport and 1 hour from Dubai Airport. Great opportunities for shopping in Fujairah’s beautiful shopping outlets
LOOKOUT PRO: Is Fujairah currently a destination for national tourists? What other nationalities are looking for a holiday destination like this?
SHADI KARAMEH: Being directly on the Indian Ocean Fujairah makes it the perfect getaway for the local market. The weekends are always busy; but it’s also a destination for Germans, Russians and other European countries.
LOOKOUT PRO: What can a traveller staying at Blue Diamond AlSalam Resort*****GL expect to find?
SHADI KARAMEH: 379 spacious rooms, suites and apartments. An intimate private beach. A modern spa with seven treatment rooms. Three temperature-controlled outdoor pools. Fitness room with Technogym equipment. Six on-site dining outlets with special children’s menus. A full range of water sports available on site including jet-skiing, paddleboarding and snorkelling. Kids’ club, playground, children’s pool and children’s activities.
A professional team that can guarantee a high-end service with attention to the small details.
LOOKOUT PRO: What can you offer to ensure that your guests enjoy a relaxing day at your hotel?
SHADI KARAMEH: We offer incredible opportunity packages including kids’ club, playground, children’s pool, children’s activities and various additional amenities for young ones. The resort is an ideal location to experience Arabic hospitality and have a great time with the family.
LOOKOUT PRO: How important is gastronomy for a hotel like yours?
SHADI KARAMEH: The hotel is not only a room to sleep in, but the restaurants and speciality is also a major attraction. The hotel will offer in addition to Momo, the all-day dining restaurant, two speciality restaurants: Aretusa – serving Italian cuisine and Orchid with Asian fusion. We also have the La Perla café that features artisan pastries and fresh coffee and tea, and Amwaj – Beach & Pool Bar serving a selection of food and drinks. Our guests can also enjoy the panoramic views and vibrant ambience in the outdoor Shisha terrace at Narjilista.
