Planning a vacation? Find out what`s new

Planning a trip to Goa or Dubai? Find out what`s new

Swissotel Lobby

By Averil Nunes Swissôtel Goa Though is sits right in the midst of Calangute`s bustling tourist area, Swissôtel Goa is not situated, as one might expect, on a prominent junction with great visibility. Instead, it takes a bit of meandering down a typically crooked Goa street to bring you face-to-face with the stark white hotel with its crisp red signage, which began welcoming guests this March. Swissotel, Goa- Pool during sunet Built around a large courtyard pool, are contemporary straight-lined structures that are home to 135 guest rooms and suites, a pool-side bar, an all-day dining space, a deli (in the making), a fully-equipped fitness centre, a kids play area, a banquet space and a boardroom. The exuberance of Krsna Mehta`s art, framed on the walls, sprawling over table tops, bedecking tissue boxes and even encircling lights, seems somehow subdued by the white walls and dark wood designs of Malaysian architects Chong Chee Ching and Greg Dall. If the boats, beer bottles, monuments and thick-rimmed glasses that are the subjects of the artwork are not Goan enough for you, the beach is just a few minutes away as are the most popular bars, eateries and other tourist attractions. Swissotel, Goa- Guest Room Swissôtel, in true conservationist style, separates its waste and sends the dry waste to a local organisation called Samarpan, which recycles it into jewellery and clothing. The hotel is also exploring the possibility of installing solar panels on some of its buildings. Even if the clean contemporary architecture and ambience makes you forget where you are for a while, the recurring power cuts, which are characteristic of Goa, are a constant reminder. However, an independent power line for the hotel is being discussed with the local electricity board, so you may not be subjected to the few seconds of powerlessness that currently occur. Swissotel Suit Living Area The menu, which is still a work in progress will feature both European and Asian cuisine. We`ll have to allow for the passage of time to get a true reading of whether the clean-cut high-quality service expected of the Swiss and the laid-back ethos of Goa go together as well as Swiss cheese and pork sausages. Oberoi goes to Dubai By Amy Fernandes The Oberoi, Dubai Open your windows and get a wow view of the Burj Khalifa. That’s what The Oberoi advises its guests when they go to Dubai. The new contemporary luxury hotel has 252 luxurious rooms and suites with its floor to ceiling windows afford spectacular views of the city’s skyline. The hotel enjoys a central location and is a few minutes drive from downtown Dubai and the Dubai Mall. NINE7ONE- World Cuisine Restaurant- The Oberoi, Dubai Oberoi Executive Chairman of the group, Mr P R S Oberoi says,” The opening of the hotel is significant for us. A number of Oberoi Hotels have been consistently recognised as amongst the best in the world. I am confident that The Oberoi, Dubai will continue this tradition” Premier Room- The Oberoi, Dubai Aimed at the business and leisure travellers, and given its sense of luxury and hospitality, there is little doubt that it will deliver.