Three of the world's great hotels are in the UAE, a prestigious travel magazine has claimed. The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, the Madinat Jumeirah and the Desert Islands Resort and Spa were named on the Gold List 2010, found in the current edition of Condé Nast Traveller. The Ritz-Carlton Dubai is making its fourth appearance on the Gold List, according to Vivienne Gan, regional director of public relations for the hotel. "It is a big deal for us, considering the competition in the region."
"The dedicated butlers and concierge service in the hotel's club level "offer unbeatable service", according to the magazine. Editors and travel writers at Condé Nast Traveller evaluate each hotel on six criteria: service, location, food, rooms, leisure facilities, and ambience and design. This year, 108 hotels from around the world were chosen for the Gold List. The air-conditioned souq at Madinat Jumeirah impressed the judges, as did "the private beach and choice of 44 restaurants".
"We are honoured to be included" in the list, said Robert Kunkler, the regional vice president for operations with the Jumeirah Group. It was the location of the Desert Islands Resort and Spa, on the northern shore of Sir Bani Yas Island, north of Ruwais in Al Gharbia, that helped distinguish the hotel in the eyes of the magazine staff. "The former private retreat of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, Sir Bani Yas Island is now home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, with resident wildebeest, Arabian oryx and flamingos," the review read.
The resort was also included in the magazine's 2009 Hot List in April. amcmeans@thenational.ae
