By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: DUKES Dubai has been named ‘World’s Leading New Hotel 2017’, at the grand final of the World Travel Awards, which took place on December 10 at the JW Marriott, Emerald Bay, in Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
The five-star hotel, which only opened its doors on the western trunk of Palm Jumeirah in March this year, had already beaten off strong competition from the Middle East to land the regional crown last month.
And the quintessentially British-branded hotel held its own against the very best from throughout the world to take the prestigious award. Nominees included: Hotel del Parque – Oro Verde Hotels, Ecuador; Hulbert House, New Zealand; Lotte Hotel St Petersburg, Russia; Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda; The Waverly Hotel & Residences, Bangalore, India; UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, Mexico; and W Las Vegas, USA.
Tristan de la Porte du Theil, General Manager, DUKES Dubai, said: “To receive the Middle East title of this award was a tremendous achievement, but to be recognised as the best new hotel on an international stage is the ultimate accolade. Every single employee deserves enormous credit, whether front or back of house. We always knew that we were a special team, now that is no longer merely opinion, it’s official.”
DUKES Dubai is owned by Seven Tides International and boasts 279 guestrooms and 287 hotel apartments, as well as world-class leisure, conference and entertainment facilities, including a stunning private beach, indoor pool, outdoor infinity pool and state-of-the-art gym, along with five food and beverage outlets.
