The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Offers Middle East Traveller’s Luxurious Summer Escapes to Europe

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – As the great summer escape approaches, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has announced it will offer bespoke packages for Middle East travellers looking to exchange the heat and humidity of the Gulf for the cooler climes of Europe during the summer months.

With over a third of Arab nationals known to make between one and five personal trips outside the region every year, the Middle East continues to be one of the most important source markets for the global luxury travel and hotel industry. And, with Arab families frequently travelling in large groups with immediate and extended families, there is also an increasing need for hotels to offer facilities and services which reflect the needs of the whole family.

With its intriguing history and array of cultural and leisure experiences, combined with refreshing temperatures, Europe has long captivated the Middle East traveller. However, it has been seen a significant increase in visitors from the region in recent years, as airlines including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways continue to increase their global footprint, making it easier than ever for travellers from the region to explore all that the continent has offer.

To ensure that guests travelling from the Middle East receive the full Ritz-Carlton experience this summer, preferred suites at selected hotels across Europe are offering exceptional accommodation and personal amenities which specifically cater to their needs. This includes spacious private apartments suited to large families and Arabic-speaking Ladies and Gentlemen, who take note of each guest’s individual preference and offer personalised amenities such as dried fruits, macaroons and chocolate, Koran and prayer carpet, timings and direction to Mecca, as well as personalized Halal menus.

Barcelona is a particular favourite among visitors from the Gulf region, with The Ritz-Carlton’s iconic Hotel Arts having an enduring appeal among affluent travelers. This Catalonian gem offers its apartment guest’s a very high level of attention, with the concierge team proving insider access to the city that only a select few get to experience. From one-of-a-kind fashion consultations with one of the city’s leading boutique brands to VIP culinary adventures, including a helicopter experience to El Cellar de Can Roca, which was recently named the World’s Best Restaurant 2013, Hotel Arts is the perfect place to explore all that the city has offer.

Perennial favourite Istanbul has also regularly sees an influx of visitors from the Middle East with The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul’s prime Bosphorus location, combined with the city’s rich history, Islamic culture and traditions offering an experience that has an enduring appeal for Arab travellers.

Those looking for a historical and cultural experience of a different kind will be fascinated by destinations to be found in central Europe. The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin for example, is a unique five-star hotel just steps from the city’s premier shopping districts and cultural attractions, including Chamber Music Hall, National Gallery and The Reichstag. The stunning Ritz-Carlton, Vienna meanwhile, is set amidst the romantic backdrop of the Austrian capital’s opera houses, imperial history and striking architectural styles, providing a very different but equally fascinating city to visit. Both hotels combine traditional architecture with stylish interior design from which to enjoy the elegant streets and celebrated landmarks.

Another increasing popular destination is Moscow, with the city’s love for luxury encapsulated by the glamour of The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow. After a day spent exploring Red Square, shopping at upscale boutiques or immersed in Moscow’s fascinating past, guests can return to the hotel to rejuvenate their bodies and souls at the luxury spa, indulge in an unforgettable meal or allow their personal butler to assist them in planning the perfect evening.

While the delightful and character-filled cities of Europe offer a myriad of unique experiences for travellers, the continent also has more than its fair share of stunning beaches to be enjoyed by those in the mood for a beach-side getaway and The Ritz-Carlton is delighted to present two spectacular resorts offering the ultimate in luxury, recreation and tranquillity. The Abama Golf & Spa Resort is set within a private estate on the Canary Island of Tenerife, providing an idyllic haven in the sun combined with a world-class golf resort. Abama features volcanic landscapes, exuberant vegetation and breathtaking panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean, while its average annual temperature of 22º C provides a pleasing retreat from the Middle East summer.

Equally delightful is The Ritz-Carlton Penha Longa Resort which is set along the gorgeous Estoril coastal region of Portugal. The Resort is located on a palazzo-style estate nestled among the spectacular rolling hills and clear lakes of the southern Sintra mountains and has provided a quiet retreat for Portuguese royalty and foreign dignitaries for many years, a testament of its ability to meet the needs of seeking the ultimate in luxury and sophistication.

Included among the wide range of exceptional amenities available to guests booked into many Ritz-Carlton preferred suites, is the exclusive Club Lounge which provides ongoing food and beverage presentations throughout each day, with the ability to serve select Arabic dishes upon advance request.

With so much to offer Middle East travellers this summer, Europe really is the perfect summer escape with something to suit everyone whatever style of vacation they are seeking. To find out more about how an individual Ritz-Carlton hotel can cater to specific travel needs this summer, and exclusive packages visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/ for more details.