The Dubai Expat Diaries

The Westin welcomes groups ‘all aboard!’
Hotel to offer unique meetings and incentives options at sea: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, scheduled to open May 2008, is set to offer the ultimate in team building activities with the recent acquisition of a stunning, Archambault 35 racing yacht.

The flagship Westin property will offer corporate groups the chance to take to the open sea and discover the adrenalin-rush of riding the waves at top speed aboard the stylish 35ft vessel. Winner of the Maktoum Sailing Trophy in 2007, the Archambault 35 is the perfect sailing vessel to bring out the competitive streak in groups large or small.

“This fabulous new addition to our hotel facilities will enable us to offer a unique array of incentive programmes for event organisers,” explained Michael Scully, Complex General Manager, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

“The Archambault 35 complements our existing fleet of racing yachts at sister property Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and means that the two hotels now offer a totally unique option for corporate groups looking for a team building exercise,” Scully stated.

Saeed Mohamed Ahmad Hareb, Managing Director and owner’s representative for Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, said the new yacht would bring yet another exciting addition to the host of leisure facilities on offer at the two resorts.

“I am delighted to launch our new Westin 35ft Archambault boat. The fastest in its class, the Westin boat is a fantastic addition to the resort’s renowned watersports facilities that also include our existing Le Méridien 35ft Archambault boat that sailed to victory in last years Maktoum Sailing Trophy. Each year we add more and more world-class facilities for our guests to enjoy and we are confident that the arrival of our new Westin boat will help us to ensure we continue to provide truly unique experiences for our guests staying at the new Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, when it opens soon this year,” Hareb remarked.

Group options include organising sailing regattas, whereby groups can race against each other in heats as they take part in an adrenalin filled America’s Cup style match race experience, while their colleagues watch in the luxury and comfort of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi’s  catamaran.

Teams get to experience every aspect of crew and helmsmanship, helping colleagues to bond and learn to work together, as they battle it out for supremacy of the seas.

The Westin will offer full and half day delegate options, including safety briefings, team races, buffet lunch, team t-shirts and caps, prize giving ceremony, personalised awards, and branded gifts to take home.

“This is a wonderful way for groups to share a brand new experience, and can be enjoyed by all. Active team members will rise to the challenge, while others may prefer to cheer their colleagues on from the sidelines, soaking up the sun and enjoying refreshments on board our support boat.” Scully said.

“What’s more, with The Palm, Jumeirah just off shore, and the magnificent coastal backdrop of Dubai, groups are promised a sailing extravaganza that cannot be replicated anywhere in the world,” he added.

The new sailing adventures will complement The Westin’s extensive Meetings and Conference facilities. The hotel will boast state-of-the-art conference and banqueting facilities include an 8,999 square feet ballroom, an Italian designed conference centre with 7 meeting rooms, an outdoor beachside amphitheatre, and a variety of lawn locations accommodating up to 5,000 guests.

Opening early this summer, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina will offer the full array of Westin’s signature products, services and amenities including The Heavenly Bed®, WestinWORKOUT Gym®, Kids Club®, Express Checkout®, and the new Sensory Welcome®, comprising white tea scents, muted music, soft lighting and botanical products.

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina will feature 294 rooms, including 216 deluxe rooms, 52 Westin Executive rooms, and 24 suites, in addition to a spa, a health club, four bars and four themed restaurants. The resort is located on a stunning 1,200 metre private shoreline and will feature a 238-berth marina, a 150 metre pool with a lap pool and children’s shaded pool, a water sports centre, a sailing academy and facilities for deep sea fishing and boat chartering.