Interview with Bruno Huber, General Manager and Regional Manager Jordan for Movenpick Hotels
February 25, 2010 By: Mary Winston Nicklin
At the recent 3rd annual Jordan Travel Mart, Luxury Travel Advisor sat down with Bruno Huber, General Manager and Regional Manager Jordan, to learn what's new at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts across the country. Since our last visit to the fairytale Dead Sea property, designed as an earth-colored village to resemble the old city of Jerusalem, its Zara Spa has racked up the awards, nabbing the "Favorite Destination Spa in the World" ranking from readers of Conde Nast Traveller UK. The resort itself was voted in the "Top 5 Resorts in the Middle East" by the U.S. edition of the magazine.
The secret's out among Europeans who flock to the Dead Sea to take advantage of the perfect climactic conditions and healing properties of the sea's mineral-rich water. The Mövenpick Dead Sea is certainly a favorite-- its winding paths fragrant with bougainvillea blossoms and its infinity pools offering views to the twinkling lights of Jerusalem. The resort underwent a soft room refurbishment last year, updating fabrics and furniture, ensuring its continuing status as a world-class destination resort.
The Mövenpick Petra-- strategically positioned right outside the entrance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site-- has been undergoing a refurbishment and currently boasts a new restaurant, lounge, and rooftop cafe-- the pride of the hotel.
The biggest news of all for Mövenpick in Jordan: The opening of the Mövenpick Resort Tala Bay Aqaba on the shores of the Red Sea, what Huber calls "the first fully integrated resort in Jordan." Inaugurated by His Majesty King Abdullah II bin al-Hussein in November 2009, the resort is unrivaled in the country for its extensive facilities: the Sinai Dive Centre, marina, sprawling pools and water features, shopping arcade and children's activities center with its own pools. "It's a true beach resort that competes with the best internationally," Huber explained.
London-based ARA Design Consultants created contemporary interiors "with a Jordan touch." Notably, this resort is the first to offer devoted family rooms with half of its 306 room tally built as family rooms. Buzz: A Zara Spa will be opening in April at the Mövenpick Resort Tala Bay. As a touristic destination, Aqaba is certainly a place to watch. On the shores of the Red Sea, where the borders of four countries converge, Aqaba is a low-tax, duty-free "Special Economic Zone" where numerous new hotel projects entice visitors to enjoy the year-round warm climate, sandy beaches, and coral reefs perfect for scuba diving.
