This edition features a handful of SLS Dubai highlights the prime leader with great experience in managing luxury hotels.
Read More: https://insightssuccess.com/sls-dubai-november-2022/
1. SLS
Dubai
At the Forefront, Redefining
Luxury Lifestyle Experience
November
Issue: 11
2022
,
,
Since opening, SLS Dubai has
become the most talked-
about hotel in the city.
Aventure de luxe
Hoteling Experience
in Dubai – A
Luxurious Adventure
of a Life me!
2.
3.
4. editor’s
he word luxury defines an experience that is richer
Tthan a concept on entering a new world of
significant benchmarks. It works like a magic and
adds a soft touch of sophistication and awe-inspiring
accommodations. However, the word luxury enables a
strong sense of creativity with exemplary emphasize on
alluring interiors and designs.
The world is turning out to be an inharmonious place with
everyday surroundings. In this scenario, a retreat to a luxury
hotel is the best option—away from the confines of the
room into an enchanting world of extravagance. Sounds
like an appealing weekend, right?
The designs in luxury hotels are a gorgeous feature that
attracts visitors. The quality and creativity of the
architecture reflects the unique taste of the owners. The
majority of such astonishing places accentuate on the tiniest
aspects of their space and build a character by
amalgamating fascinating architecture, imaginative
furnishings, and exhilarating decors. This mesmerizing
experience comes with offers such as a range of room
themes to select from, with distinctive options that appeal
the visitors the most.
Entering the Universe
of Enticing Experiences
Prashik Bombarde
Managing Editor
5. What beats the experience of fine dining with exuberance of
relishing food and relaxing beverages?
You will find everything in abundance, for the most
sumptuous cuisines indulged with exotic heritage of the
globe. And we just cannot ignore a fact that location reigns
supreme in the list of attractions. A living space flanked by
a picturesque canvas creates the best attraction. Luxury
hotels have transformed the hotel scene by creating an
environment that reflects the nature of a genuinely
enjoyable experience.
Words can go on while exploring the facets to describe
luxury, while SLS Dubai brings this experience into a fine-
touched reality. The latest edition of Insights Success
explores the prospects that highlight the significance of a
rich living experience with the benchmark of magnificence;
the symbol of luxury: SLS Dubai.
Flip through the pages and dive into the fundamentals that
reveal: Luxury-Re-defined.
- Prashik Bombarde
12. ,
,
The hotel and its unique
offerings have managed to
capture its stronghold within the
hospitality space in Dubai,
thanks in part to the unique
character of each outlet which
offers guests variety in a very
saturated market.
14. E the most luxurious hotels in the city; thanks to its unique
style, flair, and stand-out venues, such as Fi’lia, Carna, S
Bar, and Privilege.
Outstanding artwork combines a sleek style and a fun,
playful character that is integral to the brand’s DNA. The
hotel is home to panoramic views of the city of Dubai and
offers guests a city escape that oozes style and character.
SLS Dubai is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality
company rooted in culture and community, with a global
collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with
purpose at their heart. Formed in 2021, Ennismore is a joint
venture with Accor, which holds a majority shareholding.
Experience Leisure in Style
The SLS Dubai is home to incredible culinary concepts.
From its stand-out restaurants – Fi’lia, Carna by Dario
Cecchini, incredible sky-high pool area and night-club,
Privilege, and the sleek and stylish S Bar – the culinary
concepts at the SLS Dubai delight guests and keep them
coming back for more. Ciel Spa is another highlight; not
only is it home to a talented team of therapists, but it is also
one of the most Instagram-able locations in the city.
The hotel and its unique offerings have managed to capture
its stronghold within the hospitality space in Dubai, thanks
in part to the unique character of each outlet which offers
guests variety in a very saturated market. Take Fi’lia, its
Italian concept – there is a strong focus on empowering the
incredible leadership team of women, from its chefs to
mixologists to managers at this restaurant, which sets it
apart and makes it more than just another dining venue.
“This is how the offerings at SLS stand out – our venues
have their own strong characters that are united by the
sleek accents and exceptional fittings that are unique
characteristics of the SLS brand’s DNA.” quotes Spencer.
The Seasoned Leadership
Spencer H. Wadama, the General Manager of SLS Dubai,
brings with him 30+ years of experience in managing
luxury hotels, along with his extensive know-how and skills
in a variety of fields regarding luxury properties around the
world. Wadama has held senior management positions for
over a span of 12 years and has worked across three
continents - North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Enjoying hospitality experiences in the urban scape
is the dream of many. Every day, people browse
social media posts, vlogs, articles, and whatnot
with the dream of visiting these places to make precious
lifetime memories—one fine day!
Amongst all these highly intriguing tourist destinations,
Dubai and its always luring luxurious hotels have a special
place.
A city not just home to the tallest, most magnificent
skyscraper ever but also to countless other marvelous
architecture, Dubai has always been the choicest place for
tourists all around the globe looking for a relaxing, fancy
holiday. This fact has made the city flourish with many
hospitality service opportunities. Many luxury hotels with
the finest of offerings and services have come to the rise
because of the growing popularity of the city as a tourism
hub.
One such prominent name in the hospitality community of
Dubai is SLS Dubai. Since its inception, SLS Dubai has
been serving its clients with the most outstanding amenities,
making its mark in the industry. Being designed by award-
winning architects in the sector, the luxury property is a
striking landmark in the Burj Khalifa district.
The reputation of SLS Dubai for providing a world-class
luxury hotel experience is continuously on the rise. Behind
the hotel’s enormous success is an industry leader with over
thirty years of experience in the hospitality industry. His
name is Spencer Wadama, the General Manager of SLS
Dubai.
Let’s browse the story of picture-perfect SLS Dubai on its
journey to become a top-tier luxury hotel in the lively
hospitality industry of Dubai.
Upscaling Luxury Vacations
A newcomer to the hospitality scene in the UAE, the
already iconic SLS Dubai has taken the city by storm since
opening last spring. SLS Dubai has become the most
talked-about hotel in the city. The hotel has become the
place to see and be seen; top influencers, TV personalities,
musicians, artists, models, and actresses have flocked to the
hotel to experience it for themselves.
The impressive 75-story tower is one of the tallest hotels
and residences in the region and stands out, not just because
of its height. The chic hotel has joined the ranks of some of
15. ,
,
A key part of SLS Dubai's success story has
been Wadama's excep onal leadership
skills as well as his strategic planning and
commitment to delivering luxury
experiences.
16. Prior to his current position at the SLS Dubai, Wadama
served as General Manager at Jumeirah Living Marina Gate
as well as Jumeirah Al Naseem, where he directed the
operating, sales, and marketing efforts for the properties
within a competitive and expanding market and collabor-
atively dealt with staff members to achieve common goals
and objectives. Spencer also served as General Manager at
the Armani Hotel in Dubai, where he gained expertise in
hospitality operations, sales, and staff development, making
him a valuable asset within the hospitality management
industry.
A key part of SLS Dubai’s success story has been
Wadama’s exceptional leadership skills, as well as his
strategic planning and commitment to delivering luxury
experiences. A natural-born leader, Spencer’s dedication to
the hospitality sector and his wealth of knowledge in hotel
management and international luxury operations, as well as
his vision for the future, are helping to set the SLS apart.
Spencer has also received countless accolades and awards
for his achievements in successfully positioning the
previous brands amongst the top luxury properties in the
market. When he’s not working, the always-active Spencer
enjoys working out and going on desert adventures and off-
roading, while his downtime includes reading and
discovering great food.
Staying In-line with Technology
The miracles of technology are only limited to the
boundaries of our imaginations. Like many sectors,
technology has been giving innovative ways to the
hospitality sector to scale up their operations and offerings.
Today, there are a whole lot of modern technology solutions
coming up to bring efficiency to any kind of operation in
the industry.
While talking about leveraging modern technology to boost
their offerings, Spencer expresss, “The world is changing
and evolving so fast - a change that is being led, in part, by
millennial travelers who are using advanced technology
and applications. So, we must strive to stay in line and
ahead of that course.”
He adds, “People want convenience, and new technologies
have made our world so much easier - anything and
everything can now be accessed through your phone. So
having great Wifi is essential and expected; guests come
and expect to be able to connect to the internet and
broadcast their experiences.”
,
,
The chic hotel has joined the
ranks of some of the most
luxurious hotels in the city,
thanks to its unique style, flair,
and stand-out venues, such as
Fi’ila, Carna, S Bar, and
Privilege.
17.
18. innovative ways to provide unique and luxurious stay
experiences to guests from all over the world.
For those who are considering entering the industry,
Spencer has a great share of wisdom from his years of
experience in the industry to offer. Upon asking what he
would advise to such budding aspirants who wish to
venture into the hospitality industry, Spencer said, “For
anyone looking to venture into the hospitality space and
succeed, I think it is key to stay on the ground, understand
all aspects of the business, and never underestimate the
importance of hands-on experience.”
He marks, “It’s also important to understand the needs of
your customers before you make decisions – which is
where first-hand experience comes into play. Get to know
your customers and understand how they tick by immersing
yourself in the guest experience.”
Towards New Horizons
As daily life is getting normalized worldwide from the
COVID-pandemic situation, people are enthusiastically
going ahead with their plans to explore the world. The
improved scenario is allowing hospitality establishments to
reclaim and even increase the number of bookings that
existed prior to the pandemic.
To take the hospitality experience to the next level, luxury
hotels are offering more personalized stay experiences for
their increasing number of guests. Elaborating on the plans
that he has for SLS Dubai in the future, Spencer said, “We
feel 2022 will be a positive turning point for the market. As
the world learns more about COVID-19 and we start
finding ways to live with the virus, we are confident that
things will begin to look more positive for the world of
hospitality. We are expecting to be back at 2019 levels by
2023.”
Braving the Pandemic
Recalling the days of the pandemic and how SLS Dubai
coped with the challenge of sustaining operations at the
organization while ensuring the safety of the employees,
Spencer notes, “An obvious challenge that we faced at SLS
during the COVID-19 pandemic was being able to manage
the day-to-day operations with ever-changing restrictions
and guidance not just locally but also from feeder countries
across the world.”
“We worked closely with the Dubai Government and Health
Authority to stay ahead of the precautionary measures and
to safeguard the environment for everyone, as well as
ensure a safe and happy atmosphere for our employees
every day, ” marks Spencer.
Additionally, he puts, “One of the hardest things for us was
the uncertainty in the global market. Throughout the entire
pandemic, Dubai has done an amazing job at handling
health and safety and enforcing precautions, which has
created a great global perception of Dubai - that it is a safe
haven in regard to COVID-19. Unfortunately, most of the
markets that we rely on for business did not do as well as
expected during the pandemic, which created a lot of
uncertainty and instability in the market.”
“Fortunately, we have seen a fantastic amount of support
from the local market, which has allowed us to grow
business month after month in a very difficult environment.
This local support, combined with our planning and
precautionary measures, has allowed the SLS brand to
thrive as the world slowly returns to normality.”
“It has been a challenge to sustain our success throughout
the pandemic, but in order to ensure that our success was
sustainable, we implemented a gradual onboarding process
and operated the hotel without the full staff throughout
quieter periods. Last summer, for example, we operated
with lower staff numbers to balance the lower rates of
occupancy that we had. We did random PCR testing and
had great policies and procedures in place with Accor and
Ennismore to keep our employees safe at all times,”
concluded Spencer.
Wise Words
The hospitality industry is one of the most intriguing
industries for entrepreneurs to enter. It offers exceptional
opportunities for professionals to come up with creative and
21. Disrupting the ordinary, the stylish
SLS Dubai is holding onto the best-
kept secret in town, a hidden venue
where everything is not as it seems.
A smooth and sultry lounge, Smoke
and Mirrors is set to become the most
sought-after and best-kept secret in
Dubai after making the journey from
its first location in Mondrian Doha.
A captivating environment awaits with
a smooth Latin-style jazz band,
Argentinian singer, and salsa dancers
setting the scene for something
unexpected and intoxicating. A rich
colour scheme characterises the space,
with warm wooden floors, sumptuous
velvet textures, and floor-to-ceiling
windows that afford guests the best
views over Dubai’s skyline. A soft
glow illuminates the welcoming space,
while an impressive bar framed with
gold commands the attention of
everyone in the venue.
The space is available for residents
with exclusive memberships offering
access to host meetings and into the
early evening, having an intimate
atmosphere with close friends or
associates. The mood then shifts for the
late-night crowd with higher tempo
music, having a drink by the bar and a
selection of the world’s finest cigars.
The specially curated cocktail menu
stands out for its complex flavours and
classic offerings, served with a twist.
The Pirate showcases a fun take on an
island-style drink with pineapple,
coconut and banana flavours blended
perfectly with zesty lime and lemon.
For the classic cocktail lovers, Old
Ways is an irresistible drink made to
perfection. A simple blend of cane and
dark sugars cut with spices served with
flamed zest. Try the Old Ways, a twist
on a classic drink with a blend of cane
and dark sugars cut with spices and
served with flamed zest. Discover a
sweet touch in the Torito which is a
blend of peanut butter, condensed milk,
vanilla, and coconut flavours.
The highlight on the drinks menu is
Hemingway’s favourite, the
Hemingway’s Daiquiri is a mix of
fresh coconut, grapefruit, and lime
with a sour yet sweet finish.
A divine menu featuring rich South
American flavours awaits the lucky
ABOUT
SMOKE MIRRORS
few who are selected to make their
way into the hidden bar. Tuck into a
delicious Chicharron de Calamari,
crispy fried calamari served with
tamarind, and Pico de Gallor Taquitos
made with a rich brisket that melts in
your mouth paired with a cool creamy
avocado. Other dishes that guests can
indulge in are the fresh Tiradito,
Yellow tail with fresh lime and grilled
pineapple, or a Provoleta, coal grilled
cheese served on fresh sourdough
oozing with flavour.
The sweet selection is just as tempting
to match the stylish venue. There’s the
Dominican Republic Chocolate Cigar
which is a rich smoked chocolate
mousse with almond and hazelnut
praline and a delicious chocolate ice
cream. Another option is the decadent
Venezuelan Chocolate Cigar, complete
with caramelized chocolate mousse,
caramel cremeux, and passionfruit.
An intriguing blend of mystery, style,
divine food and great music awaits at
Smoke and Mirrors – where the best
things happen behind closed doors.
One of a unique kind, Smoke and Mirrors has exclusive smooth and sultry interiors with
an exclusive invite-only lounge.
A captivating environment awaits with smooth Latin-style jazz music and the finest cigars to set
the scene for an unexpected and intoxicating night. A rich colour scheme characterises the space,
with warm wooden floors, sumptuous velvet textures, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering the best
views over the Downtown Dubai skyline. A soft glow illuminates the welcoming space, while an
impressive bar framed with gold commands the attention of everyone in the venue.
The venue proves that the best things happen behind closed doors.
22. Located in the Downtown district, the impressive 75-storey
tower makes SLS Dubai one of the tallest hotels and
residences in the region and comes with incomparable 360-
degree views over the city, with unobstructed views of the
iconic Burj Khalifa. Developed in collaboration with
international architecture firm Aedas, SLS Dubai features
254 expertly designed hotel rooms by acclaimed designer
Paul Bishop, 371 residential units , and 321 hotel
apartments. In true SLS fashion, contemporary art, unique
characteristics, sleek accents and exceptional fittings are
featured throughout. The opulent Sky Lobby sits on the
71st floor with the region’s highest two infinity pools set on
the 75th floor and the signature luxe Ciel Spa on the 69th,
all offering coveted views of the city.
SLS is the home of an extraordinary experience coupled
with a playful ambiance. Culinary artistry, theatrical
interiors, subversive design touches, and unexpected
indulgences are at the heart of every SLS property.
Collaborations with leading developers, architects,
designers, and chefs allow SLS to continue anticipating,
innovating, and shaping the future of luxury lifestyle
living. With eight properties in Beverly Hills, Miami,
Bahamas, Cancun, Dubai, and Puerto Madero, SLS is set
to open an additional property in Scottsdale by 2023.
SLSHotels.com
SLS is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company
rooted in culture and community, with a global collective
of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at
their heart. Formed in 2021, Ennismore is a joint venture
with Accor, which holds a majority shareholding.
About
SLS HOTEL
andRESIDENCES:
23. ,
,
,
As a natural-born leader
with a strong dedica on
to the hospitality industry,
Spencer leads SLS Dubai
with his strategic
planning and
commitment to delivering
luxury experiences.
,
24. With 30 years of experience in managing luxury hotels, Spencer Wadama was appointed General Manager of SLS
Dubai. Spencer has held senior management posi ons for over a span of 12 years and has worked across three
con nents: North America, Asia, and the Middle East. With extensive know-how and skills in a variety of fields in regard
to luxury proper es around the world, from new openings and budget planning to sales, marke ng & revenue
genera on, Spencer brings forth a wealth of knowledge in hotel management and interna onal luxury opera ons to his
role as GM at SLS Dubai.
As a natural-born leader with a strong dedica on to the hospitality industry, Spencer leads SLS Dubai with his strategic
planning and commitment to delivering luxury experiences. A er ten years in Dubai, previously working at such
pres gious establishments as The Palace, Address, Armani Hotel and Jumeirah, Spencer has also received countless
accolades and awards for his achievements of successfully posi oning the previous brands amongst the top luxury
proper es in the market.
When he's not working, the always-ac ve Spencer enjoys working out and undergoing desert adventures and off-
roading, while his down me includes reading and discovering great food.
25. New Arrival of the Year (2022) –
Fi’lia Dubai - La Liste
Best Fashion Film - London Fashion
Film Fes val
Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s
Choice Awards 2022 – Ranked 3 in
the Middle East and 7 Globally
26. SLS
WORLDWIDE
Awards Summary
2021
Official Property
Name
Award Name Presen ng Organiza on
/Publica on
Region
(loca on of hotel)
SLS Dubai
SLS Dubai
SLS Dubai
SLS Dubai
SLS Dubai
SLS Dubai
Middle East & India
Middle East & India
Africa and Middle East
Africa and Middle East
Middle East & India
Middle East & India
2021 Interior Design of
the Year: Food &
Beverage - Carna
2021 Interior Design of
the Year: Bars &
Clubs - Privilege
2021 Best Hotel Design
The Interna onal Hotel
& Property Awards
The Interna onal Hotel
& Property Awards
Best Newcomer 2021 –
Casual Dining - Fi'lia
Favourite New Comer
2021 – Fine Dining
- Carna
Commercial Interior Design
Commercial Interior Design
Design et al
Design et al
FACT Middle East
FACT Middle East
27.
28.
29. Official Property
Name
Award Name Presen ng Organiza on
/Publica on
Region
(loca on of hotel)
SLS Dubai Middle East & India The Interna onal Hotel &
Property Awards hosted by
BBC Good Food 2021
SLS Dubai Middle East & India The Interna onal Hotel &
Property Awards hosted
by design et al
SLS Dubai Middle East & India Hotel & Catering News ME
SLS Dubai Middle East & India FACT Middle East
SLS Dubai Middle East & India Michelin
Best Steakhouse in
UAE - Fine Dining
Category
New Restaurant DXB
Best New Nightlife
Venue
Dubai Green Star
Fi’lia - Michelin Bib
Gourmand
30. A Luxurious Adventure of a Lifetime!
Hoteling
Experiencein
DUBAI
In this highly complicated networked world, where
business dictates the terms of global progression, some
major cities in the world welcome everyone. Dubai is
one of the major cities on that list, and there is something
much more than Dubai can offer than just successfully
signing a business deal.
Something that has made Dubai attractive to tourists from
all across the world is its exclusive hoteling experience and
luxurious lifestyle. That is the reason when people from the
western hemisphere of the globe come to Dubai, the first
words they say after touching down are:
'Welcome to the Future!
With such a welcoming atmosphere from all sides, the
hoteling experience completely aces the hoteling
experience. With the beautiful skyline and skyscrapers that
scratched and pierced the skies' heights, the luxury
experience does not just stop there. With the help of
technology and an innovative approach, Dubai has taken
hoteling to the next level by allowing the tourist to be
underwater and enjoy the delicious cuisines of the Arabs.
So, other than doing all the things that tourists do in Dubai,
here are a few ways in which you can enhance your
hoteling experience in Dubai
• Living at Sky-touching Hotels
When the unofficial tagline for the tourists read, 'Welcome
to the Future!' the hotels literally give an elevated
experience for the future. The sky-touching hotels in Dubai
offer an intriguing landscape of other interesting things that
are there in Dubai.
Moreover, the idea of swimming on the balconies of such
hotels and watching the sun setting behind the towery
landscape is an experience of a lifetime in itself. The hotel
in Dubai today offers that, and the climate makes it worth
the evening spent in the balconies, immersed in water,
sipping wine and watching the sunset gracefully.
• A World Kitchen – Must-Try Cuisines
Being an international hub for many businesses worldwide,
Dubai hotels have embraced the experience of its tourists
with exciting cuisines from all over the world. In fact, the
complimentary items the hotels offer in Dubai can be
utilised to their maximum potential by trying out new
cuisines and making the eatery a wholesome experience.
The most tried cuisine that one must try while being in
Dubai is the Arabian Cuisines. The cuisine not only gives a
reflection back on the traditional taste of the rich and
exciting cuisines. Other than that, some of the hotels in
Dubai also offer an underwater dining experience. Imagine
having dinner with some of the most magnificent creatures
on the planet, an enriching experience that makes life worth
living.
• Rooms that Seal the Deal
Most people that enter Dubai are usually on business
purposes. While the leaders of global business attend the
meets that make and break the deals, the level of comfort
and privacy to be offered to the leaders is of utmost priority.
However, Dubai hotels have had a history of hosting some
of the most important business deals for many companies;
the hotels make sure that the rooms are designed in such a
way that helps them seal the deal in one go.
32. • A Nightlife to Remember
Being the future of the people present in the west, the
nightlife in Dubai is worth considering. The nightlife not
only offers a truly international experience, inviting people
from around the world, but also gives us a chance to enjoy
and experience the luxurious nightlife everyone desires.
The unique nightlife dining experience at Dubai hotels is
something that everyone in the city enjoys. The city's
skyscrapers hold some of the finest buildings in the world,
and the show they put on is worth noting. The nightlife at
most Dubai hotels not only offers that but, along with the
urge to party, transcends it quickly, making it a wholesome
experience altogether.
• Welcome to the Future!
Dubai is host to some of the world's giant businesses; its
experience is truly futuristic. With futuristic buildings
scratching the surface of the sky, the ocean floors mopped
for us to eat, and the city lights that make us feel alive once
again can all be experienced in a single place in Dubai
hotels.
If you have a trip planned for Dubai, SLS Dubai can be a
great option for you to explore and experience the luxurious
hoteling experience by folding your hands and saying,
'Welcome to the future!
- Ashlesh Khadse
