Announcing the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

Opening in April of this year, Kempinski's first hotel in Dubai has an extraordinary location: overlooking the much-hyped Ski Dubai Alpine themed indoor snow resort, and attached to the biggest shopping mall outside of North America. The luxurious and spacious guestrooms (some of the country's largest) include 15 Ski Chalets with superb views of the indoor ski resort. All are equipped with cutting-edge technology: large flat plasma screen TVs with 40 international satellite channels, in addition to DVD and multi media player. The hotel also features a health club, Ayurveda wellness center, swimming pool and tennis court. The ultimate Alpine experience in the heart of Dubai, Kempinski's five-star hotel is set to become a central landmark in the hottest destination on the planet.

Skiing in the Morning and Sunbathing in the Afternoon in Dubai

Since its opening in December, Ski Dubai has captured our imaginations (and wagging tongues). Contributor Alex Rose has the scoop.

You can now go snow skiing in one of the hottest places on earth. Dubai, the city-state in the United Arab Emirates, opened the first of two state-of-the-art indoor snow parks this past December; the second, Dubai Sunny Mountain Ski Dome, is scheduled for 2006. It’s the world’s third largest indoor ski resort and the only one in the Middle East. The 25-storey structure covers an area of about three football fields and can hold up to 1,500 people at a time. The indoor park maintains temperatures between 18F and 28F with real snow including falling snow flakes. It's connected to the billion dollar Mall of the Emirates and resembles a Swiss mountain resort complete with the St Moritz Cafe to warm yourself with a hot drink. The indoor snow park has chairlifts with skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding, and a ski school. It includes five color-coded slopes with varying degrees of difficulty for both enthusiasts and beginners, and the world's first indoor black diamond run. The longest ski run is over 1200 feet. There's even a rumor that Dubai might field a team for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Admission to Ski Dubai is $35 and winter clothing and ski gear are rented as part of the admission fee.

Tennis with the Pros at the Ritz Carlton Dubai

The coach of the country's Number One tennis player is now heading up the program at the Ritz Carlton Dubai. Zeeshan Ali has oodles of awards and titles under his belt—experience that he's now bringing to all tennis enthusiasts at the hotel in both private instruction and group lessons. Not really into tennis? The Ritz Carlton Dubai has got it all—from fitness classes, squash, golf, shopping, stunning pools, beach, and idyllic Balinese Spa. Situated on prime beachfront along the snazzy, exclusive Jumeirah Beach area of Dubai, the Ritz Carlton basks in the year-round sunshine of Dubai's perfect climate. Luxurious rooms have private balconies overlooking the tropical gardens and the Arabian Gulf. Plus, the Kids Club has loads of fun daily activities to keep the 'liluns happy and smiling.

The Ritz Carlton Dubai, Official Site

The Ritz Carlton Dubai, Five Star Alliance

Don’t Buy in Dubai

Speaking of the devil... The Times UK reports that many British homeowners regret their decision to invest in Dubai. That terrible third-rate workmanship of "luxury" properties and poor management belie the slick, glossy brochures advertising the glittering sea, sand and skyscrapers of developments in Dubai. (Thanks Alex!)

Let’s Talk About Dubai

Why exactly is it so appealing? Since I'm a Dubai virgin-- passing through the airport on a Delhi-Moscow flight doesn't count for much-- I can only hazard a guess or two. Beaches, warm climate, awe-inspiring architecture that continues to push the envelope, underwater restaurants, the world's only seven star hotel... But Europeans calling it the new Côte d'Azur and buying up real estate like it's their job?! Proximity can't be the reason. Dubai is hot; it's been marketed as hot, and the incredible development continues to gather steam. Thus I implore you, dear reader... let's talk about Dubai. What makes it so damn hot?

Going Between the Bridges in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi plays catch up with the incredible development going on in nearby Dubai, with the latest AED 800 million project, dubbed BTB (that's Between the Bridges, guys). Due to open in Feb 2007, the complex will be packed with luxury villas, executive apartments, and a five star hotel. That's music to our ears.

Dubai Towers…Istanbul?

Forget the Burj al Arab. Istanbul's getting a make-over with the help of Dubai Holding's international subsidiary, Dubai International Properties. The pair of 150-meter high towers will be the tallest buildings in Istanbul-- a grand, ever-present symbol of foreign investment in Turkey. In renewed negotiations to become the first muslim state in the EU, Turkey has become a hot ticket for Arab investors. The $500m Dubai Towers will include a five-star hotel, luxury residences, office and retail space.

Kuwait Plans One-Kilometer Tall Skyscraper

The mind-blowing Burj Dubai project has just been one-upped by a bigger, badder one in Kuwait. This baby will take-- count 'em-- 20 years to build, and will dwarf the Burj Dubai, at twice the height of the world's current tallest building in Taipei. But I can't help but ask: Why stop at a measly kilometer, when you could shoot for two?

Breaking News: Starwood Hotels and Resorts Acquires Le Meridien

Starwood just announced that it acquired the Le Meridien brand of 130 hotels and resorts for $225 million. For the 24 million Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) customers, this means more choice in markets like Paris, Nice, Dubai and London. Additionally, Starwood will gain properties where it doesn't have them currently, in spots like Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Budapest, the Seychelles and Mauritius.

Announcing Four Seasons Ocean Residences (AKA Cruise Ship)

A permanent address that's an everchanging address… now that's a cool idea. Slated to launch in fall 2007, the ship will include 100 luxury apartments, with all the indulgent amenities for which Four Seasons is famous (spa, steam room, pool and cabanas, jogging track and fitness center, even… golf?) Grab a stake before they sell out. From $400,000 for a one-month timeshare for 50 years.

Via Travel and Leisure (flipping through the November issue)