A statement from the Emirates Palace hotel said it regretted "attempts to overload" the Christmas tree tradition by adorning it with premium bling including gold, rubies, diamonds and other precious stones from a hotel jeweler.
The statement was a rare bit of reflection on the Gulf's ethos of excess. The tree was unveiled last week with full fanfare in a hotel that features its own gold bar vending machine and a one-week $1 million package that includes private jet jaunts around the Middle East.But the hotel management apparently had second thoughts after questions arose about whether the opulent tree was innocent good cheer or unfortunate bad taste.
The hotel regrets "attempts to overload the tradition followed by most hotels in the country with meanings and connotations that do not fall in line with the (hotel's) professional standards," said a statement carried on the state-run news agency WAM.
The hotel even tried to distance itself from the 43-foot (13-meter) faux fir in one of its rotundas, saying a hotel-based jeweler was solely responsible for creating and decorating the tree.
"The hotel is just a venue for exhibiting the tree," the statement said.
The hotel also claimed the tree was not a stunt, but rather an effort to boost the holiday mood for its guests based on the United Arab Emirates' "values of openness and tolerance."
Although officially Muslim, the UAE features many signs of Christmas for its huge foreign population. Lights, carolers and Santas are fixtures in nearly every mall.
Rolls-Royce aircraft engines are legendary, and you’d swear the company had an influence on British Airways’ cabins. BA’s luxurious first-class “demi cabins” multitask to serve as workspaces, dens, and even places to stretch and sleep.
21 square feet of space per passenger is unheard of, but it’s a reality on Eos. Score one for the personal space lover. Eos Airlines has room for 220 on its 757s, but it only allows 48 lucky souls aboard. Each passenger’s multifunctional seat is a joy to occupy across the Atlantic.
If you’re flying first-class on Cathay Pacific you’ll surely wish the flight was longer. In 2006 Air Transport World magazine’s Airline of the Year honors went to Cathay.
JAL has been a leader in first-class comfort, and apparently for a long time now. They equip you with adjustable headrests and side cushions, down pillows and comforters and you can also enjoy the built-in massage feature in the seats.
Adjustable privacy screens between seats, generous room to stretch. Chefs and sommeliers continuously update their onboard cuisine and wine selection. Luxury is all they got.
It has Bvlgari toiletry kits and Givenchy-designed sleeper suits. There is also a “Book the Cook” service which allows a meal selection in advance. One gets the feeling of being in a big Bentley with wings rather than a plane.
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Considering Sir Richard Branson is at the company’s helm, you’re going to get your money’s worth and then some. You’ll love the pampering, including the surprisingly roomy beds, which convert from your seat.
40 consecutive years of profit that’s no small feat in the corporate world, and it’s even more noteworthy in the sky biz. You’ll become quite familiar with “best” during your flight.
