From sun-soaked Mauritius mountains, to the banks of the Nile and suspended high in the Abu Dhabi sky, the impressive portfolio of Marriott International Luxury Brands properties span the world. Stays promise opulence, gourmet dining and word-class service. So, who better to inform your trip than the helping-hands on site?

 

We've tasked a handful of world-class concierges to provide some of their secret insider tips and hints. Below, these hotel and local experts share the best ways to make the most out of their hometown destinations as well as the hotels themselves.

 

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo

 

What gourmet specialty of the hotel really hits the spot for you?

 

The oriental mashawi at Bab El-Sharq restaurant. Not only is the food lavish and delicious, but the views overlooking the Egyptian Museum are unmatched. On some nights, the entertainment is equally extravagant, with local music and belly dance performances. I'd say this is one of the best meals you can have in the city.

 

Where is your secret “suite” spot around the hotel/in town?

 

Sailing the Nile in a felucca during sunset. It's magical and something every visitor needs to experience.

 

What service, amenity, and/or activity at the hotel would you like to put a spotlight on?

 

Since the hotel is an iconic property dating back to 1958, I love the heritage. There's a famous Pharaonic wall in the lobby. The main staircase has witnessed thousands of Egyptian weddings. Tiny touches like the wooden chairs engraved with pearls showcase the riches of Ancient Egypt. It's beautiful.

 

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

 

Where is your secret “suite” spot in the hotel?

 

It's the extravagant Abu Dhabi Suite, of course. Suspended 200 metres above ground and with amazing panoramas over the Gulf and skyline, it's truly remarkable. Inside, the rooms brim with luxury, like 24-carat gold leaf accents, jewel-toned velvet upholstered walls. There's even a gym, movie theatre and spa! How "suite" is that?

 

Where is your secret “suite” spot around the hotel/in town?

 

Marsa Al Bateen. It's a restaurant overlooking the Al Bateen Marina. The ambiance is distinctly Arabian, and you can enjoy everything from a camel-burger to some hubbly bubbly [ed. shisha].

 

What service, amenity, and/or activity at the hotel would you put a spotlight on?

 

Staying true to the St. Regis tradition, it has to be the St. Regis Butler Service, which goes above and beyond to cater to guest requests, including unpacking luggage, shining shoes. The list goes on. Just let them know what you need.

 

The St. Regis Amman

 

Where is your secret “suite” spot in the hotel?

 

The Secret Garden of the Library. Discretely hidden on the first floor, it's a great place to lounge in privacy and enjoy Amman‘s skyline.

 

How would you celebrate a special “suite” occasion at the hotel?

 

With a Jameed Bloody Mary at the St. Regis Bar, of course. Not only is the cocktail delicious (and a bit of an homage to Jordan's national dish mansaf), but the venue is just as stunning. Check out the handmade mural of mosaic glass and 24kt gold stones, and you'll see what I mean.

 

What service, amenity, and/or activity at the hotel would you like to put a spotlight on?

 

The well-known St. Regis Butler Service. It's a decadent touch to a decadent hotel. Services include pressing your garments, beverage service, unpacking luggage. Basically, whatever you need, the Butler Service can help.

 

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort

 

What service, amenity, and/or activity at the hotel would you put a spotlight on?

 

It has to be the sunset trip to Tamarin Bay and the Sea Lounge. To give you some perspective, this is one of Mauritius’ most beautiful lagoons, and this tour includes sipping champagne and enjoying light canapes, all beneath the sunset. For couples, nothing could be more romantic.

 

How would you celebrate a special “suite” occasion at the hotel?

 

With a “sabrage”! It's the signature ceremony of our Evening Rituals series at the hotel. The ceremony occurs on the beach and during the sunset. All the while, watch the slicing open of champagne in style. The tradition harkens back to the battles of Napoleon who'd open a bottle with his sabre both in victory and defeat. So, there's clearly no wrong time to have a sip.

 

Where is your secret “suite” spot in the hotel?

 

The St. Regis Villa is the largest, most secluded private beach villa on the island. There are the white sandy shores on the south westerly tip of the island at your feet and views of the majestic Le Morne Brabant mountain. How much better can it get?

 

W Muscat

 

What gourmet specialty of the hotel really hits the spot for you?

 

We have seven different dining locations so it’s hard to choose! Harvest is perfect for a healthy meal, and we have our contemporary Chinese restaurant, Ba Ban, opening soon. But, for now, I think my number one choice would be our signature grill house, CHAR. Oman has amazing seafood and CHAR has Omani grill options unlike anything else I’ve had here. The lobster is unbeatable – fresh from the ocean with a buttery lemon sauce – I think I could eat it every day.

 

Where is your secret “suite” spot around the hotel/in town?

 

Muscat is an incredible city. It has an old-world charm to it but with a uniquely Omani-modern twist. W Muscat is within walking distance of the Royal Opera House Muscat and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, both stunning and beautiful pieces of architecture.

 

But a 10-minute drive from the hotel is the Muttrah souk, which started as a local marketplace back when Muttrah was a bustling fishing village. Today the local fish market is right next door, but the souk itself has expanded to provide a treasure trove of local jewelers, spices, fabrics and artwork. The smell of frankincense wafts through the alleyways as you sip on fresh orange juice and rummage through Omani silver, wooden artefacts and stacks of pashmina shawls. Plus, you can top it all off with a roadside shawarma!

 

How would you celebrate a special “suite” occasion at the hotel?

 

Honestly, for special occasions, you can’t beat the E-WOW Suite. With a faux-fur feature wall and a trunk closet lined with exotic silks, the décor reminds you of the nomadic lifestyle of Omani Bedouins. A stay here is special enough in itself, but I would go all out, with breakfast in the room, a day lounging by our WET Deck, an al fresco lunch at Harvest, some detox time at AWAY Spa afterwards, and a final wind-down at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar to end the night. There’s enough chill-time to feel completely relaxed, but with juicy meals and the best mixology in town it will feel like a full holiday all in one night.

 

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai

 

Where is your secret “suite” spot in the hotel?

 

While we are blessed with panoramas of the Arabian Desert and its golden sand dunes, the main infinity pool at the Timeless Spa is probably the most tranquil and inspiring backdrop in the hotel. Here, you can see the flora and fauna in their natural habitat, while receiving some world-class holistic treatments.

 

What gourmet specialty of the hotel really hits the spot for you?

 

Probably the most loved dish at the resort’s signature restaurant Al Diwaan. This is pan-fried octopus with smoked paprika hummus, spicy chorizo and black olives. It's packed with a wild array of flavours and it's filled with varying textures. The tender octopus with crispy skin pairs with ultra-creamy homemade hummus infused with Spanish paprika. Add in the spicy chorizo and you have an unbelievable gastronomic symphony.

 

How would you celebrate a special “suite” occasion at the hotel?

 

Dinner under the desert stars. We'll chauffeur you into the desert, where you'll sit back and enjoy a delectable, secluded dinner, complete with Majlis, silk carpets and soft, fluffy cushions. Enjoy some much-needed relaxation by the bonfire. It's everything you expect out of a desert oasis.

 

 

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