Raffles Hotels & Resorts

Meet Andrea Fortuna, Furniture Master and maestro of craftsmanship at Raffles The Palm Dubai. With a career that spans over three decades, Andrea is more than an expert carpenter. He is the trusted guardian of a savoir faire, responsible for tending to the property’s 70,000-plus pieces of furniture, all one-of-a-kind, handmade in Italy, many embellished with gold leaf. The Dubai heat adds a level of complexity to this task, one that Andrea manages from the resort’s 200 sq on-site workshop with skill and grace. Hailing from Vicenza, Italy, Andrea learned his craft in his father’s workshop before earning a diploma in mechanical technology and starting his own career in custom furniture-making. Craftsmen like Andrea are truly in a class of their own. Visit our online magazine, Raffles 1887, to read about a typical day in the life of a Raffles curator:  https://lnkd.in/eFZgJ8Nh

The Butler Did It… and then some. For the latest incredible feats performed by our legendary Raffles butlers, may we introduce The Butler Did It Signature Experiences: a collection of one-of-a-kind itineraries shaped around our Raffles locations. These experiences extend far beyond the walls of our hotels and resorts, offering guests an immersive journey into the heart of every destination, each one telling its own amazing story. From private tours of cultural landmarks to thrilling excursions by air and sea, The Butler Did It Signature Experiences redefine the impeccable service that has characterised Raffles for almost a century-and-a-half.  Travel the globe with our Raffles butlers https://lnkd.in/gKaWwjHm

Dive into the latest edition of our online magazine, Raffles 1887, to read the full, fascinating story of how Raffles Doha created a living library in which to house its Blue Cigar Writers Lounge. Discover how ArtLink, the London-based curator enlisted to build a collection of world classics, hit on the theme ‘traders of culture’, inspired by the way the Qatari people have, over generations, embraced diverse cultural influences to enrich their own traditions and storytelling. The library is more than a catalogue of some 7,000 titles: it is a perfect meeting point between Qatari culture and the literary DNA of Raffles, as well as an atmospheric stop to read, write or enjoy a nightcap or a cigar from the humidor. https://lnkd.in/dCS9J3wA

Dive into a world of elegance and enchanted glamour with a new book from Raffles Hotels & Resorts produced by the impeccable luxury publisher Assouline. Centred around Raffles’ legendary butlers, the book captures the story and spirit of one of the world's most historic hotel companies, founded in 1887. A perfect read for travellers, dreamers and lovers of the finest things in life.   Available for pre-order at https://lnkd.in/eb-GQSEt

Start the year on a sweet note with Raffles Europejski Warsaw Head Pastry Chef Frederic Housseau. Hailing from a small village near Brittany, Frédéric inherited his passion for cuisine from his grandmothers, who sourced ingredients from local farms. After working as a pastry chef in France, he bravely followed his passion to London, before relocating once again to Dubai, the Maldives and Qatar, taking residency at a number of 5-star establishments along the way before joining the pastry team at Raffles Europejski Warsaw. As far as his approach to pastry is concerned, Frédéric explains, “My international experiences and exposure to diverse pastry styles and creations have led me to believe that classic techniques will always serve as a reference in the field. However, the rise of social media has elevated pastry to new heights, democratising this art form and compelling professionals to innovate and create continuously.” Visit our online magazine Raffles 1887 to read ‘5 minutes with Frédéric Housseau’ https://lnkd.in/ewHdHSfW, and the next time you’re in Warsaw, make sure to stop by Lourse for a taste of his ‘Rocher’, a confection of orange compote layered with gingerbread and enveloped in a 70% cocoa chocolate ganache

Foresight is the mother of excellence. Part personal concierge, part clairvoyant, the Raffles Butler is a master at anticipating the needs and desires of every guest. Once you experience this 24-hour, best-in-class service, nothing less will do. Don’t say we didn’t warn you… #TheButlerDidIt

Raffles Jaipur sits at the edge of a city that has enchanted visitors since it was built in 1727. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is the artistic heart and soul of Rajasthan. A man of science and the arts, he designed the city in a grid pattern according to the traditional architectural principles outlined in Hindu texts. Artists, architects and craftsmen came together to shape India’s first planned city, where public areas seamlessly combined form and function, and new art schools nurtured talent. However, it was the 1876 visit of the Prince of Wales that gave Jaipur its modern moniker. Determined to impress the British throne, the young Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II ordered that every building in the city be freshly decorated. A coat of paint made with pigment from the local sandstone gave Jaipur its dusky rose hue, earning it the name the Pink City. Read the full story on Raffles 1887: https://lnkd.in/er8ECJRP

Seasons greetings! As any Raffles butler knows, presentation is everything. So without any further ado, we present to you our warmest holiday wishes from all of our local teams across the globe.

 Hello, Goa! Raffles Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce that we will be opening Raffles Goa Shiroda, an extraordinary resort offering 120 luxury villas. With a debut slated for 2030, we are looking forward to giving guests the opportunity to explore the city through the enchanted world of Raffles.

For Ülker Yıldırım, success comes as easily as a song. Outside of her career at Raffles Istanbul , where she serves as Rooms Division Training Manager, Ülker is a prize-winning solo singer. Over the past six years, she has conducted her career with that same sense of harmony and creativity, an approach that resonates with colleagues and guests alike. In her current role, Ülker is integral to upholding Raffles’ impeccable standards, training colleagues and creating a data system for operational training. Reflecting on her professional journey, Ülker says, "It feels like just yesterday that I embarked on what has become a transformative chapter of my career. Six years with the legendary Raffles family — each moment rich with growth, challenges and victories — have shaped me into the professional I am today.”