Shangri-La Mindful of Guest Wellbeing

As mindfulness becomes an increasingly popular way of life, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai has embraced the art of meditative colouring with the introduction of a unique in-room colouring kit that aims to reduce stress and enhance the wellbeing of guests, available from January 2017.

Presented in an elegant wooden stand, the kit contains 12 colouring pencils, four postcards featuring specially-designed intricate patterns and a pencil sharpener. The postcards feature familiar scenes from around the hotel, based on the theme and ambiance of three of its restaurants – Hoi An, Shang Palace and ikandy ultralounge – as well as one that illustrates the view of Dubai from the hotel’s Level 42 terrace. Guests can then send their completed colourful postcard to loved ones or take it home as a keepsake.

It is widely accepted that the intricate, yet non-focused art of colouring can have the positive effect of calming the mind, with benefits proving similar to the practice of meditation. Reducing stress and uplifting guest moods is something that the hotel has continued to embrace and aims to enhance with this new in-room feature.

Gerhard Hecker, General Manager at Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, said: “We are now seeing a new generation of busy guests who take their wellbeing very seriously and they are increasingly searching for effective ways to unwind whilst travelling. Sometimes the gym or a fitness class is simply too rigorous after a busy day, so we’re hoping that this alternative method of relaxation will allow our guests to find the stillness they crave in a hectic life.”

Introduced in line with the hotel’s current renovation project, the kits are being placed in the rooms for the guests’ enjoyment throughout their stay.

A true haven of relaxation in the city of contrasts, the hotel is embarking on a journey of transformation in an exciting AED 70 million renovation. With the lobby and public area renovation complete, work on the 302 guest rooms and suites will begin, giving them a refreshed feel featuring new calming colours and textures.

Guest wellbeing and relaxation is an essential quality of the Shangri-La experience, which is why the guest rooms are being reappointed with both style and comfort in mind. Combining the warmth of Asian-influenced wooden fixtures and fittings with white, blush and pastel blue soft furnishings, the rooms will provide a calming, contemporary retreat at the end of a busy day of sightseeing or meetings. With every room being situated on the highest floors of the hotel, each guest will enjoy inspiring and far-reaching views across the Arabian Sea or of the city hustle and bustle far beyond.