Le Méridien Al Aqah launches 'Arrival Experience'

The Arrival Experience, introduced to add value to guests' stay in Starwood Hotels, is made up of four components put together by world class artists: transitional portal, sensory experience, Unlock Art and elevated experience.

While many international Starwood properties offer access to art galleries through Unlock Art, Le Méridien Al Aqah is capitalizing on its unique location by the Indian Ocean, offering an underwater photography experience for guests.

"We see the implementation of Arrival Experience as a cornerstone in creating new experiences for our guests and inspiring them. As the programme has a strong focus on art, through the Unlock Art keycards, we wanted to offer guests the chance to test or develop their under water photography skills by exploring dive sites at Al Aqah and in the area,"

said Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort.

The concept of Unlock Art originates from artist-designed key cards which are presented to guests on arrival, providing access to the nominated art experience. The international artists have been selected by Starwood through the LM100 programme, which features 100 of the world's best artists. The beautiful pink floral key card, which features at Le Méridien Al Aqah, is a work of art in itself and has been designed by Michael Lin, who was born in Tokyo and spent his early years in Taiwan.

The underwater photography is free for hotel guests and is coordinated by Al Boom Diving. Guests are required to have a Padi license for diving. There is also an option for non-divers to take underwater photographs by snorkeling. Children under 12 can enjoy a treasure hunt in the hotel's freeform pool. Guests can submit up to three photographs for the weekly underwater photography competition. Each week, the resort's Management will host a reception for the guests who will vote for the best photo. The best photo will receive a prize from the hotel, offering a free service.

The art influence extends to the glass doorway of the hotel. The work of Spanish artist Joan Fontcuberta adorns the entrance of Le Méridien Al Aqah as part of the transitional portal into the hotel.

Inside the lobby, guests can experience the subtle background music and audio created by LM100 member, Grammy award winning musician, composer and producer Henri Scars Struck. Adding to the sensory experience, the lobby has been infused with a subtle scent created by Le Labo perfume house.

Scars Struck's 24-hour music sound piece is played in other areas of the hotel including the elevators and is designed to be a conversation piece and to evoke emotions. Completing the arrival experience is ambient lighting - a combination of natural daylight and soft lighting, with candlelight in the evenings.