New Year in New York City

WITH the December holidays quickly approaching, Middle East residents and expatriates looking for a festive winter escape could do well to head to the stylish leisure and shopping destination of New York City.

With the Middle East ranked ninth out of a list of 20 of New York City's Top International Markets, tourist attractions such as Times Square, Fifth Avenue and the Empire State Building continue to lure visitors from the region, particularly for end-of-year celebrations.

''Andaz 5th Avenue and Andaz Wall Street are both located minutes away from major tourist sites. The upscale, boutique-style of these flawless and tech-savvy properties is perfect for those on a city break or a business trip," said Thierry Bertin, Vice-President sales and marketing, Hyatt International, South West Asia.

Located on 41st street in the fashionable Bryant Park area of mid-town Manhattan, Andaz 5th Avenue features stunning New York loft-style apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows and views that stretch across 5th Avenue and the New York Public Library.

Home to some of the largest rooms in New York City (from 322 square feet,) Andaz 5th Avenue rooms showcase landscaped terraces and private balconies within walking distance of Times Square, Grand Central Station, the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Centre.

The inspiration behind this New York City property ... is New York City, and this is clearly reflected in its modern choice of white marble sculptures and its creative fire-coloured murals that have been inspired by artist Carlos Capelan. This New York City hotel co-exists with the vibrant, passionate and exciting city in which it is located.

For those keen to hop onboard a ferry to see the majestic Statue of Liberty, the vibrant Andaz Wall Street - the only hotel on famous Wall Street - is rated among the top 45 world hotels in Travel + Leisure magazine's 2010 new hotels 'IT' list.

Check-in and service at all Andaz hotels are simplified with a 'host' for each arriving guest. All details are placed on a handheld e-tablet, which subsequently produces the guests' room key on the spot. This contemporary way of welcoming guests ensures convenience and privacy for visitors and allows guests to get on with enjoying their holiday as soon as they arrive.

The design of the 253 guest rooms at Andaz Wall Street has also been cleverly thought out. Exquisite, oak-finish furniture featuring beautiful bay window seats for relaxing and unwinding, along with paintings by local artists, grace the walls of this unique property.

After hours of sightseeing guests are sure to be inspired by Hyatt's 'Respire' initiative that provides guests with a divine sleeping environment that aims to soothe any guest that suffers with allergies with a state-of-the-art air purification system.

For stylish eateries the extremely popular Wall & Water restaurant is good for a quick bite before heading out to see or one of the city's numerous attractions or museums.

For more information, please visit www.andaz.com or www.hyatt.com

THE new Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Hotel will play host to Europe's top golfers when they arrive in the kingdom for the Volvo Golf Champions tournament.

The multi-million dinar hotel, which will celebrate its 'soft opening' in a few weeks time, boasts 262 luxury rooms, five restaurants and four bars, a grand ballroom, meeting rooms ... and a beach.

The five-star resort has entered into an agreement to become the 'official hotel' for the 2011 championship.

A number of other support sponsors have also confirmed their involvement including Rolex, who will become the 'official timepiece' for the event staged at the Royal Golf Club on January 27-30.