Wyndham Residences The Palm: A Year of Serenity, Sustainability, and Success

Mohamed El Akkad, a Spanish national and Egyptian native, has led the pre-opening and launch of Wyndham Residences the Palm and now spearheads the commercial strategy development of the property, covering all segments and channels to maximise the hotel’s revenue and daily performance.

With over 23 years of diverse hospitality experience with Meridien, Sofitel, Moevenpick, The Address and Hilton Hotels, El Akkad’s strengths lie in developing efficient revenue generation with a solid commercial background, maintaining seamless, efficient operations, driving brand growth, and strategically leading properties in corporate performance and actions in emerging markets.

As the Hotel Manager at Wyndham Residences The Palm, he leads all aspects of operations from day-to-day management of staff and guests to leading financial strategies for the property.

 Lets begin by celebrating the property's one-year milestone. Could you share some highlights and achievements from the past year?

It's been an incredible year for Wyndham Residences The Palm. One of our major achievements has been earning the distinction of being a Certified Green Hotel by Wyndham, which reflects our strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. All our restaurants are proudly 100% plastic-free, and we've also encouraged our guests to participate in waste separation by providing two refuse bins in the hotel rooms. Additionally, we've installed electric car chargers on the property to cater to our environmentally-conscious guests.

Another exciting development is the imminent opening of our spa, which will provide our guests with an even more lavish and relaxing experience during their stay. We've also introduced a shuttle service to Nakheel, making it more convenient for our guests to explore the surrounding area.

The property's dining options sound impressive and diverse. Could you share more about the culinary experiences guests can enjoy at Wyndham Residences The Palm?

Certainly! We take great pride in our dining options. At 20Four, our all-day dining restaurant, guests can indulge in a delightful selection of dishes, including convenient grab-and-go options and a well-stocked bar. For those seeking a beachside culinary retreat, Soluna Beach Club awaits, offering not only stunning views but also delectable cuisine that perfectly complements the serene surroundings. At Enas Restaurant, we transport guests to the Mediterranean and Greece with every bite, offering an authentic gastronomic journey filled with rich and diverse flavors. And for those with a sweet tooth, Risen Bakery tempts guests with a tempting array of pastries and baked goods, ensuring a delightful treat for anyone who enjoys delectable desserts.

The property has achieved remarkable milestones, including becoming a Certified Green Hotel by Wyndham. Could you share more about the sustainability initiatives and environmental responsibility that Wyndham Residences The Palm is dedicated to?

Sustainability is at the core of our values. We are proud to have earned the distinction of being a Certified Green Hotel by Wyndham. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in several initiatives, including being 100% plastic-free in all our restaurants. We also encourage our guests to actively participate in our sustainability efforts by providing two refuse bins in hotel rooms for recycling. Additionally, we have electric car chargers available on the property, catering to environmentally-conscious guests who prefer sustainable transportation options. These efforts are a testament to our dedication to the environment and our guests' well-being.

Wyndham Residences The Palm has positioned itself as a preferred leisure destination with consistently high occupancy rates. Could you elaborate on the property's success in the market and its unique selling points?

We are indeed proud of our success in the market. Our consistent high occupancy rates speak to the trust and satisfaction of our guests. We have successfully positioned ourselves as a chic home away from home and an ideal extended-stay option. We are not just a hotel; we are a leisure destination. What sets us apart is our dedication to providing exceptional service and amenities that cater to a wide range of guest preferences. Our commitment to maintaining exclusivity and our focus on sustainability make us a standout choice for both local and international travelers.

It's clear that sustainability and guest experience are top priorities for Wyndham Residences The Palm. Speaking of guest experience, your property has been ranked as the number one small hotel out of 126 on TripAdvisor in Dubai. Could you tell us what you believe sets Wyndham Residences The Palm apart and contributes to this high ranking?

I believe our success on TripAdvisor can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, we offer a wide range of accommodation options, from studios to deluxe one, two, and three-bedroom units, complete with spacious kitchens and laundry facilities. This makes us an ideal choice for both short and extended stays, allowing guests to feel at home while enjoying all the amenities and services we offer.

Additionally, our stunning views of the white sand beaches and the vibrant community of Palm Jumeirah provide a serene backdrop for our guests. The large balconies or terraces in most apartments allow them to fully appreciate this beautiful setting.

What can guests look forward to in the near future at Wyndham Residences The Palm, especially with the upcoming spa opening?

We have exciting plans for the future. The spa, opening in September, will offer guests a rejuvenating and pampering experience. We are also introducing a daily shuttle service to Nakheel Mall, enhancing convenience for our guests. These developments are part of our ongoing efforts to elevate the guest experience and maintain our reputation as a premier destination in Dubai.

Thank you for sharing these insights. Wyndham Residences The Palm truly stands out as a upscale and environmentally-conscious retreat, and we look forward to hearing more about its continued success and growth.

Thank you. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences for our guests while also contributing to a sustainable future. We appreciate the support of our guests and the media in helping us share our story.