Here’s all you need to know about the London Heathrow Yotel; the only thing lacking is the size. Open the door to your room, and with three man-sized steps you’re in the bathroom. However, everything else about the brand experience is positively comforting.

Yotel’s Unique Style

From the moment Simon Woodruffe launched his first unique Yotel at London Gatwick in 2007, it was clear that he and his ‘first-class cabin’ concept would be at the forefront of an airport-hotel revolution. Stylish, well equipped and comfortable, success and expansion to the world’s busiest airports of London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol soon followed.

Inspired by first-class airplane cabins and located inside the airport terminals, the cabins come with all the facilities you would expect from a four star hotel room which enable work, relaxation, sleep, refreshment and entertainment. It’s a concept and business-model tailor-made for airports yet Woodruffe, backed by Kuwait-based IFA Hotels and Resorts, stepped it up further when he opened his midtown New York (just three blocks from Times Square) Yotel.

Turkish Airlines, non-stop Istanbul to LA

For generations of travelers the journey, the ‘getting there’, was all part of the experience. And then the accountants got involved. For most of us, if they weren’t reducing the size of our dinner, they were reducing the options on TV.

The G650 offers the longest range, fastest speed, largest cabin and the most-advanced cockpit in the Gulfstream fleet. It is capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach or 5,000 nautical miles at 0.90 Mach. Using an advanced aerodynamic design, the G650 has a maximum operating speed of 0.925 Mach, which will make it the fastest civil aircraft flying. It can climb to a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet, allowing it to avoid airline-traffic congestion and adverse weather.

Kayaking for a cause - John Peaveler’s epic journey

By the time you read this Kuwait-based John Peaveler will be paddling his five meter long Valley Aquanaut HV kayak around the coast of Iceland. Starting on 1st June, it’s a journey he expects to take him two months. 

Here’s a man who knows a thing or two about travelling in style. As a perpetual traveller he suggests he was destined role within luxury travel -goods brand TUMI. For over thirty years he has managed companies on five continents, and has lived in five countries. He holds dan degrees in several martial art styles. He’s ridden his Harley Davidson motorcycles across three continents. I’d say he could be right about the ‘destiny’ thing.

The World’s Best Hunting Lodges

Okay, so of all the reasons to splurge on a great holiday, maybe the possibility of killing animals in beautiful surroundings isn’t as universally appealing as it once was. Still, a good portion of the world’s well-traveled set gets a thrill-or maybe a sense of connection with nature-from it, and are more than willing to add a rifle to their checked luggage. 

Mohamad Alali to tackle cycle ride around Mediterranean basin

Think about it - a journey of more than 11,000km to be completed in less than three months. A journey that will pass through twelve countries and some of the toughest terrain in this part of the world. And by bike. When were you last on a bike? Mohamad Alali will spend May, June and July in the saddle of his as he attempts to complete his Borderless Mediterranean Journey challenge.

The heir to a business empire that included more than 800 hotels and 1,000 restaurants, in the mid-1990s Rocco Forte found himself, unexpectedly, as a Chairman without a company. The eponymous business, started by his father Charles (later Lord) Forte in 1945, had been the subject of a hostile takeover bid. This was one battle that Forte was unable to win. After a lengthy, and very public, struggle to retain control Sir Rocco found himself left without a business, but rather than fade away to enjoy an obscure whilst no doubt luxurious retirement, he bounced back. And is stronger for the experience.

The Rocco Forte Collection and Kuwait’s North Africa Holding company showcased their Assoufid Resort Development in Marrakech as they continue their Middle East expansion. 

Perhaps the name ‘Guoman’ means little to you. Some of you may know it as the Chinese word for ‘international gateway’, but it may mean little more. The Guoman we know are the Guoman Hotels that count The Cumberland, The Royal Horseguards, and The Tower Hotels amongst their London portfolio of properties - familiar names to you I am sure. And now plans are afoot for Guoman Hotels to bring their style and unique service to the Gulf. During his recent visit to the region, Men’s Passion met with Stuart Chappell to find out more.

What’s the biggest race you’ve ever entered? Does it even come close to matching up to the 3,700 entries posted for this year’s Garmin Barcelona Triathlon? Amongst the thousands of entries was the Kuwait Extreme Team. On their return to Kuwait, Men’s Passion met with two team members - Ahmed Al Majed of Extreme Sports, and our very own Raba’a Al-Hajery.

Going green is not a new concept in the world of travel. For decades, resorts like Maho Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turtle Island in Fiji have demonstrated that eco-awareness and sustainability can coexist with tourism. But in the past five years, the “eco” buzz has been amplified within the travel industry-and throughout popular culture as well.

The earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century Chinese account which described Singapore as “Pu-luo-chung” (“island at the end of a peninsula”). Little is known about the island’s history at that time but this matter-of-fact description belies Singapore’s colourful past.

Tired of queuing at check-in? Had enough of making your way along a seemingly endless line of passengers? Even business and first class have their drawbacks. More and more of us a choosing the fly in the finest luxury that only private jets can supply. One regional success story is that of Abu Dhabi’s Royal Jet. Men’s Passion had to take a closer look...

Zighy Bay is located on a headland on the northern Musandam Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman. It is set between dramatic mountains to the rear and a broad sandy beach in front. The Musandam Peninsula is an exclave region of the Sultanate of Oman, separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates. Zighy Bay is located 120km, or 90 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport. 

Where Malaysia’s Melting Pot And Asian Architecture Inspire Design.

“Business aviation is hotting up. If present economic trends continue, business aviation, for those who can afford it, will simply keep growing at the cost of commercial aviation”

Franschhoek insiders will remember La Residence, a stunning Tuscan-style villa with a peaceful  location a short walk from the town. Now it has been reborn 650 metres from its original site as an 11-suite fiefdom occupying a private 30-acre estate.

Setting the new standard

Comfort when travelling is very important to Kuwaitis. Men’s Passion looks at a new premium Kuwaiti airline which will give a luxurious new meaning to air travel.

K uwait’s second International Boat Show proved a huge hit with local people and generated $50 million worth of sales for businesses taking part in the event. Farrokh Golchin, general manager of Knotika Holdings, organizers of the event, talks to Men’s Passion about the region’s boat shows, the future of sailing and his own passion.

“We are like a private club that manages our members’ lives from A to Z,” says Tamar Emam, head of events at Quintessentially in Kuwait.”

The Kuwait group sourced tickets for the Rio de Janeiro carnival, as well as secured much coveted invitations for Paris Fashion Week. They also organized packages to the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix.

Rent a castle and get a taste of the royal way of life
France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England are just a handful of European countries you can visit to re-live the era of knights and legends.