Winner of the Concierge of the month, Mr. Mandar Naik from Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
We are pleased to announce that our Assistant Chief Concierge has recently been announced Concierge of the Month.

We are pleased to announce that our Assistant Chief Concierge has recently been announced Concierge of the Month.

Think you’re a player? How will you get your hands on what will soon become one of Dubai’s most prized possessions?

Watch this space as Barasti Big Deal launches on October 2nd 2009.
On Tuesday 18th of August The Westin Dubai and Le Meridien Mina Seyahi associates showcased their hidden talent to raise funds for the “Road to Awareness”- in aid of giving a better life to street children in Egypt.

The event started around 7pm with a well-organised Oscar themed setting. The Serdaal ballroom was filled with motivated associates, a in-house DJ & some talented participants. The master ceremonies successfully entertained the crowd with their jokes and interviews.
Here's what to expect during Ramadan this year, at The Le meridien Mina Seyahi:

WAVES
Iftar served from sunset - 7:30pm for AED 195, followed by our regular themed buffets. Reservations recommended.
Opening hours: 24 hours
HORIZON
Enjoy one of our tasty and refreshing Mina Mocktails on the beach or poolside.
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm
THE DHOW
The Dhow restaurant will be closed over Ramadan fromAugust 20 - September 20.
Continue reading "2009 Ramadan Dining Offers at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi in Jumeirah" »
The Angel Appeal’s Kilimanjaro Challenge preparations are still going strong! The Charity event at Barasti Beach, originally scheduled for the 2nd of May has now received official approvals and will be held on the 23rd of May, from 3pm – midnight. All proceeds from food and beverage will go to The Angel Appeal…plus there is a Raffle with GREAT prizes to be won!

Continue reading "Kilimanjaro Challenge for Charity - Barasti Beach on 23rd May" »
Way to go! Another feather in the cap for Barasti at the What’s On Awards 2009! Below: The Le Meridien Mina Seyahi team proudly receives the “Best Bar” award at the recent What’s On Awards 2009 ceremony.

STARWOOD PRIVILEGE is the exclusive F&B Loyalty Membership Programme of STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia/Pacific.
Starwood Privilege rewards members with dining and accommodation discounts in participating Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the EAME and Asia-Pacific region. The Starwood privilege creates a world of rewards and recognition that transforms every experience from the ordinary into the memorable and makes you want to return for more. Uniting more than 900 hotels in over 80 countries worldwide offering you the world's most unique and luxurious hotels any time you want to go. No black out dates and no restrictions.
Why should you have it?
Presentation of a valid Membership Card will entitle the Member to:
Dine in participating restaurants on a complimentary basis provided they are dining with at least one other paying guest. The complimentary portion of the food bill is determined by dividing the total food bill by the number of persons in the party and subtracting the resulting amount from the original bill so that one person always dines for free.
• 5 People Dine = 20% Discount
• 4 People Dine = 25% Discount
• 3 People Dine = 33% Discount
• 2 People Dine = 50% Discount
• Member dines alone = 20% Discount
Why not start today?
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi | The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi
The Starwood Privilege Office in the UAE: Tel: +971-4-3977171 | Fax: +971-4-3961391 | uae@starwoodprivilege.co.uk
Continue reading "More Is Even Better, with the Starwood Privilege Dining Loyalty Program!" »
Barasti, Le Meridien Beach Resort & Marina to host the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fundraiser on 14th March from 12 – 6pm.
All proceeds during that period from drinks and the Aussie BBQ will go towards the appeal. There’s also the opportunity to win some fabulous prizes from The Westin Heavenly Spa, Puma, Le Meridien, Al Boom Marine, Cinestar, Holeys, EMU Australia, Lime Tree and many more.

Valentine’s Day. At Le Meridien. 14 February ‘09
Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.
Harriet van Horne

Guests can now enjoy the very first Rhumerie at the Lobby Lounge (next to Tang Restaurant, famous for its molecular gastronomy). The Rhumerie features a selection of over 60 different rums from around the world…a number set to increase in time.

Our inspiration
We were inspired by the beauty of the Caribbean islands traditions, cuisine, culture, rich history and of course Rum. The menu is designed according to islands featuring Rums. There is a brief description of each islands for our guests to indulge in the experience while sipping the rum.
Continue reading "The very first Rhumerie in Dubai at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi" »
Dubai: Come and join in on the Christmas Cheer with the Kid's Christmas Carnival at the Penguin Club, at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina! Call +971 4 3181315 for more details.

Ramadan Do’s and Don’ts: The local authorities become especially sensitive to social faux pas throughout Ramadan. Below are a few guidelines to keep you from offending anyone:
Barasti on Tour: Be one of six lucky people to join Barasti on Tour by winning tickets to the Artois Tennis Championships at the Queen’s Club London in June 2008. Head down to Barasti and spend AED100 for your chance to win a trip to the lawn tennis championships and watch the world’s best players go head to head.

Barasti is the proud winner of the "Best Bar in Dubai" award! This honor was bestowed upon the Barasti at the What's On Awards, held at Media City on Monday, April 14th 2008.

The creative Chefs from the Le Merdien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina made a splash at the Emirates Salon Culinaire 2008 this year, grabbing the highest number of gold and silver medals ever for the hotel!

Continue reading "Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Chefs set records at the Emirates Salon Culinaire 2008" »
The Krystal Dinner Show Announces End Date of February 29th. The premier appearance of the fabulous Krystal Dinner Show is drawing to close with the finale show announced for February 29th, after a very successful and extended run. The show has been running nightly since January 24th with brunches on Fridays and a Family Brunch Show on Saturdays.
Continue reading "The Krystal Dinner Show at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi ends February 29th" »

January 30th – 48 young gentlemen and ladies from Jebel Ali Primary school visited Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (Mina Seyahi Complex Dubai) to add to their knowledge on Boats & Transportation. They visited the Dhow restaurant, (a moored, traditional Arabic boat), and were shown how the boat operates. The group then proceeded to the boats & yachts moored at the Dubai Marina (DIMC), to see the more modern front of boat industry development. The children were given a class on ‘Safety on board’ and were shown how to use a life jacket. The program ended with the activities on Barasti Beach and of course, ice-cream! View the photos from the visit on our online Gallery!
Here's what's happening at the Mina on the 14th of February!
Valentines on the Dhow
Enjoy a 5 course meal with a bottle of Rose Champagne and the trademark ambience of the Dhow for AED 1500 per couple. Romantic music for the perfect evening, courtesy the Footprints Band. Only a special Valentine’s set menu will be available and tables are reserved for couples only (no children under the age of 21 allowed). For reservations call: +971 4 3181374
The Dhow Pontoon Romantic Dinner
Enjoy dinner under the stars on the Dhow pontoon in a romantic setting for 2 only. A spectacular 7 course set menu with a bottle of KRUG , a limo to collect you from your doorstep (Dubai only), a boat ride to the dhow, dinner and a nights stay in a Royal Club room at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi. Also included is a Spa Treatment for 2. All this for only AED 10,000. (No discounts valid with this promotion, guests over 21yrs only. Valid for one couple and based on availability so please book well in advance). For reservations call +971 4 3181374
Continue reading "Dubai Valentines Day Dining Specials at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi" »
THE GRAND SPIEGELTENT COMES TO DUBAI - A new era in exclusive fine dining and flamboyant cabaret! The Premier appearance of the Krystal Dinner Show in the world famous Grand Spiegeltent marks a new era of fine dining and entertainment in Dubai. The Grand Spiegeltent – the spiritual home of intimate cabaret - is being brought to the UAE for the first time to accommodate the exclusive Krystal Dinner Show. Set against the elite backdrop of the luxury yacht marina in the elegant grandeur of Le Meridien, Mina Seyahi- the Krystal Dinner Show heralds a new era of fine dining and flamboyant cabaret entertainment- starting on January 24th.

At Le Meridien, our guests DISCOVER more than just a destination or a hotel... they DISCOVER a new way of seeing things. The team at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina wish you new perspectives, stimulation and discovery in the new year to come.
Starwood Privilege has just been launched here in UAE covering 6 UAE Hotels, including your favourite, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina! There are 129 participating Starwood Hotels and Resorts throughout Europe, Africa, Asia/Pacific and the Middle East…
Now, as a member you dine for free for an entire year once you are accompanied by another paying guest. Add to it, you are entitled to accommodation privileges which grant you - 5% off lowest rate of the day at time of booking in EMEA different from 50% OFF CERTIFICATE.. Finally there are bouquets of local certificates to be utilised at the hosting hotel of your choice & global certificates to be used at any participating Hotel.

The Mina Seyahi Complex is just as famous for its relaxed ambience, superb beachfront and fantastic swimming pools, as it is for its water sports acclaim. The Mina has gone to extra lengths to ensure that guests and visitors can enjoy swimming at the complex in safer, more enjoyable waters! The Engineering team at the Mina uses chlorination techniques that utilize natural salt instead of manufactured chlorine, to make the water more enjoyable, safer and pleasant. Read on...

Welcome to the home of watersport...the Mina Seyahi Watersports Festival 2007 will be held at the Mina Seyahi complex (Jumeriah Beach) from 30th November to 8th December 2007 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mayed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and in celebration of the UAE National Day - enjoy 10 days and 2 full weekends of water sports action!!!
Watch the drama unfold as 1000’s of competitors challenge each other in traditional AND modern Sailing and Rowing, Jet Skiing and Dragon boat racing! The Worlds Richest Ocean Kayak race, the US$53,000 Dubai Shamaal takes place on Friday 30th from 3pm and if that’s not enough, the highlight of festival will be the final two legs of the awesome Class I and Class III World Power Boating Championships - taking place over both weekends.
IF IT’S GOT ANYTHING TO DO WITH WATER – IT’S AT THE MINA! Download the Flyer and Schedule

As the festive season approaches, the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is doing all it can to prepare for the best experience for our valued guests and patrons... a complete line-up of the season's dining and entertainment at the Mina's famed outlets is already available, so you can plan and reseve well in advance. Ready for a Sunny Christmas and New Year in Dubai?

Barasti Bar wins award in "Loving the Weather" category!
Last night, Sir Richard Branson hosted the inaugural I ♥ DXB awards at Bussola, at the new Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina to celebrate the very best of the city as voted for by Virgin Atlantic passengers travelling on the London to Dubai route.

The Air Show Gala Dinner was held at the Mina Seyahi Complex in Dubai this year and was dubbed by the head of the organizing committee to be “..the best AIR SHOW GALA DINNER we ever had through the years”. Accolade for the flawless execution of the event aside, which hosted thousands of VIPs and celebrities, the Gala Dinner was also a fun event, with the likes of Diana Ross performing live for an enraptured audience.
Continue reading "Air Show Gala Dinner at Mina Seyahi the best ever - Diana Ross in Dubai" »
A great new video we've created that uses the new Le Meridien feel and music to give a stylish look at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina... enjoy the journey! You can also watch the video here
A video update from General Manager Michael Scully on the Mina Seyahi Complex...comments on end of Summer and what's to come in October and November. Also a few comments on why the Mina Seyahi Complex (Comprising of the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, upcoming flagship property The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi and the Dubai International Marine Club) is an ideal choice for business travellers, couples and families alike.

Guests looking to enjoy Dubai from the air now have the option of doing so from the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (Jumeirah Beach Dubai). Alpha Tours in combination with Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) have set up a base at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and offer various City Tour, City Shuttle and Exclusive Packages. A City Tour of Dubai for 30 Minutes costs approx AED 1150 per person on a sharing basis or AED 4,600 for an exclusive trip of 6 Passengers (max upto 450 kilos). Choppers in use are the Augusta A109 Grand and Eurocopter EC130, VIP configured with comfortable leather seats, climate-controlled sound proof cabin and a panoramic view. Contact the Info Centre at the Mina Seyahi for more details at +971 4 3993333.

For the fans of the Mina's spectacular range of restaurants and bars, a Dining Loyalty Program may be just the thing to get excited about! The 'Starwood Privilege' program features a superb range of dining and add-on benefits, including the fact that the member is entitled to dine on a complimentary basis at all participating hotel restaurants when dining with at least one paying guest. Members are also entitled to receive the Starwood Privilege Rate, which is an ongoing discount of 5% off the lowest available rate of the day at the time of booking , at participating hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Other exciting features include local and global benefit certificates.
At the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, members are also entitled to additional certificates: a 3-course dinner menu for two with a bottle of house-wine and also a 50% off dining certificate for upto 10 people (minimum of 4 people).
Interested in signing up? The program currently costs AED 850 for an annual membership. Visit the website at www.starwoodhotels.com/privilege for a sign-up form and full details or call our call centre at +971 4 3977171 (Open from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm from Saturday to Wednesday and from 9am to 1pm on Thursdays). You can also email customerservice_uae@starwoodprivilege.co.uk for enquiries and to make contact. The official website also features information and details on all our participating restaurants!
Watch the TV interview with GM Michael Scully about Golfing and Sports in Dubai, while at the Powerboating event in Norway. You can also watch the video here
During the holy month of Ramadan, Ramadan tents are popular places of gathering and the perfect place to break your fast. This is also a popular place for those not fasting to spend the evening, meet friends and play backgammon. Ramadan tents are a superb place to go should you be in the mood for sampling Arabic cuisine, drinking Arabic coffee and smoking Shisha.
However the menu can be a bit confusing for those new to Arabic cuisine. Therefore here are a few pointers on what you can try in the Ramadan tent at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina.

We wish all our guests, patrons and well-wishers Ramadan Kareem, from the Mina Family! Here is a compilation of useful information for your stay or visit, including Ramadan Do's and Dont's, Ramadan Prayer Timings in Dubai (UAE) and also our Restaurant / Outlet timings during the holy month of Ramadan.
A quick reference guide to the timings of various outlets at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan.
Summer Offers at the Mina! For a latest snapshot of the special dining offers and promotions at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, please visit our Dining Special Offers Page or download the latest F&B Offers Newsletter (click on the image or this link to open).
For more information and reservations please contact the hotel +971 4 3993333

Two members of the Mina family are the proud finalists in Le Meridien's "Taste of Discover" Chef Challenge, to be judged by acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Stephane Buchholzer and Stuart Sage at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi created the "Muesli & Yoghurt Langoff", which has been selected as one of the few recipes to enter the final round. The recipe for the same is provided here, specially for our Mina blog readers!

The Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina proudly congratulates it's junior chefs, who recently participated in the 2007 Middle East Junior Chefs of the Year competition held last July 6 – 11, 2007 at the Dubai Shopping Festival Mall.
Continue reading "Mina Chefs shine at the Middle East Junior Chefs of the Year competition" »

We interview our new Westin Hotel Manager and a Complex Manager for Finance & Systems.
What was your last position before you joined us? I was Complex Director of Finance Westin-Sheraton Real de Faula Golf Resort & Spa – Costa Blanca Spain.
Why did you move to Dubai? Dubai is showing an enormous growth in the hospitality industry. There are numerous interesting hotel developments here. The level of service, the facilities, the innovations and the business growth make Dubai a fantastic area for hoteliers. Also the fact that Dubai is a good place for young families, made the choice easy.
Continue reading "An Interview with the new Westin Hotel Manager, Ko van den Hil" »
We've just added over 200 new photos to our online Photo Gallery! These include over a 100 photos from the launch of the Chill @ Barasti on Saturday, 19th May 2007 as well as Sports events like the Aquathon, Mina Mile, Surf Skiing and Dragon Boating! Visit www.minaeffect.com/gallery ...happy viewing!
art & jewellery fair, Friday June 1st 2007 - Free Entrance
Browse & buy from a superb selection of original artworks & jewellery. Featuring artists Kay Black, Marian Lishman & Balinese works by a variety of artists. Silver jewellery by enigma, murano glass jewellery by kaleidascope & pearl jewellery by purely pearls.
Time: 3pm to 7pm. Venue: The clubhouse, lower deck, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi
For more information contact Ros of Marina Market, Dubai. Tel: 050 244 5795. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Tel : 971 4 399 3333, www.minaeffect.com

We are pleased to announce the addition of a dynamic Photo Gallery to minaeffect.com, which will feature the latest snaps from your favourite resort on Jumeirah Beach, the Le Merdien Mina Seyahi as well as events and of course, the popular dining and entertainment outlets like Barasti Bar, Tang, Bussola, the Dhow and more. The Gallery can be accessed at www.minaeffect.com/gallery and features a simple navigation interface, with an added search functionality. Check it out today!

As of the 1st May, premium visitors arriving in Dubai will be receiving an even warmer welcome than usual! Selected visitors will be handed a complimentary welcome package containing the Vice Versa smart chip card. Welcome packages will be distributed through a variety of distribution partners, serving the 5 and 4 star hotel market including Marhaba Services and Alpha Tours. Visitors who make purchases at any of Vice Versa’s 250 quality outlets will instantly be able to make an average of 10% of their purchase price back onto the card, which they can spend elsewhere in the partner outlet network.
Continue reading "Vice Versa Card Dubai - Options for travellers at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi" »

The Westin Brand Makes Its Debut In The United Arab Emirates
With the Signing of the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, ATM 2007 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. ® (NYSE: HOT) announced the signing of its Westin flagship hotel in the United Arab Emirates, the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Continue reading "The Westin Brand Makes Its Debut In The United Arab Emirates" »

Dubai’s’ favourite beachfront spot adds a new entertainment dimension.
The newly re -furbished Barasti , the premier beach bar destination, has not only extended its upper deck but now offers a lower deck area of over 140 sq metres to accommodate the steady stream of vibrant guests and clients who want to be seen at Dubai’s’ “it” spot.
An intimate beach lounge environment where people can meet and relax, enjoy the view and sample the new menu that will offer tapas and bite size snacks, as well as a wide selection of elegant cocktails, from frozen margaritas to special liqueurs and a full bar selection, can only add to the allure of this gorgeous setting.
Rattan and teak themed décor capturing the essence of outdoors beach lifestyle and a gorgeous interior bar / lounge with a dancefloor ,will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11a.m. to close and Sunday to Wednesday from 5.00 p.m. until close.
A wide selection of music from laid back jazz, beachside chill out beats, to contemporary rock and some dance music will be played nightly with resident DJ to capture the mood of the crowd. A sophisticated extension to a venue that reflects the vibrancy and personality of Dubai’s’ socialites.

With a selection of packages for the individual, family, visitors, tourist or corporate client, the Sailing Academy will lead the way in marine leisure & recreation, and provide a platform for potential “sailors” from novice to professional to either learn to sail, or learn to perfect the art of racing.
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi is currently the training venue for the victorious America’s cup Alinghi sailing team, and provides the perfect conditions for all levels of participants.
Continue reading "Sailing Academy Launched By Le Meridien Mina Seyahi" »
Enjoy Easter weekend, Easter Sunday...and even an extended Easter holiday this April at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. The Mina has dining specials, entertainment and room rates lined up to suit the most every taste, palate and inclination. From Easter Sunday lunch and dinner specials to a special weekend rate for those wishing to stretch their Easter break just a little bit longer, we've thought of it all. Check out the highlights below:
Limited Time Rooms Offer: If you're planning an extended Easter break this April, enjoy an exciting weekend break with us, with even more exciting room rates, starting at only AED 1299 plus taxes. These rates are valid for stays from 12th - 14th April 2007, based on availability, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Book Now
A warm welcome to the Mina Effect! This blog features news, promotions, event updates and other stories from the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, based on pristine stretch of Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, located with the Dubai International Marine Club and a stone's throw away from Dubai Media City and Internet City.
For more information on the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (affectionately known as the 'Mina') please visit the official website at lemeridien.com/minaseyahi or the hotel Special Offers Page, for specials, packages, dining and events information.
2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
10 Jan Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).
20 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
30 Jul Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet).
2 Oct Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
2 Dec National Day.
9 Dec Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
29 Dec Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).
Dubai Shopping Festival
Starts : 24-January-2008
Ends : 24-February-2008
Activities: Shopping Festival
Venue: Different venues around Dubai
Contact: info@mydsf.ae
The Dubai Desert Classic 2008
Starts : 28-January-2008
Ends : 3-February-2008
Activities: European PGA Tour golf tournament
Venue: Emirates Golf Club
Contact: info@golfindubai.org/ www.golfindubai.org
Barasti, the hottest bar on the Jumeriah strip in Dubai, presents the World Sports Calendar. Stay updated on the latest sporting events around the world, from Golf, Polo, Rugby, Cricket to Sailing & Powerboating. Better, still come share the excitement with us at Barasti!
Date | Location | Event | More Info Here |
12.08.07 | Olso, Norway | Victory Team Powerboat race - Heat 3 | |
14.09.07 | Paris France | Rugby World Cup - UK vs SA | |
22.09.07 | Munich, Germany | Oktoberfest | |
19.10.07 | Interlagos, Brazil | Brazilian Grand Prix | |
20.10.07 | El Alamien, Egypt | Victory Team Powerboat race - Heat 5 | |
06.11.07 | Melbourne, Australia | Melbourne Cup Horse race | |
10.11.07 | Doha, Qatar | Victory Team Powerboat race - Heat 6 | |
16.12.07 | Syndney, Australia | Cricket - Aus vs NZ | |
05.02.08 | New Orleans, USA | Mardi Gras | |
19.02.08 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Mardi Gras | |
01.03.08 |
| Six Nations Rugby | |
01.04.08 |
| America’s Cup Sailing | |
03.04.08 | Liverpool, UK | Grand National Horse race | |
03.06.08 | Le Mans, France | Le Mans 24 hour race | |
16.06.08 | Atlanta, USA | Stanley Cup NHL playoffs | |
25.06.08 | Wimbledon, UK | Tennis Grand Slam | |
01.07.08 |
| Heineken Classic Golf | |
03.09.08 | Cardiff, UK | Cricket - UK vs SS |
Continue reading "The World Sports Calendar, presented by Barasti" »