Kamal Khalil runs away with Fitness/Spa Person of the Year award

Kamal Khalil, spa & recreation director, Phoenicia InterContinental Beirut sprinted up to the stage at Le Meriden Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre to collect his accolade at the 14th Hotelier Awards

When asked about peoples’ attitudes towards fitness in the region, Khalil said: “People are much more health conscious and fitness is now the key to destress and get away from busy routines. More and more, people are seeing the mental benefits of exercise”.

Khalil, who was recognised by the judges for commitment and dedication to the wellness field and taking personal initiative to integrate healthy activities for both hotel employees and guests also commented on fitness trends: “Exercise that leads to mindfulness are popular - sound healing and yoga where they focus on breathing. People want to switch off”.

When asked why his entry impressed the judges, Khalil said: “I’m passionate about people. I drive my team and I’m a good ambassador for the property”.

Highly commended in the category sponsored by Pulsar was Laura Brown, spa manager, Fairmont The Palm.

The shortlisted candidates in the category were Aleksander Kurcic, personal trainer, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai;  Bharti Lama, spa & recreation manager, Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel Abu Dhabi; Hany Darwish, health club manager, Holiday Inn Kuwait; May Bona, spa therapist, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai; Vyara Tosheva, spa and wellness manager, The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel