Antony Doucet, in his role as the Chief Experience Officer at Kerten Hospitality, lays out a vivid tableau of the transformational guest experience that goes beyond the traditional hotel stay. “We’re not just running properties; we’re curating environments where every detail is part of a story,” Antony explains. With a keen focus on the symbiotic relationship between guest contentment and employee satisfaction, he underscores that “there’s no happy guest without happy team members.” This philosophy is deeply embedded in the operational blueprint of Kerten Hospitality.
The Royal Commission for AlUla & Kerten Hospitality is giving new life to a historic gem in the heart of AlUla’s Old Town with the unveiling of Dar Tantora The House Hotel. Antony Doucet offers an insightful glimpse into the philosophy and immersive experiences guests can expect at this extraordinary establishment, which has been elegantly woven into the thousand-year-old city’s fabric. Doucet, with a fervour that reflects his deep involvement in the project, shares, “Guests are coming to stay with us are the first inhabitants to give rebirth to the Old Town of AlUla.”
The inception of Dar Tantora The House Hotel crafts a narrative that resonates with the rich tapestry of history and culture that AlUla represents. As Doucet puts it, “It’s an eco-resort, almost 100% sustainable. We have no electric lights except in the bathrooms.” The commitment to sustainability extends to the dining experience, with “a large majority of the ingredients we’re using in the restaurant coming from the oasis that is right across from us.” This meticulous attention to detail and the locality ensures that the experience at Dar Tantora is not just authentic but also inherently responsible and sustainable.
In describing the type of traveller Dar Tantora seeks to attract, Doucet elaborates on their target audience: “Travellers who are interested in heritage, history, archaeology; who really care about the sustainability aspect of our property.” This aligns with the overall vision of Kerten Hospitality, which looks to cater to those who value not just luxury but also the essence of the destination they visit.
The vision for Dar Tantora The House Hotel extends beyond its physical boundaries to become a part of the cultural and historical narrative of AlUla itself. Doucet, a native Frenchman, acknowledges the Western influences that permeate through the local culture due to various partnerships, creating a unique fusion that enhances the destination’s allure.
Doucet emphasises the importance of connectivity, highlighting the growing accessibility to AlUla through regional flights. This enhanced accessibility is set to boost the destination’s appeal, particularly among European travellers, with a notable increase anticipated from the French market.
Furthermore, Doucet provides insights into the curated culinary experiences at Dar Tantora, where the menu is very much built around what is available in the oasis, creating a direct link between the land and the table. He describes the produce as remarkably sweet, with the oasis yielding a bounty of vegetables, citrus fruits, aromatic herbs, and, of course, dates.
In terms of guest feedback, the unique offerings of Dar Tantora have been met with awe. Doucet reveals, “People are in the middle of the city of AlUla but at the same time they are disconnected from the world. And when they want to reconnect, the buzz of AlUla is right outside of the hotel.” It’s a testament to the thoughtfully orchestrated balance between the serenity of the hotel and the vibrancy of the surrounding city.
Doucet’s vision for Dar Tantora The House Hotel embodies the convergence of authenticity and luxury, where every guest is treated to a personalised journey beginning from the moment they land, with luxury classic cars awaiting their arrival. The experience continues with butler service in the best tradition of high-end hospitality, juxtaposed with the authenticity of staying in a historically significant location.
Dar Tantora The House Hotel is a part of the broader vision of Kerten Hospitality to craft experiences that resonate with local heritage and culture, maintaining synergy with the community. This approach is exemplified by the initiative, “The Collective by Kerten Hospitality,” announced in 2023, which is set to introduce more than 22 projects to the Kingdom, illustrating the company’s significant investment in creating sustainable and distinctive tourism experiences within Saudi Arabia.
The Collective aims to expedite the activation of unique assets throughout Saudi Arabia, providing individual investors with increased confidence to enter the hospitality market and supporting the growth of lifestyle and sustainability projects. Marloes Knippenberg, the CEO of Kerten Hospitality, emphasizes that “The Collective by Kerten Hospitality showcases the strength of our diverse portfolio and enhances the visibility of our projects, fostering a sense of community among our properties.”
This cohesive platform will enhance visibility for each property and inspire travellers to explore the breadth of Kerten Hospitality’s offerings within Saudi Arabia.
Mahmoud Abdulhadi, Deputy Minister of Destination Enablement at the Ministry of Tourism, stated, “We are focused on promoting multiple cities and showcasing the diverse experiences they offer while emphasising sustainability.” He added that this strategy encourages visitors to explore different parts of Saudi Arabia, fostering sustainable industry growth, benefiting local communities and businesses.
As part of The Collective, Kerten Hospitality continues to work closely with partners such as the Saudi Ministry of Tourism to bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable projects to life, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s status as a premier global tourism destination.
In conclusion, with Antony Doucet at the helm of experience creation, Kerten Hospitality is not just managing hotels and residences but is redefining how people live, work, and explore. Guests can expect each visit to be a journey through time, a lesson in sustainability, and a symphony of experiences that enrich the soul. With Dar Tantora The House Hotel and “The Collective by Kerten Hospitality” initiative, Kerten Hospitality is weaving a rich tapestry that is not only synonymous with the opulence expected of modern luxury but also profoundly connected to the sense of place and history of Saudi Arabia.
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