Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has unveiled plans for a new urban resort in the heart of Dubai’s upscale Jumeirah neighbourhood.
When it opens in 2017, the luxury resort will include 12 exclusive overwater villas among its 200 rooms and suites, each with private infinity pool and swimming platform, from which guests can drop into the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Water and infinity pools will play a big role in the overall design of the resort, envisaged by Kuala Lumpur-based design firm DesignWilkes, which has worked on design projects at other Mandarin Oriental properties in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
From the main resort building at Mandarin Oriental, Dubai, a series of infinity pools will flow down towards the beach, surrounded by plush cabanas and indoor/outdoor dining spaces that use glass walls to enhance the sense of space and openness.
The flagship of the nine restaurants and bars will be a fine-dining eatery on its own pier with docking facilities to allow private yachts to moor directly outside. Another pier will house a sunset bar, and a poolside restaurant, lobby lounge and Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop will cater to resort guests and local visitors alike.
Designer Jeffrey Wilkes has worked on Mandarin Oriental properties in Bangkok, KL and Tokyo
All rooms and suites will face the Arabian Gulf, with design elements that combine traditional Arabian style and Mandarin Oriental’s Asian heritage, says the company. A 2,800-square-metre spa will include a VIP suite with private entrance and thermal experiences, and 11 other treatment rooms including three couple’s spa suites.
“We are delighted to bring Mandarin Oriental’s renowned levels of hospitality to Dubai, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and we look forward to creating a luxurious urban resort on the desirable location of Jumeirah Beach,” said Edouard Ettedgui, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental.
“The exclusive and creative design and all-encompassing luxury facilities of Mandarin Oriental, Dubai, underpinned by our legendary award-winning service, will provide an outstanding destination for future guests.”
Mandarin Oriental, Dubai, which is under construction in Jumeirah 3, near to Mercato Shopping Mall, will be in good company on Jumeirah Beach as other luxury resorts open the neighbourhood. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is due to open at the end of this year, and the upcoming Bulgari hotel on Jumeirah Bay Island, just off the coast opposite Jumeirah Beach Road, is scheduled to open in 2018.
Meanwhile, Madinat Jumeirah is also going through a major expansion, which will see a new 435-room hotel open in 2016 and further lifestyle attractions developed along the stretch of beach between the Madinat and Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
Mandarin Oriental has several other resorts in the works in the region, including properties in Doha and Abu Dhabi.
Mandarin Oriental, Dubai is owned by Dubai Real Estate Corporation and is being developed by wasl Hospitality LLC., which also owns the three Hyatt hotels in Dubai as well as four hotels under the Starwood Hotels & Resorts portfolio.