There has been a plethora of reports about the future of Dubai’s The World archipelago. Progress may have stalled in recent years but, to paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated. In fact, plans were recently revealed to open St Petersburg Island as the first dedicated island honeymoon resort in the UAE, 6.5km from the Dubai coastline.
The island is fittingly shaped like a heart and offers a more accessible romantic escape than other Indian Ocean destinations and will offer similarly luxurious stays, with a 24-7 butler service, accommodation in “The Floating Seahorse” underwater villas and access to the other resorts in “The Heart of Europe”, an upcoming complex that will operate outdoor climate-controlled technology 12 months a year – meaning summer in Dubai will always be an option. “St Petersburg Island will be a dream destination for couples and newlyweds,” said Josef Kleindienst, chairman of The Heart of Europe.
“The five-star resort will offer privacy, tranquillity and first-class hospitality to ensure a memorable and once in a lifetime experience. The honeymoon business is a multi-billion dollar industry and we are excited by the prospect of newly-married couples choosing to spend the most special holiday of their lives at St Petersburg Island very soon.” Well, that depends on your definition of “soon” as both St Petersburg and The Honeymoon Hotel on Main Europe Island at The Heart of Europe are set to open at the end of 2018.