Meliá Hotels International, Spain’s leading hotel group, has opened its Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand’s first property, Meliá Dubai.

Located in the heart of traditional Bur Dubai, the hotel, designed by renowned architect Marco Mangili, is around 10 minutes away from Dubai International Airport.

“We are delighted to open the first Spanish hotel in the Middle East,” said Gilles Longuet, general manager.

“Over time, the two ancient cultures of Arabic and Spanish have traded language, architecture and heritage. As Meliá opens its doors in the heart of historic Dubai, Spanish hospitality comes to the Middle East. In a sense, Meliá Dubai is home.”

The hotel’s 164 guestrooms and suites reflect modern contemporary European design with warm colours, luxurious fabrics and tastefully selected furniture.

Spacious guest rooms feature well-appointed and modern designed bathrooms with rain showers and separate signature bathtubs.

Meliá Dubai debuts with Titanic by Marco Pierre White, which offers European signature dishes by British Master Chef Marco Pierre White. Dishes include starters of Carpaccio of Scallops with fresh ginger and coriander and Chilled Andalucian soup with langoustines.

For mains Pierre White has fashioned a Magret of Duck Marco Polo with white peaches and sauternes roasting juices, Roast rack of lamb à la Dijonnaise with a mustard and herb crust and finally for dessert a Hot Raspberry Soufflé.

Marco Pierre White said: “I am very excited to be working with Meliá Hotels International, a company that has such a rich culinary history.  I believe that in Meliá Dubai I have found a hotel that holds the same high standards as I do in the restaurant.”

Executive Chef Fredric Kulczak will also open the Spanish inspired all day dining restaurant Azalya, offering buffet and a la carte dishes.

The second phase of openings at Meliá Dubai will see the introduction of their signature spa concept – Yhi Spa, Signature By Sanjeev Kapoor, the Indian Master Chef’s first UAE restaurant and “The Level” an exclusive selection of rooms and suites offering personalised services and a private lounge with all-day chef’s selection and selected beverages. Mansion nightclub will also feature sets by international DJs.

Opening rates at Meliá Dubai begin from Dh600++ ($163++), a statement said. – TradeArabia News Service