Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group,  a leading operator of hotels, resorts and residences across the globe, has inked a deal to manage a luxurious urban resort in Dubai, UAE.

Mandarin Oriental, Dubai is owned by Dubai Real Estate Corporation (DREC) and is being developed by its unit wasl Hospitality.

The resort’s 200 luxurious rooms and suites will include 12 spacious and exclusive over-the-water villas, accessible via a private bridge. Each villa will have its own infinity-edge pool and a private swim platform, allowing for direct access into the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf, said a statement from the company.

Located on Jumeirah Beach Road, the Mandarin Oriental is due to open in 2017.

All accommodation will be imaginatively and stylishly designed, taking full advantage of the resort’s outstanding vistas of the Arabian Gulf, said its interior designer Jeffrey Wilkes.

Design elements will be influenced by the local area’s culture and the group’s oriental heritage, with guest-centred technology and entertainment systems, it stated.

Mandarin Oriental, Dubai will be centred around a variety of infinity-edge pools leading down towards the beachfront. The innovative design will blur the line between interior and exterior spaces with the extensive use of glass walls, shady cabanas and clever exterior landscaping, said the designer.

The resort will feature nine restaurants and bars including a signature pier-top restaurant with dedicated docking facilities, allowing for access by private yacht guests.

It will also offer a variety of multi-purpose function rooms, including a 525-sq-m ballroom with glass walls opening onto a landscaped beachfront terrace – ideal for social and business events, said the hotel group.

The resort will also boast of a 2,800-sq-m spa will feature 12 spacious and restful treatment rooms, including three couples’ suites and a private VIP suite with its own discreet entrance and thermal experiences.

Group CEO Edouard Ettedgui said: “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."

Hesham Abdullah Al Qassim, the CEO of wasl Asset Management Group, said the Mandarin Oriental would set new standards in terms of elegance and sophistication in Dubai.

"We have a strong reputation in partnering with the best international hospitality management organisations and our new relationship with Mandarin Oriental reflects this commitment to excellence," observed Al Qassim.

“It is vital that the hospitality market in Dubai grows in the build up to Expo 2020 and wasl is delighted to add Mandarin Oriental, Dubai to its ever increasing portfolio of hospitality projects across the city,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service