Dubai master developer Nakheel today signed a management agreement with the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide to operate a new St. Regis in Dubai.

Set to open in 2018, The St. Regis Dubai - The Palm will be a part of Palm Tower, Nakheel’s 52-storey luxury mixed-use development and the centrepiece of Dubai’s world-famous, award-winning Palm Jumeirah island.

The new property will offer 289 guest rooms, including 23 suites, occupying the first 18 floors of The Palm Tower, while the upper floors will comprise 504 luxury apartments, said a statement from Nakheel.

The hotel will feature two swimming pools, including the one of the world’s highest infinity pools.
Located on the 50th floor, some 210 metres above ground, the pool will border all four sides of the building, offering 360 degree, panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline, it stated.

Nakheel said the new hotel will offer various dining experiences including a signature restaurant with sweeping city views located on the 51st level, a St. Regis Beach Club and an all-day restaurant, making it one of the most desirable addresses on The Palm.

The hotel will also feature a public rooftop viewing deck on the 52nd floor.  Located adjacent to the luxury Nakheel Mall and Al Ittihad Park, the hotel will also offer beach access to guests, it said.

On the new venture, Nakheel chairman, Ali Rashid Lootah, said: "Palm Jumeirah is a global destination offering the ultimate in luxury living and leisure. Our partnership with Starwood to open a St. Regis on the Palm reinforces what the island is all about: unrivalled, world-class facilities that set new standards for residents and tourists."

"The Palm Tower will be the jewel in the crown of this world-famous island and a new architectural wonder for Dubai. We are delighted to have partnered with St Regis – another name synonymous with luxury – to represent our flagship hotel, and one of the most sought-after establishments in the region," he added.

Guests at The St Regis Dubai - The Palm will experience renowned hallmarks of the St. Regis brand, including the signature St. Regis Butler Service, providing anticipatory service and customising each stay according to specific tastes and preferences.

The hotel will offer easy access to Al Ittihad Park, Palm Jumeirah’s 1.1 million sq ft green oasis featuring more than 60 varieties of plants indigenous to the UAE and a 3.2 km looped running track.

The Palm Monorail, which is connected to the Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro, is also within easy reach, said Nakheel.

Neil George, the senior VP (Acquisitions & Development) Starwood Hotels & Resorts Middle East and Africa, said: "We are pleased to be entering into this partnership with Nakheel for this iconic development which will further consolidate Starwood’s strong growth momentum in Dubai, where we continue to see strong demand for high-end hotel accommodations."

"The continued growth of the St. Regis brand in the UAE underpins our commitment to Starwood’s luxury portfolio in this dynamic market, "he noted.

St. Regis made its debut in the Middle East in 2011 with The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, rapidly growing its portfolio in the Middle East with The St. Regis Doha, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, and the newly opened St. Regis Dubai.

The brand will enter Jordan with The St. Regis Amman in 2016 and in 2018 will open the brand’s first polo resort, The St. Regis Dubai Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.-TradeArabia News Service