St. Regis Hotels and Resorts today announced the opening of The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club.

Owned by the Al Habtoor Group, the resort is feted as the first St. Regis property of its kind, promising exhilarating polo experiences combined with the brand’s iconic personalized service across 136 rooms and suites, 25 St. Regis branded villas and six culinary venues.

The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is set around four lush polo fields, approximately 25 minutes from Dubai’s Downtown area. The association between St. Regis and polo emerged at the turn of the 20th century, as both polo and The St. Regis New York were essential to New York's vibrant summer social scene.

Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, founding chairman, Al Habtoor Group, said: “The Al Habtoor Group creates luxury lifestyle destinations in Dubai. We are committed to growing with the UAE and promoting it as a tourism destination. The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is a unique destination that will attract equestrian enthusiasts locally, regionally and internationally.”

Reflecting the resort’s unique sense of warmth, the refined interiors boast a hacienda-style design, enhanced by dark wooden beams and a neutral palette of cool browns and rich creams.  All rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows, providing uninterrupted views of the manicured polo fields. St. Regis’ commitment to art and design is brought to life with a fountain featuring a trio of horse sculptures at the hotel’s front entrance, providing a grandiose arrival experience.
 
“Today we are proud to debut the first St. Regis polo resort in the brand’s history with the opening of The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, featuring the bespoke service delivery for which the St. Regis brand is known,” said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “This opening not only strengthens our collaboration with the Al Habtoor Group, but it also reinforces our leadership position in the United Arab Emirates and brand’s commitment to the ‘sport of kings’.”

Mohammed Al Habtoor, vice-chairman and CEO, Al Habtoor Group, added: “Polo is a growing sport in the UAE. Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is unique in the fact that it offers the best of equestrian facilities in the region. Guests of The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club can partake in the sports activities or watch one of the most exciting spectator sports from the comfort of their hotel.”

Distinctive culinary journey
The hotel opens with five of its six delectable dining venues including: The Grill Pit – an Argentinian asado-inspired steakhouse where guests will overlook a theatre-style kitchen; Andalucia – serving Mediterranean flavours in an open plan dining venue framed by a dramatic double staircase; Taperia – a Spanish tapas bar with views of the main polo field and a central open kitchen; and the St. Regis Polo Bar.
 
Extending across five spaces, including two terraces with polo field views and an intimate outdoor courtyard, The Equestrian Lounge, invites guests to enjoy the St. Regis Afternoon Tea ritual.
 
Slated to open later this year, Oasis will serve light bites by day and Arabic cuisine with shisha at night. This outdoor poolside venue is located alongside a large adult pool with a swim up bar and chic waterside cabanas.  
 
Andrew Henning, general manager of The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, said: “St. Regis has a long association with polo and we are extremely proud that The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is the very first polo and equestrian resort part of the brand. Set in a calming environment that represents an escape from city life, the resort offers an experience similar to a luxurious country club. The air is clean and the location is peaceful – the only sounds are those of birds and horses being led from the stable to the field. The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club truly presents Dubai from a different perspective.”
 
Horse Riding School and Polo Academy
Within the top class facilities at the adjacent stables, an expert team of fully qualified professional instructors cater to new riders and to seasoned equestrians. Experiences include riding lessons, desert riding, pony club activities and camps, evening rides, bonfires, and clinics. Guests can access the facilities and experiences available at the Al Habtoor Polo Club and Academy while on the premises of the resort. The academy offers a full program for both adults and children, designed to improve skills in show jumping, dressage and polo, with tailored tuition from experienced professionals.
 
Spa and recreation
This summer, The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club will be home to Dubai’s second Iridium Spa with a world-class facility featuring six treatment suites complemented with steam and sauna facilities. Other recreation offerings at the resort include a children’s play area and two tennis courts.
 
Exceptional events
The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club presents the 500-square-meter Abjar Ballroom, crowned by a dramatic chandelier made from hand-cut crystals in the shape of a galloping horse that illuminates the pre-function area. For discreet private meetings, the four boardrooms on the ground floor boast natural daylight and are suited to business meetings or smaller gatherings, while the third floor offers four additional function spaces with views of the Dubai skyline. The outdoor terraces can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, and the polo fields can also be considered as outdoor alternatives for grand-scale celebrations. The resort is ideal for corporate retreats, team building events and weddings.
 
St. Regis in the Middle East
The St. Regis brand 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 region with The St. Regis Doha, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Dubai within the landmark Al Habtoor City, and now The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club. - TradeArabia News Service