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Saadiyat Rotana plans grand reveal

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Nestled in the heart of Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas boasts chance encounters with Hawksbill Turtles, seahorses, dolphins, dugong and oryx, while being a short 15-minute drive to the city. The five-star resort has made a home on an island that is envisaged as a centre for cultural and heritage experiences, including world-class museums including the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Featuring modern contemporary décor, with Arabian accents throughout, the property boasts a vast, glass-front lobby overlooking Saadiyat’s sweeping beaches, with a sparkling fountain flowing through the resort.

When Saadiyat Rotana first opened this March, TTN was invited for a sneak peek by dynamic and passionate Dutch hotelier Marc de Beer who was appointed general manager of the property.

As part of phase one of opening, the rooms of the resort were ready when TTN visited, Turtle Bay Bar & Grill and Sim Sim Restaurant were in operation, Sama Lobby Lounge was serving guests, Bodylines Fitness Club and the pool bar were open; and so was Aladdin’s Cave (indoor section only).

Five months later in August, we chatted with the general manager to get an update on the property, which is nearing its grand opening this October. “We are delighted to announce that all of our indoor facilities are now open for guests to enjoy,” de Beer tells TTN. “The property caters extensively to younger guests with a one-of-a-kind Aladdin’s Cave, a clubhouse for kids all ages, with highlights including a gaming room, rock climbing wall and dedicated children’s outdoor pool, water slide, which has proven to be very popular already. We are also working on finalising the lazy river and the outdoor play area that will be open very soon, to add more exciting features for the younger guests.”

The Italian speciality restaurant Si Ristorante is also open now, making it the only such restaurant on the island for now. Zen the spa at Rotana is fully operational, offering 10 luxuriously appointed treatment rooms, traditional Turkish and Moroccan hammam. Nasma Beachfront Bar along with the Almas ballroom are expected to be ready when the UAE welcomes cooler climes this year.

The expected occupancy range for the first year of resort operations ranges between 50 per cent and 60 per cent. “This prediction is based on the 25,000 guests that have walked through the property’s doors since its soft opening this mid-March,” explains de Beer. “With an average occupancy of 55 per cent during the summer so far, the property has a positive outlook ahead of its grand opening in late October this year. The property is set to accommodate higher occupancy in the coming year, with a high 80 per cent occupancy expected as per the current trends in the market.”

De Beer says: “The remainder of 2018 shows a strong number of forward bookings. We see both high interest in the resort and array of facilities, supported by the increasing popularity of Saadiyat Island location. There is a strong increase in demand for hospitality services from the local residents as well as international travellers.”

The resort is already working on some key partnerships with the various entertainment facilities on Yas Island. “We recognise the undeniable draw of such large-scale attractions. Our Rotana Escape package ties in the exciting appeal of Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World, with our family-friendly facilities and warm hospitality. Guests availing the package can enjoy a dual pass ticket to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld for two people, preferential rates for children, locker usage and up to 15 per cent discounted dining at the resort, 10 per cent off park merchandise and more. The local attraction offerings presented to guests perfectly complement additional resort-based benefits, which enhance unforgettable stay experiences.”

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